Though Ethel is just one of the many quiet unincorporated communities that dot the White Pass Scenic Byway on U.S. Highway 12, the area will be quite noisy next weekend with the sounds of motorcycles at the 20th annual Kickback Campout.
The event will be held in Ethel in between Mary’s Corner and Salkum, tucked away on 141 Tucker Road just off U.S. Highway 12.
The Kickback Campout officially kicks off on Friday, Aug. 16, at noon and goes until 1 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18. It is being organized by ABATE of Washington Lewis County Chapter.
A 21 and older-only event, aside from camping it features a beer garden, motorcycle show, motorcycle games, cribbage, cornhole and more for bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts.
Musicians will perform live music and local vendors will be on hand.
Additionally, raffles, door prizes and other giveaways will be held during the Kickback Campout. Attendees are asked to leave their firearms at home.
Tickets are $45 for ABATE members and $55 for non-members, and can be purchased online at https://abate-of-wa-lewis-county-chapter.square.site/. The ticket prices include free breakfasts, lunches, dinners and beer, according to Rob Jenkins of Bee Wrangler Honey, one of the vendors who will be attending the event.
Proceeds from the Kickback Campout go towards ABATE scholarships for students in Lewis County.
ABATE — which stands for A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments — of Washington is a nonprofit organization that advocates for freedom of the road by fighting anti-bike regulations and promoting fair motorcycle legislation according to its websites.
To learn more and find out how to get involved, visit https://www.abate-wa.org/.
On the weekend following the Kickback Campout in Ethel, the second annual Olsen Field Progress Days festival will be held at the same location on Tucker Road, featuring antique farming equipment, tractor pulls, local vendors and more.
Look for a preview of the second annual Olsen Field Progress Days with more information in an upcoming edition of The Chronicle.
