Spokane, WA

Karl and Margaret Evans live in Big Meadows near Greenbluff, Washington. They purchased the old Prairie Valley Grange in Big Meadows and are in the process of restoring it back to it’s original state of use. When I met Margaret she told me she taught Irish Dances and invited us to attend the annual community Irish Kelly Dance recital and potluck on June 26th, 2008.

Margaret teaches the dance class for children and adults. This was something new for our family and turned out to be a lot of fun and is a great family annual event to attend.

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The Evans family have a fish pond, a small farm animal petting zoo and a tiny railroad and train on the property. A a quaint wooden rocking chair sits complete with story books for anyone willing to be the storyteller of the hour. There was also and old red John Deere tractor for kids to climb and play on and children with older siblings or parents could go in and pet the ducks, chickens and rabbits of the petting zoo.

We arrived to find the grange filling up fast and people were bringing tons of food for the community potluck. Karl opened the evening events by introducing himself and telling us a bit of the Granges history and how his family are in the process of restoring it. They rent the facility out for parties, weddings and more and take whatever donation a party feels they can afford. All proceeds go toward the renovation of the grange.

After the recital was over he told the audience there would tickets given to any parent who’s children wanted a train ride. He said to hold onto the tickets afterwards as there was also going to be a rubber ducky race down through the tiny creek that emptied into the small pond and there would be three prizes for the winning ducks. First, second and third place winners. In addition to the duck race they had also added a fairy hunt and after the children found five fairies they would have a contest of who could make the best fairy house for the faries. Again three prizes would be given.

Following the Dance recital, potluck, train rides and contests, a bonfire was lit near dusk and the older Kelly Irish Dancers put on a performance of great footwork, the dancers ranged from age 12 and up after which they offered to teach anyone interested a few basic dance steps.

Everyone had a great time. The show was fun with Margaret using puppets behind Karl’s back as he spoke to the audience. The food was good and the children loved the train rides, fairy hunt and duck race. We plan to attend next year and bring our potluck dishes and some of my own grandchildren will be joining the young Irish Kelly dancers in next years recital.

To attend next June take highway 206 at Bruce Road to Greenbluff, (Argonne from the valley turns into Bruce Rd. and crosses hwy 206 at the roundabout). Cross the highway and at the stop sign, turn right onto Mt Spokane Day road, follow Mt. Spokane Day Rd to Greenbluff cross roads. Take a right turn at the T and continue to follow Day Mount Spokane Day for about 4.5 miles (it winds around quite a bit but is a pretty drive) At the stop sign take a left onto Big Meadow Rd and drive about 3 miles to Prairie Valley Grange which is on the left side of the road.

To know more about the Evans, Prarire Valley Grange, and the Irish Kelly Dancers and the annual event you can contact them at the following email, address or phone number.
8216 E. Big Meadows Rd.
Chattaroy, Wa 99003
(509) 238-1837
E-mail
Margaret Evans (Director), margaret@thekellyirishdancers.com