2016 BANANA BELT
RED HAT FUNVENTION
JUNE 17-19TH
Welcome to the beautiful Lewis and Clark Valley
Welcome to the beautiful Lewis-Clark Valley – the site of Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington. The history of the Lewis-Clark Valley is rich with traditions and stories. For centuries the area has been home to the Nez Perce Indians, who traveled through the valley and lived off the land and rivers. In 1805, the Corps of Discovery explorers, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, were welcomed by the native people. That historical meeting led to the naming of our sister cities in honor of the explorers… Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington.
CLUES/CRUISE/CULINARY
DELIGHTS
MUSIC/MYSTERIES/ MAI TAIS’
Let us introduce you to Lewiston, Idaho. Some of you will already know this, but, many may not. Lewiston is very historic. It was in fact the first Capitol of Idaho. The Lewis & Clark Expedition actually camped just across the river. And last, but certainly not least, the heritage and culture of the Nez Perce with their famous Chief Joseph.
Then you will be wondering why ‘The Banana Belt’ Funvention. Our Lewis Clark Valley has long been referred to as the ‘Banana Belt’ since it has usually very moderate weather year around, AND, yes, banana trees grew here years ago. No fruit bearing, just the trees. Weird, Huh!?
The referral to the tropical fruit, banana, led us to the thought of a wonderful relaxed Calypso Theme for Friday night. Of course our minds jumped to good music, entertainment, to die for local wines or something fruity & blended if you would prefer. Friday night dinner we will be getting to know each other with great entertainment & fun.
Of course it was a forgone conclusion we had to have a Bar that understood Rum & Coke, Pina Coladas, and everybody knows that after a nicely blended drink or two, we can all sing perfectly on key. Karaoke – YES??? YES!!!
Come dressed in wonderful Calypso garb – fancy or casual. Be comfortable with muu muus, caftans, wild colored capris or shorts & shirts, and maybe add a ruffle or two. Bring your imagination and the beautiful colored scarfs either on your head or lower on your person. (HA!) Be prepared to have FUN! You can wear fruit on your head too.
There will be plenty of Vendors if you’d prefer to do some shopping. A wonderful RAFFLE, provided by the participating & attending Chapters, of all kinds of delightful items – not all Red Hat items.
On Saturday morning there will be an exercise class – “Fit For Life” that not only gets your juices flowing, it may also provide some giggles as you have a little free style rock & roll to round out warm-ups, stretching, balance, weights, & aerobics, all done to Oldies Rock-n-Roll music. Or for those that are truly crafty (not just sly) – there will be a Red Hat Card Making class. Make your own individually crafted birthday, thank you, get well, etc., cards. One of my Chapterettes is SO talented in this venue. And, no, you will not find any cards like these on any site to purchase.
Then someone popped up with, “What about a Cruise?” for half a day on Saturday with a wonderful lunch & history of the area provided? We can certainly provide that with a terrific Jet Boat ride up the amazing Snake River through the deepest canyon in North America.
ALSO, you will have free access to two swimming pools. One indoor and one outdoor. The Clearwater River Casino is just a few miles out of town, and they will send a Shuttle if some of you would like to go out and try your luck.
After your buffet breakfast on Saturday morning – you could also head out for some excitement for ‘Saturday Downtown Lewiston’. How about a Ghost Tour/Trolley Tour combined that takes you around our city and gives you full details of some of our historic past? Perhaps an Art Tour? Our valley can boast some nationally known Artists – and some up and coming talent that is always contributing to our Valley landscape. Combine the Art Tour with a DELISH Culinary Tour – with specialties from our local eateries, and a maybe a sip of a local wine or brew to wash it down with for your lunch? You choose what best suits your fancy. Don’t forget the Jet Boat Tour if that’s the one you prefer.
It’s also rumored that a Farmer’s Market will be in Brackenbury Square downtown.
On Saturday night – we know we want to dress in our best for more tastes of our Valley. This comes in the form of a Dinner Theater performance provided by the Lewiston Civic Theater that can boast some of the best theatrical talent anywhere. Be prepared to enjoy a wonderful dinner – made by Chet, the Chef of the Red Lion, and Staff. Then a rollicking dose of LAUGHTER, the best medicine for any of our ills, and then, DESSERT. Winners of door prizes, raffle, & just some fun trophies you can take home and display proudly will be announced.
On Sunday morning, we will have another breakfast buffet. Come in something comfortable for your travels home. Be prepared for more laughs with delightful entertainment.
MUSIC/MYSTERIES/ MAI TAIS’
Let us introduce you to Lewiston, Idaho. Some of you will already know this, but, many may not. Lewiston is very historic. It was in fact the first Capitol of Idaho. The Lewis & Clark Expedition actually camped just across the river. And last, but certainly not least, the heritage and culture of the Nez Perce with their famous Chief Joseph.
Then you will be wondering why ‘The Banana Belt’ Funvention. Our Lewis Clark Valley has long been referred to as the ‘Banana Belt’ since it has usually very moderate weather year around, AND, yes, banana trees grew here years ago. No fruit bearing, just the trees. Weird, Huh!?
The referral to the tropical fruit, banana, led us to the thought of a wonderful relaxed Calypso Theme for Friday night. Of course our minds jumped to good music, entertainment, to die for local wines or something fruity & blended if you would prefer. Friday night dinner we will be getting to know each other with great entertainment & fun.
Of course it was a forgone conclusion we had to have a Bar that understood Rum & Coke, Pina Coladas, and everybody knows that after a nicely blended drink or two, we can all sing perfectly on key. Karaoke – YES??? YES!!!
Come dressed in wonderful Calypso garb – fancy or casual. Be comfortable with muu muus, caftans, wild colored capris or shorts & shirts, and maybe add a ruffle or two. Bring your imagination and the beautiful colored scarfs either on your head or lower on your person. (HA!) Be prepared to have FUN! You can wear fruit on your head too.
There will be plenty of Vendors if you’d prefer to do some shopping. A wonderful RAFFLE, provided by the participating & attending Chapters, of all kinds of delightful items – not all Red Hat items.
On Saturday morning there will be an exercise class – “Fit For Life” that not only gets your juices flowing, it may also provide some giggles as you have a little free style rock & roll to round out warm-ups, stretching, balance, weights, & aerobics, all done to Oldies Rock-n-Roll music. Or for those that are truly crafty (not just sly) – there will be a Red Hat Card Making class. Make your own individually crafted birthday, thank you, get well, etc., cards. One of my Chapterettes is SO talented in this venue. And, no, you will not find any cards like these on any site to purchase.
Then someone popped up with, “What about a Cruise?” for half a day on Saturday with a wonderful lunch & history of the area provided? We can certainly provide that with a terrific Jet Boat ride up the amazing Snake River through the deepest canyon in North America.
ALSO, you will have free access to two swimming pools. One indoor and one outdoor. The Clearwater River Casino is just a few miles out of town, and they will send a Shuttle if some of you would like to go out and try your luck.
After your buffet breakfast on Saturday morning – you could also head out for some excitement for ‘Saturday Downtown Lewiston’. How about a Ghost Tour/Trolley Tour combined that takes you around our city and gives you full details of some of our historic past? Perhaps an Art Tour? Our valley can boast some nationally known Artists – and some up and coming talent that is always contributing to our Valley landscape. Combine the Art Tour with a DELISH Culinary Tour – with specialties from our local eateries, and a maybe a sip of a local wine or brew to wash it down with for your lunch? You choose what best suits your fancy. Don’t forget the Jet Boat Tour if that’s the one you prefer.
It’s also rumored that a Farmer’s Market will be in Brackenbury Square downtown.
On Saturday night – we know we want to dress in our best for more tastes of our Valley. This comes in the form of a Dinner Theater performance provided by the Lewiston Civic Theater that can boast some of the best theatrical talent anywhere. Be prepared to enjoy a wonderful dinner – made by Chet, the Chef of the Red Lion, and Staff. Then a rollicking dose of LAUGHTER, the best medicine for any of our ills, and then, DESSERT. Winners of door prizes, raffle, & just some fun trophies you can take home and display proudly will be announced.
On Sunday morning, we will have another breakfast buffet. Come in something comfortable for your travels home. Be prepared for more laughs with delightful entertainment.
This is a replica of the first Capitol building for Idaho located in Lewiston Idaho.