I Googled granges in Washington, and found this web site. I have calls into about 3 or 4 halls that are not very far off of main freeways and highways. Unfortunately it seems to closer to larger population areas the more money it seems to cost. I have a quote on 1 hall in Puyallup for the 28th of 250.00. The hall only holds up to 90 people. I forgot to ask about a kitchen. I expect to hear back from more halls soon. I looked up halls for King and Pierce Counties. These are the areas that I am most familiar with. If someone else would like to check on some of the halls in other counties, here is the link
http://www.wa-grange.org/localgrange.html I was only looking at the halls nearest freeways and major highways that would be really easy to find. I think it will hard to beat 20.00 per hour. The place in Enumclaw is located in the middle of the city of Enumclaw. This is about 20 miles off of I-5 from the HWY 18 exit in Federal Way, WA.
We need to have something rented soon, because a lot of places book up in advance, and as it is we are still considered to be planning without a lot of time before the event for most halls.
Other city facilities, like senior centers should be called also. I also know of a meeting room that was free for community events in the Vancouver WA area. That's a little far for me, just for free. I think that the rooms were owned by Puget Sound Energy. This information is over 10 years old. I haven't even looked into VFW halls or other fraternal organizations. So maybe if we all work together with a few phone calls each it will be easier on everyone involved with planning.
I think that a place to meet is our biggest hurdle for the party at the moment. I think that there really is enough interest by enough people, including very new ones, and perhaps different ones that are just reading and not posting to the thread, that it will be safer for everyone to meet in a public place rather than exposing someones home, and family to a lot of unfamiliar people. If more than 20 or 30 people come it could be really uncomfortable in a private home.
On the other hand if there isnt really enough interest by the group a large, I would have no problem making this an invitation only party and having it in a private home. We would then have a core group to rely on for planning then. And maybe we could then plan to have a public picnic meeting latter in the summer next year, if anyone is still interested.
Tut Tut it looks like snow. The ground has turned white while I was writing this little missive. I need to go check on the girls, to see what they think of this new development. That and it will be fun to see what the puppies, and Ellis The Kitten, think of snow too.
