Excitement is Contagious at Poison Oak Show!
Wyatt Parke poses with the 28 medallions he won over the last eight years (hanging from a stick); as well as the five awards he won at this show, (around his neck). “I worked in the water department and walked the ditches up here,” Wyatt explains. “I’d always see this amazing poison oak, everywhere! And I heard about a contest here, and I decided to enter it. Ever since then, I’ve been hooked! I’ve got my secret spots! And I’m not retiring; I’m coming back next year! I’m the poison oak king!”
Story and photos by Greg Kristapovich
Some people will celebrate anything, I had thought to myself as I headed out to cover the 26th Annual Poison Oak Show at the St.Charles Saloon in Columbia State Historic Park. But when I arrived on the scene, I could tell that this event was something really special. In front of the saloon was a long table displaying poison oak leaves and branches in various ways: incorporated into jewelry, as stand walone works of art, and even a poison oak salad!! Those attending the show could vote for their favorite poison oak exhibit. People there were just ichin’ to find out who would win in each of the twelve categories. And as the voting took place, and as the ballots were tallied, folks enjoyed the infectious blues-rock sounds of the Steve Capitanich Band. One of the show’s regular participants, Wyatt Parke, (pictured below) had won 28 medallions over the last eight years, for his unique exhibits. “I’m hoping to bust 30 (medallions) this year! I think I will!” Wyatt excitedly predicted. He was right; as he walked away with five more awards this year; bringing his total to 33, over the last nine years! Among the twelve categories was one for “Best Photo of a Poison Oak Rash” There was only one entry in this category, so Jim Briscoe’s photo of his nasty arm rash won by default. If you’ve never been to the Poison Oak Show, try to take in next year’s 27th Annual event. The show has to be seen to be believed!
A poison oak salad! A special culinary creation that earned Wyatt Parke one of his five awards in this show!
Awards also went to the “Most Potent Looking Green Leaves” (bush on the left), and “Most Potent Looking Red Leaves” (right). Awards in both of these categories went to Bob Beck.
The Steven Capitanich Band plays, and makes for a rockin’ poison oak show!
Thank you so much for having us, we had a blast, and we look forward to coming back sometime.
A huge thank you to Jeanne Hand and her staff, The St. Charles ROCKS! Another thank you to Greg Kristapovich, thanks for taking the time to stop by and to talk with us.
November 4th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
A huge thank you to Jeanne Hand and her staff at the St. Charles Saloon, we had a blast, your establishment, staff and hospitality are amazing.
Thank you too to everyone who came out that day, it’s always a great time when we’re in Columbia, we enjoy it so much.
And thank you to Greg Kristapovich and Jerry Whitehead III, thank you for adding us in your write up of the event, it means a lot to us.
See you soon!
The Steve Capitanich Band
November 4th, 2008 at 5:41 pm