The wide range of workshops, performances and presentations the Chautauqua brings to town are designed to foster community.
The Methow Valley will host a three-day visit from the New Old Time Chautauqua beginning Friday (June 22). The New Old Time Chautauqua will bring about 60 performers, educators and staff to the valley and, in partnership with Pearrygin Lake, Alta Lake and Conconully state parks, will offer family fun, educational experiences, food and entertainment.
Headquartered in Seattle, the New Old Time Chautauqua is America’s only traveling Chautauqua. For the last 37 years, the group has traveled throughout the Northwest to small towns and Native Nations “to promote community through education, entertainment and laughter.”
The Chautauqua will host a variety of workshops led by members of the troupe, park staff and local community members. The workshops will be an eclectic mix, such as juggling, fly-casting, samba dancing and folding a fitted sheet.
There will be community potlucks featuring speakers, music and dancing; colorful parades with jugglers, dancers and a marching band; discussions facilitated by community members on alternative energy, health education, storytelling and more. And there will be a “Really Big Show” including music, juggling, comedy and more at the Methow Valley Community Center on Saturday (June 23). Local performers will also join in Chautauqua events.
The group’s appearance is funded through a grant from the license plate fund for education and community outreach, and through the Washington State Parks Foundation. The Winthrop Kiwanis is also providing financial support.
The New Old Time Chautauqua tour schedule
Friday, June 22
Winthrop
9-11 a.m.—Community service project. Community members are welcome to join members of the New Old Time Chautauqua in planting native vegetation along the Cottonwood Trail off the Old Twisp Highway. Meet at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife kiosk. For more information, call Rob Crandall, (509) 341-4060.
Noon — Performance for residents of Jamie’s Place in Winthrop.
1 p.m.— Chautauqua members will present a short show in the Confluence Park on Riverside Avenue in Winthrop.
Pearrygin Lake State Park
4 p.m.—Workshops presented by park staff and partners. Workshop offerings include the history of Pearrygin Lake State Park, a ranger talk, a fly-casting lesson, crafts for children and more. Vehicles entering the park will need an annual or day pass. Schedule change: the sheep-to-shawl demonstration is not being held at Pearrygin Lake State Park on Friday but will be among the workshops and demonstrations at TwispWorks on Saturday.
6 p.m.—Potluck at Group Camp Two. All are welcome and invited to bring a favorite dish to share. Speakers will address visitors during dinner, and music and dance will follow the potluck.
Saturday, June 23
Twisp
Noon—Parade from the Methow Valley Farmers Market to TwispWorks, with costumed jugglers, unicycle riders, dancers, little faeries and other merry-makers accompanied by New Old Time Chautauqua’s lively marching band. Local residents and community groups are encouraged to participate in the parade.
1-4 p.m.—Three sessions of interactive workshops at TwispWorks, led by Chautauqua and community members on topics that include juggling, acrobatics, mask-making, trash fashion creation, samba dance and drumming, folk singing, magic and clowning. Community members will also facilitate discussions on alternative energy, health education, storytelling and more. Workshops last around 45 minutes each. Anyone can lead a workshop. Contact Makaela Kroin, (360) 902-8635.
7 p.m.— New Old Time Chautauqua presents the Really Big Show in the Methow Valley Community Center, including music, juggling, comedy, acrobats, and more. Suggested $10 donation.
Sunday, June 24
Alta Lake State Park
3:30 p.m.— Parade in the park featuring assorted merry-makers accompanied by a marching band. Local residents and community groups are encouraged to participate in the parade.
4 p.m.— Workshops presented by park staff and partners. Workshop offerings include the history of Alta Lake State Park, a ranger talk, crafts for children and more.
6 p.m.— Potluck. All are welcome and invited to bring a favorite dish to share. Speakers will address visitors during dinner.
7 p.m.— The New Old Time Chautauqua presents a one-hour show including music, juggling, comedy, acrobats and more.
Tuesday, June 26
Conconully State Park
3:30 p.m.— Parade from the north side of Main Street to Conconully State Park. Local residents and community groups are encouraged to participate in the parade.
4 p.m.— Workshops presented by park staff and partners. Workshop offerings include the history of Conconully State Park, a ranger talk, crafts for children and more.
6 p.m.— Potluck. All are welcome. Speakers will address visitors during dinner.
7 p.m.— The New Old Time Chautauqua presents a one-hour show including music, juggling, comedy, acrobats and more.
