That’s why some people say it’s time to have fun.
“We’ve gone a long time without any fun,” said David Misso, president of the Tulelake Chamber of Commerce, who is spearheading “The Rain Dance” at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Tulelake-Butte Valley Fairgrounds. “We need to lift up some spirits.”
Fat Sexy, a Klamath Falls band, will provide music for the “shake away your blues” dance. Admission is $10 for singles or $15 for couples. A no-host bar will be offered. Tickets will be available at the door.
Proceeds will be used to cover costs of efforts to board up shuttered downtown businesses.
Among the recent closures was Tulelake Auto Parts, which was operated by Mike Bunch and his father, Richard. Following their deaths, and the deaths of other family members, the business closed earlier this year.
“It’s just devastating,” Misso said of the closure. “That was the meeting spot. After the Sportsman (the town’s former restaurant, hotel and popular gathering place) burned, Tulelake Auto Parts was where people congregated.
“It’s just extreme. Not only do we not have one of the best businesses ever, it’s another empty building.”
The rain dance theme reflects dwindling hopes for significant rain and snow to guarantee water for Klamath Basin irrigators, who are faced with receiving only a third of their usual water supply.
“While we can’t guarantee it will rain, we can guarantee a rocking dance,” Misso said.