Crimson Company performance a highlight of WSU Mom's Weekend
When Cougar moms and dads come to Pullman on Friday for Mom's Weekend at Washington State University, an emotional journey may be waiting for them.
It will be the last chance to have the Crimson Company show choir as part of the celebration. The popular group, which has entertained people for 23 years, will be eliminated soon because of budget cuts. The final performances in Pullman are scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday, and 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday at the Gladish Community Center Auditorium.
"I think part of me is sad," said Roger Kelley, director of the Crimson Company. "I think it's hard to say goodbye to anything."
He added it will be great to see his 31 students performing after eight months in rehearsal. Among them, 16 students sing, 10 play instruments and five provide technical support.
Part of the performance, titled "Music Journey of the Last Century," features music from the Beatles, Elvis and Tina Turner.
"I think it will be an incredible two-hour show," Kelley said. "(Moms and dads) are really going to have a good time."
Adding to the Crimson Company's performance during Mom's Weekend are a wide range of programs on both Friday and Saturday.
Kathy Zeches, organizer of this year's Mom's Weekend and director of the Women's Resource Center at the university, believes families will have fun in Pullman.
"It's really a happy time to visit our campus," she said. "We want to stress the openness of the spring, the freshness of spring and the importance of family."
On Friday, a good place to go is the Spring Arts and Crafts Fair at Beasley Coliseum. More than 100 artists from Idaho, Washington, Montana and Oregon will present their original handicrafts from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The show will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
Fair promoter Linda Gallagher said the event has become a favorite place for jewelry makers during the past 11 years.
Parents and children also can enjoy quiet time together Friday at an antiques show from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Quality Inn on Bishop Boulevard.
Starting at 8 p.m. Friday, families can enjoy a dance performance at Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum. The show, "Forbidden Broadway," pokes fun at Broadway stars, music and programs. Tickets are available by calling (208) 883-3267 or (509) 335-1514.
Traditional Mom's Weekend events crowd Saturday's schedule. The Pancake Feed is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the WSU Fire Department. Closely following the breakfast is the 17th annual fashion show.
At 10 a.m., this year's Mom of the Year will be honored at the annual Mom's Weekend brunch set for Saturday at the Compton Union Building Ballroom. This year's finalists include Antonia Chavez of Sunnyside, Wash., Susan Oakes of Kaloa, Hawaii, Yvonne Page of Mount Vernon, Wash., and Christy Scammell of Spokane. For ticket information, contact the Women's Resource Center at (509) 335-6849.
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