JUNE/JULY, 2016
Back Yard Chickens Are You Ready to Commit? Leave Your Pooch at Home How Warm is Too Warm? Summer's Favorite Eats Our Agents Share Their Recipes Sneaky Clean Five Often-Overlooked Tasks Monthly Market Report Happenings With 4 offices to serve you, Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Group is YOUR SOURCE for real estate in the Treasure Valley! D O W N T O W N B O I S E 3 4 3 .3 3 9 3 | M E R I D I A N 336.3393 | E A G L E 939.3363 | N A M PA 467.5272
Here comes summer! Time for some fun! What are your favorite activities? Whatever they are, we at Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Group are here to help when you discover the need for a larger space or a vacation home on the lake or in the mountains. Our goal with REAL Magazine is to provide you, our readers, with short, informational stories that can be read quickly, but still entertain you. Is there something you'd like to see? Email us at REAL@coldwellbankertg.com.
“
Regard it as just as desirable to build a chicken house as to build a cathedral." ~ Frank Lloyd Wright
contents Back Yard Chickens Raising chickens is great fun, and a commitment. Are you ready?
Too Hot for Fido You love having your dog with you, but for his safety, it might be best to leave him home.
Summer Eats CBTG staff and agents share their favorite summertime recipes.
Sneaky Clean You've done your spring cleaning. Or have you? Check these often-overlooked areas.
Market Stats Is the real estate market as hot as the weather?
Ada County Homes Take a look at some of Ada County's homes for sale.
Canyon County Homes Is your dream home here?
Happenings Get out and PLAY!
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JUNE/JULY, 2016
Back Yard Chickens
Are You Ready to Commit?
Thinking about starting your own back yard chicken adventure? Read on for a few tips on how to get started!
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ith a surging interest in local and organic foods, back yard chickens are becoming more and more common in both urban and suburban homes. Yet, as intriguing as this new trend might sound, there is a lot to consider before committing to your very own Cluckinham Palace. FULL COMMITMENT Like any other pet that you introduce to your family, you must be fully prepared for this new responsibility. Having your own delicious, farm-fresh eggs can be a real temptation; however, you’ll need to consider what will happen when your hens stop laying.
Depending on the breed, the average chicken can live about 8-12 years. Although hens can lay as long as they live, it’s common that they start producing fewer to no eggs as they get older. It is important to note that just because your hen no longer provides you with nutritious eggs, that does not mean it is ok for you to stop providing her with the life that she deserves. Chickens grow quite fond of and loyal to their people, and thoroughly enjoy their company. HOA REGULATIONS & CHICKEN BREEDS Once you are fully committed to this new adventure, you will want to check your municipal regulations, as well as the homeowner association rules in your neighborhood. Many communities allow hens but will ban roosters, while others will put a limit on the number of animals a household can keep. Regardless,
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PAGE 5 you will want to follow up with predators out. The more space the HOA before you start on this you give them, the healthier and journey. happier your chickens will be. Avoid overcrowding, and it will After your HOA gives you thumbs help decrease feather picking and up, you’ll want to do a little bit diseases. of homework on the different breeds. Aside from the number Whether you choose to build your and color of eggs produced, you’ll own chicken coop or purchase want to consider each breed’s one, you will need to make sure it size, temperament, noise level, has nesting boxes and a roosting and climate suitability. For great pole, as well as plenty of space information on chicken breeds for all of your hens. A good rule of check out chickenbreedslist.com. thumb for a chicken coop size is at least 2 square feet per hen and 1 CHICKEN COOP & ROAMING nest box for every 3 hens. SPACE You’ve picked out your chicken Make sure you use the Goldielocks breeds; now comes the fun rule: not too small, not too big. A part. Your chickens will need a larger chicken coop with a small place to “spread their wings.” A number of chickens will make it fenced chicken run will help keep difficult for your chickens to keep your chickens in and potential warm, since they can’t generate cbboise.com
enough heat to keep the coop warm. You will also want to consider bringing in electricity into your coop for those cold winter months. Although egg laying declines in the winter, having that artificial light will help extend the egg production. Having the right type of coop and space for your hens, along with providing them with the right diet and attention will help ensure that both your chickens and your egg-loving family will be happy together for many years!
JUNE/JULY, 2016
How long does it take for a car to get hot? OUTSIDE TEMP
TEMP IN CAR
TIME IT TAKES
75
100
10 minutes
75
120
30 minutes
85
90
5 minutes
85
100
7-10 minutes
85
120
30 minutes
100
140
15 minutes COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
When to Leave Him Home
You love taking your dog along as much as he loves to come. Sometimes, though, it's just safer to leave him home. by Jessica Ewing Meridian Valley Humane Society
S
ummer is a great time of the year for dogs. Want to play fetch? Go for a hike? A swim? How about some ice cream? Many dogs even know that words like “car” and “ride” mean good things are about to happen. As temperatures climb, it’s important to conduct summer outings in the best possible way for all family members and that means staying safe. Staff and volunteers at the Meridian Valley Humane Society are often asked about safety issues concerning dogs. One “hot” topic is dogs in cars: when is it OK to leave your dog alone in the car and when is it simply too hot? As with most safety scenarios, a good rule of thumb is to ask yourself whether or not you’d be comfortable doing the exact thing you’re expecting cbboise.com
your dog (who wears a full-time fur coat) to do. Would you want to sit in the car when it’s hot outside? Would you want to walk barefoot on the pavement? If it’s too hot for you, then it’s too hot for your dog. According to the Humane Society of the United States, if it’s 80 degrees outside, the temperature inside your car can reach 99 degrees within 10 minutes. And that’s way too hot for Fido. It takes very little time for temperatures to become dangerously hot, and rolling down the windows has little effect. When you need to run an errand and it’s hot outside, please just leave your pooch at home. If you see a dog trapped in a car, your best option is to call for help. If you’re at a store, contact employees right away so that they can make an announcement. You should also contact the nonemergency number of your local police department, as well as the animal control office in your area.
For Ada County residents, call (208) 343-3166 to reach Idaho Humane Society Animal Care and Control. Provide the dispatcher with a description of the car and the license plate number, and stick around to direct law enforcement or animal control officers to the scene. Remember: dogs die in cars every year. Don’t put your pet in this position, and don’t hesitate to intervene. You’re not overreacting if you call for help – but you might be saving a life. With more and more dogs finding their forever families, the staff and volunteers at the Meridian Valley Humane Society feel it’s important to make sure that everyone – dogs and humans – stay safe this summer. Please be mindful of the high temperatures, and keep your family cool and hydrated while you enjoy the next few months. Have a happy, healthy, and safe summer!
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Too Hot for Fido
JUNE/JULY, 2016
Summer Eats
Our Agents’ Favorite Recipes
Looking for something new for your summer picnic? We asked our agents and staff what they love to serve in the hot summer months, and we weren't disappointed. In fact, each one we received made us just a little hungrier! From cool salads to yummy desserts, we hope you'll find your new favorite. FRESH AVOCADO SALAD Chop into bite-sized pieces: Avocado Roma tomato Cucumber Mix together with chopped cilantro, and lightly toss with raspberry vinaigrette. Top with sesame seeds. Serve chilled.
ORZO SALAD WITH LEMON & DILL 1 c. orzo 1 can chickpeas 1 c. chopped cucumber ½ c. feta ¼ c. dill ¼ c. diced red onion
Dressing: 3 Tbsp. olive oil 3 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 garlic clove Salt & pepper to taste
MASHED POTATO SALAD 12 large russet potatoes, cubed and boiled 10 hard-boiled eggs, cubed 1 stalk celery, cut into small pieces 1 med. onion, diced 1 can whole olives 3 c. mayonnaise ½ c. mustard ½ jar sweet pickles, minced
½ c. sweet pickle juice from the jar 2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. paprika ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper Place all ingredients in a large bowl, mix or mash together with potato masher. COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
Dry Rub: 2 Tbsp. chili powder 2 Tbsp. paprika 1 Tbsp. garlic powder 1 Tbsp. salt 1 Tbsp. dried oregano 2 tsp. cumin 1 tsp. black pepper 1 tsp. white pepper 1 tsp. cayenne pepper 1 tsp. crushed red pepper
1 chopped onion 1 lg. handful chopped cilantro 3-4 cloves garlic, diced 1 bottle (fifth) tequila 1 lemon, halved 2 limes
Combine all the above and season 2 full slabs of ribs, each cut in half. Refrigerate 2-4 hours
Put half of 1 slab in 1 gallon ziploc bag, layer with onion, cilantro, and garlic. Place other half on top, repeat with onion, cilantro, and garlic. Pour in half bottle tequila. Add juice of half lemon and 1 lime. Seal. Repeat with other slab. Marinate at least 4 hours. Grill with onion, cilantro, and garlic at 350o until done.
EASY SHRIMP TACOS 1.5 lbs. shrimp, thawed, peeled, deveined 1 pkg. taco seasoning 1 - 8 oz. bag shredded cabbage 1/2 bunch cilantro, roughly chopped with stems 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 1-2 Tbsp. mayonnaise 1/2 tsp. cumin 1-2 tsp. lime juice Dash cayenne pepper Salt and pepper to taste Pico de gallo Avocado, sliced Corn tortillas Fresh lime wedges
Combine shrimp and taco seasoning in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate. (Leaving overnight is fine.) Combine cabbage, cilantro, onion, cumin, and cayenne with just enough mayo to bind together (not runny). Add lime juice and salt/pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with 1 tbsp. oil. Add shrimp and cook through, 2-4 minutes per side depending on size. Warm tortillas, add shrimp, slaw, pico de gallo, and avocado, if desired. Garnish with a wedge of lime.
RHUBARB CRISP 5 c. rhubarb, chopped in ½-inch pieces 2/3 c. flour 2/3 c. sugar 1/2 c. packed light brown sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon Zest of 1 large orange 10 Tbsp. cold, unsalted butter, cut into pieces 1 c. old-fashioned oats cbboise.com
Preheat oven to 350o. Spread rhubarb evenly in a 9"x13" glass baking dish. Combine flour, sugars, cinnamon, and orange zest in large bowl. Cut in butter using your fingers, a pastry blade, or a fork until mixture resembles course meal. Toss in oats and crumble over the rhubarb. Bake until topping is browned and filling is bubbling, 40-50 minutes. Serve warm.
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TEQUILA BABY BACK RIBS
JUNE/JULY, 2016
Sneaky Clean
Five Often-Overlooked Tasks
If you are one of the many who deep clean their homes when the weather gets warmer, make sure to consider these five areas. Lindsey Chamberlain Coldwell Banker Blue Matter
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any people take advantage of warmer weather to deep clean their homes. It’s a great time to de-clutter, sanitize, and spruce up the interior and exterior of your house. Have you remembered these five tasks? Disinfect Your Mattresses While many people wash their bed linens regularly, they might overlook the need to spruce up their mattress and remove particles that contribute to allergens. Good Housekeeping recommends using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to suck away dust and other particles like dead skin cells. After taking off all linens and blankets, vacuum the
sides and top of your mattress. If you don’t use a pillow top mattress, consider turning it over every few months. After vacuuming, spray a disinfecting spray such as Lysol on your mattress and leave to air dry before putting sheets back on your bed. Wipe Out Drawers The contents of drawers tend to receive more attention than the drawer itself. When organizing shelving and drawers during your spring cleaning, be sure to wipe down the surfaces of drawers and cabinets with a slightly damp rag or microfiber cloth so that you can remove dirt and dust.
Clean Your Oven and Microwave To clean your oven, wipe away large spills and remove any debris that you can with a sponge. Then set your oven to self-clean mode (or use an oven cleaner if you don’t have this mode). When it comes to cleaning a microwave, you have a couple options. You can simply scrub away stains and food with a soft sponge and dish soap, or you can set a microwave-safe bowl filled with water, lemon wedges, and a few tablespoons of vinegar inside your microwave. Then, according to Heloise of Good Housekeepingfame, turn your microwave on
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PAGE 11 high for a few minutes so that the solution inside the bowl boils. The steam from the bowl’s mixture will help sanitize and deodorize your microwave. Leave the microwave closed for about 15 minutes so the mixture can cool. Once cooled, remove the bowl and wipe out the inside with a dishcloth or damp sponge.
can be placed in your dishwasher for a deep, sanitizing clean. Be sure not to clean anything in your dishwasher that has wood or metal trim. Good Housekeeping also suggests cleaning items like toothbrush holders, soap dishes, and plastic toys in your dishwasher, too.
the hose attachment of a vacuum cleaner or a long handled dust mop to collect dirt and dust in hard to reach places. Not only will this help protect your flooring, it will potentially reduce allergens in your home.
By tackling a few tasks each day or Vacuum/Sweep Behind Furniture reserving a couple weekends for and Appliances cleaning, you can have a spotless Wash Glass Fixtures Surfaces beneath heavy items house in no time. Small glass fixtures used for wall like sofas and refrigerators are sconces and ceiling fans are prime commonly overlooked when it surfaces for collecting dust and even comes to cleaning. Enlist a friend dead bugs. While many fixtures can or family member to help you slide be cleaned by wiping with a soft bulky furniture and appliances microfiber cloth, easy-to-remove away from walls. Better Homes glass fixtures from sconces and fans and Gardens recommends using cbboise.com
JUNE/JULY, 2016
Monthly Market Stats A
What’s Happening in Treasure Valley Real Estate
s school gets out and summer officially kicks into gear, we watch the market closely and typically anticipate a slight easing in real estate sales activity. If recent stats are any indication, though, the summer of 2016 might not reflect that seasonal trend, and the market should remain as hot as the tripledigit temps outside. Closed sales units continue to increase year-over-year, and in fact May’s closings in both Ada and Canyon Counties were higher than any month in at least the last 10 years! Only 3 times have the monthly sales surpassed 1,000 homes in Ada County, and never before have we seen more than 400 sales in Canyon County in a month – so both numbers shown for May 2016 are truly recordsetting! What’s more, while April and May are usually the busiest months in written sales business, typically
June is the busiest month of the year for closings since it takes 3060 days from contract to close. With that expectation, we’ll probably see the sales-per-month record broken again this month.
a home sale transaction is critical. Additionally, on the buyer’s side, working with an agent who is skilled in positioning an offer to purchase in the best light possible during the negotiations gives that buyer a better chance at securing the home.
Days-on-market continues to be lower than typical, and the homes that are moving are selling very If you’ve been considering a move quickly right now due to the high this year, but the current market is giving you demand and low inventory. For homes priced under pause, contact This isn’t $300,000 and with the us. Let’s discuss the available necessarily the resale inventory, the seller's case for all price market continues. options so points and you can make locales, but generally for homes an informed decision. You might priced under $300,000 and with be surprised to find out not only the resale inventory in particular, what your home is worth in the seller’s market continues. today’s market, but also the many financing programs available to We are still seeing multiple offers help you make a move successfully. and bidding wars, especially for homes in the entry- to mid- Call, text, or email, and let’s work level price points, so having a together to get you where you professional who can help you, want to be! as a homeowner, weigh the pros and cons of the various offers in COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
$240,000
HOMES SOLD MAY 2016*
MEDIAN SALES PRICE
10
Ada County
AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET
2,064 HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*
* Numbers reflect year-over-year comparisons.
414
$160,187
HOMES SOLD MAY 2016*
MEDIAN SALES PRICE
11 AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET cbboise.com
Canyon County
810 HOMES CURRENTLY ON MARKET*
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1,059
JUNE/JULY, 2016
Ada County
Featured Homes
6630 Glacier NE Boise Wonderful location, backing up to the foothills with pathways, hiking, biking and so much more! This beautiful gem is minutes from downtown & features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2-car garage and 1,260 sq.ft. Home has been completely updated, including all new interior paint and light fixtures. Don't miss out on this great opportunity!
10484 N. Palisades Way NW Boise Outstanding, single-level home in desirable Eagle Springs. Beautiful, open layout gives it an airy feel with large windows, abundant transoms, and great flexibles spaces. The enormous garage features built-ins and workbenches. This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath and 2,166 sq.ft. home has room for everyone. Large lot with mature trees and an east-facing back yard.
4101 N. Rhodes Ave. NW Meridian Beautiful home you can't miss! Huge master suite with walk-in closet, dual vanities, separate shower with soaker tub, tile flooring and counters. Gorgeous kitchen with granite, large center island, and stainless steel appliances. Lots of room for entertaining in the large bonus room and back yard. So many amenities, located next to Settler's Park.
2412 N. O'Conner Ave. NW Meridian Stunning home with large yard, 40-ft. RV parking pad and no immediate back neighbors. Beautiful open kitchen with extra-large walkin pantry, tons of light, granite counters and stainless steel appliances. Features 4 bedrooms, bonus room and tons of space for everyone with an abundance of storage. Located in a great area with its own park. COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
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Ada County
Featured Homes
1008 E. Carter St. SE Boise Better-than-new, 3-year-old home in a great location. This timeless floor plan offers thoughtfully-designed and flexible living spaces, generous storage and highend designer finishes throughout. Features beautiful hardwood flooring, exquisite tile finishes, custom cabinetry, and beautiful quartz counters.
3707 N. Petty Way NE Meridian Great flowing floor plan with office and upstairs bonus, both with closets. Large mainlevel master features double sink and separate soaker tub and shower. Family room is open to kitchen and dining with vaulted ceilings and a beautiful gas fireplace. Back yard oasis is well landscaped with covered patio, benched sitting area and playground equipment.
4550 S. Ramona St. SE Meridian Amazing retreat so close to town! Big country kitchen with wood countertops, glorious light throughout, crown molding, beatiful hardwood floors, and access to family room and deck. Main-level master has all the amenities you could ask for including 2 closets. East-facing back yard that leads to fruit trees and berries, with plenty of places to relax. Room for shop.
1937 E. Parkhurst Ct. Eagle The wrap-around porch welcomes you into this generously-sized home that is both comfortable and inviting. Multiple living areas to accommodate entertaining. Recently remodeled kitchen features a large island, brand-new stainless steel appliances, including double ovens. 6 bedrooms, 4 baths, and 4,798 sq.ft., plenty of room for everyone.
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JUNE/JULY, 2016
Canyon County
Featured Homes
10377 Colorful Dr. NE Nampa Spacious, custom home with all the extras & views! Gorgeous wood accents and designer colors throughout the home. Gourmet kitchen features granite counters, dual tone cabinets, gas stove, stainless steel appliances, and island with extra-deep sink. Plenty of windows and light. Charming light fixtures with old-style Edison bulbs. Community pool and playground!
17304 Copper Spur Ave. NE Nampa Immaculate custom home in the Golden Spur community. Sits on 1.24 acres with beautiful views, land to build a shop and no back neighbors. All 4 bedrooms are upstairs. Fantastic built-in cabinetry, tile counters, hardwood floors, mud room, rock fireplace, dual zone heating and cooling. Come on out to country living, minutes from the freeway!
3320 Vistapark Dr. NW Caldwell Home sweet home! Very clean and wellmaintained family home with an upstairs bonus area. Spacious kitchen and dining area feature tile flooring, lots of cabinets and counter space, and a large pantry. Relax in your private back yard with a large covered patio, storage shed and no back yard neighbors. Easy freeway access!
19744 Alleghenny Way NW Caldwell Incredibly clean & impeccably maintained, oneowner home with terrific freeway access. Main floor features formal living, great room open to beautiful kitchen and eating area. Upstairs has the utility room, 4 large bedrooms and 2 baths. Great decorating and a very popular Montico floor plan makes this a better-than-new home! COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
Featured Homes
16178 N. Saint Helens NW Nampa Home in excellent location, lives larger than the 1,416 sq. footage! New paint inside, professionally cleaned and move-in ready! Features large bonus room and vaulted ceilings. East-facing back yard has fire pit, raised garden beds, cherry and apricot trees. Community park just a block away. Don't miss out!
3004 Bianco St. NW Caldwell Custom home on a quiet cul-de-sac. Entry & dining areas have hardwood floors with inlaid title. Great room with gas fireplace, beautiful kitchen with tile backsplash, breakfast bar, stainless steel sink and nice pantry. Sunny eating area, with bay window. Office with French doors, spacious master with coffered ceiling and large walk-in closet. Gazebo, fire pit, and waterfall.
4522 Julie St. SW Caldwell Gorgeous 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2-story home truly shows like-new! Features family and living room with vaulted ceilings, upper level master with walk-in closet and dual vanity, and 2 bedrooms on main level. Home has been professionally cleaned and detailed. Located in a quiet neighborhood in Vallivue school district. A must see!
14885 Worden Way Middleton Come home to the beautifully maintained, custom-built property with amazing views. Situtated in a peaceful, serene country setting off of a paved private drive. Spacious master suite with jetted tub. Gorgeous gourmet kitchen with stainless steel sink and granite countertops. Open to living area, perfect for entertaining. Minutes from golf course, freeway and schools.
cbboise.com
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Canyon County
JUNE/JULY, 2016
FARMERS’ MARKETS Boise Farmers’ Market Each Saturday
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 10th and Grove, downtown Boise www.theboisefarmersmarket.com
Capital City Public Market Each Saturday
9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 8th and Idaho, downtown Boise www.capitalcitypublicmarket.com
Eagle Saturday Market Each Saturday
9:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 185 E. State St., Eagle www.facebook.com/eaglesaturdaymarket
Meridian Youth Farmers’ Market Each Saturday starting June 25
9:00 a.m.-noon Meridian City Hall Plaza 33 E. Broadway Ave., Meridian Information
Nampa Farmers’ Market Each Saturday
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Front & 13th, Nampa www.nampafarmersmarket.com
Caldwell Farmers’ Market Each Wednesday evening
3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Arthur St. between Kimball & 7th www.caldwellidfarmersmarket.com COLDWELL BANKER TOMLINSON GROUP
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Happenings So much fun! Alive After Five Concert Series Wednesdays starting June 1
Eagle Gazebo Concert Series Last Thursday of each month through Sept.
5:00-8:00 p.m., Basque Block 611 W. Grove St., Boise downtownboise.org
Free Movie Night in Meridian Every Friday in June, July, & August
Settlers Park, Meridian & Ustick Roads Movies start at dusk www.meridiancity.org/movienight
Great Garden Escape Thursdays, June 16-September 15
Check times & schedule online Idaho Botanical Garden 2355 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise www.idahobotanicalgarden.org
Meridian Dairy Days June 22-25, times vary
Main Street, Meridian dairy days.org
Nampa's Silver Screen on the Green Friday, June 24, 8:30-10:00 p.m.
Optimist Park 11th Ave. & Birch Lane, Nampa www.nampa.com
Boise Music Festival Saturday, June 25, 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Expo Idaho 5610 N. Glenwood, Boise www.boisemusicfestival.com
cbboise.com
4:00-9:00 p.m. Heritage Park, 185 E. State St., Eagle www.cityofeagle.org
July 4th in Meridian
Starting at 3:00 p.m.; Storey Park 205 E. Franklin Rd., Meridian Check schedule online
http://www.meridiancity.org/independenceday/
Eagle Fun Days July 8-9
Downtown Eagle Information
Zoo Boise's Bowling for Rhinos Friday, July 8, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
20th Century Lanes 4712 W. State St., Boise www.zooboise.org
Snooze at the Zoo - Stay the Night!
Saturday, July 16, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 17, 9:00 a.m. 355 Julia Davis Dr., Boise www.zooboise.org
Canyon County Fair July 28-31
22nd & Blaine St, Caldwell canyoncountyfair.org
D O W N T O W N B O I S E 343.3393 | M E R I D I A N 336.3393 | E A G L E 939.3363 | N A M PA 467.5 2 7 2