Wilkeson residents packed Church Street and flocked to the coke ovens this weekend for the town’s historic annual parade and handcar races. Maybe it was the blazing sun overhead and low-90s temperatures on the ground, but turnout was smaller than last year’s races — though the folks who did turn out were no less enthusiastic. Dozens pushed and heaved in the handcar races, which send teams of two to four people hurtling down 400 feet of old coal railroad tracks. Earlier in the day, the parade down SR 165 featured local first responders, Boy Scout Troop 577, the White River Junior Wrestling Club, local companies and several political causes, including candidates for office and a group encouraging the recall of Governor Jay Inslee.
A pair representing the Buckley Foothills Historical Museum pass through downtown Wilkeson. Photo by Alex Bruell
The White River Wrestling Club made an appearance during the parade. Photo by Alex Bruell
A Dolly Parton-inspired team races to the end of the track at the handcar races. Photo by Alex Bruell
A pair of racers celebrate and catch their breath after making a run on the handcars. Photo by Alex Bruell
The dunk tank provided some relief from the sun Saturday at the handcar races. Photo by Ray Miller-Still
A group of racers gives it all they’ve got at the handcar races. Photo by Ray Miller-Still
A team pushes their handcar down the track at the Wilkeson handcar races. Photo by Ray Miller-Still
The parade through Wilkeson featured everything from floats to animals. Photo by Alex Bruell
The local boy scouts troop makes their way down Wilkeson during the parade. Photo by Alex Bruell
Racing in costume is a tradition for many at the handcar races. Photo by Alex Bruell
A team of Golden Girls-inspired racers celebrates on the way back from their trek down the tracks. Photo by Alex Bruell
