Heartbeat of Bonners Ferry

Stop by Bonners Ferry most any day and you’ll notice something about it that some people never forget. It may be one of the friendliest communities in all of Idaho, and that posture extends throughout the Greater Bonners Ferry area. The reason may not be apparent, this friendliness, not at first, but hang around a bit and you’ll notice perhaps that people are treating you like a family member or a classmate from a small school long ago. So when Kootenai River Days comes around each year, it’s really kind of like a very large family reunion. The walk of life doesn’t matter – from the Kootenai tribal members to the farmers, ranchers, loggers and local business folk; it’s all the same one big happy family. If you’re lucky enough to pass through during this event, you’ll be automatically included.

Taking place in mid-July, it’s the time of year when the weather is sunny, yet cool enough to enjoy a picnic or barbeque somewhere in or overlooking this great river valley. It was two years ago when the Bonners Ferry Chamber of Commerce and a group of tireless volunteers revived the Kootenai River Days celebration, and the community responded.

There’s lots to do, places to go and things to see not just during this celebration but all the year through. From hiking trails to road trips, fishing streams and of course the Kootenai River itself. Though there’s currently no marina on this meandering horseshoe of a river, there’s plenty of quiet water and seemingly miles and miles of scenic beauty from farm land to bird and wildlife refuge, from mountainous canyons to open flats as green and colorful as you’d find anywhere on earth this time of year.

If river travel seems too risky or hazardous, we’ve got several lakes easily accessed by vehicle. Brush, Smith and Robinson Lakes are all within a short drive and all equipped with boat launches and campgrounds, These small lakes are electric motors only or open to canoeing and kayaking.

Have bikes? Want to ride? You can take a marvelously long jaunt through the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge or find a bike trail at Brush Lake. Many of the country roads are easily adapted to bikes and biking if you’re cautious about cars and trucks.

No matter what you do, you’ll discover that Kootenai River Days is all about getting to know the people of the valley and its multifaceted culture and enjoying yourself with family and friends in the process. For the newcomers it’s a great weekend to discover the surrounding mountains, valley and river beauty we so possess with such abundance in pride and wonder.

We have a great, actually quite exceptional museum, so you should check that out as well. It’s the Boundary County Museum on the edge of downtown Bonners Ferry. Inside those quaint doors you’ll get a good glimpse of the heritage of these hearty folks and discover things about our community you probably never thought possible or even considered.

What to Expect

The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho Pow Wow held at the Boundary County Fairgrounds is an authentic replay of tribal culture. The Pow Wow is generally considered the opening of the Kootenai River Days celebration.

You can expect to see the Antique Tractor Show too. It might surprise you what they used to clear the land, plant the crops and tend the land in those earlier days. My, we’ve come a long way in less than a century.

Like horses? Then don’t miss the PRCA Rodeo Family Night where kids get in free. That will also be at the Boundary County Fairgrounds on the backside of town. Take the river road or just ask.

As any good event has, there will be plenty of good music in the air too, including something entertaining at the Pearl Theatre. You’d better get there early; seating will be limited and generally fills up!

If you think you’re tough then you’d better get in on the Terry Davis Memorial Arm Wrestling on Main Street, one of many things to enjoy. And if, like me, you’re not so tough, then just stop by and watch. There will be plenty of good food choices all around downtown because after all, this is a festive event. Nobody wants you to go hungry.

Up at the Bonners Ferry Airport there will likely be another Pacific Northwest Air Tour with antique and classic airplanes flying in from all over. It’s time and date will be posted.

So hopefully you’ll make time and take it to step into this event either as a participant or a bystander. You are bound to enjoy yourself. It’s a family event, the kind of weekend where everyone is family. You’ll find lots of things to do, plenty to eat and much to see.

One of the nice things about an event so large is the fact that there will be something for everyone. Each day will feature something for all ages and interest levels and as the time draws nearer for the start of the massive celebration, you can go to Facebook to the Kootenai River Days group to get up-to-the-minute details and scheduling.

I hope to see you at this community celebration!

Dwayne Parsons is a Realtor with Century 21 Beutler & Associates of Coeur d’Alene, but he loves Bonners Ferry and the surrounding area and spends most of his time here. You can reach him at dparsons@21goldchoice.com.

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