Bargains, burgers brats, & banjos

At 8 a.m. Saturday, 22 local residents and 4 participating businesses will kick off the weekend in south county with bargains galore.

A garage sale spanning the Encampment/Riverside area features 22 published locations with maps available at the local participating businesses (The Red Wagon, Good Things, Sagebrush Senior Center and the Grand Encampment Museum) and in the foyer of the Encampment Town Hall.

Encampment Mayor Greg Salisbury characterized the yard sale like this: "Everybody runs around in the morning and hits all the yard sales."

After the garage sales begin winding down Encampment will hold the town's 12th annual Music in the Park which features a barbecue/potluck dinner at 4 p.m. and music from nationally touring country music artist Jake Clayton beginning at 6 p.m.

Mayor Salisbury said, "Usually we start setting up around 2 p.m. (for the barbecue) and we usually have cheeseburgers and brats and the condiments. Then everybody brings desserts and salads and different things like that."

While the mayor encouraged attendees to bring side dishes he stressed that it was not mandatory. Salisbury went on to say that water and some soft drinks will be available at the barbecue.

A snow-cone maker will also be on-site for the kids.

Another item the mayor stressed is that the event is free to the public and is not limited to only local residents.

The touring fiddle and steel guitar player for country music legend Tanya Tucker will be bringing his talents to the stage at Grand View Park starting at 6 p.m.

Clayton is a multi-instrumentalist who also plays an electric banjo to the obvious delight of audiences.

Salisbury acknowledged Clayton's skill saying, "Jake Clayton is coming in as the band again and he is really good."

Of the afternoon and evening activities Salisbury said, "It's been a really good turnout and every year it gets a little better," adding, "It's for everybody. Everybody is welcome. It is just kind of something the town does for their appreciation."