LOON LAKE, Wash. — Sarah and Steve Vining, a married couple with proud links to Washington State University’s College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS), invited their lakeside community to a floating celebration that connected the nation’s 250th birthday, Cougar pride, and Washington’s own Cosmic Crisp® apple.
The Vinings organized a WSU-themed boat tailgate party July 5 at Loon Lake, an unincorporated community in Stevens County about 30 minutes north of Spokane, Washington. Thanks to a donation from Washington Fruit and Produce of Yakima and support from the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, the couple gave away more than 300 Cosmic Crisp® apples during the morning event.
“We called it ‘bobbing for apples, Loon Lake-style,'” Sarah Vining said.
Families and groups of boaters and anglers, many in Cougar attire and some singing the WSU fight song, coasted up to the Vinings’ decorated 22-foot boat to receive individually boxed apples and express university pride.
“People were excited to see what this was all about,” Sarah said. “I loved seeing the happiness in the little kids’ eyes as their parents gave them their own box with a Cosmic Crisp® apple inside. It was like a little present.”
The idea stemmed from Sarah’s involvement as a contributor to the Stevens County Times newspaper. She learned about efforts to promote community gatherings for the United States’ 250th birthday and wanted to do something special for her own neighborhood.
“I thought about tailgates, Cougs, and Washington apples,” Sarah said.
“We know there are a lot of Cougs on the lake based on the number of flags and signs that we see,” Steve added. “But we don’t know the people. We thought a big tailgate in the middle of the lake might be a good way to draw everyone together.”
Steve, who grew up in Colville, Washington, attended WSU for the final two years of his undergraduate degree in economics.
“I didn’t start my education at WSU, but I always knew I would end up there,” he said. “I loved that school experience. I have always been a Coug, and I’ve rooted for them in everything they do.”
The Vinings established their careers in western Washington but retired to Loon Lake about a year ago. Seeking to be closer to family, they also wanted to have easier access to WSU football, basketball, and baseball games.
Two of their five children attended WSU, and Sarah earned certificates in WSU’s Viticulture and Enology programs. She and Steve have joined the WSU Alumni Association-hosted travel trips to Italy and Spain.
“We spent time with some amazing people and all of us became friends,” Sarah said. “Being around such a passionate group solidified me as a proud Coug.”
Ines Hanrahan, Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission Executive Director, praised Sarah’s initiative in organizing the event.
“It created so much goodwill and positive momentum,” Hanrahan said. “I deeply appreciate that she thought about promoting apples and supporting fellow Cougs and the local tree fruit industry.”
“CAHNRS Cougs like Steve and Sarah exemplify how Cougar Nation creates community and friendship,” added Raj Khosla, Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean of CAHNRS. “The Cosmic Crisp® apple is also a great example of the impact that the college makes in our state and beyond. I salute the Vinings, our grower partners, and the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission for making this taste of WSU possible for our nation’s birthday.”
Cosmic Crisp® was originally bred at WSU’s Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center in Wenatchee, Washington, in 1997 as WA 38 — the university’s 38th apple to make the advanced stage of selection. It was evaluated against other contenders for more than a decade before being released to growers in 2017 and reaching consumers two years later. Part of the sale of each box of Cosmic Crisp® supports scientific discovery at the university.
The couple hopes to tailgate on the lake during WSU sporting events this fall.
“Cougs always love a tailgate,” Steve said.