Celebrating Wasco's best at Roses event

The Wasco Elk Ladies will present "Stop and Smell the Roses" on Friday, Sept. 6, featuring an honorary guest reception. This event will honor Grand Marshals Helen and James Medrano, Mike and Chris McCurdy, the Honorary Grand Marshals organization Wasco Knights of Columbus, the 2025 Miss Wasco Rose Queen and her court, as well as local artists.

"We sincerely hope the community will join us in honoring these remarkable individuals while enjoying the Elk Ladies' cherished specialty dishes. These guests represent the best of Wasco, and we're proud to celebrate them," Liz Gerber, Elk Ladies event chairman, said.

The event will shine a spotlight on the Grand Marshals, recognizing their outstanding contributions and dedicated service to the Wasco community. Additionally, "Stop and Smell the Roses" will offer a opportunity to congratulate the 2025 Miss Wasco Rose Queen and her court on their recent coronation. "It will be the Queen's first official public appearance and inaugural speaking engagement," Gerber said.

Students from the Wasco High School art department will represent the local artists. Their art also will be available for display the next day at the Rose Festival art show.

It is the third year the Wasco Elk Ladies are hosting the event, and attendees can look forward to a delightful array of specialty dishes prepared by the ladies.

"We often provide appetizers for Wasco Elk state visitors and for large Elk event dinners, hosting Elks from across the state. These appetizers have received rave reviews, and now we're excited to share them with the community, along with a variety of wines and beers – perfect for mingling with new and old friends. It's all part of creating a fun and enjoyable event."

The Wasco Elk Ladies are the wives and partners of the Wasco Elks. "We are an auxiliary of the Wasco Elks Lodge, and the money we raise stays local. We support local charities and families in need, and we provide scholarships to the children and grandchildren of Elks members. Our goal is to ensure our contributions benefit our community directly. This event will help support our charities and local scholarship programs."

Gerber has been a member of the Wasco Elk Ladies for 20 years. "My parents were longtime members, so I essentially grew up in this Elks Lodge – it's like a family to me. It's a pleasure to give back to our community and be involved in the Rose Festival, a beloved tradition. I'm thrilled to be a part of it."

As a partner of the Rose Festival, they chose a theme related to roses. " 'Stop and Smell the Roses' holds special significance for me. That's what I love about our theme – it's personal. I grew up among the roses, walking through the rose fields with my dad and picking my favorite rose every year," Gerber said.

"Roses have always been a part of my life. I believe 'Stop and Smell the Roses' symbolizes taking the time to appreciate what Wasco has accomplished – touching lives, enjoying the finer things, and sharing a moment with old friends over a glass of wine. This little town has grown up together, and it's a close-knit, unique community."

The event will be held at the Wasco Elks Lodge #2419, 16694 Wasco Ave., from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and include two glasses of wine or beer and appetizers. It is a 21-and-over event. Ttickets are available from any Elk Lady or by calling Gerber at 661-472-3875 or Kathy Giesy at 661-378-7468.