Bourne named Sprague Days grand marshal

SPRAGUE - A local farmer, volunteer and supporter of the community and area schools has been named Sprague Days grand marshal.

Maureen Bourne will preside over the Sept 14-15 weekend of activities including the parade.

"I appreciate living in a small town, the caring of community members helping take care of others," Bourne said, noting she's grateful for the honor. "This very heartfelt, humbling honor is greatly appreciated."

She was selected for the honor by the Sprague Chamber of Commerce in advance of Sprague Days.

Other Sprague Days festivities include the annual Car & Bike Show, Chalk Art Contest a Painting Party, Co-Ed Softball Tournament and specialty beer tasting.

There will be free games in the park and vendors downtown and in the park.

Festivities began Saturday morning.

On Sunday morning, a Little League breakfast and church in the park are planned.

Maureen (Smith) Bourne was born in Sprague Hospital (current home of Purple Sage Motel) in 1938. She graduated from Sprague High School in 1956 after meeting the love of her life, Lloyd Bourne there. They were married in 1957 and enjoyed 56 years of marriage before he passed away.

The Bournes raised three children here - Terry, LaRae and Loi. Then three grandchildren - Victor, Amber and Steven, three great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, so far.

A lifelong resident, Bourne only moved away a short time to attend Washington State College (now Washington State University) to attain her teaching degree.

She taught school in Ritzville one year and another 30-plus years at Sprague High School.

During that time she and lloyd spent 25-plus years assisting with the Junior Livestock Show, Lincoln County Fair and other activities.

I was "so blessed to teach in a small school where you get to know your students and follow many into adult friends," Bourne said.

At first, she was disappointed that the Sprague Vikings became the Sprague-Harrington Falcons for 20-plus years and now the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos, she said. But she grew to appreciate the friendships cultivated in neighboring communities.

Maureen and Lloyd took over her family farm during times were in much different circumstances, when Maureen drove truck her truck only carried 100 bushels compared to the huge trucks, combines and headers; where hired men lived with your family and cooking harvest meals three times a day for up to a dozen workers.

Maureen taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and helped create an after-school program. She also sang in her church choir, served as a member of chamber, church and other associations serving in different officer capacities.

Maureen said she especially appreciated when all the churches went together to have a community choir for Easter morning.

She said she also appreciates how the community comes together to help farm families when someone loses their health.

At 86 years old, Maureen said she doesn't believe she volunteers "that much" anymore.

Still, she continues to volunteer "more than many."

She acknowledges the community has also stepped up to help her.

"When tragedy struck our home, I had volunteers here, helping to clean up until 3 a.m., and back by 9 a.m. the next morning to cover the broken windows with wood so I could continue to live in my home," she said.

When asked what she would like to share with newer community members, she said: "Give the small town a chance, get to know people or take part in activities.

"You will be so blessed and can be as busy as you want to be."