What’s in a name?
By Michael Johnson, Editor
Another Lewis and Clark Days celebration has come and gone marking the 14th year in a row as Lewis and Clark Days, which follows 16 years straight years as Riverboat Days. Both names play into the history of Washburn, both have provided a time for summer fun and both were about promoting the community – that’s undisputed. Brandon "Buddy" Lazier would say that there is a difference between the names and the festivities. He decided to protest during this year’s Lewis and Clark Days festivities by proudly displaying the words "Riverboat Days 2010" in the windows of his cousin’s business on Main Avenue. Another part of the display states, "Where the party starts and memories are made." It’s the same statement that appears on T-shirts he had made to promote the old name, which he and many others wore during the Saturday events. "It’s not exactly cheap," Lazier said of the promotion, "but someone’s got to do it." Lazier said he has followers, including a Facebook group, who agrees that the name should be changed back to Riverboat Days. But there are those who like the Lewis and Clark name just fine and those who just want to have a good time regardless of the name.
