American Legion Post Building Becomes Public Art

The American Legion Post Building in Waitsburg recently became a conceptual art piece overnight when painted as a black and white image of a flag.

The painting of the American flag was intended to honor the military while provoking thought about the future - it was commissioned by owner, Charles Smith. Smith is the owner of K Vintners in Walla Walla and is known for his whimsical black and white wine labels.

This new addition to Waitsburg has garnered its share of controversy amongst the townfolk, but as a public art piece and expression of free speech I think it is worth experiencing.

SuperHost Training Given by Tourism Walla Walla

Recognition was given to local businesses in Walla Walla this week that had completed SuperHost - a customer service training program.

Tourism Walla Walla brought the SuperHost training program to town to train local businesses so that each visitor receives a Warm Walla Walla welcome, friendly service, and an invitation to come back again.

SuperHost is an internationally recognized program created in British Columbia in preparation for the 1985 Expo.

Sue Bicknell, owner of Haven Walla Walla - a lodging and tourism business, is one of the recent recognized SuperHost businesses. She is pictured at the ceremony with Michael Davidson and Chris Erickson of Tourism Walla Walla.

Up, Up, and Away - Balloon Stampede 2009

May 10, 2009

What an amazing site I witnessed on Mother's Day soaring over Walla Walla with 30 other balloons. The flight with Captain Crystal was my first and was an experience I'll never forget.

Having conditions suitable to fly is not often a given - the pilot is at the mercy of the weather. And it all can come down to the last second whether to fly or not. My flight was supposed to take place last year, but wind left the balloons grounded on the day we were to launch. This year, Thursday was too windy, Friday the currents where we were to launch could have led to an emergency landing at the city dump or an off-limits wheat field, so our day to fly was scheduled for Sunday.

A lot is involved in leading to "a thumbs up" from the launch director, but the seasoned crew clearly had a set routine to ensure a safe trip. Everyone pitched in to get us airborne.

After soaring high above the crowd below, we were off across town, drifting over Walla Walla at daybreak. The view of Walla Walla from above provided another perspective of downtown and our beautiful valley. Neighbors waved from below and dogs barked as our fleet made its way towards the airport - our destination for the morning. One by one the balloons touched down, and it took a seasoned pilot like ours to successfully land without incident.

Thank you Captain Crystal and crew for my "Up, Up, and Away Special Mother's Day."