I’d wager that most of us tend not to think much about the carefully orchestrated logistics behind all the municipal services that simply make society function here in Spokane. Water treatment. Garbage pickup. Road maintenance. Lots and lots of paperwork. Unless something goes wrong (or, as we hit peak road construction season, our daily commute is heavily disrupted), and even then we’re at the mercy of whoever answers the phone inside City Hall’s 311 Customer Service department, which answers more than 500 calls every day.
For this week’s cover package, INSIDE THE CITY, Nate Sanford takes readers behind the scenes in four of the City of Spokane’s major departments: customer service, wastewater treatment, streets and building permits. By chatting with the public workers whose duty it is to make sure the rest of us can just go about our day, hassle-free, he humanizes people doing a mostly thankless job. It’s surely something to consider next time you’re upset about your garbage pickup being missed, wondering why it took so long to fill that pothole on your block, or anything else that comes up.
Ali Blackwood (x228) PRODUCTION TEAM MANAGER, CREATIVE, DIGITAL & MARKETING
Tom Stover (x265)
PRINT PRODUCTION & IT MANAGER
Derrick King (x238)
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER, EDITORIAL DESIGN LEAD
Leslie Douglas (x231) GRAPHIC DESIGNER OPERATIONS
Dee Ann Cook (x211) BUSINESS MANAGER
Kristin Wagner (x210)
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
CIRCULATION
Frank DeCaro (x226)
CIRCULATION MANAGER
Travis Beck (x237)
CIRCULATION SUPERVISOR
WHAT JOB DO YOU THINK IS UNDERAPPRECIATED?
MADISON DRAPER
Bus drivers. A lot of people don’t even take the time to notice bus drivers — they just get on, swipe their cards and sit down. If anything goes wrong, [drivers are] the ones that get yelled at and have to keep the peace on the bus.
AMY RUTHERFORD
Dishwashing in a restaurant. That’s what I do, so…
RUSS CORNELISON
There are two of them: retail and servers, absolutely. Not enough people have worked in [those jobs] to know that people give them too much crap and don’t treat them fair enough. They’re busting their butts for a little bit of money.
INGA MAI REIERSØLMOEN
Garbage men. Nobody wants the job, but if we didn’t have them the city would fall apart. I think the only person that sees them as heroes are little kids.
KATHLEEN MYERS
Waitstaff in Idaho. I’m from Washington, so I don’t know [what it’s like for them]. I go over there and tip normal and realize, these people aren’t making any money.
INTERVIEWS BY CASSANDRA BENSON KENDALL YARDS, 6/20/2024
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Follow Your Heart
“I give to Providence Heart Institute because it gave me more time with my family.” Katy Bruya
Expo ’74: Pop Quiz
You’ve been marinating in all things Expo for weeks now, as Spokane celebrates 50 years since the world came to town. But how much have you really absorbed about that magical time? Take our quiz (no Googling!) to find out how you rate!
Answers to all these questions could be found in the pages of the Inlander in recent weeks, but they’re also listed on page 52.
a) Wildlife
b) Downtown Spokane
c) The Reputation of the City
d) The Region’s History
8. How many people visited Expo?
a) 250,000
b) 520,000
c) 2.5 million
1. We can start with an easy one: What was the theme of Expo ’74?
a) Ecology and Environmental Awareness
b) Technology and Progress
d) 5.6 million
9. What do the white, blue and green colors in the Expo logo symbolize?
c) Urban Planning for the Future
d) Nuclear Power
2. Which of these nations did NOT have a pavilion at Expo?
a) France
b) Canada
c) Iran
d) The Philippines
a) Peace, Serenity, Ecology
b) Air, Water, Plants and Trees
c) Compassion, Cooperation, Conservation
d) Nations of the World Working in Harmony
Free Audio Production Workshop at the Central Library
3. How many trout were released into the Spokane River during the opening ceremonies?
a) 74
b) 100
c) 911
d) 1,974
Learn the basic recording & editing skills podcast and radio production. Workshop will cover the hardware and software needs to get you up and running and introduce the techniques to help you create professional sounding spoken word audio recordings. This program is supported, in part, by a grant from the Washington State Arts Commission. Visit KYRS.org to register.
4. How long after visiting Expo did President Nixon resign over Watergate?
a) Three Weeks
b) Six Weeks
c) Three Months
d) One Year to the Day
5. What was located at the site of Riverfront Park before Expo ’74?
a) Two Train Stations
b) Parking Lots
c) Railroad Tracks
d) Industrial Buildings
e) All of the Above
6. Which of these acts did NOT play at Expo ’74?
a) The LA Philharmonic
b) Ella Fitzgerald
c) Olivia Newton-John
d) Bing Crosby
a) 2 feet
b) 4 feet
c) 10 feet
d) 20 feet
11. Which of these is NOT a fun fact about the Garbage Goat?
a) It was designed by a local nun who knew her way around a welding torch.
b) Over the entire run of Expo, it only bit seven kids — not bad!
c) It prompted a strongly worded condemnation in the Dairy Goat Journal
d) To this day, it decorates the tap handles of Spokane’s Iron Goat Brewing.
12. The city reluctantly set aside the area along Hangman Creek at High Bridge Park for what?
a) An RV Campground for VIPs
b) A Staging Area for KGB Agents
c) A Camp for Young Hippies and “Yippies”
d) A Norwegian Woodworker Building a Boat by Hand
7. Expo mastermind King Cole said bringing a world’s fair to Spokane was about saving what?
10. How tall was the silver bust of Vladimir Lenin that greeted visitors to the USSR Pavilion?
13. The IMAX Theater inside the U.S. Pavilion featured a 6,000-squarefoot screen, which at the time was the largest in:
a) The Northwest
b) The U.S.
c) North America
d) The World
14. Which of these was NOT a hugely popular feature of Expo?
a) The Over-the-Falls-in-a-Barrel ride
b) Up With People singers
c) Native American’s Earth exhibit
d) Invisible Dogs
15. During Expo, the building that’s now the First Interstate Center for the Arts served as what?
a) World Fair ’74 Headquarters
b) USSR Pavilion
c) Washington State Pavilion
d) Housing for Folklife Performers
16. Which of these Spokane institutions opened in 1974 in conjunction with Expo?
a) Nordstrom / River Park Square
b) Clinkerdagger
c) The Parkade
d) The Japanese Garden in Manito Park
e) All of the Above
17. What did artist Peter Max call the man running on the official U.S. Postal Service Expo ’74 stamp he designed?
a) Custodian of the Environment
b) Mobius Man
c) Cosmic Jumper
d) Smiling Sage
18. Which remnants of Expo ’74 can you still see in Riverfront Park today?
a) The U.S. Pavilion
b) The Dinosaur Bone
c) The Theme Stream
d) The Floating Stage Where President Nixon Spoke
e) All of the Above
BONUS 1974 QUESTIONS
19. Which hit song was NOT from 1974?
a) “Waterloo” by Abba
b) “American Pie” by Don MacLean
c) “The Way We Were” by Barbra Streisand
d) “Hooked on a Feeling” by Blue Swede
20. Which of these was NOT invented in 1974?
a) Dungeons and Dragons
b) The Rubik’s Cube
c) The Pet Rock
d) Skittles
Adapted from a 2014 quiz in the Inlander by Lisa Waananen Jones, now a clinical assistant professor at WSU’s Edward
HEALTH
Investigating Influenza
Washington’s only veterinary diagnostic lab is working to understand how a deadly strain of bird flu made its way into dairy cattle
BY COLTON RASANEN
Ahighly pathogenic strain of bird flu (H5N1) has been slowly but steadily making its way through the country in an unprecedented way. While bird flu usually transmits between birds, transmissions have been recorded in herds of dairy cattle the past few months.
So far, 121 confirmed cases of bird flu in dairy cattle have been recorded in 12 states, with the largest outbreaks in Idaho (26 cases), Michigan (25 cases), Texas (17 cases) and Colorado (18 cases).
Since the first case in cattle was confirmed in late March, scientists and virologists have been working to figure out how it occurred. Nationally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is leading the research, but researchers at the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in Pullman are working the case locally.
While there’s been much research on zoonotic viruses — infections that spread between humans and animals — experts didn’t expect this recent transmission from birds to dairy cattle, says Kevin Snekvik, executive director of the diagnostic lab, located at Washington State University.
“This is a new situation that has not been diagnosed before,” Snekvik explains. “We’re still trying to figure it out.”
Snekvik’s lab is the only of its kind in the state, he says, making it one of the best places in the Pacific Northwest to research these viruses.
Earlier this month, the lab received a $1.5 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to identify and track respiratory pathogens — such as this recent strain of bird flu — that could spread from livestock to humans. It’s not common for bird flu to spread to humans, but this viral strain has already infected three people who were in contact with infected cows.
Snekvik’s lab had been working to explain the recent transmission for months before receiving the grant. In April when the first case was detected in Idaho, the lab’s staff rushed to the scene to confirm the case and sequence the virus’ genome. Put simply, they’re uncovering exactly what’s in the virus’ DNA.
By comparing the DNA they recovered to alreadyavailable samples from the USDA, the Washington virologists were able to reveal that cattle recently transported from Texas had brought the virus with them. However, they haven’t been able to decipher exactly how the original viral transmission happened.
They’ve also partnered with University of Washington Medicine to study the virus’ transmission, with WSU’s lab dealing with any cases that have been found in animals and UW Medicine working to understand how it’ll affect humans. The two organizations are still figuring out how they want to work together.
“We’re still working with UW Medicine to figure out what that partnership really looks like,” Snekvik says.
KNOWN AND UNKNOWN
Virologists have struggled to understand how this virus is transmitted because it’s been affecting different species differently, Snekvik says.
Typically, bird flu is a respiratory infection that spreads rapidly between wild birds and is often highly pathogenic, killing infected birds quickly.
However, in other species like cats and raccoons the virus usually attacks the brain.
Snekvik says the running theory is that in some cases, animals are feeding on the carcasses of an infected bird and the virus travels through the animal’s nose up to its brain. More often than not, he says, a bird flu infection in those cats and raccoons is deadly.
But in dairy cows, the virus is taking root in their mammary glands, ultimately affecting their milk production. The vast majority of cows recover from the infection and can go right back to producing at their full capacity.
“The positive on what we see over time is that [dairy cows] are developing antibodies, and they don’t appear to be able to be reinfected,” Snekvik says. “Their natural immune system seems to be working effectively against this virus.”
Snekvik is confident in his lab’s ability to understand what’s going on with this new transmission, because of how much they know about influenza viruses.
“The fact that this happens with influenza is a good thing because we understand influenza better than other viruses,” he explains. “With COVID, very little was known about its transmission, making it a lot scarier to the public.”
However, since the infection is taking place in cows’ mammary glands, the virus is making its way into the milk they produce. While that can be scary, he says that the act of pasteurizing the milk completely deactivates the virus.
“Studies have shown that pasteurization has protected humans for almost 100 years now,” he says.
Scientific assistant Azeza Falghoush prepares samples for DNA sequencing at the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.
PHOTO COURTESY OF WSU COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE/TED S. WARREN
DAIRY DILEMMA
Idaho has one of the largest dairy industries in the country, generating close to $11 billion in sales among its more than 600,000 dairy-producing cows, so it’s no surprise that the state has also recorded the most bird flu cases in its herds.
Rick Naerebout, who runs the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, says dairy farmers are doing everything they can to prevent further transmission of bird flu in the state’s herds, but they’re restricted by a lack of knowledge on this new viral strain.
“Our dairymen are taking as many preventative measures as possible,” he explains. “It seems more luck of the draw because everything has been so variable.”
After Idaho recorded its first case of bird flu in dairy cattle on April 2, infections in cattle initially spread slowly, with about two weeks between each new infection. By midMay, new infections were being recorded every few days, USDA data show. Then on May 30, Idaho saw eight cases of bird flu recorded in one day.
Most of the confirmed cases have been in Magic Valley, which Naerebout says isn’t surprising as the region houses about 75% of the state’s dairy farms.
Naerebout has worked in Idaho’s dairy industry for more than two decades, and he says that these outbreaks aren’t anything to panic about yet. Snekvik agrees, stating that the new infections are really just a symptom of the world we live in.
“The world is more complicated and interconnected than it’s ever been before,” Snekvik says. “That’s why we’re seeing this affect other species than just birds.”
While this virus is usually deadly to the birds who carry it, it’s only really been causing minor symptoms in
dairy cows, including a drop in appetite, fever, and an offcolor, off-texture milk. But the reduction in milk production can be costly for dairy farmers.
“Most productive herds are taking a big hit on their revenue when they record an infection,” Naerebout says. “Some dairymen are seeing as much as a 20% reduction in milk production in the worst-case scenario. Other dairymen are only seeing a small 5% drop in production.”
After the May 30 surge in cases, transmission slowed
back to an infection every few days, leading Naerebout to think the state’s starting to recover.
“I’ve been talking to dairy producers, and it’s feeling like we may be through the worst of it,” he tells the Inlander during a June 17 interview. Since then, there have been four more confirmed cases in Idaho.
In total, Idaho has recorded 26 confirmed cases since April 2, with 17 confirmed cases in the last 30 days, according to USDA data. The only state that actually comes
There have been 121 confirmed bird flu cases in cattle across 12 states. USDA MAP
close to the recent transmission is Colorado, which has recorded 14 confirmed cases of bird flu in the last month.
Both Snekvik and Naerebout recommend that farmers who think their cattle may be infected reach out to their state veterinarian. In Washington, that’s Amber Itle with the state’s Department of Agriculture. In Idaho, that’s Scott Leibsle with that state’s Department of Agriculture.
HUMAN HAZARD?
Meanwhile, there have only been three instances where farm workers have contracted the recent strain of bird flu, all of which occurred on the job while working with a sick cow. And while it’s not entirely known how they were infected, the presumed route of infection has been through their eyes, the New York Times has reported.
In two of the three farmworkers, the primary symptom of their infection was pink eye (or conjunctivitis), which is atypical of a bird flu infection. So far, none of the three infections have spread to other humans.
However, according to Yoshihiro Kawaoka, a virologist and bird flu expert at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, there is no guarantee that the virus won’t mutate and become easily transmissible between humans, the New York Times reported.
Viral mutation isn’t uncommon to researchers as similar instances have occurred many times before. In 2009, a swine flu (H1N1) outbreak saw nearly 500,000 human infections around the globe and more than 18,000 people died from it, according to the World Health Organization.
Even though this recent avian flu outbreak hasn’t effectively spread between humans, Anice Lowen, a virologist at Emory University, says the real danger may come if a farmworker is infected with both bird flu and a seasonal flu virus at the same time, the New York Times reported. This could cause the two flu viruses to swap genes, effectively adding the efficient spread of a seasonal flu virus to the bird flu virus, creating an outbreak that could more easily spread between humans.
“Anything we can do to limit seasonal infection in people that are occupationally exposed to H5N1 could really reduce risk,” Lowen told the Times n
coltonr@inlander.com
Painted Streets
It’s not just the Pride flag near Riverfront — Spokane is using traffic ticket money to paint unique street murals across the city
BY NATE SANFORD
Aprogram to fund street art in Spokane keeps getting attention for all the wrong reasons.
In 2022, the Spokane City Council passed a three-year pilot program called Asphalt Art, which set aside nearly $1 million to pay for colorful crosswalks and street murals across the city.
The large Pride flag on Spokane Falls Boulevard was the first mural to be painted through the program. It’s had a rocky tenure: Since its installation in June 2023, the mural has been subject to repeated anti-LGBTQ+ vandalism.
In May this year, a few weeks after it was repainted to cover previous vandalism, a group of people set the mural on fire. Community members raised $15,000 to help fix the damage. But on June 5, just hours after it was repainted yet again, police arrested three young people who allegedly yelled a homophobic slur at a witness and used Lime scooters to create skid marks on the mural. On June 11, the mural was vandalized yet again, this time with paint.
The repeated vandalism has put the mural in the spotlight — prompting debate over how the city spends money and vitriolic commentary from culture war media aggregators like Libs of TikTok.
But the ongoing noise overshadows the fact that the Pride mural is only one part of a larger effort to create street art across the city. In addition to the Riverfront mural, the Asphalt Art program was created to fund street murals in each of Spokane’s 29 neighborhood council districts.
Only one neighborhood — Hillyard — has finished choosing a design and painting its mural so far. But Shelby Allison, who manages the Asphalt Art program for Spokane Arts, a nonprofit contracted to administer the
program, says people should expect to see many more over the coming year.
“It’s crazy, because the only part of the program that has been getting any visibility is the one that’s had the problems with being defaced,” Allison says. “But there’s a lot more happening.”
The Asphalt Art program is funded by money from the city’s traffic calming fund, which collects revenue from the city’s automatic red light and speeding cameras.
The traffic calming fund is typically used to pay for traditional infrastructure designed to slow drivers down, such as stop signs and speed bumps. But City Council member Zack Zappone and others who advocated for the Asphalt Art program say research has shown that colorful murals in the street can have similar effects.
Of the nearly $1 million allocated to Asphalt Art, $300,000 was directed to fund two painted crosswalks in each of the three City Council districts. The rainbow Pride crosswalk on Perry Street, which has also been subject to repeated vandalism, was the first crosswalk funded through the program. Allison says the designs for the others will be different, and that an online portal will go live in coming months, allowing people to vote on where they’d like the rest of the artistic crosswalks to go.
The rest of the money — $672,750 — is set aside to fund intersection street murals in each of the city’s neighborhood council districts. Each neighborhood council has the opportunity to choose the location and work with a local artist on a design that fits their area’s themes and character.
The Hillyard neighborhood became the first to complete the process when they installed their mural at an intersection next to James J. Hill Park in early June this year. The neighborhood council worked with local artist Matt Smith to create a mural featuring two outstretched hands with rainbow-colored arms inside a sun — an homage to the Children of the Sun Trail. It also has images of a boxcar and a cowboy hat.
“Their neighborhood wanted to focus on the diversity in Hillyard,” Allison says. “They were really excited to apply because they don’t have a lot of city sponsored public art.”
The Manito/Cannon Hill neighborhood will become the second to complete the process when they begin installation of their mural on Monday, July 1.
The Manito mural, designed by local artist Chris Bovey, will be painted at an intersection on 25th Avenue next to The Scoop ice cream shop. It features an image of a turkey surrounded by lilacs, people on bikes, The Scoop ice cream truck and a wildcat — the mascot for nearby Wilson Elementary School.
Several other neighborhoods also have murals in the pipeline.
The Browne’s Addition Neighborhood Council has finalized a design with artist Carly Ellis and plans to begin painting in July. The Shiloh Hills Neighborhood Council is working with artist Susan Webber on a mural that will be painted in September. The Logan, West Central, Latah/ Hangman, Lincoln Heights and Chief Garry Park neighborhood councils are also in varying stages of design and connecting with artists, Allison says.
“We’re going to be very busy next year,” Allison says.
Twenty neighborhood councils have yet to apply to the program. Allison hopes the ones that are on the fence will decide to get involved once they see how the first few murals turn out. (The pilot project ends in December 2025; if it’s not renewed any unspent funds will return to the city.)
A few neighborhoods are opting out. During a town hall meeting earlier this month, Comstock Neighborhood Council Chair Jeff Mergler told City Council members that his neighborhood had explored a number of designs, but ultimately decided the project wasn’t feasible. The neighborhood had trouble finding a location that would meet all the parameters, and also worried about the mural fading and becoming an eyesore.
“We really tried to make this work for us, it just didn’t work out,” Mergler said. “We would rather have the money go back into the traffic calming budget.”
Grandview/Thorpe Neighborhood Council Chair Joy Sheikh said her neighborhood is also passing on the opportunity because of a lack of suitable locations.
Allison says she spoke with one other neighborhood council — she doesn’t want to name them — that was “completely not interested.” But other than that, she says there’s been a lot of enthusiasm.
“The neighborhoods are really excited about these,” Allison says. “It beautifies your neighborhood, and it’s a quick way to get some sort of traffic calming.”
When the murals eventually fade, Spokane Arts will help remove them, Allison says. If the city decides to extend the pilot program, the murals might get repainted or replaced with a different design.
There isn’t any data yet on the art’s effectiveness in Spokane, but Allison says the city is planning to install solar-powered traffic counters at several locations to track average speeds before and after the art is installed. n nates@inlander.com
Artist Matt Smith helped the Hillyard neighborhood design this new city-funded street mural next to James J. Hill Park. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO
Biennial Boost
Spokane switches to two-year budgets. Plus, tourism increases post-pandemic; and Indigenous climate programs get $9.3M.
Spokane has a massive structural budget deficit of roughly $50 million across all accounts. To prevent things from getting this bad again, the city is switching to a biennial budget cycle. The city previously operated on an annual budget cycle. The goal is to force city leaders away from the unsustainable short-term fixes — such as using one-time funds for ongoing expenses — that contributed to the current deficit. “We need to start thinking long term, we have to start thinking sustainably,” said Spokane City Council member Michael Cathcart, who listed switching to a biennial budget as one of his top priorities at the start of this year. Mayor Lisa Brown began advocating for the idea more recently. Most cities and towns in Washington operate on an annual budget, but two-year budget cycles aren’t unprecedented: The state Legislature operates on a two-year cycle, and so do Tacoma, Ellensburg, Kent, Bellevue, Pullman and many other cities. The City Council voted 6-1 to approve the change on Monday. Council member Jonathan Bingle said he supported the change, but still voted no because he didn’t like passing it as an emergency ordinance. (NATE SANFORD)
TOURISTS RETURN
According to the Economic Impact of Tourism report recently released by Visit Spokane, 9.77 million people visited Spokane in 2023. It was the first year since the pandemic that the city hosted more visitors than 2019, when 9.76 million people traveled to Spokane. The report says that visitors alone spent about $1.5 billion last year, resulting in a total economic impact of almost $2.3 billion — that includes not just what was spent on food, recreation, transportation and lodging, but the indirect effect those dollars had in the supply chain. Visitors spent about $414 million on eating and drinking, about $316 million on shopping, and about $127 million on recreation and entertainment. That’s about 8% more food and beverage spending, but less shopping and recreation spending than in 2019. Though the report didn’t account for inflation, it may be an important factor to consider. According to the U.S. Inflation Calculator, the cumulative rate of inflation between 2019 and 2023 was 19.2%. Since tourist spending overall only increased by about 6%, take-home profits from Spokane tourism last year were probably less than those in 2019. (ELIZA BILLINGHAM)
CLIMATE COLLEGES
Last year, the International Panel on Climate Change determined that the globe’s greenhouse gas emissions need to be halved by 2030 to prevent an irreparably warmed climate. Experts say to do that, we need to rely on Indigenous knowledge to implement locally appropriate solutions. To do that in Washington state, U.S. Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray and U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, all Washington Democrats, announced earlier this month that they secured $9.3 million in funding for six of the state’s community colleges, including Spokane Community College. The money will go toward the state’s Tribal Stewards Program. The program will bolster the colleges’ existing natural resources programs by partnering with local tribes — the Confederated Colville Tribes for SCC — to develop curriculum based on an Indigenous viewpoint of climate stewardship. The grant was awarded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with funds from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. “Tribal communities are on the front lines of the climate crisis, so it’s important that we do more to help Washington state’s Tribes build more resilient communities,” Murray said in a statement. (COLTON RASANEN) n
Look to Legislation
Fifty years after Expo ’74, The Lands Council’s Legislative Summit suggests real ideas for change
BY SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL
As a crowd of more than 200 people gathered on the riverside steps behind the Spokane Convention Center for a symbolic salmon ceremony last Friday, Darnell Sam, the salmon chief for the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, called tribal members young and old to join him up front.
Each spoke a few words of thanks for the water, and for the fish, and voiced the hope that salmon might one day return in a healthy way to the Spokane River.
Then, Sam turned toward the water and sang to the absent salmon in the language of his tribe, his voice echoing through the corridor, a solemn tribute to the fish.
Those present were attending the Legislative Summit, a callback event hosted by The Lands Council in honor of the 50th anniversary of Expo ’74, in collaboration with the tribal pillar, one of five groups that have been hosting events throughout this summer.
Earlier in the morning, during a breakout session on indigenous rights, Sam spoke about the salmon ceremony and the deep connection we all have with nature.
“It might seem cliche that water is life, but really it’s not just water, it’s what’s within the water,” Sam said. “We need to educate the people that we are working with to understand: Bring yourself back to the land. When you go to dig roots, put your hand in the dirt and shake hands with Mother Earth. When you go to the water,
shake hands with the water. You’ll feel the spirit of her, and it’ll renew you.”
The Legislative Summit was modeled after a very similar symposium held during Expo. Unfortunately, the original event never led to the legislative changes that its planners had envisioned might help the environment, said Amanda Parrish, Lands Council executive director, as she opened the summit on Friday morning.
“No elected officials or policymakers were at those discussions,” Parrish said. “It seems that not enough policy was put into place.”
This time, in hopes of inspiring actual change, organizers ensured that several lawmakers from across the state attended the June 21 event to hear from regional leaders in a variety of areas, including: Indigenous rights; child care, youth and education; climate and the environment; housing and homelessness; and health disparities.
“I think it’s high time that we the people of the Inland Northwest celebrate ourselves as the environmental leaders that we are,” Parrish said.
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
Each of the breakout sessions discussed countless actionable ideas. The facilitators from each session shared their takeaways at the end of the day.
In the Indigenous rights breakout, state Rep. Chris Stearns, D-Auburn, heard from members of several regional tribes. Major ideas included removing the lower Snake River dams to restore
property to Native Americans who lost their lands, ensuring that tribal youth have the opportunity to leave school as needed to gather traditional foods, and ensuring that tribes have enough health care providers as they face health issues from legacy contamination and are impacted by the opioid crisis.
Stearns told the breakout group he was inspired to look at ensuring students can receive credit when they leave class for subsistence gathering. He also said he’ll continue working on how the state locates green energy projects, as they shouldn’t infringe on sovereign tribal rights.
The environmental breakout session similarly focused on ensuring that environmental projects don’t place undue burdens on low-income people. One bill they hoped could move forward would support distributed energy generation, spreading out new renewables rather than creating massive wind or solar farms.
The immigrant and refugee group suggested that there is more work to be done to ensure language access, particularly when it comes to the ability to vote and participate in local decision making. The group also suggested that regional universities could build public-private housing for refugees similar to the Thrive International apartments that are underway in partnership with the Spokane Public Library.
The housing group highlighted the importance of building more housing and of passing stronger renter protections so people can continue to afford to stay in their homes.
The health disparity group discussed the importance of medical education so providers truly understand the needs of their patients. They suggested telehealth could expand access to care and reduce climate impacts.
The child care and education group focused on the dramatic impacts that early childhood education can have on a person’s life, and how it’s essential to break the school to prison pipeline. Minority and low-income neighborhoods are disproportionately hot due to a lack of shade, which can affect mood and health, and the group suggested continued tree canopy work.
“Nothing is stopping us from being leaders and responding boldly and justly to the current climate crisis,” Parrish said at the conclusion of the event. “These sessions have really highlighted the breadth of our environmental challenges, but also showcase the solutions that we are capable of when we work together.” n samanthaw@inlander.com
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Darnell Sam, second from right, was joined by state Rep. Chris Stearns, left, and Gov. Jay Inslee, second from left, for a symbolic salmon ceremony with other tribal leaders. SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL PHOTO
Inside the City
David Gregg operates a plate damper at a grind and overlay project on North Havana Street at East Sprague Avenue. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO
Spokane is a city of 230,000 people. Here’s what it takes to keep the city running every day
BY NATE SANFORD
It’s no secret that Spokane’s budget is in a rough place.
The city is facing a $25 million hole in its general fund, and the structural budget deficit across all accounts is estimated to be nearly $50 million. There’s no easy solution.
This spring, Mayor Lisa Brown proposed adding a massive property tax levy to the August ballot that would raise $192.5 million over five years to fill gaps in the budget and avoid layoffs. The idea of raising taxes was controversial, and in May, Brown decided to pull the levy lid lift plan, which would’ve cost the median homeowner an additional $323 each year. However, she says the city’s financial problems are far from solved, and that a levy will still be necessary in the future.
City leaders are now in the process of a midyear budget review. There’s lots of talk about “tightening belts,” “sharpening pencils” and finding ways to make cuts while still maintaining the services necessary to keep the city running.
The looming deficit and debate over “essential” services raise questions about what a city is for. For all the complaints about wasted tax dollars, it can be easy to forget about the aspects of government spending that actually do work — the day-to-day maintenance and bureaucratic tasks that keep a city from falling apart. It’s the work that keeps the water flowing and the traffic lights blinking; the stuff that’s so essential you don’t even realize it’s there until it’s gone.
Spokane is Washington’s second-largest city — its government a complicated ecosystem of people and processes with a $1.2 billion budget and about 2,000 employees. Just making sure the trash is picked up each week can be a herculean feat of logistics.
To better understand the often-overlooked work that keeps the city running on a daily basis, we tagged along with workers who repair streets, respond to parking complaints, filter the wastewater, manage building permits and build street signs. This is a snapshot of the unseen work that goes into keeping a growing city of nearly a quarter million people running every single day.
311 CUSTOMER SERVICE
(555 calls answered per day)
Joshua Kent is dealing with a parking problem.
It’s late morning in Spokane’s 311 customer service center on the ground floor of City Hall. Kent is at his desk, which has three computer monitors, a pour-over coffee maker, a poster of a tropical beach and a telephone with a frustrated citizen on the other end.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Kent tells the caller, with patience. “I’d be more than happy to look into that for you.”
The man on the other end of the call explains that a black Hummer has been parked outside of his house in the Five Mile Prairie neighborhood for some time, seemingly abandoned. He reported it to the city close to three weeks ago and still hasn’t seen any action.
Kent, a customer service supervisor with 311, has dealt with this before. Parking is “always a hot topic,” he says.
Kent tells the caller that, unfortunately, parking enforcement isn’t a swift process. An officer with code enforcement is going to have to take multiple trips out to the vehicle to verify that it hasn’t
ABOVE: Customer Service Supervisor Sascha Hoffman, left, helps Rebecca Roloff at the Spokane 311 customer service center. LEFT: Customer Service Supervisor Joshua Kent takes a follow-up call.
YOUNG KWAK PHOTOS
moved and attempt to provide warnings before actually taking action, he says.
The man on the phone says he’s a mechanic and jokes about taking matters into his own hands.
“Well, I wouldn’t recommend that you sell parts off,” Kent says with a laugh. “That might get you into some other problems that you probably don’t want to deal with.”
Spokane’s 311 department answers an average of 555 calls like this every day. It’s the city’s all-purpose customer service hotline — the number people call to report problems and ask questions about basically anything related to life in the city.
“Every day is different,” says Sascha Hoffman, another customer service supervisor. “You’re never bored.”
311 is the number you call when your garbage isn’t picked up on time, or if you need help with utility billing or signing up for park activities. It’s also how you register a bike or request maintenance on a parking kiosk. People call to report potholes, illegal camping, graffiti, debris in right-of-ways, abandoned vehicles and a host of other issues. The department is staffed by 16 people.
“...being able to help people with the problems in their lives — large and small — is the best part of the job.”
“There’s a lot to our job because of all the departments we assist,” Kent says. “We support the whole city.”
The average call time is two-and-a-half minutes, though Kent says that can vary wildly. The department also gets an average of 83 emails and 60 walk-in requests per day.
People sometimes call with problems or questions that have nothing to do with city operations. Hoffman says one woman calls regularly to ask what day it is. Kent says he’s had a number of senior citizens call with questions like “What’s the phone number for my bank?”
Those questions aren’t technically the city’s responsibility, but staff do their best to help anyway. Sometimes people just want someone to listen, Hoffman says.
“They just want to feel heard,” she says. “If there’s something we can do to help, we do. Otherwise we just listen.”
As the public’s first point of contact with the city, 311 staff occasionally get caught in the crossfire when the city’s politicians do something controversial.
“When you hear of a meeting or some sort of declaration that’s been made, you’re like ‘Oh, that’s gonna be a hot point,’” Hoffman says.
Hoffman says the current hot topic is the Riverfront Park Pride mural, which has been subjected to repeated vandalism this month. Some callers aren’t happy about the idea of the city paying for anything related to the LGBTQ+ community. When those calls come in, Hoffman says staff try to explain the basics of how the mural is funded through tickets from the city’s red light cameras. Staff sometimes have to transfer the calls to the mayor or City Council offices.
Callers occasionally get angry and blame 311 staff for things they can’t control. But Hoffman says those calls are rare. Most people are really thankful that someone is there to help, she says.
“I always call us bartenders,” she says. “Because people just tell us their problems all the time.”
Kent and Hoffman say that being able to help people with the problems in their lives — large and small — is the best part of the job. A missed garbage pickup or a pothole on your street can be a big inconvenience, and it means a lot to people when someone is there to help fix it.
“I can hear the thankfulness in their voice,” Kent says. “It makes me happy that I got to help someone have a little bit better of a day.”
STREETS (13 potholes filled per day)
When someone reports a pothole to 311, the information gets passed on to the city’s Streets Department, which has up to four two-person crews assigned to pothole duty each day.
The department filled 4,700 potholes last year, and 2,216 so far this year. It’s a relentless battle.
Spokane’s climate makes it uniquely susceptible to potholes and road damage. When temperatures drop below freezing at night and then rise during the day, it creates a freeze-thaw cycle that causes water underground to expand and contract. The city is built on top of an aquifer, which also presents unique challenges.
“In a lot of areas, we’ve got water attacking us from both directions,” says Jared Thomas, the Streets Department manager. “You’ve got the surface water, and then you’ve got water coming up from the ground. And that’s the killer of the streets.”
The department prioritizes potholes based on the level of severity citizens report to 311. Crews aim to respond to the worst potholes — known as “level threes” — within
two business days of them being reported.
Thomas will sometimes get calls from people asking why Spokane’s streets don’t look like other cities in warmer areas.
“I’m like, ‘Yeah, it’s hot all the time in Arizona,’” he says. “‘They aren’t dealing with what we’re dealing with here.’”
It’s midafternoon, and Thomas is standing on North Havana Street, just off Sprague, where a city crew is working on a grind and overlay project. The sun is high, and you can feel heat radiating off the fresh asphalt. Grind and overlay, also known as milling and resurfacing, involves grinding off the top two inches of a distressed street and replacing it with a fresh layer of asphalt. City crews complete about 12 miles of grind and overlay work each construction season, Thomas says. If the base of a street is strong, a grind and overlay project can extend its life by 15 to 20 years, he says.
Another city worker pulls up next to Thomas in a truck and explains that the project ran into an issue
earlier in the day, when, after tearing up the road, workers discovered an outdated style of vehicle-detecting pressure plate buried under the street.
The old pressure plates were an unexpected challenge, but the crew on Havana Street still managed to dig them out and install the modern, copper wire loops the city uses to detect cars through magnetic fields and send signals to traffic lights.
Most Spokane traffic signals run on copper loops in the ground, but some intersections use camera-detection technology.
Byron Vasecka, a signal foreman with the city, can monitor those cameras in real time from the Streets Department’s signal room. There, a computer screen with a live map displays the status of traffic lights across Spokane.
“It’s kind of neat,” Vasecka says, pulling up a live video of cars waiting at the intersection of Division and Francis. “We can pull up reports with the software, we can get movement counts, we can get all kinds of stuff.”
The city of Spokane operates about 270 traffic signals, Vasecka says. The number is growing every year.
Down the hall from the signal room, Dan Martin is working on a more analog form of traffic management: street signs.
Martin is the city’s sign painter. You’ve definitely seen his work: He’s been with the department for 32 years, and he’s the man responsible for creating almost every street sign in the city.
The city buys stop signs from a third party (it’s cheaper), but pretty much every other type of sign is made in-house by Martin. He makes the signs for street names, speed limits, one-way roads, U-turns, pedestrian crossings, dead ends, no parking areas, road closures, railroad crossings and much more.
“Our inventory is right up around 100,000,” he says.
The city tries to replace all street name signs
— known as “D3s” — at least every 15 years, Martin says. If a sign gets damaged or stolen they’ll replace it immediately. Whenever the city does a major repaving project, they’ll try to replace every sign in the area that’s at least four years old.
That means Martin ends up making around 4,000 signs for the city each year. About half are printed using a computer plotter, and half are made using a silkscreen printing method, he says.
The Streets Department has about 100 employees. Thomas, the manager, says about 60 work on the maintenance side, while the rest are split between signals and lights, signs and markers, and engineering.
“I never would have thought how much went into streets,” Thomas says. “It takes a lot to keep a city running.”
TOP LEFT: Sign Painter Dan Martin organizes signs in the sign fabrication area at the Streets Department. BOTTOM LEFT: Signal Foreman Byron Vasecka monitors traffic signals in the city’s signal and lighting shop.
YOUNG KWAK PHOTOS
INSIDE THE CITY
WASTEWATER (34 million gallons recycled per day)
When a site is chosen for street maintenance, workers will send out a notice to other city departments in case they have infrastructure in the area that might present challenges. It’s especially important for the city’s wastewater and water departments.
“All their infrastructure runs in the streets,” Thomas says. “We work with those departments pretty closely.”
There are 871 miles of sanitary sewer lines and 363 miles of stormwater lines running beneath Spokane’s streets. They lead to the city’s Riverside Park Water Reclamation Facility, which sits on the edge of the Spokane River in northwest Spokane.
The complex is the largest of its kind in Eastern Washington — a feat of engineering that sees more than 34 million gallons of wastewater from Spokane’s toilets, sinks and showers treated and pumped into the Spokane River each day. It also handles stormwater, the rain and snowmelt that runs off city streets.
The plant follows the rhythms of the city. The flow of water entering the facility peaks in the mornings when people are showering and getting ready for work. It dips during the afternoon, and then peaks again in the early evening when people return home.
When the wastewater first arrives at the plant, it’s sent to the headworks building, where it is pumped through a series of perforated plates designed to filter out objects larger than 8 millimeters.
The room smells like chemicals and sewage. Baby wipes, rocks, and unidentifiable clumps of green and brown sludge are splayed out on a series of metal screens. If you’ve ever flushed something down the toilet that wasn’t supposed to be there — a condom, a plastic bag, a goldfish, a cotton swab — it probably ended up here.
“We’ve gotten rubber duckies in there,” says Kyle Arrington, the interim manager of the wastewater plant.
The filters can be sped up in case there’s a big surge in stormwater entering the plant, but right now, the dregs and sludge of an entire city are rotating at the speed of a supermarket rotisserie chicken spinner. It’s kind of mesmerizing.
“I used to have to sample these all the time,” Arrington yells over the roar of machinery.
After the solid objects are filtered out, the wastewater
is sent to grit basins, which remove the heavier solids like eggshells, sand, coffee grounds and gravel that made it through the filters. The facility removes about 300 tons of debris each year.
From there, the wastewater is sent to primary clarifiers — massive 1.2 million gallon tanks that slow the flow of water and allow remaining solids to settle at the bottom and concentrate.
The clarifiers were covered in 2013 to reduce odors for the people who live nearby. The wastewater team has also taken steps to reduce light and noise pollution from the plant, which is staffed by about 36 people, Arrington says.
“We want them to not even know we exist,” he says.
Some parts of the plant have a musty, chlorine-tinged odor that’s noticeable at times, but never unbearable. Walking through the plant on a warm June morning, it’s easy to forget that the bodily waste of a quarter million people is pumping beneath your feet.
After the primary clarifiers, the water moves to large open tanks called aeration basins. At this point, the water is light brown and foamy.
“We call this mixed liquor,” Arrington says.
The basins pump air into the water to help with denitrification. It’s a delicate chemical process — like a “giant petri dish,” he says. “Really, we’re converting that ammonia into nitrogen that goes into the atmosphere, as well as destroying all the volatile compounds and organics and things that could be in there.”
Arrington studied microbiology in college. While he explains the intricacies of the chemical process, another worker tests the pH and dissolved oxygen levels of the water in the basin. The facility has a full analytical laboratory on site, and regularly sends test results to the state Department of Ecology. Researchers can also test the wastewater to see how prevalent diseases like COVID-19 are in the community.
The chemicals people put in wastewater are a constant concern, Arrington says. Cleaning supplies, pesticides, cosmetics, food packaging and pharmaceuticals all present challenges for the water quality. Residents can find resources for how to properly dispose of various chemicals and pharmaceuticals at my.spokanecity.org/ solidwaste/hazardous.
“There’s a lot of chemicals that we’re worried about now, but it’s hard because they’re so prevalent in the community,” he says. “We sample for a lot of things, but you have to know what you’re looking for before you analyze it.”
After the aeration basins, the water moves to the secondary clarifiers, which are open to the air. A layer of sludge settles at the bottom, and the water on top appears clearer.
Several ducks — real ones, not rubber — are swimming in the secondary clarifiers, seemingly unbothered by the smell. It’s a strange sight.
“We always have ducks in there,” Arrington says. “Makes you think differently about eating duck a little bit, but they tend to enjoy it.”
After the secondary clarifiers, the water moves to the membrane facility for what’s known as “next level treatment.” The facility is a recent addition to the wastewater plant that went fully online in 2022. It has more than 4,000 modules, each one packed with more than 6,000 tiny fiber membranes smaller than a human hair. The water is pumped through the membranes to remove heavy metals, PCBs and phosphorus.
After the membranes, the water is pumped to contact basins for final disinfection. Then it goes to what’s known as the “outfall,” where it gets pumped into the Spokane River.
The final stage in the process is surprisingly quaint. After flowing through hundreds of millions of dollars of machinery, the water enters the Spokane River through what almost looks like a natural waterfall. It’s mossy and covered in rocks — a return to nature.
“I’d fish there,” Arrington says, watching the filtered water as it flows into the river.
The reclamation facility has changed a lot since it was first built in 1958. Spokane is growing quickly, and workers have added numerous pieces of new equipment to keep up with the growing demand.
“You always need redundancy as the city grows and as we get more flow,” Arrington says. “The work never stops, you can always make it better.”
...continued on page 24
LEFT: Interim Plant Manager Kyle Arrington walks along an aeration basin.
RIGHT: Recyled wastewater enters the Spokane River via the treatment facility’s outfall.
NATE SANFORD PHOTOS
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BUILDING PERMITS
(23 residential construction permits issued per business day)
If you want an up-close view of Spokane’s growth, look no further than the city’s Development Services Center, which is responsible for reviewing permit applications for new building construction, interior remodeling and a host of other projects.
“It’s a fascinating perspective of the city,” says Nicole White, a permit technician.
White is responsible for reviewing the permit applications that come in to make sure they’re compliant with a variety of state and local building codes. She handles everything from swimming pools, decks, fences and signage on new businesses to backyard units and multifamily conversions.
The 57-person department has had an incredibly busy year. In 2023, the permit team processed 1,340 residential unit permits, the highest number on record since 1995, and a 56% increase over the prior four-year average.
“Opening up the zoning allowed a lot of people to build and try different things,” White says. “We’ve had to evolve and adapt our processes to handle those.”
The team has processed, reviewed, inspected and answered questions about a “truly magnifi-
cent” volume of permits, says Brian Walker, a city spokesperson. In May alone, the department issued 514 residential construction permits, an average of 23 per business day.
People can submit permit applications online or in person. Navigating the online permitting process is sometimes challenging for residential homeowners, White says, so it’s often helpful for people to come in person to the department’s office on the third floor of City Hall to get their questions answered.
The city’s permit team is there to “make sure things are built safely so the next homeowner doesn’t end up in a situation where they’re unsafe,” White says.
It’s late morning, and White is inspecting an application that just came in for a residential sewer repair.
“We used to have the actual physical sewer card files,” White says. “Sometimes we have to go back to the 1905 sewer card and try to interpret cursive from 100 years ago. It’s cool to see that history.”
Building codes have been around for a very long time. White notes that the “Code of Hammurabi,” written around 1750 B.C.
for a Babylonian king, is considered one of the first written examples of a legal building code. It declares, among other things, that if a builder constructs a home that collapses and kills the owner, the builder shall be put to death.
Spokane’s building codes are far less draconian. But the main idea — that a codified set of rules can ensure safe living standards — is much the same.
“From hundreds of years ago, even thousands, we were creating codes to make sure that people were safe,” White says.
The amount of time it takes to get a permit approved can vary a lot depending on the project, but it’s typically about four weeks for commercial applications and two weeks for residential. White says she’s heard from contractors who’ve worked in other cities like Seattle who were impressed by how fast Spokane’s permit process is.
“Everyone here is very aware of the housing crisis,” she says.
Reaching out early in the planning process is the best way to ensure a building’s permitting goes smoothly, White says. People will occasionally complain about the red tape and say it feels like the city is trying to stop them from getting a permit, but that couldn’t be further from the truth, she says.
“No one is trying to stop anyone, we’re not out here just to get people,” White says. “We’re real people who will sit down and help you and listen and work towards a solution.” n nates@inlander.com
In Spokane’s heart, where rivers glide, A tale of dreams where hopes abide. Expo ’74’s vibrant air, A world’s fair beyond compare.
From pavilions grand to waters clear, A future’s vision, ever near. With pen and page, it captures all, e essence of e Fair and e Falls.
Stop by Auntie’s on Friday, June 14th at 7:00pm to hear Bill Youngs read from e Fair and the Falls and to answer your questions!
SPOKANE COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT
Permit Technician Nicole White reviews a residential sewer/water permit at the Development Services Center in City Hall.
What the Fair Left Behind
EXPO LEGACY
Spokane’s Riverfront Park — the city’s very heart and soul — is a constant reminder of all that the world’s fair brought with it
BY BILL YOUNGS
In the vocabulary of world’s fairs, the “residual” is a vital element. It refers to what “resides” on the grounds after a fair is over. Seattle’s Century 21 left a notable residual in the form of a pleasant park and the iconic Space Needle. We in Spokane owe much to Seattle’s fair: Our planners benefited from advice and encouragement from Seattle’s leaders. “You can do it,” they said, when they might have jealously guarded the secrets to their success.
That said, Expo ’74’s residual is even more impressive than Seattle’s. Riverfront Park is more centrally located, right at the core of our downtown, and in
All Good Things…
Expo ’74’s closing day was one of the most bittersweet in all of Spokane’s history. Satisfaction at hosting a wonderful exposition mingled with regret that the fair was now over. Nonetheless, journalist Dorothy Powers predicted, “Expo will ‘erupt’ into its ending, rather than dwindle.” The Opera House did its part with entertainment that included legends like Guy Lombardo, Cab Calloway and Ella Fitzgerald.
On Nov. 3, the final day, 62,438 visitors came — the biggest crowd since Opening Day. Unlike Opening Day, when fairgoers were greeted with magnificent weather, it was the coldest day of the fair, with a high temperature of a frigid 42 degrees. Visitors toured the grounds for a last
addition to a pleasant green space it features (sound the trumpets) the most dramatic riverscape of any American city.
Moreover, the park has continued to evolve during the half-century since the fair. The old YMCA building, which stood before and during Expo, has been replaced by a lovely meadow. The historic Looff Carrousel is housed in an attractive new building. Skaters can enjoy the ice ribbon in the winter, and improvements in the pavilion include the spectacular light show in the framework above.
THANKS TO EXPO 50 PILLAR CHAIRS!
Expo Legacy:
Kerry Lynch, Ben Stuckart
Tribal Culture:
Margo Hill
Environmental Stewardship:
Amanda Parrish
Recreation & Sport:
Ashley Blake, Jennifer Papich
Arts & Culture:
Karen Boone, Marguerite Di Mauro, Yvonne Montoya Zamora
The most impressive feature of Riverfront Park is its extraordinary history — the transformation from a locale of urban clutter to the space we now enjoy. Many park-goers, perhaps most, assume that the hilly landscape was laid out eons ago by Mother Nature, rather than built with the energy and imagination of hundreds of civic leaders and thousands of citizens 50 years ago. It is a wonderful story and deserves to be better known.
In recent years, local citizens have met and formed Friends of Riverfront Park and the King Cole Commemoration Project (innovia.org/stories/kccp). The KCCP was tasked with finding a suitable way to honor the visionary genius behind Expo ’74. As a historian and a member of that committee, I was pleased to see the group come to an agreement that the best way to memorialize the story of our world’s fair was with a modest statue of Cole himself along with signage about the history of the fair. We selected a wonderful proposal by Dorothy Copenhaver Fellows, who also sculpted the statue of the Vietnam soldier in the park. We’ve raised almost $200,000 for the memorial. In the mind of this historian, the task of honoring the creation of our wonderful park awaits the building of this monument.
look at the pavilions and IMAX, and had another look at the roaring Spokane River. Although Expo planners had failed to improve the weather, they did (with an assist from Washington Water Power) improve the flow of water over the falls during this the low-water season, making for a memorable day.
Spokane’s mayor, David Rodgers, offered a pithy assessment of the fair’s success: “Reduced to its essentials, we gave a great big party and the rest of the world came and paid the bill!” (BILL YOUNGS)
The fair’s gift that keeps on giving: Riverfront Spokane.
EXPO 50 EVENTS Some Never Left!
Visitors by the hundreds of thousands came to Spokane in 1974 for the fair. Most returned to homes across the United States and around the world, but some stayed, attracted by the beauty of the setting and the energy of the citizens.
Craig Volosing, who led the official Expo band, came to the fair and stayed on. Californians Keith and Caroline Lamotte came to Expo. In the IMAX Theater, they saw something familiar: a scene of people trapped in a traffic jam. “We just looked at each other,” Caroline Lamotte said. “That was us.” A year later, they became Spokanites.
In a sense, I was one of the folks drawn to Spokane by the fair. With a recent Ph.D. and year-old twins and my wife to support, I needed a job. When I visited
INDIGENOUS & ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FEST
June 28-29 | The Garland | Noon-7 pm
The Tribal Culture Pillar continues with a strong lineup of inspiring films. Hear from visiting filmmakers and local leaders, and explore ways to engage in making our communities stronger and healthier. The themes on screen flow like water through tribal culture, environmental stewardship, climate change, human rights and returning salmon, and include Smoke Signals, Bones of Crows, Inhabitants, Covenant of the Salmon People and more. Admission: $10-$25
in ’74
LEastern Washington University for an interview in 1972, I already had an offer from a college in Virginia. But EWU and Spokane seemed special. The Union Pacific trestles were still standing, but Expo was in the air. Having accepted a position at Eastern, I recall bragging to friends, “Spokane is going to have a World’s Fair!” At the time that seemed pretty terrific.
And it still does! (BILL YOUNGS)
Bill Youngs has been your tour guide via the Expo 50 stories you have been reading in this space since May 2. An EWU history professor, he’s the author of the definitive history of Expo, The Fair and the Falls — now available in an updated 2024 edition .
ICCU 4TH OF JULY AND EXPO 50TH CLOSING CEREMONIES
July 4 | Riverfront Park Pavilion | 4 - 10:30 pm
Join us at Riverfront Park in commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Expo ’74 at our Closing Ceremonies, complete with fireworks! Come early to enjoy the Summer Carnival, featuring thrilling rides and delicious treats. Remember to bring your blankets and low-backed chairs for a comfortable viewing experience of the spectacular fireworks, which will light up the sky at 10 pm.
took its place on the city skyline, and the Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden opened in Manito Park. Also in ’74, the Greater Spokane Community Foundation was established. Later known as the Inland Northwest Community Foundation, and since 2018 called Innovia, it builds connections with donors, communities, volunteers and partners across 10 counties in Eastern Washington, 10 counties in North Idaho and six tribal communities.
ots of local institutions trace important moments in their history back to 1974. Nordstrom and the River Park Square mall both opened in time for the flood of visitors. The still-beloved Clinkerdagger started serving prime rib, the Washington Trust Bank Tower THANK
SPOKANE HOOPFEST
June 29-30 | Downtown Spokane | starts at 8 am both days Spokane Hoopfest is the largest 3-on-3 outdoor basketball tournament on earth — over 6,000 teams, 3,000 volunteers, 225,000 fans, and 450 courts spanning 45 city blocks! Beyond basketball, it is an outdoor festival with shopping, food and interactive entertainment. Make sure to check out this year’s Hoopfest Ball for a tribute to the 50th Celebration of Expo ’74 — and shop during Hoopfest Weekend at the Hoopfest Store for Hoopfest x Expo ’74 merchandise!
For the full schedule of Expo 50th events, head to Expo50Spokane.com
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POETRY
Considering Mery
Mery Smith is discovering herself and helping others in her new role as Spokane’s poet laureate
BY MADISON PEARSON
At 38 years old, Mery Smith says she has just begun to live her life.
It took her about the same amount of time to consider herself a poet. Now, she holds the title of Spokane’s poet laureate, a cultural ambassador for both the written and spoken word.
Smith is the fifth poet to hold the title since Spokane Arts created the program in 2013, even though she never formally studied writing like her predecessors.
Growing up in Kettle Falls, Smith spent most of her formative years in the small town on the Colville River making books out of office paper and reading Frog and Toad. At 11 years old she moved to East Wenatchee, where she attended middle school, high school and Wenatchee Valley College. Smith then transferred to North Idaho College for her associate degree but essentially flunked out due to poor performance caused by alcoholism.
Throughout the whole ordeal, words brought her solace — the nostalgia of Frog and Toad, the letters that her older brother would write and read to her. She lived in a tent in her friend’s garage in
Coeur d’Alene and imagined fulfilling her dream of being an artist. She fell in love, got sober, had a baby, and then three more.
After attending poetry workshops held by former Spokane Poet Laureate Mark Anderson, who served from 2017 to 2019, Smith was finally able to start writing again.
“Six years ago I was wiping butts and cutting the crust off of sandwiches,” Smith says. “Being poet laureate was not on my radar. I took Mark’s classes, and for the entire time I was just head down because I couldn’t get over the fact that I felt so out of my league at that point because everyone had MFAs.”
Smith toyed around with the idea of going back to school but as a mom of four children, one who is disabled, it was out of the question. People in her life assured her that an MFA does not a poet make.
“So I started taking workshops,” she says. “Anytime I could get my hands on a workshop or a writing retreat, I just signed up and went. Then, one day, I looked at the list of qualifications
...continued after Hoopfest Guide, on page 29
Spokane’s fifth Poet Laureate Mery Smith, under the bridge in Peaceful Valley. ERICK DOXEY PHOTO
BIGGER THAN BASKETBALL
WELCOME BACK to Hoopfest 2024 and the Best Basketball Weekend on Earth! We’re excited to report that we’ve increased our numbers for the second consecutive year. Hoopfest may seem like just a basketball tournament to some, but to many people, including myself, Hoopfest is something bigger and more impactful — it’s a way to connect with family and friends who have a common bond through sports and Spokane, allowing everyone to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Over the last 34 years, Hoopfest has changed, but our goal of putting on the best 3-on-3 basketball tournament has never wavered. This is impossible to do without the players, volunteers and spectators who make Hoopfest what it is. We are so grateful for you and everybody who participates in Hoopfest. Thank you for allowing us to create this incredible event, and we hope your experience in Hooptown USA is one to remember!
Riley Stockton Hoopfest Executive Director
NAVIGATE THE WEEKEND
Find the schedule of events and the location of your court starting on page 11
HOOPFEST 2024 POSTER
On the cover of this Guide, you’ll see this year’s official poster by Spokane artist Jesse Pierpoint. Read all about it on page 16.
DESIGN ELEMENTS BY
HOOPFEST OFFICIAL EVENT GUIDE SPONSOR
Idaho Central Credit Union is excited to be part of the Spokane community, and we are here to serve you, no matter what your financial needs are. Stop by one of your local Spokane branches to see for yourself how we can help you achieve your financial success, or visit us online at iccu.com.
DON’T MISS A
THING
TEN CAPITAL TEAM CHECK-IN
Ten Capital Team Check-In will again be in the Central Plaza, just west of the Spokane Pavilion inside Riverfront Park. Ten Capital Team Check-In will be available during the following times: Thursday, June 27: 3 pm – 7 pm; Friday, June 28: 11 am- 7 pm.
LOG YOUR WINS
Mobile scoring is available, allowing you to drop off your score sheets at any of the Avista Scoring Kiosks located at: 1) Riverside and Post; 2) Main and Washington; 3) the Visit Spokane Information Center in Riverfront Park; 4) The Plaza in Riverfront Park (next to the Spokane Pavilion); and 5) the North Channel Bridge near the north entrance to Riverfront Park.
SPOKANE HOOPFEST STORE
Visit us at our new location in the US Pavilion Lobby, next to Northern Quest Center Court, presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods and featuring Hoopfest’s Local Corner, featuring exclusive Hoopfest/Great PNW gear. (To learn more, go to page 16.)
NORTHERN QUEST CENTER COURT
Hoopfest is thrilled to welcome back Northern Quest Center Court to the heart of the city, located under the Spokane Pavilion in Riverfront Park. Northern Quest Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Kalispel Tribe of Indians and has served the Inland Northwest as a community partner for more than two decades. Northern Quest Center Court will be the epicenter of excitement, featuring former college stars, local legends, national champions, and slam dunk extraordinaires. (To learn more, go to page 6.)
TEST YOUR SKILLS
You can win a 2024 RAV-4 with your half-court shot at the Toyota Shootoff, or try free throws and three-pointers in the Rodda Paint Contest Zone. And new for 2024, check out the Baden Bump Contest Zone, with three age-specific divisions. (To learn more, go to page 18.)
A COMMUNITY AFFAIR
Whether you’re a player or a spectator, the work of volunteers is what makes your Hoopfest weekend possible. We all know the numbers. It’s two days, hundreds of courts, thousands of teams and even more players. They all come together for the best basketball weekend on earth. Yet all that three-onthree hooping is made possible by an enormous team of volunteers — more than 3,000 of them.
Spokane is Hooptown USA because we make basketball happen here. But Hoopfest doesn’t happen without the volunteers. There are court monitors who keep each court running efficiently, assisted by the lunch-runners who keep them fed. A crew of behindthe-scenes workers lays the tape defining each court’s twopoint line while a platoon of helpers arrives to clean up all that tape and everything else after the event. No matter the job, every volunteer matters.
“Every year I want to come back,” says longtime court monitor Sharon Hedlund. “It’s always been fun.”
To volunteers like Hedlund, the long hours are worth it.
PARKING
“A lot of it is you get to watch the really fantastic plays and streetball they play. It’s a game of its own,” she adds.
As a court monitor, Hedlund is tasked with keeping the games going and flowing, making sure that the event goes on smoothly. It’s more than being a referee, though — it’s being a part of something that can sometimes span generations.
“I’ve always had a lot of fun, [and for years] I had a niece or a nephew I would drag down with me and they’d be my scorekeeper. So that was kind of cool. We’d hang out once a year and just spend a couple days together,” Hedlund says. “Oneon-one time, so that was nice.”
All parking garages are open during Hoopfest, with access provided to entrances and exits. Street parking where available is paid until 7 pm Saturday, but free all-day Sunday. The Parkade is offering day and weekend passes; more information can be found on the Hoopfest website under Travel. Please note that the Parkade closes at 9 pm.
Beyond the time with family and community, Hoopfest volunteers get some excellent perks. Court monitors who devote a full weekend’s time get a set of Under Armour gear, including shoes. Cool Hoopfest swag is where Idaho Central Credit Union also comes into play. Along with sponsoring this official event guide, ICCU also sponsors the shirts every volunteer gets to wear with pride: “We wanted to show our appreciation for the time and work the volunteers put into making Hoopfest such
Every year, volunteers put in the hours to make Hoopfest happen
a success,” says Clark Rasmussen, marketing sponsorship supervisor at ICCU. “We love the community involvement, economic development and opportunities that Hoopfest brings to Spokane.”
Like Sharon Hedlund, many volunteers continue to come back year after year to help make Hoopfest happen. “We’ve got volunteers that you see and you don’t see — typing in the scores, updating the brackets,” says Hoopfest Director of Volunteers and Staffing Chad Smith. “They’re just behind the scenes just doing that job; which is a lot of work, a lot of long hours.”
Hoopfest is working to draw another generation of volunteers that’s ready to help out with all that work, people who are ready to jump into the fray and keep the event running smoothly. It took the entire community to turn Spokane into Hooptown USA. It takes that community every single year to put on the greatest basketball weekend on earth, though the event’s effects continue to ripple out long after the last swish on Center Court.
So when you’re downtown for Hoopfest, you’ll see countless volunteers who make it all possible. Don’t forget to thank them — and think about joining the team as a volunteer yourself.
Visit ewu.edu/runningstart
CENTER COURT SLAM
Fifty years after it was the center of Expo ’74, the Spokane Pavilion is set to be the center of Hoopfest 2024
Located in the iconic Spokane Pavilion in the heart of Riverfront Park, Northern Quest Center Court is the place to catch the most high-level — and high-flying — action of the weekend.
Pull up a seat on the grass lawn of the amphitheater or post up on the elevated walkway for a bird’s eye view of the action. There’s not a bad seat in the house at Northern Quest Center Court. And this year there’s more reason than just the on-court action to draw you to the Pavilion, as the Hoopfest Store presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods is now located inside the Pavilion building.
The on-court action will be highlighted with a pair of elite division championship games on Sunday afternoon, as well as the impressive action of the MultiCare Slam Dunk Competition on both Saturday and Sunday.
There will be some serious intrigue around the dunk contest as Tyler “Ty” Cronk is looking to take home the trophy for a third straight year.
“It’s insane. That’s all I can really say,” Cronk says of the atmosphere at the MultiCare Slam Dunk Competition. “It’s all full of people in the stands, people standing around, phones are out, people are taking videos. It’s crazy. It’s like a high school game with the number one athlete in the world.”
Cronk hails from the Seattle area where he was a prolific athlete at the high school and college levels, particularly and unsurprisingly in the high jump, at which he claimed a state championship in high school. Considering his background in vertically inclined athletics, Cronk gave a sneak peek as
BUCKET-LIST TRIPS
New to Hoopfest Weekend is the FESTIVAL OF HOOPS, located on the 2nd floor of River Park Square. Hoopfest will be raffling off three exciting experiences: a trip to San Francisco for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game; a trip to New York City to watch GU take on UConn in Madison Square Garden; and a trip to Seattle for the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Raffle tickets can be purchased for $1 each from Saturday, June 22, through Sunday, June 30. Winners will be announced between the two Elite finals on Sunday afternoon at Northern Quest Center Court.
to what fans can expect from him at Northern Quest Center Court this time around.
“I’m just going to start jumping over people,” Cronk says. “The fans have seen the athletic, the twists and turns and the 360s, but now I’ve got to pull out some objects to go for the three-peat this year. Jumping over maybe some logos or maybe three guys or a group of kids. I dunno. I’m going to have to pull out some stuff.”
Catch Cronk and the other high-fliers in action at the MultiCare Slam Dunk Competition at 2 pm on Saturday and again for the finals on Sunday at 3 pm.
“You’ve got to be there,” Cronk says. “The energy, the atmosphere is just a hundred percent amazing. You’ve got to show up, got to be present, got to watch, maybe participate.”
ELITE FINALS
Immediately following the MultiCare Slam Dunk Competition finals on Sunday afternoon comes the pair of elite division championship games to cap off the greatest basketball weekend on earth.
First up is the Men’s 6-Foot-And-Under Xfinity Elite Championship, which is followed by the Men’s Open Xfinity Elite Championship. The Festival of Hoops Raffle drawing takes place at Northern Quest Center Court between the two games.
Fifty years after Expo ’74 brought the world to Spokane, the former United States Pavilion is drawing some of the best 3-on-3 basketball players from around the country. The Open Xfinity Elite bracket is loaded with recognizable faces, and the championship game regularly features some big names.
Last year, Former Gonzaga star Mike Hart was named the bracket’s MVP after helping lead his HUB Northwest team, along with former Eastern Washington Eagles Parker Kelly, Marc Axton and former Northwest Nazarene big man Robert Lippman, to the team’s fifth-straight Xfinity Elite championship.
After a long weekend of battling it out on the downtown pavement, there’s no better place to put a bow on Hoopfest than on the grass at Northern Quest Center Court.
Reigning slam dunk champ Ty Cronk
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HOOPTOWN ROYALTY
Meet the 2024 Hooptown Hall of Fame inductees
Adam Morrison
Terry Kelly
Gonzaga Prep Bullpups, Washington State University
With his jump shot, his college choice, and a harmonic convergence of player, coach and hungry audience, Kelly may well have been the true kick-starter for the basketball revolution we now call Hooptown USA. “A lot of what we created at Washington State in capturing the area’s imagination, I’m not sure happens without Terry Kelly,” his legendary college coach, George Raveling, once said.
At the state parochial school tournament in 1972, Kelly scored 51 of his Our Lady of Fatima team’s 58 points. At G-Prep, he would be All-City three times and shatter Dave Wood’s all-time scoring record.
“There’s no secret to getting better,” says Kelly. “You have to play. I had the passion. So I sought out every gym and every pickup game. My mom would drop me off, and I’d spend all day if I could.” Kelly, who was on the founding board of Hoopfest, also got to witness his son Parker not only help G-Prep win its first state basketball championship, but duplicate his own feat of playing on an NCAA Tournament team for Eastern Washington University.
Mead Panthers, Gonzaga University, Charlotte Bobcats, Los Angeles Lakers
High-octane competitiveness has always been the basketball essence of Adam Morrison. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 13, Morrison still made himself into one of the most feared, un-game-plannable offensive forces in college basketball history.
At Mead, he rewrote the Greater Spokane League record book with 1,904 points — 37 in the state championship. And off he went to Gonzaga — his only college offer. “I just wanted to not get redshirted,” Morrison recalls. “I felt I was good enough to play.”
The first time he touched the ball — in Madison Square Garden, no less — he let it fly. It was a 16-footer, contested. He made it.
“He turned us into a national brand,” acknowledged his coach, Mark Few.
As an NBA rookie, he averaged nearly 12 points a game. An ACL tear during the 2007-08 preseason derailed his career, even though he still won two championships with the Lakers.
But his story always comes back to Gonzaga and Spokane — aka, Hooptown. “The thing that I was most thankful for was I was never asked to change,” Morrison says. “I was allowed to play and be myself. That was a gift.”
Tammy Tibbles
The 2024 Hoopfest Hall of Fame dedication ceremony will be at the Hooptown USA court complex on the North Bank of Riverfront Park on Wednesday, June 26, from 6-9 pm. hooptownusa.com
Creston Comets, Gonzaga University
Coming out of the small Eastern Washington town of Creston, Tammy Tibbles took her game to Gonzaga University, where she would set the school scoring record. She also led the Zags to their first West Coast Conference championship.
At Creston, Tibbles was a legend, and in a sport — women’s basketball — that was still only a decade old as an official high school activity. Her rivalry with Reardan in those days would pack the house in a way no boys game ever could. She scored 35 points a game as a senior in 1984 while setting the state record. Now, with the women’s game rocketing up, she sees it as part of an evolution she and her teammates — and rivals — had something to do with.
“I love that Caitlin Clark is getting all this attention,” says Tibbles. “Anybody who’s dedicated to the game, excels at it and competes at that level — we all had a little pieces of promoting women’s sports to where it is today.”
Photos provided by Hoopfest
Linda Sheridan
Shadle Park Highlanders
Growing up in the Garland neighborhood, Linda Sheridan was Spokane through and through. But her moment of truth came 1,000 miles away in California at her first teaching and coaching gig upon graduating from Washington State University.
“I knew nothing about the sport,” Sheridan once said. “A bunch of eighth graders were looking at me with adulation… it changed my life.”
When she returned to her alma mater, Shadle Park, Sheridan brought a conviction that she owed her athletes an experience that couldn’t be measured solely by points. Her Highlanders measured up there, too, winning state in 1988 and ’89. After 10 trips to state, with seven GSL championships and a gym named in her honor, Sheridan would retire. She died in 2013 after a battle with ALS.
Sheridan’s partner of 37 years, Linda Wolcott, says it was never about winning, and that the number of her players who followed her into coaching speaks for itself.
“It became very clear,” Sheridan said about her first job, “how much influence you can have over kids’ lives. It’s really, really important to remember that this is for the kids.”
Larry Wendel Referee
Larry Wendel’s nearly 50-year officiating career started in the Spokane Valley church league. The pay was $5 per game. From there, Wendel made a steady climb: high school games, then junior colleges; eventually he would work Pac-10, Big Sky and West Coast Conference games — but, really, almost every night was booked.
“I’d do the Greater Spokane League games in the old Coliseum on a Tuesday night, a junior college game in Moses Lake on Wednesday, Gonzaga on a Thursday, back in the Coliseum on Friday night and then maybe Whitworth on Saturday,” Wendel recalls. By the time he retired at age 67, he’d worked more than 5,000 games.
Wendel’s relationship to Hoopfest is special, as he patrolled center court for 30 years. “It sounded like something fun, so I put my name in,” Wendel says, adding that since he was the only one with college experience, they put him at center court. “So that’s where I started and stayed.”
FOUND MONEY
Numerica sponsors more than just Hoopfest; the local credit union is hoping to sponsor your wallet as well with its annual scavenger hunt
Asponsor of Hoopfest for more than a decade, Numerica Credit Union is once again making it rain off the court with the NUMERICA CASH DASH
“Hoopfest is one way that we can give back to the people who make Spokane and our region so wonderful,” says Chelsea Maguire, AVP of content and communications at Numerica.
From Tuesday, June 25, through Friday, June 28, Numerica will hide 25 mini basketballs around the region, from Wenatchee to North Idaho, and from Spokane to the Tri-Cities. Each basketball comes with a cash prize worth between $50 and $1,000. The Cash Dash finals will be at 10:55 am at Northern Quest Center Court.
Numerica has been providing financial services to the Inland Northwest since 1937. As a sponsor of Hoopfest, the credit union has found another way to serve the community that has kept it going strong for all these decades.
“Our core purpose is to enhance lives, fulfill dreams and build communities. We do that with our fullservice financial offerings and also how we give back to the community, whether it’s through events like Hoopfest or our philanthropic initiative, Numerica CARES for Kids,” Maguire says. Location hints for the Numerica
Maximize your weekend with the FREE Hoopfest App! We want to make sure you can keep an eye on as many games as possible with our Team Tracker. Look up players, find courts and have all event details right at your fingertips. Download or update it FREE today from the App Store or Google Play.
9 am to 6 pm: Festival of Hoops Raffle, 2nd floor of River Park Square
6 to 9 pm: Hoopfest Hall of Fame ceremony at the Hooptown USA court complex, North Bank of Riverfront Park
Thursday, June 27
9 am to 6 pm: Festival of Hoops Raffle, 2nd floor of River Park Square
3 to 7 pm: TEN Capital Team Check-In in Riverfront Park Central Plaza next to US Pavilion
2 to 6 pm: Hoopfest Store presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods — new location, inside the US Pavilion Building, next to Northern Quest Center Court
3 to 7 pm: Toyota Shootoff in Riverfront Park, just north of the Orange Bridge (prequalification round)
Friday, June 28
9 am to 6 pm: Festival of Hoops Raffle, 2nd floor of River Park Square
11 am to 7 pm: TEN Capital Team CheckIn in Riverfront Park Central Plaza next to US Pavilion
11 am to 5 pm: Hoopfest Store presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods
— new location, inside the US Pavilion Building, next to Northern Quest Center Court
11 am to 7 pm: Toyota Shootoff in Riverfront Park, just north of the Orange Bridge (prequalification round)
PLAN YOUR
12 to 1 pm: Join current Vandal players on Gesa High School Center Court for a skills clinic. Open to grades 1-6
1 to 1:30 pm: Mascot showdown, see Joe Vandal in action as he takes on other mascots in 3-on-3 at Gesa High School Center Court
4 to 4:30 pm: Guardian Showcase at Gesa High School Center Court
Saturday, June 29
6 am to 8 pm: STA Hoop Loop
7:30 am to 7 pm: Hoopfest Store presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods — new location, inside the US Pavilion Building, next to Northern Quest Center Court
7:50am: Opening Ceremonies and National Anthem at Northern Quest Center Court
8am: Tip-Off (site-wide)
8 am to 6 pm: Hoopfest Store presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods — new location, inside the US Pavilion Building, next to Northern Quest Center Court
9 am to 6 pm: Festival of Hoops Raffle, 2nd floor of River Park Square
9 am to 6 pm: Rodda Paint Contest Zone in the Bennett Block Parking Lot, corner of Spokane Falls Blvd and Stevens
10 am to 3 pm: Baden Bump Zone in the Bennett Block Parking Lot
9 am to 6 pm: Toyota Shootoff in the Riverfront Park, just north of the Orange Bridge (prequalification round)
10:55 am: Numerica Credit Union Cash Dash Finals at Northern Quest Center Court
11 am to 12 pm: EWU Adaptive Athletics Exhibition at the MultiCare Hooptown, USA Community Courts on the North Bank of Riverfront Park
2 to 2:55 pm: MultiCare Slam Dunk Competition at Northern Quest Center Court
Sunday, June 30
7 am to 6 pm: STA Hoop Loop
7:30 am to 4 pm: Hoopfest Store presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods
— new location, inside the US Pavilion Building, next to Northern Quest Center
8 am: Tip-Off (site-wide)
8 am to 5 pm: Hoopfest Store presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods at our new location in Riverfront Park, inside the US Pavilion Building, next to Northern Quest Center Court
9 am to 2:30 pm: Festival of Hoops Raffle, 2nd floor of River Park Square
9 am to 1 pm: Rodda Paint Contest Zone in the Bennett Block Parking Lot, corner of Spokane Falls Blvd and Stevens
10:30 am to 1 pm: Baden Bump Zone (finals) in the Bennett Block Parking Lot
9 am to 1 pm: Toyota Shootoff in Riverfront Park, just north of the Orange Bridge (prequalification round)
1 to 4 pm: Toyota Shootoff in Riverfront Park, just north of the Orange Bridge (quarters, semifinals and finals)
3 to 3:30 pm: MultiCare Slam Dunk Competition (finals) at Northern Quest Center Court
CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES
(Sunday after 3:30 pm)
Men’s 6-Foot-And-Over Elite Semifinals (2 games) at Northern Quest Center Court
Men’s 6-Foot-And-Under Elite Championship at Northern Quest Center Court
Festival of Hoops Between the championship games, winners of the Festival of Hoops dream vacations will be announced.
Men’s Open Elite Championship at Northern Quest Center Court JUNE 28-29, 2025 Hoopfest Weekend returns!
2 0 2 4
of Hoopfest.
BALL AS ART
Hoopfest pivoted with this year’s poster, passing off to Spokane painter Jesse Pierpoint for a slam-dunk design
Over the years, Hoopfest has turned to local sports stars to help get the word out by highlighting athletes like Klay Thompson, Corey Kispert and the Hull sisters on the event’s famous poster. This year, however, the focus was turned inward on the event, the participants and the beautiful location in downtown Spokane.
Spokane fine artist Jesse Pierpoint was up to the task, and his painting-turnedposter captures the scale and energy of the event.
backboard in the foreground.
That simplicity, along with the instantly recognizable imagery in the work, communicates the message of Hoopfest loud and clear.
“Some of the initial poster ideas that I sent them were more player based,” Pierpoint says, “but with more of that painted artistic kind of approach versus a photograph, and then ultimately went back to this concept of trying to capture the feeling of Hoopfest from a different viewpoint.”
The painting depicts a look from above down a stylized Main Avenue, packed with courts and players and lined with spectators. It’s Hoopfest as it would look from inside one of Spokane’s many skywalks.
Another departure from tradition is in how the poster stayed true to the painting. Nothing was added to Pierpoint’s original work; the only words are “Spokane Hoopfest” on the
With a background in both art and athletics, including Hoopfest, selecting Pierpoint as the artist was an easy decision to make.
“I played football in college, and I love basketball as well,” he says. “I moved here in 2000 and played in Hoopfest quite a bit over the years. My son has also played in it, and I got into the coaching. It’s a local event that kind of put Spokane on the map.”
On the creative side, Pierpoint spent 10 years as creative director at a local digital agency. In his spare time, Pierpoint worked on numerous projects around the region from murals and billboards to smaller-scale canvas pieces like this year’s Hoopfest poster.
“To me, this one was just unique in that it wasn’t their typical, the way they have done that in the past. So that was kind of a fun and neat approach to it,” Pierpoint says.
Those who come downtown for Hoopfest can see more of Pierpoint’s work on display in the M Building on the 600 block of West Main Avenue, the very street depicted in the poster. Grab your free 2024 poster at the Hoopfest Store, this year located inside the Spokane Pavilion.
NEW LOCATION, SAME GREAT GEAR
Get exclusive gear only at the SPOKANE HOOPFEST STORE presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods! Visit us at our new location in the Spokane Pavilion Lobby, next to Northern Quest Center Court. Inside, check out our Local Corner, featuring exclusive Hoopfest/Great PNW gear available for the whole family. Don’t miss your copy of this year’s poster, painted by Jesse Pierpoint, capturing the vibrant Hoopfest action in downtown Spokane. We also have official 2024 basketballs from Baden Sports, featuring a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Expo ’74 by showcasing the iconic United States Pavilion and Clock Tower. This year, choose from three different ball sizes, each with distinct color piping: size 5 (27.5”) purple piping; size 6 (28.5”) pink piping; and size 7 (29.5”) teal piping.
Jesse Pierpoint capturing the essence
11a.m. WSECU GRAND PARADE
12p.m. FESTIVAL OPENS
LIVE MUSIC ON THE HOMETOWN CHEVY STAGE
COOKING DEMOS/PULSE EXPERT Q&A
TASE T. LENTIL 5K & SPORTS TOURNAMENTS
: Pullman Chamber of Commerce | Hoopfest Guide : Hoopfest : 20 S : MF
LIL LENTIL LAND FEAT. THE SEL SCIENCE TENT
INWB BEER GARDEN AND DELICIOUS FOOD
LIL LENTIL ROYAL CORONATION
SHOOT TO WIN
TOYOTA SHOOTOFF
The annual half-court shooting contest runs Thursday through Sunday in Riverfront Park, north of the Orange Bridge. You can attempt three half-court shots for just $10; sinking one shot qualifies you for the quarterfinals. Surviving finalists reconvene at 3:30 pm Sunday for a chance to win by dropping a half-court shot. The last man or woman standing drives home this year’s completely Hooped Out 2024 Toyota RAV4 (pictured below).
RODDA PAINT CONTEST ZONE
Show off your skills at the Rodda Paint Contest Zone in the Bennett Block Parking lot, near Spokane Falls Blvd and Stevens. Test your long-range game at the 3-Point contest, your clutch shooting in the Free Throw Contest or your ability to hit from all over the court in the Hot Shot Contest. Entry is $5.
BADEN BUMP ZONE
Baden Bump Contest Zone is new to Hoopfest weekend. Get your game face on to showcase your determination to be the last person standing in Bump/Knock Out/Lightning. There will be three divisions: Elementary (1st-6th grade), Junior High and High School (7th-12th grade), and Adult (18+). Make sure to register for one of the preliminary rounds for each division at 10 am, 11:30 am, 1 pm, or 2:30 pm. The top five from each round will advance to the final rounds on Sunday. Located in the Bennett Block parking lot.
MULTICARE SLAM DUNK CONTEST
Watch as Hoopfest’s best athletes defy gravity at Northern Quest Center Court in the Pavilion! Qualifying round is Saturday, June 29, at 2 pm; the finals are Sunday, June 30, at 3 pm. It is $10 to participate.
XFINITY ELITE DIVISION
The Elite division showcases teams composed of top-tier players at Hoopfest, with many having competed at the highest levels of the game. Catch the action at the Xfinity Elite Division located along Spokane Falls Boulevard. Finals are at Northern Quest Center Court Sunday after the Multicare Slam Dunk Contest.
WINNING WITH WORDS
GREAT 2024 HOOPFEST TEAM NAMES
Peaked at the Rec
Malibu Barbies
Stars and Scars
Sink it and Drink It
Yo Mama Wembanyama
Rizzards of Oz
Losing Fourmula
Sublime Dimes
Swish Sistaz
Phat and Fourty
Men in Tights
Chicken Noodle Hoops
Dunking Donuts
Sneaker Squeakerz
Baptizing Buckets
Mom Said No
Tater Shots
Jalapeno Hotties
Back Street Ballers
Bench Babes
Kareem and Coffee
Fruit Hoops
Five Finger Slingers
Culdesac Kids
Hoops I Did It Again
BEAUTIFUL BACKBOARDS
Work from talented local artists will be on display in Hoopfest’s Amazon Lot
Ryan Barbieri
As someone who grew up in Spokane with both a passion for sports and design, Barbieri’s backboard effectively conveys the way Hoopfest takes over Downtown Spokane. “My goal was to create a backboard that left a lasting impression, something unforgettable and cool for players,” Barbieri says of his design. “I imagine people’s attention being drawn to the vibrant red flames of the burning city left in the wake of the basketball-playing monster, hopefully inspiring players to unleash their inner beasts on the court.”
Rachel Dolle
Born and raised in Spokane, the 28-year-old Dolle is now giving back to the community through her work as an educator. Her eye for photography and design shines through in this collage backboard and conveys a strong sense of place. “I superimposed three pictures I’ve taken of some of the city’s landmarks, Dolle says. “The Pavilion, Clock Tower, and the drive into town from I-90 are things that true Spokanites know and recognize as ‘home.’”
Hoopfest and Amazon have teamed up once again this year to give local artists a chance to participate in the best basketball weekend on Earth. Artists submitted designs in April, and 13 were selected to grace backboards in the Amazon Lot located on the Liberty Building block, between Main Avenue and Spokane Falls Boulevard, and Stevens and Washington streets. Submissions and selections came from local artists of all ages and experience levels — from talented youngsters to professional designers. Here’s a sneak peek at four of the works you can find on courts over Hoopfest weekend.
Hadley Landreth
Growing up in rural Eastern Washington, the 12-yearold Landreth turns to our region’s natural beauty for inspiration. From the subject matter chosen to the execution of the piece, Landreth’s ability as an artist is on clear display even at such a young age. Through her artwork for Hoopfest, Landreth shares her view of the Pacific Northwest, with inspiration from Spokane Falls and Washington’s state fish, the steelhead.
Evalyn Sambrano
A local middle school student, Sambrano enjoys playing sports and is a keen artist as well. Her backboard captures the current moment in sports, which is seeing record enthusiasm for women’s sports, especially women’s basketball. Sambrano describes her work, showing a woman driving to the hoop, as “highlighting women and girls in sports — our time to shine!” When Sambrano isn’t on the court, the field, or the art studio, she’s planning for a future as a pediatric radiologist.
Joshua Thomas
Thomas is a former Eastern Washington Eagle and current Hoopfest Elite player. He is the owner and operator of Lejit Creative, a full-service branding agency that helps companies in tech, entertainment and sports launch and elevate their brands. He lives with his wife Kasey, son Julian, and their weenie-dog Bennie out in Liberty Lake. “This yellow backboard was done in the style all of our Lejit murals are done in and features a lot of different hoops references and easter eggs. Enjoy!”
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A HUGE THANK YOU goes out to all Hoopfest area administrators, marshals and court monitors, as well as the dedicated individuals serving in our subcommittees and volunteer roles. You help us create magic, enrich lives and foster community spirit year after year. Your efforts are truly appreciated. And a special thank you to all Hoopfest court sponsors! Your support is invaluable — we couldn’t do it without you.
— THE HOOPFEST TEAM
MAJOR SPONSORS
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AND SECURITY
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[for poet laureate], and I qualified. So I threw my name in the hat. It was totally unreasonable. My life was absolutely falling apart.”
It was July 2023. Smith’s older brother died the year before from a fentanyl overdose, she had just filed for divorce, and the deadline for the poet laureate application was August.
“I thought I should let someone else do it,” she says. “Somebody who isn’t a single mom, who doesn’t have four kids, and has a master’s degree.”
But there was something, or rather someone, Smith wasn’t considering.
“I asked my spiritual mentor, and she told me that it wasn’t for me to decide,” she says. “She said that my only job was to consider myself. Before they even consider me, I need to consider me.”
The process of compiling her application for poet laureate was cathartic and healing for Smith as she’d never seen all of her work and accomplishments stacked together. She describes the process and her mindset with a quote from the 2004 movie Spanglish: “While it would thrill me, it will not define me.”
“Whether or not I got picked for poet laureate I would [still] be putting on poetry workshops,” she says. “Whether or not I got picked, I would be down at the youth shelter. I would put out chapbooks, and I would be at all of the readings around town. And I will cry and laugh and be all the things I can possibly be. My life will not change. I am the poet laureate not because you said so, but because that’s who I am and that’s who I want to be.”
Skyler Oberst, executive director of Spokane Arts, says no one exemplifies the role of poet laureate and the city of Spokane quite like Smith.
“She invites listeners to be authentic and genuine with her,” Oberst says. “In a world that thinks so much about the left or the right, the red or the blue, the right or the wrong, Mery thinks about things beyond that. Things beyond your day-to-day thoughts. We need more Merys in the world.”
When she moved to Spokane in 2011, Smith found a community in Peaceful Valley. People who listened to her, healed her; neighbors who cared; writers who encouraged her. Although she’s since moved out of the charming neighborhood tucked along the banks of the Spokane River, she often finds herself there for a weekly book club or just to reminisce.
“I’ve lived in San Francisco, and I’ve lived in Portland, but I always come back to Spokane,” Smith says. “There’s something about Spokane that makes it different. I’ve never felt like I belonged somewhere more.”
Because of her experience with alcoholism and recovery, Smith’s biggest goal as poet laureate is to help others heal the same way she did: through the power of words and community.
“I want to bring poetry to places and spaces that we wouldn’t normally consider poetic,” she says. “Places where people are getting treatment for drugs and alcohol. As somebody who’s sober and has gone through that, you need to repair your life, put things back together, become trustworthy, employable and dependable. But you can also use imagination and creativity as healing modalities. And not just like a cherry on top, but as an essential piece of recovery.”
Last April, Smith attended Eastern Washington University’s Get Lit! Festival’s headlining event featuring then U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón at the Central Library.
“There were at least a dozen people sitting right outside who were unhoused,” she says. “You’re telling me out of these dozen people that there’s not a playwright out here? There’s not a painter or a choreographer? Or a baker? I don’t buy it.”
Just like she finally saw herself as a poet, Smith wants others to see themselves as whatever they are.
“I want them to know it and see it and believe it,” she says. “You just need to bear witness. All you have to do is not look away.”
In two years, Smith’s tenure as Spokane’s poet laureate will come to an end, but her mission to help others through words certainly won’t.
“Every time my heart was broken, words put it back together,” she says. “Every time my life falls apart, I find words again, and they put it into context. Something more real and more true comes out of that.” n
POEMS BY SPOKANE POET LAUREATE MERY SMITH
NOW, WINGED
Butterflies on que that’s how you come to me now, with the music up full blast your seal-like laugh.
Remember you on one knee reciting poetry to the girl with citrine eyes. Now, I run towards you. Reaching out to grasp at the ghost an invisible disease.
How much for these teeth? How much for these teeth?
I cannot afford them now. Now, winged your dentin exalted. I am reaching out to save what is left of your reputation what became of you was not the way I remember you.
At night reaching down from your bunk bed to pop the small pockets of air from between my toes just because. A gesture all our own.
WHAT I HEARD THIS WEEK AS I TRAVELED FROM MRS. TO MS.
..you’re glassy eyed crazy like a wayward sailor, but in a good way
..someone plucks the keys at the Goodwill piano to Jason Mraz sounds like they’re celebrating
..There’s just something about poetry in this town
..How old are you?
I’m 38
…wow let’s not talk about this anymore
…If you want a career in education you better be careful what you say.
…I just want to feel something.
…Oh, that’s why you brought me here.
…every text sent reads: hey, you got a minute?
READ ME A STORY
My journey from shunning audiobooks to enjoying them
BY CARRIE SHRIVER
Istared at my car’s cassette player waiting for an answer that didn’t come. I’d just spent hours listening to a book on cassette, the precursor to audiobooks, as I drove home from college in Flagstaff, Arizona.
I wanted an explanation for why a huge chunk of the story was missing. The “who” in this whodunnit came clear out of left field with no buildup whatsoever. For me and, likewise, countless other readers, part of a mystery’s fun is trying to figure out who did it and why, reaching a solution before the author shows their hand. In this case, too, I’d spent all those hours wondering who could be responsible, yet the guilty party never appeared in the story until the end. It was a disappointing and anticlimactic resolution.
I vowed to never listen to another book on tape. Initially, I decided the story must have been abridged and that whoever shortened it didn’t cut out the right pieces — it just didn’t make sense!
The offending novel was All That Remains by Patricia Cornwell. After a recent online search, however, I discovered it wasn’t abridged and there should’ve been nine cassettes. I don’t remember how many I listened to, but it definitely wasn’t nine. I must have picked it up secondhand without realizing the set was incomplete. (Modern audiobooks, thankfully, now avoid this problem by design.)
In the decade to follow, I let myself be persuaded to give audiobooks a few more tries. I did so grudgingly, only to find my choice to shun them reinforced. As a voracious reader, I find myself sliding into a good story often from the first sentence, my surroundings fading as the author’s world comes alive. But when listening to audiobooks, I couldn’t slip into this world. Instead, my mind wandered and I missed important plot points. Rather than being fully engrossed by the story, I’d find myself thinking about other things: dinner options, work, what to wear.
Most of all, I just wanted the story to end.
Then, one desperate winter night completely changed my perspective on audiobooks for good.
I was sick — the kind where you’re too miserable to keep your eyes open — but you can’t sleep because of constant coughing and a stuffed-up nose. I shoved aside my misgivings and took the plunge. I downloaded an audiobook hoping for some entertainment and relief from my suffering, choosing The Rook by
Daniel O’Malley after a brief glance at the description. The novel centers on a London woman who’s lost her memory, but whose pre-amnesiac self left behind letters to guide her as she works in a covert organization devoted to fighting supernatural forces.
I was expecting a serious book. It wasn’t — at least not entirely. It was funny, and despite being sick I was laughing out loud. I forgot about my misery for a while, and you know what they say about “laughter is the best medicine.”
I began downloading audiobooks regularly after this, realizing that sometimes it’s pleasant to let someone else read to you while you relax. In the last few years I’ve listened to around 30 audiobooks, and abandoned at least 10 more. In the hopes of helping other hesitant listeners like I once was to find an audiobook they’ll enjoy, here’s some advice.
1. CHOOSE A GENRE/SUBJECT YOU’D NORMALLY READ
If it’s not, you probably won’t enjoy the story.
2. LISTEN TO A SAMPLE CLIP IF YOU CAN
Some narrators won’t work for you simply because you find their voice irritating, too high pitched, or there’s something else you don’t like. Sometimes a narrator sounds good for most of the story, but their vocal delivery for a specific character is too grating. If that character plays a major part of the story, you might want to switch to a physical book.
The right narrator can undoubtedly improve your enjoyment of an audiobook. For example, Spokanebased narrator Travis Baldree is incredible. His range of voices is impressive, and part of why I became hooked by John Winchester’s The Journey Home, which Baldree narrates.
3. SKIP ANY ABRIDGED BOOKS
The best or most important parts may be omitted!
4. SET A TIME LIMIT
If you aren’t happy with your choice, move on. Now sit back, close your eyes, and let someone else read you a story. Do remember, though, that life is too short to read or listen to a book you don’t like. (Unless you’re a student — then it’s mandatory.) n
THE BUZZ BIN
PROCEED TO READ
Dubbed one of the “Great American Novels of the Past 100 Years” by The Atlantic Monthly in March 2023, Spokane-born author Debra Magpie Earling’s 2002 book Perma Red is this year’s featured title for Spokane is Reading, a communitywide reading initiative. Set on Montana’s Flathead Indian Reservation in the 1940s, the novel follows young Salish woman Louise White Elk as she navigates womanhood and creates an independent life for herself in a world where men wish to control her. Earling is set to make two free appearances in the community this fall as part of Spokane is Reading’s annual celebration. On Thursday, Oct. 24, she’ll visit the Spokane Valley Library at 1 pm, followed by an evening appearance at the Central Library in downtown Spokane at 7 pm. For more information visit spokaneisreading.org. (MADISON PEARSON)
SHARE YOUR STORIES
Just like Expo ’74 left its lasting mark on Spokane history 50 years ago, community members have the opportunity to do the same through the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture’s ongoing Expo ’74 Memory Share program. Head to expo74memoryshare.northwestmuseum.org and click “submit memory” for your personal Expo experience to become a permanent part of the Joel E. Ferris Research Archives at the MAC. If you weren’t around in 1974 or don’t remember much from the fair, browse the memories shared so far by others and get an idea of what it was like to roam the grounds of Expo. (MADISON PEARSON)
THIS WEEK’S PLAYLIST
Noteworthy new music arriving in stores and online June 28:
MEGAN THEE STALLION, MEGAN.
The rap megastar is primed to make it another hot girl summer with her latest collection of brash and bodacious jams.
JOHNNY CASH, SONGWRITER. Unearthed by his son John and finished with the help of former collaborators, the late country legend’s unreleased 1993 album finally sees the light of day.
EIKO ISHIBASHI, EVIL DOES NOT EXIST. After crafting a brilliant piano-driven soundtrack for Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Oscar-winning Drive My Car, Japanese composer Eiko Ishibashi delivers a more haunting and experimental score for Hamaguchi’s new film, Evil Does Not Exist. (SETH SOMMERFELD)
NORTHWEST MUSEUM OF ARTS AND CULTURE PHOTO
International Court of Hoopfest
Eleven teens from Italy’s prestigious Pistoia Basket 2000 get a taste of basketball, American-style
BY FOPE SERIKI
While about half the teams taking to the streets this weekend for Hoopfest call somewhere in the Inland Northwest home, a few are flying in from halfway around the globe to partake in the world’s largest three-on-three basketball tournament, now in its 33rd year.
With participation from eight countries around the world this year, Hoopfest 2024 has doubled in international appeal from previous years, according to Executive Director Riley Stockton.
“It’s a combination of us putting together a pretty good product that people want to be a part of and teams that want to come and enjoy a different brand of basketball,” Stockton says. “We definitely want to have an international presence, and by our social media and newsletters, we try to market nationally and internationally.”
While countries like Canada and France have competed in past Hoopfests — with one French team reaching the semifinals in the over-6-foot elite division — an Italian team’s participation this year is thanks to a collaboration with Spokane’s famous basketball school, Gonzaga University. The connection was forged between students in Gonzaga’s kinesiology and sport management program and 11 youth players from Pistoia, Italy. The latter will test their skill on the courts of downtown Spokane among more than 24,000 other players this weekend, June 29 and 30.
names on its roster such as Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, father of the late Kobe. The younger Bryant started out in Pistoia Basket’s youth system before moving to Philadelphia as a teenager.
Pistoia Basket 2000 is the only basketball team in all of Tuscany competing in Lega Basket Serie A, the highest of nine levels in Italy’s professional basketball league system. The team’s Hoopfest roster is made up of seven male and four female players between 14 and 16 years old.
The Italian players will form three teams to play in the tournament’s high school division: a girls team, a recreational boys team and an elite boys team.
Gonzaga’s partnership with Pistoia was born in June 2023, when a group of sports management students were studying abroad at the university’s campus in Florence, Italy. After a meeting with the students, the Italian team’s curiosity about American basketball was piqued.
“They wanted more, and they were coming back. They are curious about the international market and would like to get the American audience interested in Italian basketball,” says Ryan Turcott, an associate professor of sports management at Gonzaga.
Excitement about the Italian team’s participation in Hoopfest is not coming solely from Gonzaga — there’s been a lot of media buzz in Italy, too.
“This collaboration has aroused a lot of interest in our club,” says Cristiano Biagini, the youth team manager of Pistoia Basket 2000.
“The mayor and the president of the basketball league said they were curious and honored by this initiative. For us, coaches and athletes, just participating and experiencing the 3-against-3 tournament is an advantage,” Biagini says.
After cheering on the Italian players in downtown Spokane this weekend, Gonzaga students plan to continue a remote internship with the team. Part of that work involves curating a strategic marketing plan for Pistoia Basket, including designing new jerseys, creating promotional videos and organizing press conferences.
Turcott says the study abroad program for sports management students has also focused on developing intercultural competencies and conflict management skills, which are essential for working in an international sports environment.
HOOPFEST 2024
June 29-30, downtown Spokane spokanehoopfest.net
Find the official event guide in this issue of the Inlander, starting on page 28.
Italy’s Pistoia Basket 2000 team has a prestigious history, counting both famous Italian and U.S. players’
These experiences may encourage students to pursue a variety of career paths, including athletic direction, public relations, scouting, sports journalism and much more. The partnership also deepens students’ understanding of how sports as a universal language can be a diplomatic tool.
“We do this by doing a lot of field trips and meetings with sport industry leaders in Italy or wherever we are studying,” Turcott says.
After Hoopfest, what’s next for the students? The Olympics. “I leave for France [this] week to start a Gonzaga study abroad class at the Paris Olympics,” Turcott adds. n
Thousands descend downtown for Hoopfest this weekend. CHRIS ELAM PHOTO/COURTESY OF HOOPFEST
Cristiano Biagini, right, manages Pistoia’s youth team. COURTESY PISTOIA BASKET
From the Philippines, With Love
Gatieh Nacario creates vivid paintings and murals combining his Filipino heritage with symbols of his new home, Spokane
BY COLTON RASANEN
Gatieh Nacario hasn’t always thought of himself as an artist. Sure, he’s always loved the arts and even taught it to elementary school students at one point, but he never once considered the possibility of becoming an artist himself.
Part of that was due to a lack of confidence in his abilities because he never went to school for the visual arts. Realistically though, Nacario says there just weren’t very many options for artists in the Philippines.
“I know I love the visual arts and performing arts, but in the Philippines, there was just not a lot of opportunities,” he says. “I had my career as an educator, so I needed to focus on that.”
Then everything changed for Nacario when he moved from the Philippines to Spokane in 2019 and threw himself into the city’s arts scene.
While Nacario eventually took on his current role as director of Hope House Shelter, the downtown women’s shelter operated by Volunteers of America, delays getting his U.S. work visa initially slowed his job hunt.
In the meantime, he explored Spokane’s art scene, which is when he discovered the Garland District’s Art Alley filled with murals. He posted about the murals on Instagram (@itsgatiehbeart), tagging the business district’s president, Julie Shepard-Hall, which prompted her to reach out to correct an error in the post.
Of course Nacario fixed the mistake, but he also took the moment that fate had handed him to connect with Shepard-Hall and set in motion his first mural, “Butterfly Garden.” Nacario’s aptly named work transformed a section of a wooden fence in the alley south of Garland,
between Monroe and Post Streets, into a menagerie of brightly colored flowers and beautiful butterflies.
Soon after, Shepard-Hall contacted him about another local event, the Garland Summer Market, asking if he had any art he’d like to display publicly. Other than his recent mural, however, he had none — but he didn’t tell Shepard-Hall that. Instead, he spent the two weeks leading up to the event creating six paintings.
Nacario’s rise to local notoriety was quick. By 2022, just three years after moving here, he was nominated for a Spokane Arts Award for his captivating imagination. That same year, he decided to quit making art after an epiphany about his art style.
“I experimented a lot in different styles, and I felt like [my art] was everywhere,” he says, “but I didn’t have a unique brand, so I just quit.”
This art hiatus didn’t last long, though. A year later, Nacario was making art in a new style that he calls stained glass illusion. Basically, he takes qualities of stained glass, like its vivid colors and jagged, puzzle-piece look, and incorporates them into an acrylic painting.
On an artistic level, Nacario was drawn to the geometric style for its simplicity and how easy it was to adapt and experiment with.
“For me, it was just plain colors, like red and blue, and then I just divided it with black,” he says. “But when I started working on a larger canvas, I realized that it’s not as impressive for me. So I started to blend color and just experiment on how to make it more interesting and
Artist Gatieh Nacario in front of his newly created “Corbin Park Mural.” YOUNG KWAK PHOTOS
Additionally, the style took on a cultural meaning for Nacario, who grew up in a firmly Catholic part of the Philippines, known for its century-old churches filled with stained glass artwork. Much of his work also pulls from specific stories within Filipino culture.
For example, a piece he created for a show at New Moon Art Gallery represents the story of Malakas “The Strong One” and Maganda “The Beautiful One” — basically the Filipino version of Adam and Eve — as they sprouted from a bamboo shoot.
Even though people showed appreciation for Nacario’s Filipino art, he says it was hard to actually sell it.
“People loved it, but they didn’t want it,” he says. “They love the idea and the story behind it, but there’s not much people saying, ‘Oh, I want to buy that.’”
To address that struggle, Nacario began to incorporate parts of his new home, Spokane, into his works. He painted “The City of Spokane,” incorporating popular landmarks like Riverfront Park’s Pavilion and Clock Tower, and a collection of lilacs.
While Nacario’s journey as an artist started with a mural, all of his stained glass illusion work existed solely on canvas for more than a year. But recently, that’s changed.
At the end of May, Nacario completed a new mural on a brick wall near Corbin Park in Spokane’s Emerson Garfield neighborhood, which took him about six weeks to complete. By painting some of the bricks bright yellow around the border, he created an illusion — as if the mural’s center had been knocked out to see the view beyond it — which he filled with regional landmarks and scenery.
“I was so inspired with this mural,” he says with a smile. “When I showed it off to everyone, they all loved it.” n
*Insured by NCUA. These are our ideas, you can use the money on whatever you want. Members must be over 18 years of age at time of application. Promotion only available to those who don’t currently have a checking account with Horizon Credit Union. Promotion not eligible for Youth or Business Accounts. Verification of residence location required upon membership application. Membership fee may apply. One offer per household. To qualify for the offered incentive, members must complete the following within the first 60 days of new account opening: 1. Checking account must remain open and in good standing for 60 days, 2. Member must complete a minimum of 15 debit card transactions within 60 days of the account open date, 3. Member must fund the account with a minimum deposit of $250 within 5 business days of account opening and 4. Member must accept and agree to electronic statement delivery within Horizon Credit Union’s online banking platform. Horizon Credit Union will make a one-time deposit of $200.00 into the qualifying member’s account within 60 days of all qualifications being met. Checking account must be open at time of $200.00 deposit. Horizon Credit Union reserves the right to modify or cancel the terms of this offer at any time without prior notice. it evolved.”
Nacario’s work is currently on display at Soulful Soups & Spirits.
OPENING
Sauce is Forever
Heritage Bar & Kitchen opens Sauced!, serving wings and Detroit-style pizza in YaYa Brewing Co.’s taproom
BY ELIZA BILLINGHAM
What do pizza, chicken wings and Justin Timberlake’s 2018 album have in common?
They’ve all got the sauce
Now Spokane does, too.
Gabe Wood and Alex King, co-owners of Heritage Bar and Kitchen in downtown Spokane, just opened Sauced! in YaYa Brewing Co.’s Spokane Valley taproom. The new kitchen is serving up hot and thicc Detroit-style pizzas, plus wings, fries, and, obviously, loads of dipping options.
“We have a lot of sauces down here [at Heritage] that are very popular,” King says. “So going out there, it made sense to take those and add more.”
At the far end of YaYa’s tasting room, a quick-order counter splattered with mustard yellow splotches means you’ve made it to the sweet and spicy spot.
After ordering your pizza or wings, you can get a little saucier, if you want. You can stay loyal to your mains
like buffalo, barbecue, garlic Parmesan or hot honey. Or you can flirt with something a little more exotic, like Mambo, a tangy transplant from D.C., or Jake Sauce, a blue cheese-chipotle ketchup baby created by a beloved server at Heritage.
One thing’s for sure — Spokane just got a whole lot more drip.
New to Detroit-style pizza? Don’t sweat it. The rest of the city is, too.
“We don’t want to be just another place,” Wood says. “We want to offer something a little more unique.”
Detroit-style pizza originated right alongside the city’s automobile industry. In 1946, Gus Guerra and his team at Buddy’s Rendezvous Pizzeria on the eastside of Detroit supposedly started baking pizza in the rectangular pans usually used to catch oil drips under cars.
The result was thick, rectangle pizzas with crispy crusts and super crispy corners, especially where the cheese caramelized around the edges.
“The crust on Detroit-style pizzas is awesome,” Wood says. “The cheese bakes down the sides as cooks, and there’s no wasted bites — you have cheese and toppings right to the very edge.”
It’s a far cry from the other Midwestern-style pizza, which usually dominates the New York slice opposition.
“I think a lot of times people just go straight to deep dish and they think of Chicago,” King says. “But that’s more of a dough lasagna in my eyes.”
The pizza at Sauced! uses a classic dough that’s much lighter than a traditional Chicago deep dish. It doesn’t require a fork and knife like the “dough lasagna” usually does, but it can still hold a considerable weight of cheese and toppings.
Take, for instance, The Butcher ($18) which has pepperoni, bacon, ground beef, sausage and Canadian bacon on it, plus house red sauce and plenty of mozzarella. The Heritage ($18.50) riffs off its namesake’s cheeseburger with mozzarella and cheddar, plus ground beef, onion, dill relish, lettuce, fresh tomato and the top secret sauce, of course. The Spicy Dave and Hot Doug ($16), named for an inside joke between the two owners, gets zhuzhed up with pepperoni, bacon, jalapeño and roasted garlic.
Wood and King have put in the time to come up with pizza combos they think taste best. But if you think you can do better, you’re more than welcome to create your own pie. Or add an extra sauce to one of Wood and King’s creations to go extra crazy.
“Hot honey has begun to be a very popular add-on to pizzas,” King says.
There’s no wasted space on this midwestern masterpiece. YOUNG KWAK PHOTOS
Each pie is typically about 10 inches long and 8 inches wide, but don’t let size fool you — that is plenty of pizza for two, maybe even three, adults. You can get a personal pizza for a few dollars less than the regular size.
Sauced! also offers Heritage’s super popular fries — both their sweet potato fries and rosemary curly fries. But the wings are where flavor fiends can really let loose. Guests can mix-and-match between five dry rubs and 16 sauces to create the ultimate combo from among 80 total possibilities.
“We wanted to have a ton of options,” Wood says, “and we make most everything here in house.”
Neither Wood nor King have any ties to the Midwest. Both are Eastern Washington natives who met while working at O’Doherty’s in downtown Spokane. They opened Heritage together in 2018 when they wanted to get back into the industry after less-than-fulfilling jobs in sales.
When COVID rocked the restaurant world, necessity proved, as always, to be the mother of invention. Heritage started offering take-and-bake Detroit-style pizzas to stay afloat.
“We really liked how they turned out, [especially] not having a background in that,” King says.
In fall 2022, King, Wood and their general manager, Conner Monroe, took a trip to Detroit to do some legitimate research. After eating way too much pizza in one weekend, the pie at Buddy’s ended up being one of their favorites. As soon as they got back, they started looking for a way to bring that kind of pizza to Spokane.
Once they connected with YaYa Brewing, things really started cooking. Plus, as fate would have it, they found out that the pizza pans Buddy’s now uses (they don’t use oil pans anymore) are made by LloydPans right here in Spokane Valley.
In the future, Sauced! might try to do some menu pairings with YaYa beers, or at least be able to recommend which brew goes best with which sauce. But ultimately, Wood and King just want you to have a good time with good food and good people.
“We put a ton of emphasis on service in general,” Wood says. “It’s so hard to find good customer service — like, servers and bartenders that actually care about you having a good experience.”
That’s why it’s so hard for Sauced! to decide when it closes each night — as long as people are ordering wings and pizza, Sauced! will keep serving ’em. But while they do their job, Wood, King and their staff just have one request: No matter how crazy you get with flavors and combos, please, please “get sauced responsibly.” n
Sauced! • 11712 E. Montgomery Drive, Spokane Valley • Open Mon-Sat 3 pm-close • getsaucedresponsibly.com • Instagram: @getsaucedresponsibly
Construction and Cake
A quick summer (aka construction season) update from Spokane-area food purveyors
BY ELIZA BILLINGHAM
For every summer enthusiast excited about picnics, ice cream cones and new restaurants, there’s a pessimist somewhere dreading insects, sticky hands and traffic. Yes, summer fun can come with some minor drawbacks, but don’t let that ruin your groove. Practice a little bit of extra patience, then go ahead and reward yourself with an extra treat.
BURGERS, BRUNCH AND ROADWORK
Sometimes it seems there are only two seasons in Spokane: winter and construction. On June 11, city crews began installing a new water transmission line along CheneySpokane Road. The road is open from U.S. Route 195 to the popular retail area, but is closed starting just after the Latah Creek Animal Hospital to Cedar Road.
Latah Bistro, Chaps Diner and Bakery, Latah Latte, Shelby’s Burgers, Wine and Taps, and Yoke’s Fresh Market are all still open and accessible, but being cut off from the nearby Eagle Ridge development and Cheney has impacted normal summer business. The city says road work is expected to last until October.
A new water transmission line is an important infrastructure update for the growing area. But so far, construction crews have accidentally hit a gas line and a water line, interrupting service for a few meals at Chaps Diner. Yet as of Friday morning on June 21, the bakery was full of customers again and operating as normal as possible.
The city’s website encourages customers to make a special effort to support their favorite businesses along Cheney-Spokane Road. Still, some drivers complain that it’s difficult to figure out how to access the area. Signage currently directs cars where to turn, sometimes onto dirt or gravel or across a torn up median. Next to the businesses there are two lanes of moving traffic, one for each direction.
According to Kirstin Davis, the city’s public works communication manager, property owners were first notified of the upcoming construction in February, with subsequent letters in March and May.
BEAUTIFUL CELEBRATIONS
It’s a mantra in the culinary world that you eat with your eyes first. Carrie Hansen knows that to be true — she’s been expertly decorating delicious, decadent cakes at Rosauers for 25 years. This summer, she got a special shout out for her work. Hansen was invited to Houston, Texas, to participate in Cake’d, the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association’s cake decorating competition.
On June 10 and 11, Hansen created a three-tiered anniversary cake featuring delicate flowers and intricate piping techniques. She also designed some playful red, white and blue themed cakes that riffed on Uncle Sam’s hat and Fourth of July parade floats.
Hansen works at Rosauers in Spokane Valley but is visiting other locations in the area to share her tips and tricks. If you see something that looks just a little bit too good to eat, that might be thanks to Hansen’s expertise. Don’t let the dazzling design fool you — she definitely wants you to eat that cake. n
Sauced! owners Gabe Wood and Alex King
Shelby’s Burgers ERICK DOXEY PHOTO
Kind of a Big Deal
Kinds of Kindness finds Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone teaming up again for a different kind of bizarre and bleak serialized cinematic storytelling
BY MARYANN JOHANSON
It’s not that there aren’t plenty of films being released all the time that are adventurous, challenging or just plain odd. But they’re mostly small, niche and aimed at arthouse audiences. So it’s rather shocking that the outrageous, brutal daring of Kinds of Kindness is being pitched to multiplex audiences as a summer event film. The surprise announcement of the film earlier this year was clearly intended to ride the coattails of the success of Poor Things, the Oscarwinning collaboration between writer/director Yorgos Lanthimos and stars Emma Stone and Willem Dafoe.
swapping sex scene!) — but also this bleak?
Kinds of Kindness
Rated R Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos
Kinds of Kindness getting a wide release just in time for a major holiday weekend traditionally big for moviegoing? Whoa Honestly, I didn’t think an industry leaning so hard on comic book and kiddie animation fantasies had this kind of risk-taking still in ’em.
As bonkers and explicit and weird as Poor Things’ Frankengirl feminist fancy was, it is practically a Disney fairytale next to this mad monstrosity of a movie. Poor Things is in many ways a kind film. The title of this one deploys the word “kind” in ways that are nothing but supremely ironic and stretch the meaning of the word almost beyond all recognition. It’s Lanthimos at his peak grotesque humor, which — given his filmography — is saying something.
Starring Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe
It’s going to be very interesting to see how this gambit plays out. Are mainstream audiences ready again for a movie that isn’t only unambiguously adult — in all senses of the word (hello, polyamorous partner-
The film is structured as three separate short stories presented anthology-style, one short film after another. While they don’t intertwine, they come together here in ways that are loosely connected thematically: matters of control and coercion, twisted devotion, and desperation for love and connection. Tonally, all three tales are surreal, nihilist and profoundly misanthropic. Yay for a movie that actually attempts to capture how wretchedly so many of us are, scrambling for meaning and identity and belonging no
DADDIO
Over the course of a cab ride from JFK Airport to Manhattan, a young woman (Dakota Johnson) and a grizzled cabbie (Sean Penn) have a deep and extended conversation about relationships and life. Rated R
HORIZON: AN AMERICAN SAGA CHAPTER 1
Never one to turn down a Western or a bloated epic, this is the first threehour entry in writer/director/star Kevin Costner’s new four-part film series that details a dozen years of pioneering in the American West around the Civil War era. Rated R
A QUIET PLACE: DAY ONE
How did the world descend into quiet? This prequel in the hit franchise shows how the noise-sensitive alien horrors came to Earth and began dominating it. Rated PG-13
REVIVAL69: THE CONCERT THAT ROCKED THE WORLD
This new documentary tells the story behind a massive rock concert that almost didn’t happen — an all-star show in Toronto featuring the debut of The Plastic Ono Band, plus The Doors, Chuck Berry, Alice Cooper and many more legends. Not Rated At the Magic Lantern
Give us all the Yorkgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone films.
matter which hellhole we must descend into to find it. We get to savor the brilliant cast portraying different roles in each of the three stories, all their characters so distinct from the others that it becomes an embarrassment of creative riches. The artistic badasses (clearly having a ball) are Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, Hong Chau, Margaret Qualley, Joe Alwyn and Mamoudou Athie. The stories they slot into are loosely about the oppression of corporate employment, the mysteries of marriage and the grip of cultish belief. So, again: lots of 2020s angst and anxiety to play with while creating authentic adult fun.
All three stories are not really about plot, yet are paradoxically also tightly reliant on unsettling you with what happens next. Even the most veteran moviegoer will be hard-pressed to guess what bizarre link will be added to these chains of events next. Which isn’t to suggest that these are stories that rely on “twists” either. The peculiar genius of Lanthimos in this case is that the course of each story is perfectly reasonable and logical taken on its own terms... it’s just that those terms are so wildly, wonderfully absurdist, so eerily esoteric, so profoundly perverse that they tickle with their delicious unpredictability.
It is so rare for a movie to surprise someone like me, who sees a ridiculous number of films each year. Yet sitting in the dark with Kindness unspooling before me was just nonstop novelty in the best way. We can call this an original film, but that almost demands a redefinition of the word to encompass the downright feral inventiveness at work here.
Intriguingly, the serial storytelling of Kinds of Kindness also plays with a notion that has kept huge swathes of people away from cinemas of late: the pleasure of bingeing quality visual storytelling at home. Could all the recent industry hand-wringing about how to get butts back in multiplex seats be solved by a movie that, in some limited ways, feels like prestige TV? n
Life or Something Like It
Janet Planet finds simple beauty in a close mother-daughter relationship
BY JOSH BELL
The name of Julianne Nicholson’s title character in Janet Planet is no coincidence, since she represents pretty much the entire world to her anxious, introverted 11-year-old daughter, Lacy (Zoe Ziegler). Writer/director Annie Baker presents a few months in the lives of Janet and Lacy, as they pass a languid summer in rural western Massachusetts in 1991, experiencing a series of quiet but important milestones.
live with him part of the time, and he pointedly doesn’t answer.
The most substantial outside presence comes from Janet’s old friend Regina (Sophie Okonedo), member of a cult-like New Age-y theater troupe. Janet works as an acupuncturist and seems entirely at home within the local hippie culture, but even she is slightly suspicious of theater director and possible cult leader Avi (Elias Koteas). Regina moves in with Janet and Lacy, and they form a more effective makeshift family than they ever did with Wayne, even if Regina’s residency is equally temporary.
“Quiet” is the operative word for this slow, contemplative film, which features minimal dialogue and invites the audience to sit with the characters for extended, sometimes uncomfortable stretches. It’s far from unpleasant, though, and even the discomfort is amiable, in a way — a method of bonding with the characters as they struggle through mundane tasks or awkward conversations. When Baker presents every excruciating note of Lacy’s piano practice, it’s not to challenge the viewer, but to convey Lacy’s calm dedication.
Janet Planet
Rated PG-13
“Every moment of my life is hell,” Lacy says to her mother as they lie in bed one night, but as Janet points out, Lacy actually seems quite happy, and there’s nothing hellish about her existence or the process of watching it unfold. Despite its austere presentation, Janet Planet is joyful and often funny, with a deadpan sense of humor that Baker establishes in the opening scene. Stuck at summer camp, Lacy leaves her bunk in the middle of the night and calls Janet, claiming that she’ll kill herself if Janet doesn’t pick her up. She’s not suicidal, just needy and melodramatic, and Ziegler plays her with a mix of precociousness and insecurity.
Directed by Annie Baker
Starring Julianne Nicholson, Zoe Ziegler, Sophie Okonedo
As those other adults come and go, the bond between Janet and Lacy remains strong, in the way that aimless single parents and their prematurely self-possessed children often cling to each other. Nicholson is excellent as a woman slowly starting to figure out her life as she enters middle age, but the movie belongs to Ziegler in her debut role, making Lacy alternately sympathetic and frustrating. She may be too blunt and demanding at times, but the relationship between mother and daughter is affecting and honest, and Baker never manufactures any phony conflict between them.
Baker, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright making her film debut, is more interested in the small details that shape our life experiences, like Lacy lying on the couch watching daytime TV while home sick from school. Almost all of the movie is depicted from Lacy’s perspective, so that adult conversations that happen just out of earshot are inaudible to the viewer, too. It’s only toward the end that Baker switches the point of view, in a somewhat jarring shift into magical-realist territory that doesn’t quite work.
Janet Planet is punctuated by title cards referring to people that Janet brings into her life — relationships that Lacy observes but doesn’t necessarily understand. First is Janet’s unstable boyfriend Wayne (Will Patton), who isn’t much of a father figure for Lacy. In the movie’s most upbeat, entertaining sequence, Lacy, Janet and Wayne meet up with Wayne’s daughter Sequoia (Edie Moon Kearns) at a gloriously hideous indoor mall, where Lacy and Sequoia become fast friends. Later, Lacy pointedly asks Wayne why Sequoia doesn’t
That shift falls flat because the rest of the movie is so appealingly naturalistic, gorgeously shot on 16mm film that makes it look like vintage home movies. The sound design is infused with the noises of bugs and other creatures surrounding Janet and Lacy’s country home, emphasizing their isolation and their connection with nature. They’re on their own beautiful, insular planet, but it’s a warm, inviting place that the movie allows the audience to visit, to get cozy and to appreciate the everyday wonders. n
Janet Planet’s quiet drama is stellar. COURTESY OF A24.
EDM
A JOURNEY TO THE GREAT BEYOND
Superlatives from a day spent at the Gorge for the EDM festival Beyond Wonderland
BY SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL AND SETH SOMMERFELD
We here at the Inlander contain multitudes.
Take for example our resident electronic dance music expert.
Despite being the obvious guess, it’s not our music editor Seth. In fact, he’d never attended an EDM festival.
No, our in-house EDM fiend is actually our news editor Samantha, who is a veteran of the annual Gorge dance music fests (and is even traveling next month to attend Shambhala, Canada’s top EDM gathering).
With their contrasting levels of expertise, the pair traveled to last weekend’s Beyond Wonderland festival at the Gorge to take in Saturday’s action and share superlatives from what they saw.
BEST NAME
RUDE FLAMINGO
I mean, come on. How great a name is Rude Flamingo?! Bonus points because the name actually matched the sound more than the loads of EDM acts who just seem like a collection of Boggle letters. The LA DJ duo gained a spot on the main stage by winning a contest, but totally felt like they belonged with their “nu disco” mixes that felt like a throwback dance party highlighting top tier ’70s disco and ’80s dance pop sounds. (SS)
BEST GROUP THEME THE CHEFS
We saw a lot of themed outfits: a bunch of bananas, cheerleaders, and of course, as in years past, many, many groups of cows. The group of guys dressed in chef hats and aprons was probably my favorite, but with their flag incongruously reading “Happy Birthday,” I couldn’t help but feel like there was a missed connection when I later saw a “Let Him Cook” flag. (SW)
HARDEST FASHION CHOICE TO GET USED TO NO IFS,
ANDS, BUT PLENTY OF…
I was fully aware it would be the case, but having never been to an EDM fest in the flesh it was still mind-boggling the amount of outfits that eschew… ummm… derriere coverage. We can just say the day was more cheeky than all prior days in my life combined. (SS)
BEST REPRESENTATION
¡VIVA DEORRO!
Mexican-American DJ Deorro had the main stage crowd in a frenzy near sundown with his array of Spanish language-leaning tracks, and it’s clear that his people showed up for the set with at least eight full-size Mexican flags flying proudly in the pit. (In a funny contrast, most of the USA flags that could be seen throughout the day had K-pop stars plastered across the center.) (SS)
BEST SPORTS FIT QUACKSTER OF THE COURT
With their light breathability, sports jerseys are always a safe fashion choice for dudes at any genre of outdoor music fest. At Beyond there were plenty of obvious ones (Mariners, Kobe Bryant, etc.) and a couple excellent niche ones (a Miami Heat alternative Miami Vice Dwyane Wade fit the EDM aesthetic). But look, you just aren’t gonna beat the guy who had a Daffy Duck Space Jam Tune Squad jersey. Speaking of which… (SS)
BEST USE OF SOMEBODY ELSE’S SONG
MARTEN HØRGER - “SPACE JAM”
Clearly things were more than a bit Looney at Beyond, because in addition to the fits, this German DJ had the crowd singing along to a dope remix of the theme song from the 1995 film that has a soft spot in the hearts of many a millennial. (SS)
DEORRO - “WONDERWALL” & CRANKDAT“TURN DOWN FOR WHAT”
When you gather a bunch of DJs together for a festival, you’re going to hear remixes on remixes on remixes. While there were plenty of shoutouts to other EDM artists — Kayzo did a pretty great remix of “Satisfaction” by Benny Benassi — there were also a ton of pop culture hits mixed in with the untz untz untz of a bass beat. I particularly liked how Deorro was able to take “Wonderwall” and mix it into a Mexican mariachi dance jam. And later on, Crankdat played a super fun mix of “Turn Down for What.” (SW)
Deorro was a hit on the first day of Beyond Wonderland.
SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL PHOTO
BEST TOTEM / FLAG
STREET SIGN & FLAMING ELMO
Of the totems (signs on poles that groups bring to make it easier for their friends to find them in the crowd) that are OK to describe in this paper (there were many hilarious but wildly inappropriate options this year), for me it was a tie between “Ravers at Play” — a modified version of one of those little green personshaped signs that people put out on the street to signal kids are around — and one of the fancy new hologram totems that, among other things, displayed the GIF of Elmo with his hands up while flames crackle in the background. Runner-up goes to the gigantic cup of noodles. (SW)
I DON’T KNOW WHY WE’RE YELLING!
As far as simple, funny, accurate and to-the-point flags go, it was pretty hard to top the one with an image of Steve Carell’s Brick Tamland from Anchorman with “LOUD NOISES” on it. (SS)
WORST SET
KAYZO
The only set on Saturday that was actively bad was the mainstage outing from Kayzo. He was clearly trying to be an edgy rock-centric DJ, even bringing a live drummer and guitarist on stage. But the live instruments were mixed so far back that they did not pop at all (it seemed half the time the guitar sounds were just Kayzo’s tracks, not the actual guitarist). It all felt like forced hollow aggression that would appeal to Barstool bros who feel insecure dancing to actual dance music. And Kayzo’s abominable remix of Creed’s “Higher”? Gouge-your-ears-out level garbage. (SS)
BEST “PROPOSAL”
FALLING ZYN LOVE
It’s not totally unusual for EDM-loving couples to get engaged at Beyond. But we were witness to a different type of proposal, when a guy in hi-vis yellow got on one knee at Marten Hørger to cheekily crack open his Zyn canister and offer one of the nicotine pouches to his buddy, who gladly said yes. (SW)
MOST OVERPRICED FOOD
CORN DOG
Look, we all know how bad the price gouging is at music festivals. But even if I had been lost wandering in a desert for days and emerged to find only The Corn Dog Company’s food truck, I still think I’d further my malnutrition over paying 14 @!#?$%& dollars for a corn dog. (SS)
BEST NATURAL AESTHETIC OF THE TREES
Of the Trees played at 11:30 pm on the bass stage, and if you were able to stand to the left side of the audience, the full moon was perfectly framed by the stage scaffolding. It was an on-thenose callout from Mother Nature for an artist whose most popular tracks are named things like “The Owl Song,” “Spanish Moss” and “Harvest.” (SW)
BEST JOB AT THE FESTIVAL
ASL INTERPRETER
Among those working the event, the best gig hands down (or up?) appeared to be the American Sign Language interpreter. Stationed at the front of the pit for Mellodeath, they basically got to dance to the beat because the closing set was light on lyrics. (SW)
BEST SET
ALISON WONDERLAND
The reason I finally took the plunge to go out for a day of Beyond was because there was at least one artist on the lineup that I already adored in Alison Wonderland. After seeing her headline before at Red Rocks, it was a blast hearing how she adapted her style — more melodic than most and sampling her own singing voice — for the masses at the Gorge. As is her mantra, she once again f—ed everyone up on a spiritual level. (SS) n
The Elephant in the Room
After a few tumultuous years, Cage the Elephant is back in top form on Neon Pill
BY AZARIA PODPLESKY
Neon Pill has been a long time coming for Cage the Elephant. The Kentucky-born rock band’s first album in five years, following the Grammy award-winning Social Cues, came together at two very different points in the band’s career and singer Matt Shultz’s life.
About half of the record came together during the years following Social Cues, years during which Shultz experienced a medication-induced psychosis that led to delusions and paranoia.
“It was like being in an action film 24/7, but it’s always at the most dangerous and terrible part,” Shultz told Rolling Stone. “Or like a horror film, it was a nonstop horror film.”
The psychosis reached a critical point in 2023 when Shultz was arrested for bringing loaded firearms into a New York hotel. (Shultz said he forgot about New York’s gun laws and had no intention of using the guns.) Following his arrest, Shultz began a two-month hospital stay followed by six months of outpatient therapy.
“Sometimes in life you need a powerful attentiongrabber, and that definitely grabbed my attention,” Shultz said. “As soon as I was arrested, I was immediately checked into the hospital. Those two months were a time period of starting to have good reality testing again, where I was starting to understand what the real world actually was.”
The other half of Neon Pill, which was released on May 17, came together after Shultz’s outpatient therapy, leading the singer to discover new meaning in lyrics he wrote while paranoid.
“After I’d gotten well again, things that meant something profound to me were no longer profound,” he said.
“It’s profoundly interesting. A lot of the lyrics had a very powerful meaning to me, but that meaning wasn’t based in reality.”
The band recorded Neon Pill with producer John Hill (Young the Giant, Carly Rae Jepsen) in studios in Texas, New York, Tennessee, North Carolina and California, collectively creating an album that sounds both like the Cage the Elephant fans have known and loved for years and like a version of the band that has caught up on all they’d missed since the release of Social Cues
Neon Pill brings Cage the Elephant — Shultz, his brother Brad Shultz on guitar, bassist Daniel Tichenor, drummer Jared Champion, lead guitarist Nick Bockrath and guitarist/keyboard player Matthan Minster — to Northern Quest Resort and Casino on Sunday, June 30. Which is something that may have seemed unlikely just a year ago.
“It’s a miracle to be performing again,” he told Rolling Stone. “It’s a miracle I’m alive.”
After peeking at some set lists from the tour so far, here are a few Cage the Elephant songs you’ll definitely want to revisit before heading to the show.
“Neon Pill” from Neon Pill
The new album’s title track was written in 2022, a year before Shultz’s arrest, when he thought someone was tampering with his medication, unaware it was causing his psychosis. “When my brother first heard ‘Neon Pill,’ he said it was heartbreaking, because while I knew something was wrong, I couldn’t get what it was,” Shultz told Rolling Stone. “It was heartbreaking for him because he could obviously see it quite clearly.”
“In One Ear” from Cage the Elephant
The raucous second single from the band’s self-titled debut didn’t make much of an impact on the charts after the album’s 2008 release, but following the success of “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked,” a 2010 re-release of “In One Ear” sent the song to the very top of the Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart. The song sounds like the controlled chaos that is perfect for a live show.
“Cigarette Daydreams” from Melophobia
There’s good reason “Cigarette Daydreams” has become a staple of Cage the Elephant encores lately. The slower tune feels introspective, perfect for near the end of the concert when you’re blissfully tired after a night of live music. “You can drive all night / Looking for the answers in the pouring rain / You wanna find peace of mind / Looking for the answer,” Shultz sings. With close to 1 billion streams on Spotify, the song is definitely an audience favorite too.
“Rainbow” from Neon Pill
A grooving song about how Schultz’s wife picks him up when he’s down. He’s said it’s his favorite song on the album, so chances are high it will appear on the setlist. “You are more vibrant than a technicolor flower bloom / Worth more than any sunset that I ever even knew / As far as east is to the west, there is no flaw in you.” n
Cage the Elephant, Young the Giant, Bakar, Willow Avalon • Sun, June 30 at 6:30 pm • $60-$488 • All ages • Northern Quest Resort & Casino • 100 N. Hayford Road, Airway Heights • northernquest.com
Cage the Elephant returns in style with Neon Pill. NEIL KRUG PHOTO
MUSIC | ROCK
2024 July
JULY 1ST
REGULAR BINGO SESSIONS*
FRI & SAT SUN
Admissions opens 4 PM 11 AM
Session begins 6 PM 1 PM
MATINEE-STYLE BINGO SESSIONS*
SAT MON
Admissions opens 11 AM 4 PM
Session begins NOON 6 PM
MON Monday Night Bingo – Kiss My Bass EPC Drawings - 5 winners receive $100 EPC every Monday!
JULY 4 TH — 8 TH
THURS Special Session – Tip-Top
Thursday Night: 4TH of July Bingo
One progressive guaranteed for $5,000! Buy-in with a minimum electronic buy-in of $25. All regular games pay out $1,000.
Admissions open at 3 PM.
Session starts at 6 PM.
FRI Regular Session
SAT
Regular Session
SUN Regular Session – $5 Buy-in (minimum electronic buy-in $25). All regular games pay $1,000.
WELCOME HOME. WELCOME HOME.
Please
TIP-TOP THURSDAY NIGHT BINGO! N
Thursday of the months of June, July, & August.
MON Monday Night Bingo – Kiss My Bass EPC Drawings - 5 winners receive $100 EPC every Monday!
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SUN Regular Session – $5 Buy-in (minimum electronic buy-in $25).
All regular games pay $1,000.
MON Monday Night Bingo – Kiss My Bass EPC Drawings - 5 winners receive $100 EPC every Monday!
JULY 19TH — 22ND
FRI Regular Session
SAT
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SUN Regular Session – $5 Buy-in (minimum electronic buy-in $25).
All regular games pay $1,000.
MON Monday Night Bingo – Kiss My Bass EPC Drawings - 5 winners receive $100 EPC every Monday!
JULY 26TH — 29TH
FRI Regular Session – $5 Buy-in (minimum electronic buy-in $25). All regular games pay $1,000.
SAT Regular Session – $5 Buy-in (minimum electronic buy-in $25). All regular games pay $1,000.
SUN Regular Session – $5 Buy-in (minimum electronic buy-in $25). All regular games pay $1,000.
MON Monday Night Bingo – Kiss My Bass EPC Drawings - 5 winners receive $100 EPC every Monday!
POP FOLK NOAH KAHAN
J = THE INLANDER RECOMMENDS THIS SHOW J = ALL AGES SHOW
Thursday, 6/27
ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS, Ron Greene
J THE BIG DIPPER, Datura, Cruel Velvet, Blunt Skulls, Sex With Seneca
J BRICK WEST BREWING CO., Buffalo Jones
J THE BUNKER BAR, Wiebe Jammin’
CHECKERBOARD TAPROOM, Weathered Shepherds
J COEUR D’ALENE PARK, Time Baby
THE COEUR D’ALENE RESORT, Sunset Sessions: DJ Daymaker
J THE DISTRICT BAR, Cody Canada & The Departed
J QQ SUSHI & KITCHEN, Just Plain Darin RED ROOM LOUNGE, Rewind: Thursday Night Vibes
J STELLA’S ON THE HILL, Karma’s Circle
ZOLA, Mister Sister, Matt Mitchell
Friday, 6/28
AK ASIAN RESTAURANT, Jason Lucas
BARREL 33, Son of Brad
J THE BIG DIPPER, Dead Register, Black Locust, Chase The Sun, Where?
THE CHAMELEON, Club Blush
CHAN’S RED DRAGON ON THIRD, Whack-A-Mole
CHINOOK STEAK, SEAFOOD & PASTA, Keith Wallace
COEUR D’ALENE TAPHOUSE
UNCHAINED, Wiebe Jammin’
J EUREKA MOUNTAIN CENTER, Sandpoint Summerfest
IOLITE LOUNGE, Nate Ostrander
IRON HORSE (CDA), JamShack
ROCK GRACE POTTER
J KNITTING FACTORY, Hoopfest Music Festival
J NEATO BURRITO, Sick Pay Holiday, Starla, Brayden Moore
PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Bridges Home
RED ROOM LOUNGE, Live DJs
J STELLA’S ON THE HILL, Pastiche
J TRUE LEGENDS GRILL, Gil Rivas
ZOLA, Deb the Wolf
ZOLA, Out West
Saturday, 6/29
J THE BIG DIPPER, Hell Motel, Gnat Hatcher, Inside Slurs
THE CHAMELEON, Sonic Druid, Children of Atom, Ghost Divorce, Black Locust
THE CHAMELEON, Promiscuous: 2000s Club Bangers
CHAN’S RED DRAGON ON THIRD, Eternal Jones
CHINOOK STEAK, SEAFOOD & PASTA, Keith Wallace
THE DISTRICT BAR, Vincent Neil Emerson
DRY FLY DISTILLING, Son of Brad
J EUREKA MOUNTAIN CENTER, Sandpoint Summerfest
J J GORGE AMPHITHEATER, Noah Kahan
IRON HORSE (CDA), JamShack
J KNITTING FACTORY, Emo Nite
J LIVE AT ANDRE’S, Shook Twins, The Two Tracks
J ONE SHOT CHARLIE’S, Whack A Mole
PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Ali Thomas & Sheldon Packard
On Aug. 18, 2023, overall-clad, stomp-and-holler powerhouse Noah Kahan played a show at the Pavilion in Spokane. But despite being a massive fan, I don’t remember a lot of it. I was too busy thinking about my hometown, which was burning down just 20 miles away that evening. The smoke from the Gray Fire in Medical Lake enveloped me and my eyes welled up as Kahan sang lyrics that hit too close to home: “It’s all washin’ over me / I’m angry again / The things that I lost here / The people I knew.” Kahan cut the show short due to the smoky conditions and, honestly, I’m not sure how much more singing about small towns I could take that night. So this weekend’s show at the Gorge is my doover! I better not hear of wildfires nearby that could mess this up for me and the other fans who just want to scream “New Perspective” and “False Confidence” into the Columbia River Gorge in smoke-free peace.
— MADISON PEARSON
Noah Kahan, Jensen McRae • Sat, June 29 at 7 pm
• Sold out • The Gorge Amphitheatre • 754 Silica Road, Quincy • gorgeamphitheatre.com
There’s a grit, edge and spirit to any truly great female blues-rock voice. It’s a somewhat undefinable hardscrabble umph that many singers try to imitate, but if it’s not authentic then the emotional heft simply doesn’t land. Grace Potter’s voice is the real deal. When she was beginning to break through about a decade ago, the soulful singer-songwriter’s versatility led her to open shows for everyone from the Rolling Stones to Dave Matthews Band to the Flaming Lips, while also winning a Grammy for a duet with Kenny Chesney (“You and Tequila”). Potter proved she’s still got her jaunty blues-rock fastball on her 2023 album Mother Road, and a lively Grace Potter set feels like an excellent way to pregame for the Fourth of July.
— SETH SOMMERFELD
Grace Potter • Tue, July 2 at 8 pm • $32-$42 • All ages • Spokane Tribe Casino • 14300 W. SR-2, Airway Heights • spokanetribecasino.com
J PONDEROSA BAR AND GRILL, Dan Conrad
RED ROOM LOUNGE, Live DJs
J REPUBLIC BREWING CO., Ellis Bullard and Sam Murrow
ROCKET MARKET, Rosie CQ
SCHWEITZER, The Cole Show
J SIRINYA’S THAI RESTAURANT, Nate Ostrander
J VANTAGE POINT BREWING CO., Pamela Benton
ZOLA, Silver Smile
ZOLA, Dope Jockey
Sunday, 6/30
ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS, Sara Brown Band
THE COEUR D’ALENE RESORT, Tunes on the Terrace: Jerry Lee Raines
THE DISTRICT BAR, Vandoliers, Eli Howard & the Grater Good
J EUREKA MOUNTAIN CENTER, Sandpoint Summerfest HOGFISH, Open Mic
IRON HORSE (CDA), PJ Destiny
J J NORTHERN QUEST CASINO, Cage The Elephant, Young the Giant, Bakar
J ONE SHOT CHARLIE’S, Gil Rivas
J SOUTH HILL GRILL, Just Plain Darin ZOLA, JoJo Knox
Monday, 7/1
THE COEUR D’ALENE RESORT, Tunes on the Terrace: Sara Brown Band
EICHARDT’S PUB, Monday Night Blues Jam with John Firshi
PATRICK MCCORMACK PHOTO
GRACE POTTER PHOTO
RED ROOM LOUNGE, Open Mic Night
J STELLA’S ON THE HILL, Rhythmic Collective Duo
Tuesday, 7/2
THE COEUR D’ALENE RESORT, Tunes on the Terrace: Nu Jack City
OSPREY RESTAURANT & BAR, The Ronaldos ROCKET MARKET, Jen Nackos
J SPOKANE TRIBE CASINO, Grace Potter
SWING LOUNGE, Swing Lounge Live Music Tuesdays ZOLA, Jerry Lee and the Groove, David Jeter
Wednesday, 7/3
BERSERK,
July-O-Ween: Puddy Knife, Psychic Death, Peru Resh, Blunt Skulls
THE COEUR D’ALENE RESORT, Tunes on the Terrace: KOSH
THE COEUR D’ALENE RESORT, Bands on Boats: Kelly Hughes Band
THE DRAFT ZONE, The Draft Zone Open Mic
KENDALL YARDS, Rock the Nest: Jessica Haffner, Panoramic Dreams, TimGMusic, Tim Snodgrass
The time has come to be adorned in red, white and blue while admiring colorful fireworks in the sky. The main event is always the myriad local fireworks shows, so don’t miss your chance to watch the pyrotechnics as they pop into the sky at Riverfront Park, Liberty Lake and Lake Coeur d’Alene. Besides the evening’s fireworks, Coeur d’Alene also hosts food and entertainment all day at its Lakeside 4th Fest, plus the option to view fireworks from a boat. Sports fans also have an opportunity to celebrate Independence Day by heading to Avista Stadium for Fireworks Night and to see the Spokane Indians take on the Eugene Emeralds. No matter what you hope to get out of this year’s Fourth of July or what your traditions are, there’s something for everyone to do and feel connected with the people around them.
— MADI OSWALT
Fourth of July Celebrations • Thu, July 4; locations and times vary • For more Fourth of July events, visit Inlander.com/ events
COMEDY EVERYTHING’S MADE UP
There’s a great random Family Guy joke where a character asks, “What’s the most consistently funny form of comedy in existence? Improv!” It’s a bit of absurdity as anyone who’s sat through cringy bad improv shows can attest. But the pros of Whose Live Anyway? are the exceptions that make the format look easy and actually perpetually hilarious. Alumni of the popular televised improv showcase Whose Line Is It Anyway? — Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis and Joel Murray — show off their quick comedic minds with short-form improv games that consistently have capacity crowds cackling. The fact that every show is completely unique and made up on the spot keeps fans coming back for more.
— SETH SOMMERFELD
Whose Live Anyway? • Fri, June 28 at 7:30 pm • $55-$65 • Fox Theater • 1001 W. Sprague Ave. • foxtheaterspokane.org
THEATER ROCKING THE ROOFTOP
More than 100 years ago, Yiddish author Solomon Aleichem penned a handful of stories about Jewish life in Imperial Russia. One of those stories — Tevye the Dairyman — was transformed into an original Broadway musical: Fiddler on the Roof. Thanks to legends like Jerome Robbins, Harold Prince, Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick and Joseph Stein, the show debuted in 1964, won three Tony Awards, and became the first musical theater show in history with more than 3,000 performances. Now, as the show celebrates its 60th anniversary, you can witness this cultural phenomenon in the coming week as the Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre puts on its own rendition at North Idaho College’s Schuler Performing Arts Center
— COLTON RASANEN
Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre: Fiddler on the Roof • June 28July 7; Fri at 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun at 2 pm, and Wed, July 3 at 7:30 pm • $50-$67 • Schuler Performing Arts Center • 880 W. Garden Ave., Coeur d’Alene • cdasummertheatre.com
Submit events online at Inlander.com/getlisted or email relevant details to getlisted@inlander.com. We need the details one week prior to our publication date.
COMMUNITY SHARING STORIES
Most locals have heard of prolific architect Kirtland Cutter, and how Bing Crosby lived in Spokane up until his big break, but what’s lesser known are the stories of the Black families who’ve called Spokane home through it all. The new “Our Stories” series sponsored by the Innovia Foundation and hosted by the MAC aims to celebrate the rich tapestry of diverse communities in our region through various educational activities. For the first installment, learn about Spokane’s history from Black community members’ perspective with Motown music on the museum’s front lawn, plus documentary screenings and presentations featuring family histories of Spokane’s Black pioneers. The living descendants of those pioneers and local dignitaries also share memories and memorabilia from their families, plus African American-owned businesses and organizations are on-site to form new connections.
— MADISON PEARSON
Our Stories: Black Families in Spokane • Fri, June 28 from 11 am-4 pm • Free • The Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture • 2316 W. First Ave. • northwestmuseum.org
COMMUNITY SUPERB HERBS
Support home herbalists at the 8th annual Spokane Herbal Faire hosted by the Four Seasons Herbal Guide. Local vendors are selling fresh and dried herbs, tinctures, tea, salves and more. Attendees can learn more about the culture of herbalism by attending various workshops offered throughout the weekend. Food and drinks are also available, however, do your part and be sure to bring a reusable cup (and cash). The fair acts as the primary fundraiser for Herbalists Without Borders’ activities in Spokane. Using the money raised from the fair, the guild provides herbal preparations such as teas, syrups, and salves to women’s and children’s shelters, homeless relief shelters, and the greater community in need.
— CASSANDRA BENSON
Spokane Herbal Faire • Sat, June 29 and Sun, June 30 from 10 am-4 pm • $3; free for children • West Central Abbey • 1832 W. Dean Ave. • spokaneherbalfaire.org
I SAW YOU
RE: IN MY DREAMS... If this is who I think it is, I am sorry for not letting you truly know how I feel. When I walk next to you, I feel as if my heart wants to leap out of my chest, and I get so nervous that I can’t speak. I need more of that, and more of you. I hope you still have the email address I gave to you.
RE: IN MY DREAMS Mr. B, What are my initials?
HITCHED HAIRDRESSER Almost a year ago now you were dyeing hair for a woman (I think your aunt?) two seats away from me at Glen Dow Academy. I was eavesdropping and heard you tell her about how you were 18 and just got secretly hitched to a guy you barely knew. You then said both of you still lived at home and didn’t tell your parents. Are you still together??? I’ve since moved from Spokane, but I think about this story all the time and hope you’re doing well girly.
CHEERS
THANK YOU CHEERS to all the teachers at the Central Valley School District! YOU GUYS ROCK!!! Teaching our kids and making them grow into the great people you make them become! I appreciate all you do, especially when they graduate and make it out into the real world! THANK YOU!
OPTIMISM RESTORED It ended with a greasy food bag taped to my front door
with the message ‘“found your wallet on road, police have it” scribbled across it. It started with the sheer terror of realizing I lost my wallet. For hours I agonized, looking for it and when I finally got home I found your note. I went to the Police Station and retrieved my wallet. I asked the officer for your name so I could send you a thank you, but she said you didn’t leave your info. At a time when my optimism was starting to wane, this act of kindness restored me.
To thank you (whoever you are) I made a donation to my local food bank.
PRAISE FOR MESSAGE FROM THE JEERED
Thank you for the excellent message, which bears repeating. “We are critical of the small defects in our neighbors, but overlook the serious faults in ourselves. We are quick to complain of what we put up with from others, with never a thought of what others put up with from us....If we would look seriously to ourselves, we would find it easy to be silent about the deeds of others.” This is so needed in these times of great division. Scatter kindness, not cruelty!
THE VOTING’S THE THING Cheers to Bill Bryant for speaking up about the current nature of the Republican party. It’s not working to be a body of representatives for the electorate anymore. His points are clear and he’s correct about how we have more in common than current discourse shows.
I feel his editorial should have included support for a better voting system because that’s the place most people actually get to voice their opinion and our single vote, winner take all system demonstrably reinforces a two party system, regardless of the quality of those parties. Moving our country forward to a system like Ranked Choice Voting would enable us to speak more clearly at the ballot box for more parties and candidates. How we vote matters, so let’s improve the voting to make our voices heard.
JEERS
RE: DEADBEAT CITY I wholeheartedly agree with this regarding penalizing people for not paying for legal plates/tabs. I cannot believe how many I see that have been expired, not just for months... but for years! If you can afford to drive a car, then you must know that it is your responsibility to update tabs every year! Think of the revenue the state could have to meet the needs of our cities and citizens. Instead of them having to ask for levies, collect the money that is due the state. I have lived in
many parts of the United States, and this is the first state that has this problem. Boy I would have had a ticket within days of an expired tab elsewhere. Come on people, REALLY!
THROWING AWAY COSMETICS INSTEAD OF DONATING As I walk through the streets behind the stores of Spokane Valley, I
You stole the jar for a measly $10? That’s still theft. This road of stealing leads to bigger theft and eventually prison. I hope you change your ways before that becomes your destiny. Seriously, shame on you.
RE: CROSSWALK NONSENSE I’m tired of people completely missing the point. No one is angry that cars drive over it, we are
with no warning or farewell have I seen a local station suck so much at understanding their listeners. If you planned on giving the last of local morning radio the boot you should have sent them off in celebration and not quietly axed them hoping no one would notice. I guess that’s what we get when our local stations are run by an out of state corporation.
“ A fresh face of makeup or a new pair of shoes can be a small but significant step toward rebuilding confidence ”
can’t help but notice the abundance of brand new cosmetics and goods being thrown away in dumpsters, meanwhile local shelters and organizations supporting people in need are struggling to provide basic necessities. It is heartbreaking to think about the potential impact these discarded items could have on someone’s life. A fresh face of makeup or a new pair of shoes can be a small but significant step toward rebuilding confidence and starting anew. I urge local businesses to consider donating there excess inventory to those who need it most. Let’s work together to reduce waste and make a positive impact in our community.
NOT SO THRIFTY STORES As I’ve noticed the shift in thrift store practices, I’m compelled to speak out. Gone are the days of finding treasures at affordable prices. Now, donated items are meticulously priced at full worth, often exceeding their value. This change harms those who need it most: low-income families struggling to clothe their children. Once havens for affordable secondhand shopping, the thrift chains now resemble department stores. They’ve even eliminated try-on options citing potential theft, meanwhile they profit and reduce employee needs by having customers do self checkout. Let’s redirect our generosity to the free clothing banks, veterans organizations, domestic violence shelters and churches providing refuge. These organizations genuinely support those in need without exploiting them for profit.
TIP THIEF To the young man that drove up and stole my tip jar while I was running to the back to grab something, how dare you.
SOUND OFF 1. Visit Inlander.com/isawyou by 3 pm Monday. 2. Pick a category (I Saw You, You Saw Me, Cheers or Jeers). 3. Provide basic info: your name and email (so we know you’re real). 4. To connect via I Saw You, provide a non-identifying email to be included with your submission — like “petals327@yahoo.com,” not “j.smith@comcast.net.”
angry because people set fire to it in the middle of the night, that three young men thought they could intentionally deface it and yell slurs without repercussions. This is about holding people accountable for their hateful actions, not about where the mural is placed. I beg you, stop bringing up that’s in on an intersection. We know. And please, have some more critical thought instead of this constant inane dribble.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE ROSES? Visited Rose Hill in Manito yesterday, hoping to sniff my old favorites in the Tea Rose section. Empty, empty, hardly any bushes there. And someone is mislabeling roses in the heritage section (William Baffin is not white, it is a Canadian Explorer, not heritage). The sign which showed the location of the roses in the tea rose section has vanished. What happened??? Vandalism?? New administration, gardeners, etc?? Too much focus on Expo?? Lots of praise for the new design of Duncan Gardens now, but the Rose garden on Rose Hill is a Manito Heritage. Correction needed.
GARAGE SALE COURTESY Garage and Estate Sale holders, PLEASE take down your signs when your sale is done. If you have the time and wherewithal to hold a sale, how can you not take an extra minute to remove your signs at its conclusion? If I had a dollar for every Garage/Estate Sale sign I followed to nowhere/nothing...! Well, I could probably buy a piece of furniture or treasure at full market price and not need to look for them in your neighborhood.
NICE MOVE MORGAN MURPHY MEDIA Not since 98.9 KKZX dropped The Radio Men
92.9 ZZU Jeers to the management of 92.9 for taking Dave, Ken, and Molly off the air with no warning. It was not fair to the staff, and especially the listeners that they couldn’t say goodbye to us and each other. I know that the management at the radio station doesn’t care but they have lost me as a listener. Dave, Ken, and Molly let us know how you are doing.
RE: RE: “PRIDE” CROSSWALK I usually avoid engaging with comments like yours, as it would take a lifetime (hopefully shorter, for everyone’s sake) to open your closed mind – and even then, it might not be enough. It’s disheartening to see your intolerance towards anyone who isn’t like you. Celebrating the achievements and existence of others doesn’t diminish your own. Saying one group matters doesn’t imply that other groups don’t; that’s just your misguided perception. The fact that the spotlight isn’t on you for once doesn’t justify your tantrum. Grow up and try some empathy for a change. n
BENEFIT
15TH ANNUAL BACKPACKS FOR KIDS
The Salvation Army Spokane, in collaboration with Nomnom Convenience Stores, has a goal of distributing 4,000 new backpacks with school supplies to local children, grades K-12. Nomnom is collecting donations through June 30. Free. The Salvation Army Spokane, 222 E. Indiana Ave. makingspokanebetter.
org
RIBBON CUTTING AND OPEN HOUSE
Join Akin (formerly Children’s Home Society of Washington) and Greater Spokane Incorporated to celebrate 20 years. June 27, 4-6 pm. Free. GallandAshlock Family Resource Center, 2323 N. Discovery Pl., Spokane Valley. akinfamily.org
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT A silent auction fundraiser for Light A Lamp, a nonprofit that supports groups struggling with mental or physical health. The event also include dinner and live music. June 28, 6 pm. $75-$150. Barrister Winery, 1213 W. Railroad Ave. lightalamp.org
OREGON ROAD FIRE RELIEF CON -
CERT A benefit concert for displaced victims of the Oregon Road Fire featuring music by Robert Vaughn, Max Daniels, Cary Fly, SideStep and more. June 29, 5-9 pm. $10-$75. West Central Community Center, 1603 N. Belt St. toofarnorthproductions.com
COMEDY
DOUG BENSON Benson is a comedian, marijuana rights advocate, TV and podcast host and actor. June 28-29, 7 & 9:45 pm. $24-$32. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com
A FULLY-IMPROVISED MUSICAL Fullyimprovised story, characters, songs and choreography all inspired by audience suggestions. June 28, 7 pm. $15. Harding Family Center, 411 N. 15th St. levitytheatre.com (208-494-2008)
HOOP PROV Improvisers weave together basketball inspired humor and imaginative characters as they prepare for Hoopfest. Fridays at 7:30 pm through July 5. $9. Blue Door Theatre, 319 S. Cedar St. bluedoortheatre.org
WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? Current cast members of Whose Line Is It Anyway? Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis and Joel Murray improvise comedy sketches and play games from audience suggestions. June 28, 7:30 pm. $55-$65. The Fox Theater, 1001 W. Sprague Ave. foxtheaterspokane.org
SAFARI The Blue Door Theatre’s version of Whose Line with short improv comedy skits Every Saturday at 7:30 pm. $9. Blue Door Theatre, 319 S. Cedar. bluedoortheatre.com
JEN KOBER Kober is known for her stand-up, storytelling and improvised rock-n-roll comedy June 30, 7 pm. $20-$35. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokanecomedyclub.com
COMMUNITY
DRIVING THE AMERICAN DREAM: 1970S CARS Learn about the changes in the world that heralded a new era of auto making in the United States through automobiles of the 1970s. TueSun from 10 am-5 pm through Sep. 14. $8-$12. The MAC, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org
EXPO ’74 HISTORIC TIMELINE OUT-
DOOR EXHIBIT An open-air exhibit detailing the pivotal moments of Expo ’74 and its legacy in environmental consciousness. Through July 4. Free. Pavilion at Riverfront, 574 N. Howard St. visitspokane.com (509-625-6000)
SILVER VALLEY JEEP JAMBOREE This annual jamboree starts off in, an old mining camp on the National Historic register. Travel up old military wagon trails that wind their way through the Idaho Panhandle National Forest and more activities throughout the weekend. June 27-29; see website for full schedule of events. $125-$365. Mullan, Idaho. jeepjamboreeusa.com
UNDERSTANDING POVERTY WORK-
SHOP Get an in-depth understanding of how economic backgrounds effect our daily actions. Walk away with the tools to better work together with people coming from poverty. June 27, 1-2:30 & 7-8 pm. $10. Summit Church (U-District), 1003 E. Trent Ave. familypromiseofspokane.org
OUR STORIES: BLACK FAMILIES IN SPOKANE Experience Spokane’s rich history from the perspective of members of the Black community. Listen to Motown music, learn about family histories and watch documentaries. June 28, 11 am-4 pm. Free. The MAC, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org
PRIDE IN PERRY Celebrate Pride in Spokane’s Perry District with artists, community vendors, live music, activities and youth programming. June 29, 12-5 pm. Free. South Perry Business District. odysseyyouth.org
SPOKANE HERBAL FAIRE A marketplace of artisan vendors and herbalists. The event also includes children’s activities, drawing for prize baskets, face painting, tea and more. June 2930, daily from 10 am-4 pm. $3. West Central Episcopal Mission, 1832 W. Dean Ave. spokaneherbalfaire.org
ICCU SUMMER CARNIVAL A carnival featuring rides, games, treats and more. July 3-7, times vary. Free. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. riverfrontspokane.com
MOONSHINE ARTISAN NIGHT MARKET & MOONLIT MOVIES An artisan market featuring local makers, food vendors and more. The market is followed by an outdoor movie. Market from 5:30-8:30 pm; movie begins at dusk. Wednesdays from 5:30-11 pm through Aug. 28. Free. Commellini Estate, 14715 N. Dartford Dr. commellini. com/moonshine
4TH OF JULY COMMUNITY PARADE
This annual parade features the Liberty Lake Community Band, various floats and grand marshals Bob and Sue Schneidmiller. July 4. Free. Alpine Shores, S. Alpine Dr. libertylakewa.gov
CAPTAIN CRYSTAL AND THE DREAM
CATCHER BALLOON Tethered hot air balloon rides at the Endicott Gun Club. Veterans and children in wheelchairs ride free. July 4, 4-7 pm. $25. Endicott, Wash. whitcolib.org (509-657-3429)
FOURTH OF JULY CRUISES Experience a fireworks show from a boat on Lake Coeur d’Alene. July 4, 8:30-11 pm. $39$79. The Coeur d’Alene Resort, 115 S. Second. cdacruises.com
LAKESIDE 4TH FEST Ring in the Fourth of July with a dinner buffet, live entertainment and fireworks. July 4, 6-10 pm. $125. The Coeur d’Alene Resort, 115 S. Second. cdaresort.com/4th-fest
FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS Two fireworks displays over Liberty Lake. July 4, 10 pm. Free. libertylakewa.gov
RIVERFRONT PARK 4TH OF JULY
FIREWORKS A fireworks display in Riverfront Park’s Lilac Bowl. July 4, 10 pm. Free. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. visitspokane.com (509-625-6600)
SILVER MOUNTAIN 4TH OF JULY A day-long celebration featuring a 5k run run, vendors in Teeter’s Field, a parade and a firework show at dusk. July 4. Free. Silver Mountain Resort, 610 Bunker Ave. silvermt.com (208-783-1111)
FILM
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN Jack Twist and Ennis Del Mar are hired by a rancher as sheep herders in Wyoming. Jack makes a drunken pass at Ennis one night and they keep up the love affair over the course of 20 years. June 28, 7 pm. $5. Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave. panida.org
CINEMA CLASSICS: HIGH NOON A town marshal must face a gang of deadly killers alone at high noon. June 28, 2-4 pm. $6. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org
MOVIES IN THE PARK Screenings of family-friendly movies in Sally’s Park. Fridays at sundown through Aug. 2. Free. The Salvation Army Spokane, 222 E. Indiana Ave. facebook.com/TheSalvationArmyofSpokane (509-325-6810)
MOVIES IN THE PARK: BIG HERO 6 Also features lawn games and other activities. Movie at sunset. In Hilde Kellogg Park. June 28, 7 pm. Free. Post Falls, Post Falls. postfalls.gov
EVIL DOES NOT EXIST Rural villagers become aware of a plan to build a camping site near their homes. June 30, 4 pm & 7 pm. $8. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org
MOSCOW FILM SOCIETY: FARGO Minnesota car salesman Jerry Lundegaard’s inept crime falls apart due to his bungling and the persistent police work of Marge Gunderson. July 3, 7-9 pm. $8. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org (208-882-4127)
SUMMER OF STUDIO GHIBLI: THE BOY AND THE HERON An English-dubbed screening. July 3-6, daily at 2 pm $5. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave. garlandtheater.org
MOVIES AT THE PAVILION: BARBIE Bring your own seats, snacks and beverages. July 6, 8:30 pm. Free. Pavilion at Riverfront, 574 N. Howard. riverfrontspokane.com
FOOD & DRINK
DRY FLY DISTILLERY TOUR & TASTING
A guided tour of the distillery and tasting flights. Proceeds support Spokane Preservation Advocates. June 27, 5:308:30 pm. $65. Dry Fly Distilling, 1021 W. Riverside. spokanepreservation.org
POLYNESIAN NIGHT Make huli huli chicken, ceviche and more. June 27, 5:30-7:30 pm. $85. The Culinary Stone, 2129 N. Main St. culinarystone.com
80’S BBQ BASH: GIGAWATT Eat hamburgers, hotdogs and other barbecue fare, with live music by Gigawatt. June 28, 5-7 pm. $30. The Culinary Stone, 2129 N. Main St. culinarystone.com
2 Person Mixed Scramble
August 17 & 18
Deer Park Golf Course
$140 PER TEAM
Must have active GHIN HDCP!
• 8:30AM Shotgun start on both days.
• KP Prizes both days.
• Optional Net & Gross Skins Games. Must be 21. Drop off or mail entries to Swinging Doors
Sunday awards and Prime Rib Dinner included with entry
1018 West Francis Ave
509-326-6794 • theswingingdoors.com
EVENTS | CALENDAR
RIDE & DINE SERIES Enjoy a scenic gondola ride, live music and a barbecue meal. Fridays from 3-7:30 pm (except for June 28) through Aug. 30. $8-$63. Silver Mountain Resort, 610 Bunker Ave. silvermt.com (208-783-1111)
FOOD AS FARMACY Learn about and experience the intersection of quality food, farming, health and medicine with naturopathic physician Casey Carr. June 29, 4:30-8:30 pm. $40. Castle Rock Ranch, 12718 Old River Rd. foodasfarmacy.com
POST FALLS LION’S CLUB BREWFEST
An afternoon of craft brews, live music and community. June 29, 2-5 pm. $25. American Legion Post 143, 1138 E. Poleline. facebook.com/PostFallsLionsClub
THAI COOKING: FRESH AND FRIED
ROLLS Join Nick Ivers to learn the art of rolling and frying your own Thai rolls and chicken satay. July 1, 5:45-8:15 pm. $85. The Kitchen Engine, 621 W. Mallon Ave. thekitchenengine.com (509-328-3335)
BBQ & BANDS: JUST PLAIN DARIN
Live music by Just Plain Darin. Dinner is carne asada tacos. July 5, 5-7 pm. $20. The Culinary Stone, 2129 N. Main St. culinarystone.com (208-277-4166)
COEUR D’ALENE BREWFEST Try regional craft beers and ciders. The event also includes food vendors, yard games and live music. Admission is free for designated drivers and children. July 6, 1-7 pm. Downtown Coeur d’Alene, Sherman Ave. cdadowntown.com (208-415-0116)
MUSIC
MOSCOW COMMUNITY BAND SUMMER
CONCERT SERIES The Moscow Community Band, featuring musicians from around the Palouse, presents three free concerts of traditional and contemporary band music. June 27, 7-8 pm. Free. East City Park, 900 E. 3rd St. (208-669-4080)
SALISH SEA EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL Faythe Vollrath (harpsichord) and Jeffrey Cohan (baroque flute) perform selections from Bach’s catalog. June 28, 7 pm. $15$25. Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes, 1115 W. Riverside. salishseafestival.org
CUSTER’S GRASS BAND Formed in 1976, the band recorded the first bluegrass album originating from the Pacific Northwest. June 29, 7-9 pm. $15. Dahmen Barn, 419 N. Park Way. artisanbarn. org (509-229-3414)
SPORTS & OUTDOORS
GREATER SPOKANE PARKS CHALLENGE Visit 20 of Spokane’s parks, marking them off on the OuterSpatial mobile app as you go, to complete the challenge. Winners receive a sticker and are entered to win a $500 Target gift card. Through Sep. 3. Free. outerspatial.com
MILD RIDERS THURSDAY NIGHT RIDES
Bring your Vespa scooter and ride with others. Every Thursday at 6 pm through Sept. 26. Free. Lunarium, 1925 N. Monroe St. instagram.com/mild.riders.spokane
SILVER KINGS HARD ENDURO A motorcycle race through the mountains with some of the biggest names in the sport showcasing their skills. June 27-29; Thu from 9 am-6 pm, Fri from 9 am-7 pm and Sat frp, 10 am-7:30 pm. $43-$117. Silver Mountain Resort, 610 Bunker Ave. insideenduro.com (208-783-1111)
EXPO 50 KAYAKING ON THE SPOKANE RIVER Start at Upriver Park and travel the river toward Division Street Bridge and
back. As you paddle, learn about how Expo changed the land around the river. Meet at Upriver Park parking lot June 28, 5:30-8:30 pm and June 29, 10 am-1 pm. $10. my.spokanecity.org/parksrec
MODERN HOMESTEADING CONFER-
ENCE A two-day conference featuring presentations from experts who have created thriving homesteads. June 28, 7 am-7 pm and June 29, 7 am-5:30 pm. $149-$399. Kootenai County Fairgrounds, 4056 N. Government Way. modernhomesteading.com
HOOPFEST 2024 The largest three-onthree basketball tournament in the world played annually in downtown Spokane. June 29-30. Free to spectators. Downtown Spokane. spokanehoopfest.net
SPOKANE VELOCITY VS. NORTHERN COLORADO HAILSTORM Regular season matches. June 29, 6 pm and Aug. 13, 6 pm. $21-$41. One Spokane Stadium, 501 W. Gardner. spokanevelocityfc.com
MOUNTAIN MAGIC 5/10/25K TRAIL
RACE Choose from a 5k, 10k or 25k. June 30, 9 am. $25-$75. Mt. Spokane State Park, 26107 N. Mt. Spokane Park Dr. mountainmagicrun.com
SPOKANE INDIANS VS. TRI-CITY
AMERICANS Promotions for this threegame series include Fourth of July Fireworks Night (July 4), Dinosaur and Fireworks Night (July 5) and Marvel’s Defenders of the Diamond Night (July 6). July 4-5, 7:05 pm, July 6, 5:09 pm. Avista Stadium, 602 N. Havana St. milb.com/ spokane (509-535-2922)
SPOKANE VELOCITY VS. CHATTANOOGA RED WOLVES SC Regular season game. July 6, 6 pm. $21-$41. One Spokane Stadium, 501 W. Gardner Ave. spokanevelocityfc.com
THEATER & DANCE
THE (SAME) INCIDENT Chelsea DuVall’s experimental new play explores the cultural cycles of violence, media, blame and humanity in the face of mass shootings. Thu-Sat at 7 pm, Sun at 2 pm through June 30. $25-$30. Stage Left Theater, 108 W. Third. stagelefttheater.org
SHIBARI N FLOW PRIDE A night of performances such as shibari suspension, impact, burlesque, exotic, drag, poi and lyra. June 27, 7 pm. $30. The Chameleon, 1801 W. Sunset. chameleonspokane.com
SOUTH PACIFIC An American nurse stationed at a U.S. Naval base on a South Pacific island during World War II falls in love with an expatriate French plantation owner but struggles to accept his mixedrace children. Thu-Fri at 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun at 2 pm through July 7. $25-$45. Central Valley High School, 821 S. Sullivan Rd. ssummertheatre.com
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF The award-winning tale of Tevye the Dairyman and his family’s struggles in Russia. June 28-July 7; Fri at 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun at 2 pm. $50$67. Schuler Performing Arts Center, 880 W. Garden Ave. cdasummertheatre.com
PARANORMAL CIRQUE A show that combines theater, circus and cabaret with an innovative horror story. June 28-July 1; Fri at 7:30 pm, Sat at 6:30 pm and 9:30 pm, Sun at 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm, Mon at 7:30 pm. $20-$65. Spokane Valley Mall, 14700 E. Indiana. cirqueitalia.com
MASTER HAROLD...AND THE BOYS
Fugard’s coming-of-age story, loosely based on his own experience in South Africa, concerns the changing relationship
between a white teen and the two Black men who work as waiters in his mother’s tea room. July 5-14; Fri-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. $6-$26. The Forge Theater, 404 Sweet Ave. uidaho.edu/class/theatre
VISUAL ARTS
20 YEARS OF ARTWALK An exhibition celebrating the 20th anniversary of Moscow’s ArtWalk featuring posters and original artwork from the event’s first two decades. Mon-Fri from 8 am-5 pm through July 5. Free. Third Street Gallery, City Hall, 206 E. Third St. ci.moscow.id.us
SPOKANE ART SCHOOL FACULTY AND STUDENT SHOW Featured artists include Tom Quinn, Kay West, T Kurtz, Collista Krebs, Liz Bishop and more. Mon-Fri from 10 am-5 pm through June 28. Free. Spokane Art School, 503 E. Second Ave., Ste. B. spokaneartschool.net (509-325-1500)
FELISA CARRANZA & KURT CARLSON: BACKWARD AND FORWARD The two featured artists showcase work spanning decades and that compliment each other. Wed-Sat from 11 am-5 pm through June 29. Free. New Moon Art Gallery, 1326 E. Sprague Ave. manicmoonandmore.com
BETWEEN BORDERS: FOLKLIFE
THROUGH THE COEUR D’ALENES An exhibition featuring folk and traditional artists from the region. Wed-Sun from 11 am-6 pm through June 30. Free. The Art Spirit Gallery, 415 Sherman Ave. theartspiritgallery.com (208-765-6006)
BEYOND HOPE: KIENHOLZ AND THE INLAND NORTHWEST EXHIBITION This exhibition delves into the collaborative artistic journey of American artist Edward Kienholz and his wife, Nancy Reddin Kienholz, in the small town of Hope, Idaho. Tue-Sat from 10 am-4 pm through June 29. Free. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU, 1535 NE Wilson Rd. museum. wsu.edu (509-335-1910)
Z. MCMASTER: GANYMEDE GEEKS An exhibition featuring McMaster’s quirky creature creations. This show is part of Spokane Queer Art Walk. Daily from 11 am-6 pm through July 1. Free. Entropy, 101 N. Stevens St. explodingstars.com
GRADIENT A show featuring 13 artists within the LGBTQ+ community. Tue-Sat from 10 am-6 pm through July 5. Free. Emerge, 119 N. Second St., Coeur d’Alene. emergecda.com (208-930-1876)
HIGHER GROUND: AN EXHIBITION OF ART, EPHEMERA AND FORM Artwork and archival material from across the Palouse that speaks to the history of queer experience in the area including historical photographs, writings and pieces of art. Mon-Fri from 8:30 am-4:30 pm through Oct. 31. Free. Washington State University, 2000 NE Stadium Way. libraries.wsu.edu
INLAND NORTHWEST JURIED LANDSCAPE ART EXHIBITION This juried display presents the diversity and dynamism of contemporary artistic activity in the Inland Northwest while celebrating the relationship between art and the local landscape. Mon-Sat from 10 am-4 pm through Aug. 24. Free. Jundt Art Museum, 200 E. Desmet Ave. gonzaga.edu/ jundt (509-313-6843)
MATT SCHWENK: MONSTER This solo show explores the artist’s journey from childhood to adulthood, using colorful painterly expression to represent the monsters of life’s difficulties and his journey of resilience and self-discovery. Thu-Sat from 4-7 pm through June 29. Free. Terrain Gallery, 628 N. Monroe St. terrainspokane.com
RIVER RIDGE ASSOCIATION OF FINE ARTS EXPO ’74 SHOW Expo ’74-themed art created by members of the River Ridge Association of Fine Arts. Daily from 7 am-7 pm through June 30. Free. Indaba Coffee Roasters. 518 W. Riverside Ave. rrafaofspokane.com
SUBVERSIVE INTENT: SELECTIONS FROM THE COLLECTION EXHIBITION
This show features rarely displayed artworks from the museum’s permanent collection, spanning from historical pieces by Hogarth and Goya to contemporary works by Holzer and Shimomura. Tue-Sat from 10 am-4 pm through June 29. Free. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU, 1535 NE Wilson Rd. museum.wsu.edu
TEEN ART NIGHTS A new art project spanning a variety of mediums each week. Snacks provided. Thursdays from 6-7:15 pm through Aug. 15. $20. The Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center, 405 N. William St., Post Falls. thejacklincenter.org
THOSE WACKY VICTORIANS An exhibit featuring different aspects of late 1800s Victorian hobbies. Tue-Sat from 1-4 pm through Nov. 30. Free. McConnell Mansion, 110 S. Adams St., Moscow. latahcountyhistoricalsociety.org
LAST FRIDAY ART Handcrafted art is for sale by local artisans during the Spokane Valley Farmers Market and food truck rally. The last Friday of the month through Aug. 30 from 4-8 pm. Free. CenterPlace Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery. spokanevalleyarts.org
ROCK & POP ART SHOW WITH ITCHY KITTY A rescheduled Print Fest event featuring local artists like Derrick King and Dumbgun, plus live music from Itchy Kitty. June 28, 7-10 pm. Free. Hamilton Studio, 1427 W. Dean Ave. spokaneprintfest.org (509-327-9501)
ART IN THE GARDEN An art show displaying the work produced by local artisans of Blue Mountain Artists Guild and Columbia County. At the Boldman House Museum. June 29, 11 am-2 pm. Free. Dayton, Wash. daytonhistoricdepot.org
WOMAN, ARTIST, CATALYST: ART FROM THE PERMANENT COLLECTION Focusing on locally, nationally and internationally known women artists, this exhibition of work from the MAC’s permanent collection showcases the quality and varied focus of leading artists and art movements in the Inland and Pacific Northwest. June 29-March 9, 2025, TueSun from 10 am-5 pm. $7-$12. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org
ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPTS Hannah Charlton teaches students the history and process of creating illuminated manuscripts using medieval techniques and modern materials. July 2, 9-11:30 am. $85. Spokane Art School, 503 E. Second Ave., Ste. B. spokaneartschool.net
DROP IN & DRAW Join a creative community for this weekly free-form drawing program. Explore different artistic mediums, develop skills and ideas and cultivate imaginative thinking through art. All skill levels are welcome. Wednesdays from 5:30-7 pm. Free. Spark Central, 1214 W. Summit Pkwy. spark-central.org
OPEN STUDIO Stop by The Hive to see what current Artists-In-Residence are up to, and tour the building. Every Wednesday from 4-7 pm. Free. The Hive, 2904 E. Sprague Ave. spokanelibrary.org
CREATE A WATERCOLOR LANDMARK ACCORDION BOOK Create your own Spokane street front with favorite iconic buildings and landmarks. Learn how to
draw and paint them in a fun and whimsical style. Led by artist Megan Perkins. Registration is required. June 29, 1-5 pm. Free. Moran Prairie Library, 6004 S. Regal St. scld.org (893-8340)
BECKY BUSI: MEMORY METANOIA Work based on artifacts of precious objects, photos, heirlooms and more. July 5-26, Fri-Sat from noon-8 pm. Free. Saranac Art Projects, 25 W. Main Ave. sapgallery.com
FIRST FRIDAY Art galleries and businesses across downtown Spokane host receptions to showcase new displays of art. July 5 from 5-8 pm. Free. Spokane. downtownspokane.org/first-friday
MARY FARRELL: LOOK + LISTEN Pieces by Mary Farrell in response to the quiet power of nature. July 5-26, Fri-Sat from noon-8 pm. Free. Saranac Art Projects, 25 W. Main Ave. sapgallery.com
WORDS
DROP IN & WRITE Aspiring writers are invited to be a part of a supportive writers’ community. Bring works in progress to share, get inspired with creative prompts and spend some focused time writing. Hosted by local writers Jenny Davis and Hannah Engel. Thursdays from 5:30-7 pm. Free. Spark Central, 1214 W. Summit. spark-central.org
ECHOES OF EXPO This seven-episode series explores the World Fair’s lasting impact on urban renewal, environmental awakening, the complexities of progress and community dynamics in Spokane. Scan the wayfinding signs in the park to listen. Through July 7. Free. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. visitspokane.com
AUNTIES BOOK CLUB: MYSTERY/ THRILLER (VIRTUAL) Discuss Lone Women by Victor LaValle at the June meeting. June 27, 12-1 pm. Free. auntiesbooks.com (509-838-0206)
PAW PATROL STORYTIME Become an honorary member of the Paw Patrol gang by dressing in your favorite pup’s signature color. June 28, 10:30 am. Free. Shadle Library, 2111 W. Wellesley Ave. spokanelibrary.org (509-444-5390)
PANEL & PIZZA A discussion around the prompt: “Does indifference make a different?” based on a Paul Graves column. Discussion led by Paul Graves and Gen Heywood. Free pizza provided. June 29, 5:30-6:30 pm. Free. The Hive, 2904 E. Sprague. favs.news
TRAILS AND TALES An outdoor story time and nature walk at the Pine Street Woods featuring an animated reading of a book, guided nature discovery, snacks and more. Tuesdays from 9-10 am through Aug. 6. Free. Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. ebonnerlibrary.org
BROKEN MIC A weekly open mic reading series. Wednesdays at 6:30 pm; sign-ups at 6 pm. Free. Neato Burrito, 827 W. First Ave. bit.ly/2ZAbugD (509-847-1234)
3 MINUTE MIC Auntie’s Bookstore’s first Friday poetry open mic. Readers may share up to three minutes’ worth of poetry. Open to all ages. July 5, 7-8:30 pm. Free. Auntie’s Bookstore, 402 W. Main Ave. auntiesbooks.com n
FRIENDS OF THE SANDPOINT LIBRARY BOOK SALE Browse a selection of gently used books, DVDs, CDs and more July 6, 10 am-2 pm, Aug. 3, 10 am-2 pm and Sep. 7, 10 am-2 pm. Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. ebonnerlibrary.org n
SHOPPING
Sativa Strains for Summer
Take advantage of the sunshine with these three sativa strains
BY WILL MAUPIN
The sun is out first thing in the morning from the 4 o’clock hour until well past 8 pm these days. There is a lot of time that the light shines, and the outdoors are calling. Indica strains are known by their “in the couch” moniker for their propensity to keep people inside, but sativas are known to get people active and out and about. This time of year, that’s exactly where you want to be. Here are three sativa-dominant strains to shop for if you want cannabis to help you get out the door this summer.
JACK HERER
If you want to embrace a cannabis legend, look no further than Jack Herer. Named after the iconic author of The Emperor Wears No Clothes — a history of cannabis that
was first published in the 1980s and updated until Herer’s death in 2010 — this sativa strain should energize anyone who is an enthusiast about cannabis.
A hybrid of Haze, Northern Lights and Shiva Skunk, Jack Herer is true to its namesake as a thoughtful yet uplifting sativa, which often smells of citrus with peppery notes.
BLUE DREAM
A colorful classic often called a hybrid, Blue Dream is a sativa-dominant strain that can be found on dispensary shelves around the state. Clocking in at a THC level in the upper teens to low 20% range, Blue Dream is a strong smoke with a name that belies its intensity. Sleep is not on the menu here.
Often sought after for its berry flavor, Blue Dream delivers an almost stereotypical cannabis mouthfeel. When
smoked, the colorful blue accented buds have a skunky aroma with a fruity flavor, making for flower that looks, smells and tastes the part of high-quality cannabis.
SOUR DIESEL
It’s hard to say whether Sour Diesel is more known for the characteristic red accents on its buds or the pungent punch of its scent, but either way this strain is a sensory sensation. A cross between Chemdawg and Super Skunk, Sour Diesel is about as typical as it gets when it comes to contemporary cannabis. It’s smelly and it smokes well, and it looks like it would do both.
With caryophyllene as the dominant terpene in the chemical makeup, Sour Diesel has a gassy aroma true to its name with some spice in the mix as well. As a sativa, it will get you up and moving, and the sensory feeling of petroleum and pepper only adds to that impact. n
Drop the indicas in favor of strains that’ll inspire you to get outside.
EXPO QUIZ ANSWERS
1. a) Ecology and environmental awareness. In the “Expo Credo” read at opening day, it states, in part, that “man, in his growing wisdom, will renounce the age-old boast of conquering nature lest nature conquer man.” (We’re still working on that…)
2. Even though it was home to the international agency that allowed Spokane to hold the world’s fair, France (a) did not join the fun. Of the western European countries, only West Germany had a pavilion in Spokane.
3. d) 1,974 — though we have to wonder how precise they really were in the counting of the trout.
4. c) Three months. The president’s detail was concerned enough about hecklers that Secret Service agents patrolled the Spokane River in scuba gear.
5. e) All of the above. Only the Great Northern Clock Tower remains of the area’s tangle of industrial uses.
6. Surprisingly, it was (d) Bing Crosby. Even though he was Spokane’s most beloved son, his schedule did not allow it. He did, however, sing a few bars from the Opera House stage to test the acoustics before its grand opening.
7. b) Downtown Spokane. “The reason for the World’s Fair was not to have a party, not to become important, not to create a park,” King Cole said in 1999. “It was to save the downtown.”
8. d) 5.6 million. That number includes many dignitaries, celebrities and entertainers specially invited to Expo.
9. b) Air, water, plants and trees. White for the purity of air, blue for the water of lakes and streams, and green for growing plants and trees.
10. c) 10 feet in total. The head by itself, without the podium, was 4 feet, so you can give yourself credit for that answer, too.
HOW’D YOU DO?
17-20 CORRECT ANSWERS: Expo-mazing! Welcome to the King Cole Circle of Trust!
12-16: “Up! Up with People! / They’re the best kind of folks we know!” That’s you! Thanks to your Spokane spirit, from this moment on you are an honorary member of Up With People.
6-11: Iron-clad effort! You now represent the Garbage Goat Guild! 1-5: Have you been paying attention at all? That’s OK — you’ll fit right in with the Invisible Dog Walkers Club.
11. There were zero confirmed goat bites, so (b) was not true — though countless kids did half expect it would probably happen.
12. c) A camp for young hippies and “yippies.” However, a Norwegian woodworker did spend the summer building a boat by hand as part of the many folklife demos, and there were a number of documented KGB agents around.
13. d) The world. The amphitheater had 850 seats and showed the environmentally themed Man Belongs to the Earth, featuring enough flyover thrills that they offered airsickness bags in case you thought you might need one.
14. Sadly, there was no ride over the Spokane Falls in a barrel (a) — although history shows a few brave souls attempted that over the span of Spokane’s history. What are invisible dogs, you ask? It was a leash with a wire in it and a collar that hung down on the end — one of the fair’s top souvenirs.
15. c) Washington State Pavilion, where a series of world-class performances happened during the run of the fair.
16. a, b and d. The Japanese Garden in Manito Park had been in the works for a decade, but was dedicated in time for Expo, while both Nordstrom/River Park Square and Clinkerdagger opened because of Expo. The Parkade, however, was built in 1967.
17. c) Cosmic Jumper, a recurring character in the internationally renowned artist’s repertoire for many years.
18. It’s (e), all of the above! While many elements were temporary and came down just after the fair closed in November 1974, here and there you can find a few remnants (also including the Garbage Goat and the First Interstate Center for the Arts) still in place 50 years later.
BONUS 1974 ANSWERS
19. Don MacLean’s ode to Buddy Holly (b) came out in 1972.
20. Sorry, but that ingenious piece of 1970s pop culture, the Pet Rock (c), did not make its debut until 1975. n
only ___ mortal ...” 63. “The Floor” head-to-heads
64. Comb creator 65. Lance Bass’s group 66. Throat infection type
DOWN 1. ___ California
2. Make accustomed (to)
3. ‘50s Ford fiasco
4. Notable retiree of June 2024
Place to swine and dine?
Axiom
Moby-Dick’s chaser
Congolese capital
Conclude
“Beats me”
Brick that goes boom
AP math subject
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