Rummage sale, new business in city, one-man show coming Nov. 3

[Contributed by various citizens of Harrington, as our regular columnist takes a week off.]

HOHS rummage sale:

John Wayne has left Harrington! He, a vintage, life-sized stand-up Coors beer advertisement, was delightfully claimed by a devoted fan who had traveled specifically for that reason to the Harrington Opera House Society’s rummage sale last Saturday. At the 9 a.m. opening, an eager group was assembled at the door, and a steady stream of friends and newcomers alike continued to arrive until closing.

Many were pleased to find the variety of new or almost new electrical kitchen aids such as blenders, bread maker, convection cooker, roasters, toasters, pasta machine, a mandoline, ice cream maker and several vintage mixers. The display of cut-glass items drew attention, as did the tables of full boxes just waiting to be rummaged through for treasure. Books were scooped up by the boxful, stocking many a home library.

The day was blessed with sunshine and deemed a success, as many items found new homes, and patrons donated a sizable sum. Hardly anyone was seen leaving empty handed. Temporary lighting combined with the warmth of the new furnace made for an enjoyable time.

The Opera House plans to renovate the western ground floor room, with these donations funding a substantial portion of the work.

New Harrington business:

The Post and Office hosted a launch party this past Saturday for The Harrington Bear Company. Heather Slack, owner of the Post and Office, reported that it “was very fun and a great success. It went from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and was busy the entire time. Many families came in and stuffed a new plushie. There were several giveaways and a raffle. I think it went very well, and we enjoyed hosting it.”

Harrington residents Amber and Garrett Green, owners of the Harrington Bear Company stated: “Our launch party was a great success, and we really appreciate all the community support. All that we can hope is that everyone had as much fun as we did. We are already brainstorming future community events. We will also be at the Harrington Hometown Bazaar on December 7, giving away free Teddy bears.”

They said of their new company, “We just thought of it about a month ago. My husband quit his job, and we just took a leap of faith. We have always wanted to be home together with our kids while they grow up, and for us, owning a business is the way to achieve that.”

Found on their website:

“We are Amber and Garrett Green, a husband and wife team with five amazing children. We live in the beautiful, small farming town of Harrington, Washington. We are dedicated to bringing high-quality, affordable entertainment and personalized plushies to everyone. Our plushies are loved by all ages! It brings us joy putting a smile on your face and helping you create your new plushie friend.

We live rural, but we travel for you, to events and parties. We serve Washington state, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. Cities such as: Spokane, Seattle, Tacoma, Portland, Eugene, Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Bozeman, Missoula, and anywhere there’s a party, we will be there!” Visit https://harringtonbearcompany.com/ for more information.

Memories with Mark Twain:

On Sunday, November 3, at 2 p.m., the Harrington Opera House will present Patrick Treadway’s “Memories with Mark Twain” a humorous one-man show crafted from Mr. Twain’s memories and musings on memory itself.

From the Opera House website:

“Treadway is an actor trained at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, a puppeteer and visual artist. He has entertained Spokane and Coeur d’Alene audiences since 1988 with a diverse array of characters, from Huckleberry Finn to Bing Crosby and John Barrymore, with Civic Theatre, CdA Summer Theatre and as one of Interplayers’ Resident Artists. He presented his “Memories with Mark Twain” show on a Mississippi river boat this past summer.”

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, pen name Mark Twain, was known for his straightforwardness and pure common sense. Though he died in 1910, his poignant, powerful quotes live on today, such as, “Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.”

Treadway performed a benefit dinner for the Opera House Society at the Harrington school in the 1990s. The Society is pleased to welcome him to the actual historic building that he supported years ago.

Come, enjoy an afternoon of memories of Mark Twain, the “greatest humorist this country has produced.”

Admission is by donation. No amount is too small or too large! Proceeds after expenses will benefit the Harrington Opera House Society.

PTA Carnival

The word around town indicates that a lot of fun was had by those who attended the PTA Carnival Friday evening at the school. At the time of this writing, no additional information had been provided.