The Return of Kootenai River Days!

Event was a huge success. By Robert Lavala

Go ahead and remember back to when you were a kid. Think back to a time when everything was big, fun and amazing. All you had to do to capture a bit of this excitement was to attend any one of the many events held at this year’s Kootenai River Days. Kids of all ages came out to play on Main Street by either racing wheelchairs or jumping in the jump house. There was even a huge bouncy slide where the little ones could slide down to their waiting parents. This three day event had something for everyone and a promise that next year will be bigger and better than ever.

Friday started the event off with a variety of entertainment at Memorial Park and finished up with a movie projected on a 26' screen featuring “The Lone Ranger.” Saturday picked up early in the morning with the Bike & Hike on the Dike sponsored by our local Search and Rescue. This year there were eight teams participating. Event coordinators said they are hopeful that the word will get out for next year. The eight teams had a great time running and biking the 10 mile course, and judging by the smiles on their faces, they will be back!

Pancakes, sausage and friends were the order of the day at the next venue on Saturday at the Boundary County Airport, Northern Air. According to those serving, they believed this year boasted one of the largest turnouts in recent memory. The food smelled great and everyone ate their fill ready to head downtown for the day’s events. Each year Northern Air sponsors this feeding of the people hoping to get more enthusiasts involved in flying. Their pilot training programs are really inexpensive and lots of fun.

Main Street in the downtown area was closed off early so vendors and event coordinators could get everything ready for the crowds that would come later on. A dunking booth was set up by Officer Schuman, who is running for local Sheriff; a fabulous old-fashioned lemonade stand perched in the middle of downtown (wow... what amazing stuff!); the wheelchairs were readied for the big race from Mugsy's Restaurant and Tavern to the Rusty Moose – both of these fine businesses offered food and drink specials all day and promised to stay open late (as did the Brewery!); a pugil stick bounce platform drew the young kids with Ninja skills, and there were plenty of musical treats for everyone to enjoy throughout the day. Other events on the day’s schedule was the much anticipated Lawn Mower Races that were held Saturday evening.

The Museum played an integral part in helping folks understand the history of this beloved event and was open each day showing their red carpet event - A Natural Balance: Boundary County by Kyle Flory and Rob Tenas.

A special “Thank You” goes out to the Bonners Ferry Chamber of Commerce and all of the volunteers who rallied around this event to bring it back after twelve years.

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