Palouse Days brings new events

“Human Foosball” will be the headlining event at Palouse Days 2014, joining perennial favorites for Saturday’s annual street fair.

“Human Foosball” will pitt teams of six against each other – hands secure on poles as they play a live version of the table soccer game.

The event is a benefit for Viking Club, a group that supports Garfield—Palouse sports.

“It’s gonna be a fun thing to play and a fun thing to watch,” said Janet Barstow, a volunteer with Palouse Chamber of Commerce.

Other Palouse Days events include Hoopapalousa, a three-on-three basketball tournament for elementary school boys and girls, the third annual Heidi Keen Barley Bar Relay, and a fun run/walk of 1k, 5k and 10k. The parade, ping pong ball drop, duck race, egg toss and 32nd annual Palouse Show and Shine car show will also be back for 2014.

Grand Marshal Alan Flansburg will lead the parade.

“Very, very grand,” said Barstow. “Mr. Swell Person.”

The day will begin with the Lions Club pancake breakfast at the Block Building from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. while the car show opens at 9 a.m. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. as the Xenodican Club hosts a bake sale in front of the Palouse Library.

Following the parade will be the crowning of the new Palouse royalty. The beer garden opens at 11 a.m., running until 10 p.m. Live music starts at 3 p.m., including the Paradons and The Intentions.

“Human Foosball” begins at noon in the downtown area.

A total of five teams of six so far are registered (high school age and up) for the new game. Volunteers built a 16 by 32-foot enclosed “field,” outfitted with PVC pipe over rope which players must hold on to, using their feet to try to kick a Nerf soccer ball into the team’s goal. Each team is guaranteed two 10-minute games. T-shirts will be awarded to the winners.

“We welcome late registration that day,” said volunteer Angie Griner. “So come play foosball.”

Food options at Palouse Days will include the Lions Club hamburger trailer serving “in two locations,” with one window opening to the street, and the other to the beer garden.

There will also be roasted corn on the cob and pulled pork sandwiches from Will Hume’s Palouse Caboose and a Main Street bake sale put on by the Palouse Grange.

“We’re really excited to have some new events,” said Barstow. “We hope everyone comes out to enjoy them.”

To register for Palouse Days activities, go to VisitPalouse.com or just arrive on Saturday.