Aug. 5—ASOTIN — Before the price of eggs went through the roof, Nancy Van Pelt used to boil about 2,000 on her small stove in Asotin for the Lions Club Easter egg hunt.
It took all day, but she was happy to help the organization, which was near and dear to her late husband, Bob Van Pelt, who passed away eight years ago.
In addition to being a proud Lions Club member, Bob was a co-founder of Asotin Days, so it’s only fitting that Nancy, 88, was named the “honorary citizen” for this year’s festivities.
Over the years, she pitched in to help the club whenever needed, whether it was boiling eggs or sewing aprons and vests for members to wear at their popular breakfasts.
“I was so surprised when they called me about this,” Nancy said. “What an honor.”
Asotin Days is celebrated on the second full weekend in August, and features a variety of activities such as breakfasts, lunches, live music and the Chrome on the Creek car show. Most of the action is at the city park, but about 20 yard sales will be held throughout town.
Nancy has fond memories of Asotin Days and all of the Lions Club events. She retired from boiling eggs a few years ago when the club switched to plastic eggs, but she still participates in other activities.
“It just got bigger and bigger,” she said of the Easter tradition. “I still donate the French bread for the dinners.”
Born in Pomeroy, Nancy moved to the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley as a youngster, and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1955.
On Dec. 23, 1956, she and Bob were married. They made their home in Riverside, Calif., for 12 years and then moved their family back to Asotin in 1972. Bob and Nancy were married for more than 60 years.
Asotin is where they raised their three children. Ricky and Rozella still live in Asotin, and Bobby resides in Arizona.
Nancy said she was a stay-at-home mom and worked at Tri-State Rehab for almost 30 years.
“She went to work early in the morning so she was home when school got out,” Rozella said.
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After the kids grew up, Nancy became a well-known walker in the community. She once walked from her house to Albertson’s in Clarkston, and stopped by Costco for a slice of pizza.
“I do enjoy walking,” she said. “I don’t go as far these days.”
Part of the appeal is seeing her friends and neighbors as she strolls through Asotin.
“It is wonderful here. This is home. I know everybody, and I feel safe. Everybody is so nice, and people look out for one another.”
Nancy said she hopes to see a lot of folks at the park this weekend. It’s a pleasant place to visit in the shade, eat some good meals and support the community, she said.
“I’m looking forward to it,” she said. “It’s going to be a good weekend.”
Sandaine can be reached at kerri@lmtribune.com.
If you go
What: Asotin Days
When: Saturday and Sunday
Where: Asotin City Park
Events: Lions Club breakfast, vendors, cornhole tournament, beer garden, kids games, barbecue lunch, horseshoe tournament at the city park, and a community yard sales throughout town.
Live music from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday.
Chrome on the Creek car show from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
