Inlander 11/24/2022

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One extraordinary year, I spent Christmas Eve at a bar in a Buddhist temple in Kyoto.

My wife and I had spent the day adventuring around the Japanese city — which is famously home to numerous temples, shrines, parks and gardens — before watching the sunset at Fushimi Inari-taishi. We had hiked up the forested hillside through countless torii, the famous red gates that mark the entrance to shinto shrines. Woodland feral cats came out to say hi, statues of foxes dotted the area, and the city lights came to life as the sun’s light faded.

At the end of this magical evening, we took the train to a temple a friend had told us about. As we entered its quiet grounds, we feared we were in the wrong place, but a man passed and silently pointed us in the right direction. The small bar was empty, but not for long. We soon had sake and snacks, and as couples filled the space, romance filled the air. It was then that I learned that Christmas Eve is something like Valentine’s Day in Japan.

The holidays mean a lot of things to a lot of people. We are fortunate to have a lot of people in the Inland Northwest, so for this year’s HOLIDAY GUIDE (page 21) we wanted to share some stories of how people around the world celebrate the season, both abroad and here at home. Joy to all humankind!

— NICHOLAS DESHAIS, editor

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

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WHAT UNIQUE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS DOES YOUR FAMILY OBSERVE?

ERIN COONEY

During Christmas, my family will put up a string of our ski passes from the past year. We have a really long string of our passes from various resorts that we put up on the tree every year.

Tom

OPERATIONS

CIRCULATION

KATYA CERNY

We are Italian, so we always do the tradition of having seven different types of fish for our meal on Christmas Eve. I’ve spent two Christ mases in Italy with my family now!

McKENNA ROUND

For dinner and dessert on Christmas, we make homemade pizzas and banana splits.

LAUREN O’GRADY

My family puts a big emphasis on New Year’s Eve. We are ridiculously close, and my parents always enforced that New Year’s was a family holiday. Now that my cousins, my siblings and I are all older, we choose to spend it with our family rather than friends. We all really want to be together.

BLAKE MILLER

On Christmas Day, we stand at the top of our steps to look at the tree. As a family, we open our stockings, then the bigger presents, we all eat breakfast, and then we spend the rest of the day in our pajamas.

INTERVIEWS BY CATE WILSON 11/17/22 JACK & DAN’S BAR AND GRILL

Can’t Quite Quit the Royals

America’s obsession with fame and gossip is nothing new — we were just as riveted to George III’s passing all the way back in 1820

BY LAWRENCE B.A. HATTER

On Sept. 8, Queen Elizabeth II died at her Scottish home of Balmoral. While her death at the ripe old age of 96 did not come as a surprise, it was, nonetheless, a global phenomenon. To some, the queen’s death marked the end of the era. Born in 1926, Elizabeth was the United Kingdom’s longest reigning monarch, serving 70 years on the throne. To her mourners, she was a constant in a changing world.

To her detractors, however, the queen repre sented the shameful legacy of British colonialism. Elizabeth II ascended the throne during the wan ing days of the British Empire, with British forces engaged in the violent repression of indepen dence movements from Malaya to Kenya.

Though conflicted about her legacy, people

around the world were transfixed by the global me dia coverage of the queen’s death, Americans not least among them.

The American obsession with the British royal family is perplexing. The United States was born of the rejection of the British monarchy, yet the success of the Netflix series The Crown and the content of morning TV shows and grocery store tabloids pay testament to the American love of celebrity.

Two hundred years ago, Americans greeted

Queen Elizabeth II’s recent funeral was a worldwide media sensation.

UK GOVERNMENT PHOTO

news of the death of George III with the same voracious appetite for royal gossip. George, Britain’s longest reigning king, died at Windsor Castle on Jan. 29, 1820, at the age of 81, after 60 years on the throne. He had been the king that Americans had loved to hate, a bloodthirsty tyrant who embodied the brutality of British colonialism. The Declaration of Independence documented his many crimes: “he has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.” Yet, when news reached the United States of George’s death, Ameri cans couldn’t get enough of it.

It took about five weeks for the first reports of George III’s death to reach the Atlantic port cities. As was common practice among American newspapers in the early 19th century, The Mer cantile Advertiser of New York reprinted the official announcement of his passing from The London Gazette on March 11. The news soon spread along the Eastern Seaboard, arriving in Boston on March 13 and Charleston, South Carolina, on March 14. What Americans wanted most was some juicy gossip. The new King George IV and Queen Caroline were the Charles and Diana of their day. Forced to marry Caroline by his father, who hoped that marriage would help to curb his son’s appetite for fast living, the future George IV soon despised his wife, and she him. The couple separated after barely a year, and Caroline became a figure of public sympathy for her mistreatment at the hands of her philandering husband.

The stormy relationship of the new king and queen titillated American readers in much the same way that tabloids revel in the Windsor family drama today. The Alexandria Herald of Virginia speculated about Caroline’s coronation. George IV’s support ers in Parliament had failed to pass a bill in time to prevent her becoming queen on the death of his father. Would she now be crowned? The notorious Henry VIII had refused the coronation of his queen for two years! What would the king do next? Read ers wanted to know.

Americans could watch live coverage of Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022, taking in the sights and sounds of the solemn pageantry. Such technology was beyond the wild est dreams of people living in 1820. Yet, American readers were transfixed by the smallest details of George III’s funeral on Feb. 16. The Salem Gazette of Massachusetts reported the mood from London. The city’s businesses were all closed on the day of the funeral, and the “solemn tolling of the bells of every church” had “a most gloomy and melancholy effect.” The Boston Intelligencer pro vided a colorful commentary on ceremonial minutiae, including a detailed description of the king’s coffin, from its silver handles to the specific “tint” of its blue velvet cover. No detail was too small for the American public.

It is tempting to dismiss the American obsession with celebrity as a recent development, a sign of our fall from grace. We always imagine that our forebearers were far more seriously minded than we are. But comparing the way that Americans greeted the news of the death of their former colonial overlord in 1820 with the reception that Elizabeth II’s death received in 2022 shows that we have more in common with the founding generation than we might realize. After all, who doesn’t enjoy some tasty gossip now and then? n

Lawrence B.A. Hatter is an award-winning author and as sociate professor of early American history at Washington State University. These views are his own and do not reflect those of WSU.

It is tempting to dismiss the American obsession with celebrity as a recent development, a sign of our fall from grace.

FASTER, MORE FURIOUS

People started driving more recklessly during the pandemic and as fatalities, collisions and road rage continues, they don’t appear to be slowing down

BY NATE SANFORD

Historically, more driving equals more deaths. That’s why the stretch of time between Memo rial Day and Labor Day is often referred to as the “100 Deadly Days of Summer.” As the roads crowd with holiday travelers, traffic fatalities increase. It’s a cor relation that’s stayed consistent for decades.

So when the pandemic hit in March 2020, Staci Hoff saw a silver lining. Of course, she worried about the virus’ impact on other aspects of society, but with fewer cars on the road, it seemed like fewer people would die in crashes.

“We were really optimistic,” says Hoff, a research director with the Washington Traffic Safety Commis sion’s research and data division. “We were like, ‘At least fatalities will go down, right?’”

Hoff says it only took a couple of months for re searchers to realize that things were trending in the oppo site direction. Despite a sharp decline in traffic, roadway deaths actually increased in 2020. Things got even worse in 2021. Car crashes killed 670 Washingtonians last year — the highest number since 2006. Fifty-seven of those deaths were in Spokane County.

As pandemic restrictions and remote work faded, people returned to the road. But across the country, the number of people dying in fatal crashes is still well above historical averages. It’s not just because of speed ing — data also indicates a rise in drivers dying in crashes because of drugs, texting, drinking and not wearing seat belts. Anecdotally, people are also reporting a sense of increased aggression on the roads.

Hoff has been with the Traffic Safety Commission for 10 years and says she’s never seen anything like it. The way people drive and take care of each other on the road shifted during the pandemic, and it’s unclear what it will take to turn things around.

“Something has fundamentally changed,” Hoff says.

EMPTY ROADS

The most common explanation for the increase goes like this: In March 2020, roads emptied, and the few people still driving realized they could push their foot down just a little harder and get where they were going faster with little consequence.

Some people took it to the extreme. In April that year, several drivers took advantage of the empty high ways to attempt what’s known as the Cannonball Run — an illegal and very dangerous road race where drivers compete to see who can drive between New York and Los Angeles the fastest. A 2019 Audi sedan reportedly broke the previous record that spring and made the 2,789 mile trip in 25 hours and 38 minutes. Miraculously, they didn’t crash or get pulled over.

The average speed for their odyssey across America’s empty highways? 110 mph. For more than a day. It’s not safe, don’t try it.

Most people weren’t going that fast, but there was a noticeable increase in speeding across the board, sometimes by just a few miles per hour. A study of metro areas across the country by INRIX, a Washington-based analytics company, found that, between July and April

2020, drivers were going 33 percent faster than normal. That means someone who normally went 60 mph was now going closer to 80.

Nick Briggs, a corporal with the Spokane Police Department, says officers in the department’s traffic unit have seen an increase in the average speed of violators. People used to go 10 or 15 mph over the speed limit while speeding. Now they tend to break the speed limit by 20 mph or more, he says.

Spokane police reported 25 traffic deaths in 2021 — the highest number Briggs remembers seeing. There were 17 in 2020, compared with just seven in 2019 and nine in 2018.

STRESSED AND RECKLESS

The convenience of empty roads might not be the only reasons people state driving faster in 2020. The pandemic was — obviously — a stressful time for everyone, and anecdotal and qualitative data suggests that a greater number of people started engaging in all sorts of irratio nal, risky behavior.

Think about all the viral videos of airplane fights or the people consumed by online conspiracy groups or causing trouble at school board meetings. Think about the people who, in record numbers, bought guns, gambled online, drank heavily and used drugs. Murder rates rose by nearly a third. Everytown, a gun safety or ganization, found that road rage shootings in 2021 were double the pre-pandemic average.

Maple Street, just north of the Spokane River, has a speed limit of 30 mph. Not everyone follows it. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

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All of those things are tied to a number of complicated factors, and it’s hard to pinpoint any exact cause. Some people tie the uptick in bad behavior to police reform efforts, stimulus checks or the political climate. Others argue that things were just tense and people snapped.

“We saw some more of that risk-taking behavior, which can definitely manifest itself as speeding and reckless driving,” Briggs says.

On the road, people weren’t just speeding in greater numbers during the pandemic. National data suggests an uptick in texting while driving, not wearing seat belts and driving under the influ ence.

The data is a bit tricky to parse at the local level, Briggs says, because the Spokane Police Department drastically reduced traffic enforcement violations to limit contact with people during the early stages of the pandemic. In 2021, officers from the traffic unit were moved to patrol to deal with staffing shortages and increased crime. Four officers returned to the unit this March.

At a statewide level, Hoff says she was shocked to see a big increase in deaths caused by people not wearing seat belts.

John Griffin was also surprised. He’s the manager of Spokane County’s Target Zero Task Force, which is part of a statewide initiative to reduce traffic deaths.

“I’m amazed because we have a really high seat belt use rate in Washington,” Griffin says. “But I see over and over again, crashes come in where somebody’s not made it through a crash because they weren’t wearing a seat belt.”

Substance use increased during the pandemic, and it contin ues to play an increasingly large role in crashes. Hoff says there’s been an especially concerning increase in the number of fatal crashes related to people mixing drugs with alcohol or taking mul tiple drugs at the same time.

Observational studies conducted by the Washington Traffic

Safety Commission also found an increase in distracted driving during the pandemic. Cellphones are the main culprit, but Hoff says the agency also saw a significant increase in other distrac tions, like eating, fiddling with the dash and people looking away from the road to talk to passengers.

It’s not just drivers who are at risk. Hoff says there’s also been a dramatic increase in bicyclist and pedestrian deaths over the past two years. That group used to represent about 1 in 5 traffic related fatalities, now it’s closer to 1 in 4. Griffin says Spokane County has the highest pedestrian incident rate in the state.

KILLER WHEELS

Fatal crashes are historically concentrated on weekend nights when people were out drinking at bars. But in 2021, the trends shifted and weekdays — Mondays in particular — became the deadliest. It’s unclear why. Hoff says she’s looked back through decades of data and hasn’t found anything comparable. The “100 Deadly Days of Summer” researchers were accustomed to has also shifted. Since the pandemic, Hoff says deaths are now spiking in the fall.

“There’s a lot of discussion and pivoting and testing right now,” Hoff says. “The assumptions we thought we knew have been flipped upside down the past couple years.”

As pandemic restrictions fade, the number of cars on the road has returned to normal, but people keep dying in abnormally high numbers.

Nick VinZant, a senior research analyst at QuoteWizard, a Seattle-based insurance comparison company, has studied the increase. He thinks people got used to driving fast during the early days of the pandemic and stayed stuck in the habit even as traffic returned.

In the first half of 2022, nationwide traffic fatalities appeared

TRAFFIC FATALITIES BY YEAR IN SPOKANE COUNTY

“FASTER, MORE FURIOUS,” CONTINUED...

SOURCE: WASHINGTON TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION

to level off for the first time since spring 2020. But Washington was an outlier. The state saw 327 road deaths in the first half of this year. That’s 31 percent higher than the same time period last year — the sixth-highest increase in the country.

It’s hard to draw conclusions, and VinZant says it could just be a statistical anomaly. But it’s also possible that driver behavior is returning to pre-pandemic levels across the country, and that Washington is taking longer to catch up because the state’s pan demic restrictions were in place for longer, he says.

Some changes in driver behavior are hard to track with data. Anecdotally, Hoff says many drivers have reported an increased sense of aggression and frustration playing out on the roads.

“It’s hard to describe what changed,” Hoff says. “We all feel it, we all experience it, but the way that it’s playing out on the road is just something we’re trying to catch up on.”

A few weeks ago, Ryan Overton was driving along North Division Street to pick something up at Home Depot when a car whipped past him doing 70, maybe 80 mph. The speed limit on that part of Division is 45 mph.

It’s an unsettling encounter, but anyone who regularly drives on Spokane roads has probably seen something similar. Overton, a communications manager with the Washington State Depart ment of Transportation’s eastern region, notes that the state agency has seen a big increase in the severity of collisions over the past two or so years.

Last week, Griffin, with Target Zero in Spokane, watched as someone pulled up to a red light, came to a stop and then then blew right through it.

“I don’t know what’s going on, what’s changed in the pan demic, if people are still stressed out or not fully recovered,” Higgens says. “I’m just seeing more risky behaviors that normally you wouldn’t see.” n

nates@inlander.com

GrubHubbub

BY DANIEL WALTERS

During the depths of the pandemic, the very idea of getting food delivered to your door transformed. Suddenly, it wasn’t a symbol of laziness or lack of culinary talent. It was social responsibility. Order ing food to be delivered made you something of a hero, a champion of small businesses, an epidemiologically conscious foodie-philanthropist.

But Anthony Anton, president of the Washington Hospitality Association, says that when his wife ordered food delivery the other day, he got “really upset with her.”

“I’m the restaurant guy. I’m a small business person,” he says. “I said, ‘I appreciate the intent, but they just lost money selling to us.’”

Behind the scenes during the early months of the pandemic, every time you ordered on GrubHub, DoorDash, Uber Eats or PostMates, a massive chunk of your bill — sometimes as much as 30 percent — went to the delivery service, not the restaurant. And that didn’t

include the delivery charge that the company tacks on. The restaurant had to either dramatically jack up prices on food delivery or lose money on every sale.

Despite the up-charge, many restaurants saw the amount of food getting delivered grow significantly.

“During the pandemic it really did help. That’s how we survived,” says Adam Hegsted, owner of Spokane restaurants like de España, Gilded Unicorn, Yards Bruncheon and Baba. “Even though we weren’t making a profit, we were able to keep our doors open and keep working.”

But in November 2020, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee used his emergency powers to help out restaurants: He capped food deliv ery charges at only 15 percent of the order, saying in a statement that “we all must sacrifice during these uniquely challenging times to both support our businesses and slow the spread of COVID.”

The cap lasted less than a year. By the end of June 2021, Inslee eased his COVID restrictions on indoor dining and lifted that 15 percent cap.

Now, the Spokane City Council — following the example of cities like Seattle and Portland — is consider ing bringing a version of that cap back. Spokane’s version wouldn’t stop Uber Eats or GrubHub from charging ad

ditional fees for other services, like advertising or website placement. The city’s cap would apply only to the food delivery itself.

“We’re just saying, to protect our local businesses, you have to offer a 15 percent option,” says City Council

In a bid to help local restaurants, the Spokane City Council wants to limit how much food delivery companies can charge — and local food delivery startups support it

Local food delivery companies support a cap on service fees. COURTESY PHOTO

member Zack Zappone, the ordinance’s co-sponsor. The council plans to vote on the proposal on Dec. 5.

But companies like GrubHub have fought to stop these caps from being reimposed — including in court. They claim that their delivery services help restaurants succeed by helping them advertise.

“Permanent price controls eliminate our ability to of fer many of these services to restaurants, because the cost to our business would become too high,” GrubHub states on its website.

Restaurants could definitely use some help, says Anton of the hospitality association. They’re already cracking under the strain of leftover debt from the pandemic, not to mention the sup ply chain problems, and skyrocketing labor costs amid a post-pandemic worker shortage.

The restaurant industry is extremely supportive of Spokane’s proposed ordinance, Anton says.

“A lot of times major corporations are the ones that get their way,” he says. “This one’s going to help the small mom-and-pops and local Spokane restaurants.”

Zappone says major delivery services have argued to him that they already offer a 15 percent option, so the ordinance is unnecessary. But if that’s true, Zappone says that a lot of restaurateurs don’t know about that option.

That includes Hegsted, the owner of seven local restaurants. He says his restaurants are being charged 20 to 30 percent for the service, and if he wanted a premium placement on the service’s website they’d charge him more.

Anton says the negotiations with these companies can be even more confusing for, say, restaurant owners “who are chasing a dream” but don’t speak English as their first language.

Zappone says his ordinance would offer clarity — and a bit of ammunition.

“You can go to Uber and say, ‘My city says I don’t have to pay more than 15 percent,’” Zappone says.

Yet some local conservatives and business groups — including Greater Spokane Inc., the local chamber of commerce — oppose the measure, wary of the unintend ed consequences that can come from trying to force the market to behave nicely.

who also owns Bene’s restaurant in Cheney and works for the hospitality association, says he’s “a very pro openmarket guy.” But he sees this as more about protecting businesses than impeding them.

Treehouse owner Neil Holford says he’s only charg ing 15 percent at the most right now, so the ordinance wouldn’t hurt him.

“There’s not a lot of overhead when you’re running an independent shop,” says Holford.

The big guys aren’t trying to undercut him on cost — their power comes from their nation al reach and name recognition. Unlike Uber Eats or GrubHub, Holford thinks it’s “unethical” to charge restaurants more.

“Like all price controls, the proposed fee cap will inevitably lead to higher fees for customers, fewer orders for restaurants, and fewer earnings opportunities for delivery drivers,” says a letter Greater Spokane Inc. wrote to Zappone. “The City’s price control would also permanently rewrite private contracts between delivery platforms and restaurants that unfairly favors one indus try over another.”

Council member Jonathan Bingle says restaurant owners’ frustrations are genuine but he “can’t support a price cap” any more than he would demand that restaurants provide a “$6 burger option.” Bingle suggests that local restaurants band together to support a local competitor of GrubHub that offers lower prices.

Yet two local delivery startups — Treehouse Deliveries and Eagle Bites — actually support the ordinance, even though it doesn’t make exceptions for their businesses.

Eagle Bites delivery startup owner Derek Baziotis,

In some cases, it doesn’t matter whether a restaurant partners with big delivery services or not. The companies will deliver from the restaurants anyway, sometimes posting out-of-date menus on their website.

“They will call in an order, and say it’s a to-go order,” Hegsted says. “Then they give a credit card and charge the customer.”

Yet restaurants get the brunt of customer anger if the order goes wrong. Zappone’s ordinance would ban this kind of workaround too, requiring delivery services to ac tually sign an agreement before delivering on their behalf.

Yet for all the frustrations that a restaurateur like Hegsted can have with companies like DoorDash or UberEats, Hegsted readily admits they’re “nice to have.”

In fact, he’s used them plenty of times himself.

“I am aware I’m getting charged more money,” Heg sted says. “As a consumer, I still like it.” n danielw@inlander.com

“A

one’s going to help the small mom-and-pops and local Spokane restaurants.”

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Failure to Appear

Spokane City Council President Breean Beggs has been interested in changing the way the city attorney is hired for a long time — even before he was appointed to the council in 2016. And this November, he got a chance to make the pitch, asking voters to approve a proposal that would give the city attorney a seven-year term and give the City Council the primary power to make the pick instead of the mayor. Nah, voters said. The ballot measure creating an independent Spokane city attorney was narrowly rejected, failing 48.7 percent to 51.1 percent, losing by just over 1,700 votes. Campaign finance records show that the Spokane Good Government Alliance, funded by donors like Washington Trust Bank, Spokane Home Builders As sociation and hotelier Jerry Dicker’s company, spent at least $25,000 on ads opposing the idea. Beggs estimates that it will be more like $85,000 when the final tally comes in. “There was no pro-campaign,” Beggs says. “Given that it was that close, that made a difference.” Meanwhile, there were over 12,000 voters in the city who didn’t vote one way or another. (DANIEL WALTERS)

RURAL NEEDS

A new study from Washington State University shows that rural schools are less likely to be able to provide mental health resources for students. The study’s lead author, Janessa Graves, who lives in rural northeast Washing ton and is an associate professor with WSU’s College of Nursing, looked at nationwide data from the 2017-2018 School Survey on Crime and Safety. The study found that about 51 percent of public schools offer mental health assessments, while only 38 percent offer mental health treatment. Rural schools were 19 percent less likely to offer assessments. “We’re seeing a pretty consistent pattern across the country that rural schools just don’t have the resources,” Graves said in an emailed announcement after the study’s publication in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. “This is especially troubling given the rapid rise in youth suicide rates, which is disproportionally affecting rural areas.” Surprisingly, very few rural schools blamed a lack of community support. “The fact that only 6.5 percent of rural schools called it a major barrier gives me hope that communities are rallying behind this issue,” Graves said. (SAMANTHA

WOHLFEIL)

SAVING HISTORY

In addition to casting votes for the expanded Spokane County Board of Commissioners and Congress earlier this month, residents on Spokane’s lower South Hill had one extra measure to decide: whether they wanted to see their neighborhood designated as a Spokane Historic District. Residents of the Cliff-Cannon neighborhood approved the historic protection measure with a 56 percent majority. Only 290 “yes” votes were needed for approval, but 324 votes came back in the affirmative. Overall, 391 property owners voted, with 82 percent of them in favor of the historic district. This designation, which is similar to one in Browne’s Addition, will help preserve the lower South Hill neighborhood’s historic aesthetic and make it easier for homeowners to get tax incentives for restoration projects. Before the designation is official, there will be hearings before the Spokane Landmarks Commission and city planning commission, and then a vote by the City Council. For more on the next phase of the process, visit historicspokane.org/cannon. (CHEY SCOTT) n

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Voters say no to independent attorney; plus rural schools struggle with mental health and historic protections on the South Hill

South Hill voters approve historic protections for their “streetcar” suburb. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

ALL THE

BY TED S. McGREGOR JR.

Here in the Evergreen State, two huge football games mark the passing of every year in sports — this weekend’s Apple Cup, of course, along with the WIAA Championship that decides the state’s best high school squad. Those who have played in both, well, it’s a short list.

This year, there will be three former Washington state high school champs playing in the Apple Cup — Husky tight end Devin Culp, along with Cougar defensive backs Armani Marsh and Sam Lockett III. And they’re all from Spokane and played on the same team.

“Man, I remember that game like it was yesterday,” says Marsh, a senior cornerback who’ll don the Crimson and Gray for the last time in Pullman on Saturday.

Let’s scroll back to the Tacoma Dome; it’s Dec. 5, 2015, and Gonzaga Prep is facing pass-happy Skyline. Many believe the squad from Sammamish already had its sixth state championship in the bag.

“Yeah, we came in as the underdog,” recalls Marsh, “and we just dominated.”

Prep ran up nearly 600 yards of offense. Marsh, then a junior, had an interception in the end zone; Culp, then a sophomore wide receiver, had two rushing touchdowns. (Prep’s running back was Evan Weaver, who went on to become an All-American linebacker at Cal.)

“It felt so unreal and electric playing in my first bigtime game like that, sharing all that pride,” says Culp, whose current teammate, O-Lineman Henry Bainivalu, was on that Skyline team. “I remember lifting up that trophy, hugging our families. It’s what jump-started all of our careers.”

Fast forward to this week, and the gang’s all back together, this time with the former teammates facing off and statewide bragging rights on the line.

Basketball is a big part of this story, too, as Lockett and Culp formed their friendship on the hardwood.

“I’ve known Devin since I was 12 years old,” says Lockett. “We played travel basketball together. He’s been along this journey with me this whole time.”

After two third-place finishes in the state hoops tourna

ment, Lockett and Culp broke through their senior season with a state championship in 2018, defeating Federal Way and Jaden McDaniels, currently a Minnesota Timberwolf. Current Zag star Anton Watson was a junior on that G-Prep team, too, but Coach Matty McIntyre credited Lockett and Culp for setting the leadership tone.

“The program has grown around [Lockett and Culp],” McIntyre told the Spokesman-Review after the win. “They’ve brought us to new heights. They have to be two of the winningest kids in school history, with both football and basketball. They’ve really created a winning culture.”

“Man, basketball, that was my first love, my first passion,” says Culp. “Since seventh, eighth grade, me and Sam, we knew we wanted to be part of the Prep tradition. We went 13-8 our freshman year, and I think we went something like 96-13 over four years.”

On Saturday, when the Huskies look for their 10th win of the season against the already bowl-eligible Cou gars, some of the winningest athletes in Gonzaga Prep’s long sports tradition will put on one more show.

Three state high school champs from Gonzaga Prep — two Cougs and a Husky — will line up Saturday for a chance to, again, own the state

WSU ATHLETICS PHOTO

Prep Football Coach Dave McKenna loves to think back on those moments, for sure, but he also remembers Marsh, Lockett and Culp as contributors to student life. “It wasn’t just about football,” he says. “They bought into the whole Prep community.”

And they’re still connected, coming to games when their schedules allow; Culp even brought a few team mates last summer to lead a free camp for youngsters.

“When the game is on, it’s going to be a battle, and that’s the way it should be,” McKenna says. “But when the game is over and the pads are put away, they’re all great friends.”

He adds that while people might think it’s sort of automatic for great high school athletes to make it at the next level, nothing comes easy when you want to be a Pac-12 athlete.

“Even Devin, he had an adjustment,” McKenna says. “You know, they go to college as the best athletes on their team, and then they get there and realize every kid is that athletic. They all found out it’s going to take more.”

In fact, Culp left Spokane as a 185-pound wide re ceiver, but the Huskies — known for coaching up the likes of NFL players Will Dissly and Cade Otton — moved him to tight end.

“That transition, it’s been a… beautiful challenge, that’s what I’d have to call it,” says Culp, who now takes

the field at 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, bigger than a lot of the linebackers he faces. “It’s been a grind — you’ve got to be tough, you’ve got to be gritty — but I dedicate every single day of my life to it.”

“And Armani,” adds Coach McKenna, “he had the ability, but he was also the one who just always busted his butt. His hard work put him where he is today.”

With a redshirt year along with an extra year for COVID, Marsh, who started as a walk-on, has now been with the team for six seasons. Last year, he was an all-Pac-12 honorable mention, also earning the Pac-12’s defensive player of the week award after the Apple Cup in Seattle, where he had two interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown, in the Cougs’ 40-13 win. Marsh made interceptions in both the WIAA Champion ship and the Apple Cup.

“Then Sam, he’s taken a tough road to get to where he is, too,” says McKenna.

Lockett started his college career at Utah State, transferred to City College of San Francisco and, now a junior safety, he’s in his first season at WSU. He credits the work ethic he developed at Prep to keep him moving toward his goal.

“It’s been surreal,” Lockett says, “a dream come true to play next to Armani.” Last week against Arizona, they put on a show, with Marsh picking off his former

teammate Jayden de Laura; Lockett got two interceptions.

“I root for them all to do well,” McKenna adds, “but I’d love to see Armani or Sam tackle Devin.”

With the Huskies losing all the apples last year in Seattle for the first time in seven seasons, by a score of 40-13, Culp is ready.

“Every year, this is a very special game,” he says. “This year, we’re hungry; it’s gonna be fun.”

Marsh says he’s excited to line up against Culp one last time. “Having us all on the field is a big moment, not just for us, but for the Spokane community,” he says. “It’s my last game in Martin Stadium, but at the end of the day it’s just another game on the schedule.”

“I can’t think of anybody I’m more proud of than Devin,” adds Lockett. “We’ve lived our dreams out together. We’re brothers, always will be; it’ll be good to play against Dev.”

“Both of those guys are my brothers, I’m so proud of both of them,” says Culp. “To see us all having come this far along, we’re so blessed.” n

The Cougars and Huskies renew the annual Apple Cup tradition for the 114th time in Pullman’s Martin Stadium. The game kicks off at 7:30 pm and will be televised on ESPN.

FACING PAGE: Armani Marsh took an interception to the house in the Cougs’ 40-13 Apple Cup win last season. ABOVE: Devin Culp (left) and Sam Lockett III started their journey together on a traveling basketball team before they were teens.

WSU ATHLETICS PHOTO

UW ATHLETICS PHOTO

ALICE, FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS

Saying goodbye to a pet is agonizing, but we can honor their legacy by loving others

BY CHEY SCOTT

After 19 joyful, love-filled years, it was time to say goodbye.

Alice, our family’s tiny, feisty tabby, de parted this mortal existence early on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 15, in the arms of her favorite human in the universe, my younger brother.

In the days surrounding this monumental loss, while my heart ached with a sorrow so deep I was physically debilitated, I found solitude in remembering nearly two decades of joy this petite creature and her outsize personality gave us. There was also relief that she’d no longer suffer as her tiny, tired body failed to contain her immense spirit, even as she visibly fought to stay with us in those final days.

Losing a pet is one of the most profound losses many of us have gone through or will experience in life, some of us time and time again. Yet even while knowing their existence here with us is far too brief, we continue to endlessly love and care for these uncondi tionally loyal companions.

As I grappled with Alice’s departure, however, I unexpectedly found solace from several cat-related ac counts on social media, where candid reflections about loss so accurately echoed my own. A pet’s death feels like the most unfair, isolated blow from the universe, but at any given time, millions of us are facing this deep anguish. And I have one other time before.

In 2015, just days before Christmas, my partner of nearly 10 years, Will, and I held his 17-year-old cat, Maddie, in our laps one last time in the glow of the tree. Dear, sweet Maddie was actually responsible — via a story for this very publication — for bringing Will and I together. But to find them, I first had to find Alice.

Affectionately known by her nickname, Little, Alice was the cat that made me — and my fam ily — adore cats more than any of us thought possible.

We found Alice at a rural post office in Tumtum, Washington, on Friday, Dec. 5, 2003. Erica, my sister, spotted the disheveled, rain-soaked kitten cowering under the blue letter-drop box, less than 30 feet from the highway. Knowing her chances for survival were immensely slim, we couldn’t leave her.

Living in rural Stevens County, we’d had numerous cats before, but they were outdoor-only “barn cats.” While we loved to incorporate them (when willing) into outside playtime, these aloof felines sadly never survived unforgiving country life for long. One day, they’d miss dinner, and we’d never see them again.

But Mom let us keep Alice inside, and safe. We played and laughed and loved and snuggled her and finally knew the deep bond and distinctly quirky personality each cat has. Alice hated other cats with a guttural, hiss-filled passion, and thus remained an only cat her entire life, even though we would have gladly adopted others. My brother Andrew, the youngest and last to leave home, was her inseparable and final guardian, even though we always considered her the family cat.

Amid the sorrow, losing Alice reminded me that our capacity to love an animal so fiercely is unbound. Though my heart was first captured by her, it grew to contain my love for Maddie, too, and then even bigger for Dellie, now the center of Will’s and my home for the past six-and-a-half years.

One pet can never “replace” another. More simply, they teach us how to keep loving others in tribute to their legacy. Wherever her spirit now resides, I know Alice wants us all to keep loving other cats just as much as we loved — and still love — her.

She must be purring with pride to see that Andrew has since expanded his heart to hold in it two rambunc tious rescue kittens, Freya and Grace, who are now tearing happily through his house with her old toys in their mouths and dozing in her soft beds. n

GHOSTS OF THE FUTURE

Fans of Westworld don’t have to look far to get their next mindbending sci-fi fix, as that show’s creators are now pulling viewers into the futuristic world of THE PERIPHERAL on Amazon Prime. It’s easy to get sucked into the storyline as you watch how the newest in immersive video game technology quickly becomes more than just a game. Soon, secrets unravel about how a poor Midwest com munity in the not-too-distant future is linked with a post-apocalyp tic London near the end of this century. It’s hard to describe more without spoilers, but suffice it to say that if you’re a fan of futuristic technology, Terminator-style ethical dilemmas and beautiful CGI integrated into live action, you’ll enjoy this series. New episodes drop Fridays through Dec. 2. (SAMANTHA WOHLFEIL)

GEMS IN THEIR OWN STATE

Every other year since 1970, Idaho’s governor has recognized members of the state’s visual and performing arts community, including art educators, administrators and supporters with the GOVERNOR’S AWARDS IN THE ARTS. Past recipients range from widely recognizable names — Bruce Willis, who lived in Hailey — to the hyperlocal, but nonetheless revered, like Cliff SiJohn of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. This year’s North Idaho honorees include Daniel Bukvich, University of Idaho music professor and jazz choir director, as well as Sandpoint visual artists Stephen Schultz and his late wife, Romey Stuckart. Coeur d’Alene recipients are Sorensen Magnet School of the Arts and Humani ties; music teacher Kristina Phillips; and North Idaho College theater professor and recently appointed division chair of the college’s Communication and Fine Arts Division, Joe Jacoby. Ali Shute, executive director of the Coeur d’Alene Arts & Cultural Alliance, also won for excellence in arts administration. Watch the ceremony live on Nov. 28 at arts.idaho.gov. (CARRIE

PET PROJECT

SCOZZARO)

If you’ve ever wanted to decipher your dog’s barks or wished you knew what your furry friends are up to when you’re out of the house (and don’t have a critter cam), THE HIDDEN LIVES OF PETS on Netflix is for you. The four-part program spans the gamut: dogs and cats, mostly, but also birds, rodents, reptiles and fish. It also covers compelling topics like animal intelligence and athleticism. Tune into the “Super Senses” segment to watch goldfish play underwater soccer and follow the adventures of Kenny, the orange tabby with a better-than-store-bought GPS system built into his feline DNA. (CARRIE SCOZZARO)

Alice was there as we grew up, and for 19 happy years.

Willful Obscurity

A new play wants to keep audiences in the dark so they can better see its point

BY E.J. IANNELLI

The less you know about A League of Her Own, the better.

While that might sound like the start of a negative review or an invitation to stop reading, it isn’t. Lack of audience aware ness is central to how the play operates. And even that simple statement might come close to divulging too much information.

“We purposely don’t talk about the plot,” says Allison Price, the play’s direc tor and a co-writer of the piece along with Abby Ferree and Jonah Fujikawa. The trio are bringing the show to Spokane for a sixperformance run.

“We want the audience to come in and be as surprised and as taken off guard as the character is about what is happening in her life,” Price says.

To that end, the play’s tagline is a simple rhetorical question: “What would you do for a good night’s rest?” The press kit prioritizes glowing audience and critic testimonials over plot points. The perfor mances even take place in private homes, with audience members often having to venture through backyards or empty lots to find the entrance.

“When we first staged it in Austin,” Texas, Fujikawa says, “the audience had to walk through the neighborhood. It was 90 degrees. There were police sirens, dogs barking. They had to walk through all this grass, and some of them were like, ‘Am I allowed to be here? I don’t feel like I’m sup posed to be here.’”

“Which is exactly what the character feels,” adds Price. “She, too, had to walk through new environments, questionable environments to find a safe haven. This

means the audience goes through that exact journey as well.”

“From a marketing and artistic stand point, we want to make sure that it’s this immersive experience,” says Fujikawa.

But he also makes clear that there’s more to the audience involvement than that. There’s a marked advocacy angle to A League of Her Own that rests on the audience being able to empathize fully with the terror and uncertainty of the main character.

“Under the law in many states, there are more protections for the perpetrators of certain crimes than the victims. And these victims don’t get a warning. So what we’re really trying to do is put the audience in the same circumstance as these victims find themselves, to really put them in their shoes,” Price explains.

She deliberately sidesteps mentioning specific crimes or specific victims, because those specifics inevitably get saddled with preconceptions.

Price first hatched the idea for A League of Her Own a little over a year ago. It emerged out of a single image that had formed in her mind: “A woman sitting in a chair with a shotgun, waiting for some one to come,” in Fujikawa’s words, and the scene was loosely rooted in the experience of her two close family members.

After co-developing the script with Fer ree and Fujikawa, they looked for available venues — places like basements, garages and back porches — around their hometown of Austin. Then came the task of promoting a play that they could barely describe for fear of giving away too many spoilers.

Audiences came, however. They braved the strange neighborhoods and the odd venues and took seats among the very small groups that were allowed into each performance. One trio of women showed up with wine, thinking that they were ready to kick back at an exclusive theater preview. At the end of the performance, the bottle was still full.

“Of the overall experience, everyone said that it was probably one of the most thrilling, edge-of-the-seat experiences that they had had in a very long time,” Price says. “We would have audience members stay for a really long time after the show ended asking us questions and saying, ‘I can’t believe this is real. Why isn’t anyone talking about this?’”

On one memorable evening during the initial run, the show only had three attendees. Two were known theater critics. After the performance, all three audience members left quietly and unceremoniously.

“About five minutes later, we’re striking, cleaning up,” Fujikawa recalls, “and one of the guys walks back into the backyard. He was like, “Who directed this?’ And we thought, ‘Oh, no, he’s mad. He’s going to yell at us.’”

“I walked up and said, ‘It’s me. Hello,’”’ Price says. “And then he grabbed my hand and said, ‘That was one of the most amaz ing things I’ve ever seen. Is this real? Do things like this happen?’”

“We were like, ‘Yes,’” says Fujikawa. “And he said, ‘I’m going to go home and hug my wife and my kids.’ That was so important to us. That’s exactly the kind of response we were trying to get.”

Price and Fujikawa are hopeful for similar reactions when they bring A League of Her Own to Spokane in late November in partnership with Spokane Playwrights Laboratory. A local actor, Skyler Moeder, will feature in the play’s lead (and only) role, and a local theater advocate is provid ing the basement venue.

“One of the big motivators for bring ing this up to Spokane is to foster a diverse arts scene,” Price says. As a born-and-raised Spokanite herself, she wants to see more “site-specific, indie theater” and provide different roles for area actors. “We’re really trying to give back to the community in terms of experiences, opportunities and collaboration.”

A League of Her Own does come with a preshow content warning and is probably not suitable for under-18s. It also has a cap of 10 seats per performance. But rather than those being limiting factors, Price says that they serve to underscore the play’s mes sage and enhance its impact.

“It’s so different from a big house show where you can hide in the back,” she says. “Here, there’s no hiding. Each show is for you. It’s so personal.” n

A League of Her Own • Nov. 26-Dec. 2 at 7:30 pm; Sat-Sun at 8 and 11 pm, Thu at 8 pm, Fri at 11 pm • $20 • Private resi dence • 2603 W. Glass Ave. • LOHO2022. eventbrite.com

The one-woman show is performed in an intimate setting.

HOLIDAY GUIDE

2022

INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATIONS

Traditions from Tokyo to Mexico City FOOD, MUSIC, SHOPPING, EVENTS

Everything to make the most of the season

TRADITIONS TO UNITE US

For many of us, the iconography and tradi tions of the winter holiday season are typi cal: Christmas trees and presents, Santa Claus and snowflakes, baby Jesus and the Nativity.

But for others, both here in the Inland North west and around the world, these symbols and traditions can also be as varied as a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken for Christmas dinner, as well as observances that don’t have anything to do with Christian secularity at all.

For this year’s Holiday Guide, we set out to highlight how people from five diverse cultures around the world, and now living in the Inland Northwest, celebrate the holidays, from New Year’s Eve in Japan to the Islamic Eid in Afghanistan. Even though their traditions vary from what’s familiar to those of us who celebrate Western culture’s idea of Christmas, they’re not so different from the reason why we gather and reflect near the end of each year: community, family, friendship, peace, gratitude.

In addition to these stories shared by individu als from Japan, Kenya, Ukraine, Afghanistan and Latin America, you’ll also find our usual preview of dozens of regional events that happen between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. From beloved holiday classics like A Christmas Carol and White Christmas to ice skating and special gourmet din ners, these events and more can inspire new tradi tions and offer a moment to reflect on the reason for the season for you and yours. Cheers!

— CHEY SCOTT, Arts and Culture Editor

Contents

Community

Around the World: Japan

Around the World: Latin America

Around the World: Ukraine.............. 30 Stage

Around the World: Kenya

Around the World: Afghanistan

Contributors

SHINING BRIGHT

THE MERRIEST TIME OF YEAR

Celebrate the holidays, Inland Northwest-style, with these community events and traditions By Chey Scott

The nights now are long and dark, but the warmth and cheer of holiday lights are here to bring joy and wonder to the season. After all, who doesn’t have a cherished memory or two that centers on the magic and beauty of (what most of us call) Christmas lights?

Locals can continue to make such memories this year with the return of NORTHWEST WINTERFEST, a Chinese lantern-style festival taking over the exhibit halls of Spokane’s fairgrounds. While previous years saw all the brightly lit and colorful lantern displays set up outside, organizers are now moving displays indoors for a warmer experience.

“Being indoors provides a comfortable environment for people to be there longer,” says event organizer Sam Song. “Last season, kids were crying because they didn’t want to leave, but it was too cold.”

Twenty-two themed lantern displays are spread throughout

the halls, using about 1,000 individual lanterns of all shapes and sizes, Song says. Visitors can also enjoy short performances each night by various local cultural groups, from Chinese dance to Japa nese drumming. Winterfest is set up as a self-guided tour through each themed display, like the “Panda Forest” and “Dragons’ Lair” — Song’s favorite — with two, 130-foot-long dragons.

“It’s very cool, and we even have a fog machine,” he says of the mythical dragons.

Attendees who expierienced the Washington State Chinese Lantern Festival in Riverfront Park back in 2015 and 2016 may notice a familiar feel to the Winterfest lanterns, metal assemblages with transparent, colorful fabric stretched around them to create figures like animals and flowers. Song spearheaded the Riverfront event, and the lanterns at Winterfest were purchased from the same company.

Winterfest also spotlights the region’s many multicultural groups with 17 illuminated trees decorated by local artists from each represented culture.

The 2021 event drew about 25,000 visitors, and Song is optimistic that this year’s indoor version will draw an even bigger crowd during its monthlong run.

“We feel the Spokane people love the same thing people from other parts of the world love, and we want to bring this unique experience to the children and families in Spokane, so they don’t have to travel over to Seattle or Chicago or L.A. to see this,” Song says. “And we are local, so we will be here for years to come.”

Dec. 2-Jan. 1: Fri 5-8 pm, Sat 4-8 pm, Sun 3-6 pm (closed Dec. 25), $12-$17; ages 10 and under free with paying adult, Spokane County Fair & Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. northwestwinterfest.com

Where's the bamboo? The "Panda Forest" will be at Northwest Winterfest at the fairgrounds.

Nov. 29-Dec. 11

CHRISTMAS TREE ELEGANCE

There’s not much that can match the beauty of an elegantly decorated Christmas tree. Every year, the Historic Davenport Hotel and River Park Square collectively host more than a dozen of the city’s most decadent displays. It’s all for a good cause, too, as this annual fundraiser — each stunning tree is up for a raffle draw ing and comes with all the swag under and around it — benefits musicians of the Spokane Symphony. Find this year’s 16 exquisite evergreens spread along the mezzanine of the Davenport and on the second floor of River Park Square. As always, raffle tickets to enter your name into the drawing for your favorite tree are only $1 each. 10 am-8 pm (River Park Square) and 10 am-9 pm (Historic Davenport), free to view, spokanesymphonyassoc.org

Dec. 3

DECEMBER D’LIGHTS

Light-bedecked vehicles once again light up the night in the North Idaho town of Rathdrum for the city’s annual holiday parade. Families can head out and marvel at the sight of service rigs like firetrucks and other vehicles strung with colorful lights along their sides, plus other creative community “floats,” which can even be horse-drawn. Entrance fees from the parade are donated to the Rathdrum Food Bank, and each vehicle is also in the running to be crowned a winner, with results announced as the parade passes by City Hall. For entry info and parade route maps, visit the following link. 6 pm, free to watch; $5 per entry, rathdrum.org

Dec. 9-18

MANITO HOLIDAY LIGHTS

When COVID forced us all apart for our own safety in 2020, the Friends of Manito got creative and took their popular holiday lights display from the humid confines of the park’s Gaiser Conservatory to spread its sparkling joy throughout the 78-acre park. This drivethrough option to view the holiday lights along Manito’s meander ing, paved pathways proved so popular during that first year, it’s now the go-to model for this beloved community tradition.

For those who prefer the warmth and convenience of the drive-through-only event (an optimal choice for families with small children or older adults) the dates for 2022 are Friday, Dec. 9, through Monday, Dec. 12, from 6 to 9:30 pm each evening. For those who would like to experience the lights up-close at a slower pace, this year’s walk-through nights run from Tuesday, Dec. 13, through Sunday, Dec. 18, from 5-8 pm. Find the event map and other needto-know details at the link below. Free, donations accepted, Manito Park, 1802 S. Grand Blvd., thefriendsofmanito.org/holiday

Dec. 10-11

BING CROSBY HOLIDAY

FILM FEST

You can’t really call it Christmas in the Inland Northwest with out Bing Crobsy and “White Christmas,” both the song and the film. This year, the 16th annual Bing Crosby Holiday Film Festival celebrating Spokane’s famous son is marking a big milestone: the 80th anniversary of Crosby’s first recording of the yuletide classic song in 1942.

A triple “Bing” whammy hosted by the Bing Crosby Advocates and benefiting the upkeep and operations of the Bing Crosby House Museum (where Bing lived until age 22), and held at the Bing Crosby Theater, the film fest includes two screenings of White Christmas (7 pm both days). Also on the lineup are Bing’s 1938 mu sical comedy Sing You Sinners, plus Road to Utopia and The Bells of St. Mary’s. In addition to the films, Bing’s nephew Howard Crosby performs with the Celtic Christmas trio Everdream and the Zonky Jazz Band. Starts at 11 am both days, $20, Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave., bingcrosbytheater.com n

Kentucky Fried Christmas

As far away as Tokyo, the holidays are a melding of pop culture and traditions

Throughout the nation, landmarks are illuminated with beautiful and unique light displays, such as Tokyo Station. In Hibiya Park, Tokyo, and Sapporo, Christmas markets take place throughout the entire winter season. Another main attraction is Tokyo Dis neyland, where a swath of international and local guests gather to admire its production of “Christmas Fantasy.”

By Samantha Holm

Chicken roasting on an open fire, Sanders nipping at your nose…

No amount of corny puns can sufficiently stress just how integral Kentucky Fried Chicken is to Japan’s recognition of Christmas. It’s estimated that 3.6 million Japanese families get their holiday meal from the Colonel, according to data tracked by Japan’s national rail transit service.

Whitworth University Japanese international student Lisa Yamamoto attests to KFC’s importance in Japanese Christmas celebrations.

“Every worker [at KFC] has to be there on Christmas because it’s the most common thing,” she says.

Legend has it that this KFC Christmas craze originat ed in 1974, when KFC Japan’s CEO launched a Christmas campaign to engage the country with a foreign brand. Now, KFC is a bedrock of Japanese people’s celebration of Christmas. On KFC Japan’s website, a whole gambit of Christmas meals are available for preordering from Nov. 2 to Dec. 22 so that they may be enjoyed from Dec. 23 to 25.

Christmas celebrations in Japan don’t stop at KFC, however.

Yamamoto, a Whitworth sophomore from the Hyogo Prefecture, emphasized that celebrations vary between regions.

“Not many people go to Universal Studios Japan where I live,” she says. “I’m living in the Kansai area, and many people go there to see the big trees [and] the views.”

After gathering together and eating a fancy meal, Japan departs from its simi larities to American Christmas traditions when it comes to gift-giving.

In Japan, Christmas Eve is more equivalent to Val entine’s Day. It’s an incredibly romantic holiday during which younger couples book fancy dinners, exchange luxurious gifts and take in the decorated city streets.

On Christmas Day, friends and couples host and attend parties. Because Christmas is not a nationally recognized holiday, many businesses remain open during these days.

Yamamoto celebrated Christmas with her family for the first 10 years of her life. She ate, of course, KFC and also “Christmas Cake,” which is a light, resplendent spongy cake with whipped cream and frosting, topped with strawberries.

She opened presents from underneath a Christmas

tree and believed in Santa Claus. She says Christmas celebrations with her family stopped after her younger brother finally outgrew his belief in Santa.

“If you’re not in a relationship, we have a friend’s Christmas party,” Yamamoto says, adding that she’ll celebrate with friends in Spokane this year.

Christmas celebrations in Japan may seem slightly diminutive in comparison to America’s, but that’s because Japan’s main holiday, New Year’s, is right around the cor ner. During New Year’s, family members come together, exchange gifts and eat fancy meals. They usher in the new year by visiting temples on the first three days of January, a centuries-old tradition, and wish for happiness and health during the year to come. n

Forget the milk, Santa wants a bucket of chicken in Japan. LEWIS TSE PUI LUNG PHOTO

Traveling Through the Cold

Local Latinos bring Las Posadas to the cold Inland Northwest

By Nate Sanford

Bringing a 400-year-old Latin Ameri can holiday to Washington requires a few adaptations.

Las Posadas — or “the inns” in Span ish — is a multiday festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. In many Latin American countries, friends, families and neighbors reenact the journey that Mary and Joseph (or María and José) took through Bethlehem to find refuge for the birth of Jesus. A pair of teenagers is often chosen to dress up as Mary and Joseph, and the group of pilgrims visit selected neighbors and ask for lodging, sometimes singing carols and asking for food. The first two neighbors are supposed to refuse the request (just like the Biblical innkeep ers). The third neighbor accepts the group, giving them food and drink and sometimes

performing a religious reading or song.

Elida Fernandez, secretary at St. Vin cent parish in rural Connell, Washington, recently took a trip to Mexico City and observed an extravagant Las Posadas celebration that involved an entire neighbor hood closing off their streets to celebrate with piñatas, feasts and a child dressed as Mary riding a donkey.

In the Inland Northwest, Las Posadas celebrations are a bit more low-key. Not everyone here is Catholic, and it’s hard to spend that much time outside in the winter, Fernan dez explains. Still, St. Vincent parish has found ways to adapt the holiday to the harsh northern climate and bring the cel

ebration to the community. Fernandez says about 60 percent of her church is of Latin American origin, but you don’t need to be Hispanic to celebrate Las Posadas and have a good time.

Fernandez has been helping organize the festivities at St. Vincent for 15 to 20 years. She says they normally celebrate for three or four nights, with the final Posada ending in Mass at the church. When the weather cooperates, neighbors sign up to have children visit their houses to knock and ask for shelter. When things get cold, they move the whole celebration inside the church, and the group knocks on various doors inside the church.

The food is always a big highlight, Fer nandez says. Children are often given hot chocolate or sweet bread, along with bags of oranges and candy they can take home. Other common foods include pozole, enchiladas and — of course — tamales, which are often paired with champurrado, a chocolate-based Mexican drink.

“That’s a big thing for Christmas,” Fernandez says. “The month of December, wher ever you go, somebody’s going to offer you tamales.”

Everybody celebrates Las Posadas differently, she says. The festival is about bringing people together, and teaching children about the biblical story of Mary and Joseph. n

Beating the cold with hot tamales and champurrado.

HEAR THE HOLIDAYS

Concerts for the holidays, from country to Celtic, jazz to synth

By Seth Sommerfeld

“MELE KALIKIMAKA!”

Our Christmas songs help set our expectations of what an idealized Christmas should be. In these sonic dreams, we want to be home for a white Christmas. That warm family gathering set against a cold snowy backdrop is great and all, but you know what also doesn’t sound like too bad of a time? A Hawai’ian holiday getaway. And while that’s probably logistically and financially unfeasible for most of us, the Bing Crosby Theater brings a festive taste of the islands to Spokane via two Christmas-themed concerts.

First up, Maui native ANUHEA comes to town to share her pop-infused Hawai’ian reggae to brighten up our dark December days. As her 2016 holi day EP All Is Bright showcased, both her seasonal originals (like “No Snow”) and her takes on Christmas classics (“Silent Night,” “Oh Holy Night”) feel warm as a tropical breeze.

The following week, ukulele maestro JAKE SHIMABUKURO brings Christ mas in Hawai’i to the Bing. This will be the first Christmas tour for the “ambas sador of aloha,” whose virtuosic playing has transformed what many consider to be a niche instrument into a tool for fresh jazz, blues, funk, and rock sounds. Musical icons recognize his skills, as evidenced by his 2021 LP Jake & Friends featuring guest spots by everyone from Willie Nelson and Jimmy Buffet to Ziggy Marley and Bette Midler. Expect his own tunes to be mixed with holiday favs like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “We Three Kings.”

Anuhea, Dec. 9 at 8 pm, $29-$49; Jake Shimabukuro, Dec. 14 at 7:30pm, $37-$67, Bing Crosby Theater, bingcrosbytheater.com

Dec. 3

A VERY WAZZU WINTER

’Tis the season for giving, and A Very Wazzu Winter allows the public to give back to WSU’s music program while taking in the festive joy of its musi cians’ skills. The event features holiday tunes performed by WSU’s Concert Choir, Symphony Orchestra, University Singers, Crimson Ties (world music ensemble), Guitar Ensemble and more. While taking in the sounds, you can bid on silent auction items (ranging from Mariners tickets to a chance to conduct the Coug marching band at a home football game) with proceeds going toward music student scholarships. 2-4 pm, Free, Bryan Hall Theatre at Washington State University, events.wsu.edu

Dec. 8

JEREMY MCCOMB: CHRISTMAS, COWBOY-STYLE

If you’d rather wear a Stetson than a Santa hat, then Christmas, CowboyStyle, is probably your idea of a holiday bash. Country troubadour and Nashville North co-owner Jeremy McComb takes the audience on a holiday celebration through the lens of the dusty West — packing in the familiar tunes, storytelling and a little cowboy poetry. In addition to the standard admittance, a limited number of dinner and show tickets are available for those who want to make a full country date night out of it. 6:45 pm, $15-$35, Nashville North, thenashvillenorth.com

Jake Shimabukuro brings his holiday uke to the Bing.

Dec. 14

EVERDREAM: A CELTIC CHRISTMAS

For many families, holiday traditions run deep — like they go back genera tions upon generations. If you happen to have some of that Celtic blood from your ancestors, then Everdream’s A Celtic Christmas might be a perfect seasonal dose of cheer. The Irish trio (formerly known as Affinití) consists of soprano Emer Barry, violist Mary McCague and harpist Teresa O’Donnell are back on the road after two years off due to COVID, so no one can be blamed if folks end up step dancing in the aisles with excitement. 7 pm, $29, Kroc Center Theater, kroccda.org

Dec. 16

LUCKY YOU HOLIDAY SHOW

The branch of the local music scene that frequents Lucky You gathers together to share some communal cheer at the venue’s annual holiday bash. The event mixes an array of local singer-songwriters and musicians — Jenny Anne Mannan, Water Monster, Rosie Cerquone, True Hoods and more — spreading that yuletide spirit, while the general hangout vibe of Lucky You makes it akin to the super cool Christmas party you wish your office could pull off. 8 pm, $12-$15, Lucky You Lounge, luckyyoulounge.com

Dec. 17

SPOKANE JAZZ ORCHESTRA: A PEANUTS CHRISTMAS

No Christmas special is more iconic than A Charlie Brown Christmas. So the fact that the soundtrack for the animated classic somehow is just as beloved as the cartoon itself really says something about the timeless resonance of Vince Guaraldi’s jazz score. Musically transport yourself to that sonic comfort spot when Spokane Jazz Orchestra performs those classic arrangements. *Heartwarmingly weak Christmas trees not included.* 7:30 pm, $27-$32, Bing Crosby Theater, bingcrosbytheater.com

Dec. 17

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS

There’s a case to be made that Mannheim Steamroller is the king of Christ mas music. Led by composer Chip Davis, the instrumental neoclassical newage group has had 14 Christmas albums crack the Top 100 on the Billboard charts, including eight that went platinum. Mixing jaunty rocking vibes with smooth synth infusions, Mannheim Steamroller became the only act that has two records among the top 10 best-selling Christmas albums of all-time. Even nearly 50 years after the group’s formation MS keeps (steam)rollin’ on. 7:30 pm, $49-$94, First Interstate Center for the Arts, firstinterstatecenter.org

Dec. 17 & 18

SPOKANE SYMPHONY: HOLIDAY POPS

While we can get caught up in the glitz of the season, let’s not overlook the simple joys of the holidays. When it comes to holiday concerts, sometimes the straight-forward offering is the one that perfectly hits the spot. That’s what Spokane Symphony’s annual Holiday Pops concerts offer: An array of traditional Christmas favorites performed beautifully (featuring support from Spokane Symphony Chorale and the Spokane Area Youth Choirs) without any real need for gimmickry. I’m not counting the fact that Santa shows up at every performance as a gimmick — St. Nick just loves the hits. Dec. 17 at 7:30 pm & Dec. 18 at 3 pm, $47-$100, Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, foxtheaterspokane.org n

A Ukrainian Caroling We Go

As their country fights an invasion, local refugees bring their traditions to Spokane

By Daniel Walters

Iryna Paranka came to America three months ago after fleeing the war in Ukraine. Two weeks ago, she visited downtown Spokane for the first time. The sight of the Christmas lights and decorations, already up in some parts of the city core, struck her with that kind of nostalgia that can hurt.

“I started to miss Lviv,” she says of the largest city in western Ukraine.

She lets out a sigh, the kind with melancholy tinged with longing. She remembers the way that her city, a major commercial shopping center in Ukraine, was all lit up for the holidays.

As in the U.S., holidays in Ukraine vary greatly de pending on your religious tradition. So while New Year’s can be a huge holiday for some in Ukraine, that’s not the case for one Orthodox Christian couple at a Quality Inn in Spokane, which Thrive International has converted into temporary housing for Ukrainian refugees.

“We don’t celebrate New Year’s at all,” says Nickolai Chertov, the father in the family. “We are sleeping.”

Ah, but Christmas? Christmas is different. It’s not on Dec. 25. They follow the Orthodox Julian calendar and

celebrate the day on Jan. 7.

It’s weeks after many Ameri cans celebrate the yule, and it’s not all pure joyous revelry. For 40 full days before Christmas, they fast — giving up eating meat, milk and eggs. Think of it as a little like Lent, when you’re supposed to focus on being kind and humane, all while setting aside some of your earthly passions. For adults, that might mean giving up TV.

For Chertov’s kids, he says, that typically means no com puter games.

But then comes Christmas, which not only includes feasts — imagine a 12-course meal, one dish for each of the 12 apostles. It also includes a big Christmas tree and presents — last year they got a trampoline, one they had to leave at a neighbor’s house near Kharkiv when they fled the coun try after the Russian invasion. And it includes a door-to-door ritual that combines Christmas caroling with some Christmas-ified trick-ortreating. Kids are handed candy or money.

For some children, the songs are simple chants, boil ing down to little more than “give me candy.”

The Chertovs, however, are proud that their songs offer a little more. Chertov begins thump-thumping his hands on the table, providing an improvised percussion and his family — minus his embarrassed daughter who

slides under the table — begins singing a traditional Ukrainian carol.

Already, the staff at Thrive are brainstorming how to bring Ukrainian traditions alive for folks like Chertov and Paranka. Marshall McClean, a local musi cian who works with communications for Thrive, is already thumbing away on his phone as we talk, ordering Chertov an actual drum.

There’s discussion around the table. Maybe the Ukrainians go door to door at the motel, perhaps, sing ing the carols from home. Maybe they could, if for a mo ment, capture that spirit of Christmas, so far away from where they wish they could be celebrating it. n

Ukraine lights up for the holidays.

SCENES OF THE SEASON

Embrace the holidays with both new and familiar live productions around the region

SLEIGH BELLS RING

Ellen Travolta is celebrating her 10th annual holiday show at the Coeur d’Alene Resort by collecting some of her favorite material from her hit productions of Christmases past, such as “Christmas with a Twist” and “Christmas Miracles.” It’s being billed as “THE BEST OF CHRISTMAS.”

“I call it ‘best of,’ but I think I like ‘highlights’ more,” Travolta says. “And we’re doing new stuff too. We’re doing some stuff that’s never been done before, never been seen before.”

Quibbles about the title notwithstanding, this year’s event retains the intimate, relaxed variety format that has earned Tra volta such a devoted holiday audience over the years. It will include a mix of songs, stories and skits, enlivened with anecdotes and contributions from Travolta herself as well as her sister Margaret and her daughter Molly Allen.

The trio of Tra volta family members

By E.J. Iannelli

are accompanied onstage by top-tier performers who are well known throughout the region: cabaret singers Abbey Crawford and Mark Cotter, plus musicians Jenny Shotwell (piano) and Eugene Jablonski (upright bass). They’ll be performing the tunes that go hand in hand with the holiday season. The show itself is being directed once again by a luminary of the regional theater scene, Troy Nickerson.

Apart from the standard performance tickets, the Coeur d’Alene Resort has also put together accommodation and dining packages for audience members who want to make "The Best of Christmas" part of a larger holiday getaway and enjoy Coeur d’Alene at its most festive.

“It’s a wonderful way to start the holiday season,” Travol ta says, “with warm performers who are incredibly talented. Sharing stories, singing songs, making you laugh.”

Nov. 25-Dec. 18, Thu-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 5 pm, $35, Coeur d’Alene Resort, 115 S. Second St., cdachristmas.com

Nov. 25-Dec. 18

A CHRISTMAS CAROL (SPOKANE)

No matter how familiar Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale might seem, its message never gets old. Because we all want to believe that even the frostiest, most jaded individuals can discover the true spirit of the season. With this popular, brisk adaptation by the late Barbara Field, the Spokane Civic Theatre will make it possible for audience members of all ages to delight in Dickens’ ghost story and take part in this holiday tradition. This production is co-directed by longtime Civic stalwarts Bryan Durbin and Kear ney Jordan. Thu-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm, $35, Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard St., spokanecivictheatre.com

Dec. 1-4

THE NUTCRACKER WITH THE SPOKANE SYMPHONY

Year after year, the State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara and the Spokane Symphony have paired their talents around the holidays to put on The Nutcracker, a ballet based on an E.T.A. Hoffman short story and famous for its score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. And while many might initially be drawn to this annual production for the iconic twinkle of the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” it’s the graceful choreography, the stunning set design and the amazing music that make this such a memorable occasion. Thu-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sat and Sun at 3 pm, $25-$99, Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, 1001 W. Sprague Ave., spokanesymphony.org

Fridays in December

HA!!MARK HOLIDAY SPECIAL

Ever since on-demand videostreaming took off, so has the produc tion of saccharine seasonal movies about chance encounters with royalty and happily-ever-after winter romances. In fact, even now they’re probably starting to flood the libraries of your favorite streaming services. Fortunately, the improv troupe at Blue Door Theatre aren’t having any of it. Every Friday in December, their “Ha!!mark Holiday Special” satirizes the entire genre with a totally improvised, madcap version of the sappy flicks you know and love. Love ironically, of course. Right? 7:30 pm, $8, Blue Door Theatre, 815 W. Garland Ave., bluedoortheatre.com

Ellen Travolta and friends slay the sleigh at the Coeur d'Alene Resort.

Dec. 2-11

CHRISTMAS BELLES

In a tiny Texas town, the Futrelle sisters aren’t really feeling the Christmas spirit. Frankie is pregnant with her second set of twins. Twink, bitter over a recent jilting, is in jail for arson. Meanwhile, menopausal Honey Raye is strug gling to keep her church’s nativity play together. Now add a surly Santa and an Elvis impersonator to the mix and see what happens. If you’re hankering after A Tuna Christmas and not getting your fix anywhere in town, this show is for you. Fri-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 3 pm, $14, Pend Oreille Playhouse, 236 S. Union Ave., Newport, pendoreilleplayers.com

Dec. 9-22

TRADITIONS OF CHRISTMAS

Traditions of Christmas takes everything that we associate with the holidays — plus a little extra — and turns it into a dazzling parade of set pieces à la Radio City Music Hall on the Salvation Army Kroc Center stage. Victo rian carol singers? Check. Lavish nativity scenes? Check. Huge kicklines in seasonally inspired outfits? USO-style dance numbers? A showcase of winter celebrations in foreign countries? Check, check and check. There’s even a visit to the North Pole to see Santa’s workshop. It’s an extravaganza for the whole family. Showtimes vary, $36, Kroc Center, 1765 W. Golf Course Rd., Coeur d’Alene, traditionsofchristmasnw.com

Dec. 9-11

A CHRISTMAS CAROL (PULLMAN)

For this seasonal show at the Gladish Community Center, Pullman Civic The atre’s very own in-house playwright, Sam Opdahl, adapted the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his fortuitous run-in with a trio of Christmas spirits. Bear in mind that this is a dinner production, so you’ll have the dual pleasure of feasting while you’re being entertained. Fri-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm, $40, Gladish Community Center, 115 NW State St., Pullman, thegladish.org

Dec. 8, 10, 16-17

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY

In one of its many ongoing collaborations with the Art Spirit Gallery, Drawn Together Arts is presenting It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play Adapted by playwright Joe Landry, this live production based on the iconic Frank Capra film is a performance twice over: a stage performance of an oldtime radio production. Tracey Benson directs the show, which features a who’s who of local acting talent and takes place amid the festive original artwork of the gallery’s annual small works exhibit. 7:30 pm, $20, The Art Spirit Gallery, 415 Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene, drawntogetherarts.com n

‘A Twist on Christmas’

“I am an avid church-goer and will continue to attend services whether it is on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or any other day of the year,” he says. “I feel very blessed to be able to share, teach and spread my beliefs among the community.”

Baraza joined Gonzaga’s faculty in 2005 and teaches courses on African religions and Islamic civilization.

Patrick Baraza unites

Gonzaga theology professor Father

African and Western traditions for Christmas

By Cate Wilson

Father Patrick Wanakuta Baraza is an ordained priest from Kitale, Kenya, who speaks nine languages. He was born into his Catholic faith, is still practic ing as a Catholic and teaches a variety of religious courses at Gonzaga University.

So Christmas is a big deal to him, just not in the way most Americans may be accustomed to.

“My people do not believe in the ma terialism or commercialism of the holiday,” Baraza says. “We don’t believe in cutting down the beautiful trees we find in nature just to throw them away after Christmas is over. We celebrate nature and don’t put up any of those decorations.”

The words “renewal” and “communi ty,” he says, are the most important ideals of the holiday to him. “I am because we are,” he says, emphasizing the spiritual, commu nal nature of his yuletide belief.

Unfortunately, Baraza has not been able to return to Kenya since before the pan demic, but his hybrid celebration in the U.S. with his church community mixes Western culture with practices from his African home.

“We dress nice for our Christmas feast. We buy new clothes just for the occasion and eat meat since we do not do that regularly,” Baraza says. “Chicken is a popular option for the meal. Christmas symbolizes ‘renewal,’ and I surround myself with my community to go into the new year.”

That community includes his fellow parishioners, and part of his Christmas rou tine is attending church services. But that doesn’t really set the day apart for him.

Before arriving in Spokane, Baraza was a student of theology at Pontificia Urban University in Rome, Italy. He has a Bachelor of Divinity degree from the Jesuit School of Theology and a doctorate in theology.

To kick off his teaching career, Baraza taught African Studies in Mabanga, Kenya, and when he decided to settle down in the U.S. he served as chaplain at Saint Mary’s College in California for six years before moving to Washington state.

Before joining Gonzaga’s teaching faculty, Baraza taught com parative religions at Eastern Washington University and Spokane Community College.

He’s currently working on his second book, Drumming up Dialogue. Which may or may not make a great gift.

“We do not practice giftgiving because being around each other in community is a gift itself,” Baraza says. “When I am in the states, I try to do as the Americans do, but I don’t want to give into everything.” n

Celebrate nature — leave the tree in the woods.

ARTISAN SEASON

Keep it local and artful this holiday season with these creative opportunities By Madison Pearson

IT’S THE SMALL THINGS

As children, excitement for the holidays started to bubble under the surface when big packages appeared underneath the Christ mas tree. Most of us assumed that the bigger the present, the more we would like it; however, that’s not always the case.

In the art world, “small works shows” showcase more diminu tive art pieces. As the saying goes, “big things come in small pack ages,” and these two art shows with shopping opportunities prove that even if a gift is small, it can still have a lot of heart.

In Coeur d’Alene, the Art Spirit Gallery’s 26th ANNUAL SMALL

WORKS INVITATIONAL features a plethora of art to gawk at. With over 1,000 pieces from 100 regional artists, the show includes small paintings, ceramic art like cups and bowls, sculpture and even functional home decor pieces that could make any lastminute holiday decorating that much easier. If you can’t make it out to Coeur d’Alene to shop or take a looky-loo in person, the Art Spirit has the entire show online for virtual viewing and shopping pleasure. Thu-Sun from 11 am-6 pm through Dec. 24.

In Spokane’s historic Garland District, Spokane Art School is

displaying its annual SMALL WORKS AND ORNAMENT SHOW as well. It’s another show full of art that, despite its smaller stature, packs a real punch. A variety of mediums and styles are repre sented within the show. Artist Liz Bishop’s work features colorful depictions of cats on ceramic cups, bowls and containers, while artist Sondra Barrington repurposes vintage, scavenged and recycled objects to make jewelry and mixed-media assemblages. Mon-Fri from 10 am-5 pm and Sat from 10 am-4 pm through Dec. 23.

Several of the works featured in the Art Spirit Gallery's 26th Annual Small Works Invitational.

Dec. 2-Jan. 7

CUP OF JOY

This exhibition is a celebration of all things drinking vessels. With ceramic mugs and cups made by over three dozen artists from around the U.S. delivering four cups each to this show, there’s a ton of love and care flowing over the brim of these creations. Mugs are a universally loved gift. Who doesn’t love sitting down with a ginormous mug of hot cocoa and gazing out the window at the fresh snowfall? Visitors can either simply browse through the exhibition or, better yet, take home a mug of their own and own a small piece of functional art that will last them a lifetime (if you have a strong grip). Wed-Fri from 11 am-5 pm, free to shop, Trackside Studio, 115 S. Adams St., tracksidestudio.net

Dec. 3

HOLIDAY ORNAMENT MAKING

There’s nothing quite like receiving a handmade gift that came straight from the heart, er… hands, of a loved one. Various Spokane County Library District branches are inviting kids and adults alike to create holiday ornaments of their own. Just stop by one of the participating branches — Fairfield, Deer Park and Airway Heights — and get to crafting. This is an all ages event because you’re never too old for some good, old-fashioned, holiday spirit. All of the supplies you’ll need to create a thoughtful ornament for your family’s Christmas tree are provided free of charge. Times and locations vary, free, scld.org

Dec. 3

HOLIDAY

ARTIST STUDIO TOUR

Hosted by the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, this self-guided tour takes participants on a journey through the studios of six local artists. Each artist shares insight on how they create their work and shows off the space that makes their creative process possible. Before leaving each studio, you’ll have the chance to buy artwork directly from the artist. After a busy day of looking at beautiful art, mozy on down to the Steam Plant Restaurant & Brew Pub to mingle with the artists, listen to some live tunes performed by Ron Keiper Jazz and enter a raffle for one of two art experiences from local artists Helen Parsons and Tim Lynch. 10 am-6 pm, $15-$20, locations vary, northwestmuseum.org

Dec. 17

BRRRZAAR

Unlike Terrain’s summer market, Bazaar, which lines Main Avenue in down town Spokane, Terrain’s winter market invites visitors in from the cold to browse through thousands of pieces of local, handmade art inside River Park Square. It’s no coincidence that this market happens right before the biggest gift-giving holiday. If there are any last-minute gifts you need to snatch up before the big day, you’ll have no problem finding one here. The event also features more festive fun with food and drink vendors as well as live music that’ll get you in the holiday mood and excited to be the person gifting the most unique gifts at your holiday function. 10 am-8 pm, free to shop, River Park Square, 808 W. Main Ave., terrainspokane.com n

EMBRACE THE COLD

Bundle up and enjoy these festive outdoor events this holiday season

By Chey Scott

Grab a warm hat and pair of gloves, and lace up some skates for the quintes sential winter activity: ice skating! While the Inland Northwest is usually home to numerous frozen bodies of water during winter’s months — we don’t recommend you try this — the easiest (and safest) bet is to visit one of

in Riverfront Park opened for the 202223 season last weekend and has a full slate of special events and activities. Visitors can drop in during regular hours, seven days a week (Sun-Thu from 11 am to 8 pm; Fri-Sat from 11 am-9 pm) or pick up unlimited ice passes ($28$39) for access all season long. Regular admission is $7-$10, with skate rentals for $7 more.

Among the many fun, themed events this holiday season at the Skate Ribbon is a series of Skate for a Cause nights in part nership with local nonprofits, which get 30 percent of admission fees. The $15 events (skate rental included), happen from 4-8 pm on the following dates: Nov. 30 (Habitat for Humanity) and Dec. 14 (Spokane Parks Foundation), plus three more in January.

Enjoy DJ Night on the Ice with DJA1, funky lights and contests every Friday evening from 6-9 pm in December and January, and on New Year’s Eve. Learn to Skate group lessons ($110 for seven sessions) start on Dec. 3, co-hosted by Lilac City Figure Skating. See the park’s website for details on these and other events at riverfrontspokane.com.

While skating on Lake Coeur d’Alene isn’t (usually) possible, the next best thing is skating near its shores. Back this year for its second run is COEUR , a seasonal skating rink in McEuen Park near the pavilion.

Although it’s a pop-up, amenities like fire pits and decorated, rent able igloo shelters create a festive feeling, and there’s a “snack shack” with cookies, s’mores kits and — of course — hot cocoa. Skating sessions are 90 minutes each ($14-$18; skate rental included). Find daily hours, purchase tickets or make reservations at cdaonice.com.

The skate ribbon in Riverfront Park has it all, from DJs to group lessons. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

Dec. 3

SPOKANE CHIEFS’ TEDDY BEAR TOSS

Can’t make it over to Seattle for a Kraken game? Catch some action on the ice right here, when the Spokane Chiefs take on the Lethbridge Hurricanes in a game that includes the Chiefs’ popular holiday tradition: the Teddy Bear Toss. Bring a stuffed animal to the game and get ready to toss it onto the ice after the Chiefs score their first goal. All those cute plushies — the record set in 2019 is 8,604, can we beat it? — are then collected for the SpokesmanReview’s Christmas Bureau fundraiser. 7:05 pm, $12-$20, Spokane Arena, spokanechiefs.com

Dec. 16

MT. SPOKANE NIGHT

SKIING KICKOFF

Yeah, we all hate that it gets dark at 4 pm this time of year, but you can still make the most of those too early sunsets up on the runs at Mt. Spokane, which kicks off its night skiing schedule just days before the official shortest day of the year; this year’s winter solstice on Wednesday, Dec. 21. The 2022 night-skiing schedule is 3 to 9 pm, every Wednesday through Saturday until March 11. Mt. Spokane boasts 16 lighted runs — more than any other resort in the region — so even if you get a late start on the day, say, if you head up after work, it’ll still be well worth the effort. Wed-Sat from 3-9 pm, $40-$75 single lift tickets, Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, 29500 N. Mt. Spokane Park Drive, mtspokane.com

Dec. 23-24

SKI WITH SANTA

Though he lives in one of the coldest and snowiest spots on the planet, the Big Man in Red also enjoys getting out of the house, so to speak, for a well-deserved pre-Christmas break. Santa and Mrs. Claus never miss a visit to Schweitzer as part of their annual holiday traditions. Kids on the nice list can look for the famous duo on the beginner and intermediate runs (1-3:30 pm), or later on in the cozy confines of the Selkirk Lodge, apres ski. Schweitzer, 10000 N. Schweitzer Mountain Rd., Sandpoint. schweitzer.com

Dec. 26-31

SLEIGH RIDE, DINNER & CONCERT

“Come on, it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you…” So, load up the car and head north to Sandpoint for one of the region’s few horse-drawn sleigh ride excursions at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch. While sleigh rides (or a wagon ride if there’s no snow) are offered throughout the winter season, special holiday excursions include a ride to pick out a fresh Christmas tree, and a series at the end of the year with a post-ride dinner and a concert. After a ride through the peaceful winter forest, warm up with a hearty dinner in the lodge that’s followed by an intimate concert by a local musician. These events sell out quickly, but as of this writing there are still seats left for select dates. Make a night of it and book an overnight stay at the lodge. $75-$100, Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, 1413 Upper Gold Creek Rd., Sandpoint, westernpleasureranch.com n

New Year, Different Calendar

Spokane’s Afghan population brings the Nowruz and Haft mewa to town

By Daniel Walters

Typically, there aren’t really wintertime holidays for Afghans, says Kazim Abdullahi, a former transla tor who worked with the U.S. Armed Forces and came to the United States about nine years ago through the Special Immigrant Visa program.

They do celebrate New Year’s Day, or Nowruz. They just don’t do it on Jan. 1. They follow the calendar of Afghanistan, which puts the first day of the year on the spring equinox in March or April.

And Kazim says Afghan’s New Year’s parties are typically mobile. Celebrators go from house to house, greeting one another with “Happy New Year,” typically starting with the eldest person in the community.

Each house serves tea or a dish called Haft mewa — a syrupy mix of seven fruits and nuts that all start with the same letter in the Dari language, and it all melts and congeals into a tasty treat.

“We have a conversation for five, 10, 15 minutes,” Kazim says. “After that we just hug each other and go to the next house.”

Generally, children are rewarded with gifts of money.

And while the Afghan culture typically doesn’t cel ebrate Christmas or Easter, for obvious reasons, he says there are two “Eids” — official Islamic holidays — in the spring. About a week before the first Eid, Afghan women

typically launch into a bout of spring cleaning.

“They clean carpets,” Kazim says. “They repaint. They wash the walls. They change the entire design in preparation of the Eid.”

And the men are required to upgrade their wardrobe with fresh new duds.

“Oh, it’s the New Year, even though I have 10 pairs of shoes, I have to find brand new shoes, because it’s Eid,” Kazim says.

Kazim says the Afghan community in Spokane has continued some of these traditions, with some modifications. On New Year’s, for example, everyone celebrates in a single location — the community is too small to go door to door. And as a matter of financial pragmatism, Kazim says he doesn’t give all the kids money — there are too many of them.

He’s been happy to join his American friends for Christmas celebrations, though the tradition around opening presents in front of everyone took some getting used to.

“In my country, it’s disrespectful to open them in front of people,” Kazim says.

And he’s dabbled with other American traditions, including the classic Thanksgiving feast.

“We don’t even know how to cook turkey,” Kazim says.

Five or six years ago, he bought a big frozen turkey from WinCo Foods and put it in the oven. After about 10 minutes, he says, the skin on the outside started burning.

“I got one of those big knives — a butchering knife — and tried to cut the turkey in pieces,” he says. “The outside was melted. But the inside was fully ice.”

Something, Kazim realized, had gone wrong.

“I Googled it and I figured out, ‘Oh, you have to prepare the turkey two or three days before,’” Kazim says. “I look at my wife — I’m like ‘Honey, I give up.’”

Botching your ambitious cooking plan? That’s an American holiday tradition, too. n

Haft mewa is a New Year's treat of fruits and nuts.

Joe Bonamassa • Friday, December 2

Peppa Pig Live! • Saturday, December 3

Monster Jam • December 9 - 11

Five Finger Death Punch + Brantley Gilbert • Tuesday, December 13

Snoop Dogg • Thursday, December 15

The Illusionists • Monday, December 26

Professional Bull Riders • Saturday, January 14

Jo Koy World Tour • Friday, February 3

Bluey’s Big Play • February 8-9

Our Planet Live • Saturday, February 18

SETTING THE TABLE

The holidays are a feast for the senses with these festive food and drink-related events

OUTSIDE, BUT IN

Outdoor dining options expanded during pandemic-related restrictions in 2020, including heated spaces during colder weather, like geodesic domes covered in clear plastic, commonly known as garden igloos. Lit from the in side, heated and with comfy furnishings, igloos have prevailed in a few local spots, offering a sparkly winter experience well worth the splurge.

The COEUR D’ALENE RESORT has upgraded last year’s igloo village outside Whispers Lounge with new weather-resistant models, says Marketing Director Amy VanSickle. “They are completely transparent and frameless, which helps blur the lines between the indoors and outdoors,” she says.

Daytime is a fine time to grab an igloo, which is free and available to those 21-and-older first come, first served from 10 am to 3 pm. Igloos can accommodate up to six people comfortably.

For parties looking to create a more festive experience, reserve one of the three two-hour time slots beginning at 3:45, 6:15 and 8:45 pm ($75 rental plus $100 food and beverage minimum). Then snuggle in and munch on ap petizers like deviled eggs ($20), artichoke dip featuring Cougar Gold cheese ($15), or crab and shrimp cakes ($18). Try the huckleberry hot chocolate with peanut butter whiskey ($12), an espresso pumpkin martini ($16) or four other featured cocktails.

“My favorite part about the igloos is providing a quiet, private space for guests to experience something out of the ordinary together,” VanSickle says.

The Coeur d’Alene Resort, 115 S. Second St., Coeur d’Alene, cdaigloos.com.

By Carrie Scozzaro

MORE IGLOOS

Bark, A Rescue Pub, 905 N. Washington St., barkrescuepub.com/campfire-igloos

Crafted Tap House + Kitchen, 523 Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene, craftedta phouse.com/igloo-reservations

The Davenport Grand, 333 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., davenporthotelcollection.com

Break out the bubbly! The garden igloos remain at Coeur d'Alene Resort. COEUR D’ALENE RESORT PHOTO

Thursdays through Saturdays

FIRESIDE DINNER & MUSIC SERIES

Summer isn’t the only season at Arbor Crest. Spend a few hours indoors at the historic Cliff House Estate enjoying live music, with food and wine for pur chase. On the menu are light bites like hummus ($12) and charcuterie ($28), entrees like porchetta ($20) and pappardelle ($15), and desserts like chocolate mousse ($7). Admission is free, and reservations are required. 6-8 pm, Arbor Crest Wine Cellars, 4705 N. Fruit Hill Rd., Spokane Valley, arborcrest.com

Dec. 1

TAMALES AT TERRAZA

Holiday tamales are a tradition for many people of Hispanic heritage when family and friends gather to help lighten the load for this time-consuming little package of deliciousness. Soft corn husks (ojas) are the base onto which is spread masa or specially prepared, ground corn, then the filling, which for savory tamales usually means slow-cooked, seasoned pork. Try both a savory and sweet tamale, as well as menudo (soup) and shrimp aguachile (similar to ceviche) at Terraza Waterfront Cafe as you enjoy live music and a view of Spokane River at night. 6:30-9 pm, $65, Terraza Waterfront Cafe, 1950 Bel lerive Ln., Coeur d’Alene, terrazacda.com

Dec. 21

PARIS BY NIGHT: JOYEUX NOËL WINE DINNER

If you’re looking for a holiday event with a certain je ne sais quoi, look to Northern Quest Resort & Casino for an elegant evening of hot jazz, cool blues and French-inspired cuisine. The casino’s Highball speakeasy is the home of Paris By Night, an event featuring a six-course meal including salmon, beef bourguignon and little puffs of flaky pastry called profiterole stuffed with rich custard and topped with caramel sauce. From the Burgundy to the Bordeaux, the wines are expertly paired with your leisurely meal enjoyed while listening to local musical group, the Villa Blues and Jazz. 6-9 pm, $100, ages 21+, Northern Quest Resort & Casino, 100 N. Hayford Rd., Airway Heights, north ernquestcasino.com

Dec. 14

DEMO COOKING CLASS & WINE DINNER

Sometimes the best cooking class is the kind where you just sit back and enjoy the show. If that sounds good this holiday, join Winebow Imports’ Hay ley Black and Wanderlust Delicato’s Christine Tran for a “chef’s table” wine dinner. And if you do happen to want a more hands-on experience, check out Wanderlust Delicato’s other upcoming classes, including how to make beef Wellington (Dec. 22, $95), just in time for the holidays. 5:30 pm, $125, Wanderlust Delicato, 421 W. Main Ave., wanderlustdelicato.com

Dec. 14-15

TRUFFLE DINNER

Truffles conjure visions of endless forest and elegant meals alike. These versatile members of the mushroom family are revered for their complex flavor and relative scarcity, although they grow well in the coastal Northwest, as well as in France and Italy. They can be roasted with herbs or sauteed and spooned over bruschetta or, one of Gander and Ryegrass executive chef Peter Froese’s preferred ways of serving white truffles: shaved thinly over his scratch-made pasta. See what else is on the menu at the downtown spot’s first annual five-course truffle dinner. 5-11 pm, $250 plus optional wine pair ing, Gander and Ryegrass, 404 W. Main Ave., ganderandryegrass.com

Dec. 31

MURDER AT THE END OF THE UNIVERSE

There’s something unnatural happening at Natural 20 Brewing Co.’s Spokane Valley taproom: A murder has occurred in outer space among the androids, spaceship captains, time-traveling characters, lost hitch hikers and the like. Who did it? Find out and help solve the intergalactic space mystery at Natural 20’s science fiction-themed New Year’s Eve party. Enjoy a three-course meal with a choice of prime rib or salmon, plus champagne to toast the new year. Costumes are required, and prizes will be awarded. 10 pm-1 am, $100, Natural 20 Brewing Company, 13216 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley, natural20brewing.com n

“S

City Sidewalks

DowntownSpokane.org

Fresh Flavors

ome people don’t know whether we’re a bar or a coffee shop. But the truth is, we’re both. Also with a little food on the side,” says Michal-ann Lea, a bartender-barista at WET WHISTLE (210 N. Howard St.), which is celebrating its oneyear anniversary this December.

“That’s what makes us such a great stop when you’re out doing some holi day shopping. You can come in and warm up with a hot coffee or a shot and even grab a bite to eat,” she adds. The food menu includes croissants, bagel sandwiches as well as pizzas — “a little something for everyone,” Lea says. And if you like what Wet Whistle has to offer, you can also gift the experience to someone else. They have gift cards that are valid on everything the coffee and cocktail bar serves.

In the space that once housed Rocky Rococo, you’ll find something new. NEW 63 (520 W. Main Ave.), to be precise. Their menu takes American comfort foods and fuses them with Asian-inspired flavor combos, resulting in appetiz ers like Buffalo chicken eggrolls or furikake garlic bites, as well as entrees like

togarashi tacos and the honey sake sriracha pizza. Of course, if you’re in the mood for classic Asian dishes, egg fried rice and green Thai curry are on the menu, too.

For those hankering after the cuisine of the Iberian Peninsula, chef Adam Hegsted has opened DE ESPAÑA (909 W. First Ave.) at the former Incrediburger and Eggs loca tion. The menu spans Spain’s many regions, ranging from Valencia to the Basque Country. So, naturally, you’ll find classic dishes like paella alongside small-plate tapas and drinks like the house-made sangría. The geographic consistency extends to the dessert menu, where you’ll find sweet treats such as custard-like flan augmented with dulce de leche. 

ClipClopping Along

Starting the day after Thanksgiving and running through Christmas Eve, you’ll be able to clop through the streets of downtown in a real horse-drawn carriage. And best of all, it’s free. Thanks to gener ous support from WHEATLAND BANK , individuals, couples, families and groups can all enjoy the unique holiday atmosphere of downtown Spokane as they sing their favorite carols or simply sit back and enjoy the classic seasonal ride. To grab a seat, you’ll want to wait for a carriage on Wall Street right across from Wheatland Bank. They run Fridays from 3 to 8 pm as well as Saturday and Sundays from noon to 5 pm, ending Christmas Eve. Each carriage comfort ably holds up to eight adults, and the standby system means there’s no need to make reservations. And even though there’s no charge for the ride itself, please feel free to tip your driver! 

City Sidewalks

DowntownSpokane.org

What’s New Downtown?

“ A

t Soma, we’re known for our bras, but we also have a huge selection of PJs, activewear, loungewear and lots more,” says Codie Ray, the assistant manager at River Park Square’s SOMA , which is new to downtown. “What’s more, we go up to extended sizes, so we don’t just cater to particular body types.”

This holiday shopping season, Soma is doing a promotion that helps your dol lars go even further: Every $100 spent on gift cards will net you an additional $20 to spend at a later date. Plus, a new point system qualifies shoppers for extra loyalty rewards on certain purchases.

“On top of our regular deals and promotions, we also offer outstanding customer service,” Ray adds. “If you’re shopping for someone else, like your girlfriend or wife, we can help you determine their size if they already have an account with us, which eliminates a lot of the guesswork that can make shopping so difficult.”

One of the most wasteful parts of Christmas gift-giving is all the excess packag ing. Some items come boxed in as much as twice their weight in plastic and card board. Why not cut all that out and give the gift of sustainability? SPOKANE REFIL LERY (1105 W. First Ave.) offers a huge range of environmentally friendly, deluxe hygiene and cleaning products — think dishwasher pods, laundry sheets, shampoo and hand soap — that you or your giftee can refill using your own clean container.

To find the latest in vintage threads and upcycled street fashion, head to DO IT WITH SOUL (112 S. Cedar St.). There’s a distinctly punk or rock ‘n’ roll flair to their reclaimed denim and leather jackets as well as the shirts they’ve distressed and recreated with swapped sleeves. Comfort is a big part of their M.O., too, so you can feel good while looking good. 

SPOKANE

Win a Dream Tree

Over the past 39 years, CHRISTMAS TREE ELEGANCE has grown into a can’t-miss holiday tradition for residents throughout the Inland Northwest — and beyond. This an nual 13-day fundraiser (November 29 through December 11) run by the Spokane Symphony Associates attracts more than 100,000 attendees across five states as well as Canada. The premise is simple: Generous individuals and businesses donate the resources to create astounding tree displays that look like something straight out of a Christmas movie. The decorations and “gifts” that adorn each tree are worth up to $4,999. For your shot at winning one of the trees and all their associated prizes, you can buy raffle tickets for $1 each at the sites, then put as many tickets as you like toward your tree — or trees — of choice. How do you know which trees you want to win? Easy! This year they’re on show in the HISTORIC DAVENPORT HOTEL (10 S. Post St.) and RIVER PARK SQUARE (808 W. Main Ave.). Just head over to those locations and browse the displays during their hours of business operations. The public ticket drawings are held at each venue on the final day of the event. If luck is on your side, Christmas just might come early! 

Comedy and Cocktails

Santa shouldn’t have a monopoly on the belly laughs during the holidays. SPOKANE COMEDY CLUB (315 W. Sprague Ave.) has packed its winter schedule with stars like Marlon Wayans, Josh Wolf and Sam Morril. And if you’re not into established names, check out their (free!) open mic nights most Wednesdays. Next door, the club’s GAMERS ARCADE BAR (321 W. Sprague Ave.) lets you revel in nostalgia with pinball machines, or fight retro aliens in their coin-operated arcade games.

If fun isn’t an activity but a vibe, why not visit one of down town Spokane’s unique watering holes? CEASE AND DESIST (108 N. Washington St.) is a speakeasy that bills itself as a “book club.” In true speakeasy fashion, it might take a little searching to find the entrance (hint: it’s around the corner on Riverside,

GAMERS

through a storefront numbered S. 100), but inside you’ll find a selection of classic cocktails and expertly crafted originals.

Or maybe whiskey’s more your thing? In that case, head to PURGATORY (524 W. Main Ave.), where you’ll find some thing along the lines of 600 bottles of specialist and smalllabel spirits. To sample an artisanal selection of whiskies, check out their featured flights.

Reema Shaver, owner of St.) martini bar, says she goes all out to create a “classic lounge-style atmosphere” during the holiday season. “I put out a chicken wire Christ mas tree, which is an art piece I had com missioned in San Francisco. We decorate it with big glass balls of the world, and it says, ‘Peace.’”

And the holidays aren’t the only reason to celebrate at Bistango. During the second week of De cember, they’ll be marking their 17-year anniversary with special festivities and giveaways. All the more incentive to enjoy one of their seasonally inspired mar tinis flavored like eggnog latte, peppermint or pumpkin spice.

Downtown Deals

Growing anticipation as Christmas ap proaches isn’t just for kids. With the COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS , adults can get in on the excitement, too. Starting on December 12 and continuing through December 23, the Downtown Spokane Partnership will highlight a different business each day, as well as a special limited-time deal or promotion. When you take advantage of that deal or promotion on that day, you’ll get the chance to be entered into a drawing for a cash prize. It’s a great way to discover new busi nesses and a fun reason to shop at the ones you love — with the possibility of an added bonus! For details on participating businesses, be sure to keep an eye on the DSP website (downtownspokane.org). The DSP will also be posting about the businesses and related promotions on their social media throughout the 12 days as well. 

Small Business Saturday

Ever since American Express first launched the event in 2010, the day after Black Friday has become known as SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY . It’s a day to recognize the incredible impact that small businesses have on our com munity by support ing them with your patronage. That support actually has a dual benefit, because studies have shown that more than two-thirds of each dollar spent at local busi nesses gets channeled right back into the local economy, which helps to make our region even stronger. This year, Small Business Saturday falls on November 26, so mark your calendars and visit the large number of

call

Spokane

COMING

MORE EVENTS

BENEFIT

15TH ANNUAL “THANKS FOR THE WALK” DOG WALK Join the community on this dog walk that benefits SpokAni mal’s dog park at High Bridge Park. Bring your well-behaved dog for a one or two mile walk. Nov. 24, 9 am. $10 suggested donation. High Bridge Park, Riverside Ave. and A St. spokanimal.org

PALOUSE TURKEY LEG FUNDRAISER

Support the Palouse Library at this event that helps fund new books and program ming. Donations can be mailed directly to the Palouse Library (PO BOX 168, Palouse, WA 99161). Nov. 24, 8 am. By donation. Palouse, Wash. whitcolib.org

SANTA EXPRESS This holiday retail store is for kids ages 4-12, many of whom make this experience part of their holiday tra dition. With the help of an elf, kids shop for everyone on their list from a selection of gifts priced from $1-$10. Proceeds benefit Vanessa Behan. Nov. 25-Dec 22; Mon-Fri 11 am-7 pm, Sat 10 am-7 pm and Sun 11 am-5 pm. River Park Square, 808 W. Main Ave. santaexpress.org

FESTIVAL OF TREES GALA This gala benefits Kootenai Health Foundation and features a three-course meal, decorated Christmas tree displays, a silent auction, a live tree sale and live music. Nov. 26, 5-11:45 pm. $225. The Coeur d’Alene Re sort, 115 S. Second. kh.org/festival

LIVE NATIVE ART AUCTION Over 20 art ists donate their work to be auctioned off. The event includes spoken word, a ribbon skirt auction, local vendors and artist booths. Proceeds benefit the artists and Elk Soup. Dec. 2, 5-8 pm. The Phi

lanthropy Center, 1020 W. Riverside Ave. fb.me/e/3EkVmK6co (509-315-1323)

POST FALLIDAYS TINY TREE FESTI

VAL This seventh-annual event benefits educational and community support pro grams within the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce. Dec. 3, 10 am-noon. $35. Red Lion Hotel Templin’s on the River, 414 E. First Ave. postfallschamber.com

SANTA BREAKFAST A fundraiser for Mobius Discovery Center that features a breakfast, photos with Santa and holiday festivities. Dec. 3, 9-11 am. Sold out. His toric Davenport Hotel, 10 S. Post St. mo biusdiscoverycenter.org (509-321-7121)

CHRISTMAS TREE ELEGANCE HOLIDAY LUNCHEONS This annual fundraiser benefits the Spokane Symphony. In addi tion to brunch, a group of Symphony mu sicians play holiday favorites. Dec. 6-7, 11 am-2 pm. $55. Historic Davenport Hotel, 10 S. Post. spokanesymphonyassoc.org

COMMUNITY

JOURNEY TO THE NORTH POLE A 40-minute holiday cruise across Lake Coeur d’Alene to view holiday light dis plays and visit Santa and his elves. Nov. 24-Jan. 2; daily at 5:30, 6:30 & 7:30 pm. $11.50-$26.50. cdacruises.com

MULTICULTURAL THANKSGIVING CEL EBRATION A celebration with four ethnic groups uniting to express gratitude for their countries through traditional dress, music and prayer. Bring nonperishable food items. Nov. 24, 10-11:30 am. St. Jo seph’s Catholic Church, 1503 W. Dean Ave. (509-993-6157)

RESALE TRAIL Visit local vintage and consignment boutiques across Spokane for a chance to win prizes. Twelve local shops are participating; grab a passport and get a stamp when you visit each store. Through Dec. 3. Info at instagram. com/garland_resale

SALVATION ARMY SPOKANE ANGEL TREE Businesses, organizations, churches or families can commit to hanging prelabeled gift tags on a Christmas tree. This allows anyone the opportunity to select a gift tag and purchase an item. Through Dec. 24. makingspokanebetter.org

WINTER GLOW SPECTACULAR A holi day light display that trails through Or chard Park. Through Jan. 1. Free. Orchard Park, 20298 E. Indiana Ave. winterglow spectacular.com

25TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW This annual light show features over a million lights along the floating board walk. Nov. 25-Jan. 2, daily at sundown.

Free. The Coeur d’Alene Resort, 115 S. Second. cdaresort.com (208-765-4000)

BRICK WEST CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

North Ridge Farms is selling Christmas trees at Brick West. 10% of sales go to families in need. Nov. 25-Dec. 11; Fri 4-9 pm, Sat 11 am-8 pm, Sun 11 am-6 pm. Brick West Brewing Co., 1318 W. First Ave. brickwestbrewingco.com

ELF ON A SHELF COEUR D’ALENE Char acters are hidden around downtown Coeur d’Alene. Find them to win a prize from Santa. Nov. 25-Dec. 17. Free. Down town Coeur d’Alene cdadowntown.com

FESTIVAL OF FAIR TRADE Celebrate the global community by shopping handi crafts from around the world including Nepal, Chile, Guatemala and more. Nov. 25-27 from 10 am-5:30 pm. Free. Com munity Building, 35 W. Main Ave. shop kizuri.com (509-448-6561)

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE & MARKET Ring in the holidays with free Santa photos at

New Leaf. Reservations required Nov. 25, 9 am. New Leaf Nursery, 12655 N. Govern ment Way. newleafnurseryhayden.com

LIGHTING CEREMONY PARADE This 30th annual parade features marching bands, dancing, music and festive floats. Nov. 25, 5-6 pm. Free. Downtown Coeur d’Alene. cdadowntown.com

WHEATLAND BANK HORSE & CAR RIAGE RIDES Free horse-drawn carriage rides through downtown Spokane. Each ride lasts about 8-10 min; no reserva tions, standby only. Pick up at 15 N. Wall St. Nov. 25-Dec. 24; Fri from 3-8 pm, SatSun from 12-5 pm. visitspokane.com

CRESCENT HOLIDAY WINDOWS Five windows display scenes with refurbished figurines from the basement of the for mer Crescent. Unveiling Sat, Nov. 26 at 4:30 pm; through Jan. 2; Fri-Sat 12-10 pm, Sun-Thu 3-8 pm. Free. Davenport Grand, 333 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. daven porthotelcollection.com

Take a cruise across Lake Coeur d’Alene to see Santa and his elves. COEUR D’ALENE RESORT PHOTO

KELLOGG CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

CEREMONY Ring in the holiday season with Silver Mountain Resort in the Gon dola Village. Nov. 26, 5-6:30 pm. Free. Silver Mountain Resort, 610 Bunker Ave. silvermt.com (208-783-1111)

KIDS HOLIDAY HUNT Look for hidden characters with secret words in 25 down town businesses and organizations and be entered to win prizes. Nov. 26-Dec. 18; daily from 10 am-8 pm. Free. down townspokane.org

MAC HOLIDAY KICK-OFF CELEBRATION

Enjoy festive holiday lights and outdoor activities including a vintage Crescent department store holiday window dis play and a scavenger hunt. Nov. 26, 4-6 pm. By donation. The MAC, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org

NUMERICA TREE LIGHTING CELEBRA TION This annual celebration kicks off with food trucks, live entertainment, complimentary hot chocolate and ice skating. Nov. 26, 4-7 pm. Free. Numerica Skate Ribbon, 720 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. riverfrontspokane.com (509-625-6600)

PHOTOS WITH SANTA Each visit in cludes a photo magnet and a goodie bag. Donations to Teen and Kid Closet are ac cepted. Nov. 19-Dec. 11; Sat-Sun from 12-6 pm. $30. Creative Catch Studio, 1804 E. Sprague. santa.thecreativecatch.com

RIVERFRONT TRAIL OF LIGHTS Walk through Riverfront Park along a trail of holiday lights. Nov. 26-Jan. 2. Free. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. river frontspokane.org (509-625-6600)

SHOP SMALL COLVILLE Celebrate Small Business Saturday in Colville. Stop by Heritage Court from 10 am-1 pm to ac

quire your ‘passport’, then visit partici pating stores to collect stamps. Nov. 26. Free. Colville, Was. colvilletogether.org

WONDER HOLIDAY MARKET This winter market features live music, arts, gifts, hot cocoa and more. Nov. 19-Dec. 17, Sat from 10 am-2 pm. Free. The Wonder Building, 835 N. Post St. wonderspokane.com

CHRISTMAS TREE ELEGANCE This an nual holiday event features 15 decorated trees and gifts on the mezzanine of the Historic Davenport and the second floor of River Park Square. All proceeds from raffles ($1/ticket) support the Spokane Symphony. Nov. 29-Dec. 11, times vary. Free. spokanesymphonyassoc.org

WREATH WORKSHOP Create a cus tom winter wreath. Wreath frame, fresh greens, wire, Christmas bulbs and a bow provided. Nov. 29, 4 pm. $35. The Plant Farm, 14208 E. Fourth Ave. spokan eplantfarm.com (509-926-9397)

RIVERFRONT MARKET Gather to enjoy live performances, food and goods/ser vices from local artisans. Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21 from 3-7 pm. Free. Pavilion at Riverfront, 574 N. Howard St. riverfrontspokane.org/market

COWLEY PARK LIGHTS Presented by the KXLY Extreme Team, Cowley is lit up with holiday lights for the kids at Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital. Dec. 1-Jan. 31. Cowley Park, Sixth Ave. and Division St. kxly.com

QUESTMAS VILLAGE This holiday event features a “glice” skating rink, photo ops and visits from Santa and his reindeer. Dec. 1-Jan. 8. Northern Quest Resort & Casino, 100 N. Hayford Rd. northern quest.com (509-242-7000)

WINTER PALAA-ZA Stroll through the

west lawn plaza and visit local vendor booths. Also includes free crafts/activi ties for kids and holiday photo stations. Dec. 1, Dec. 8 and Dec. 15, 4-7 pm. Free. CenterPlace Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Place Dr. facebook.com/ SpokaneValleyFarmersMarket

MILLWOOD WINTERFEST & MARKET This annual street fair features live Christ mas trees, local artisans, vendor booths, a tree lighting and live music. Dec. 2, 3-7 pm. Free. Bottles, 3223 N. Argonne Rd. millwoodnow.org (509-939-1083)

DECK THE FALLS FESTIVAL A three-day event featuring a Christmas light parade, fireworks, arts and crafts fair and live mu sic. Dec. 2, 5-7 pm, Dec. 3, 10 am-3 pm and Dec. 4, 2-3 pm. Free. Cutter Theatre, 302 Park St., Metaline Falls. cuttertheatre.com

WINTER WONDERLAND This event fea tures a tractor-drawn wagon ride, hot chocolate and a light show. Make reser vations via email, then buy tickets. Nov. 25-Dec. 23, Fri-Sun from 10 am-4 pm. $25-$50. High Country Orchard, 8518 E. Green Bluff Rd. highcountryorchard.com

JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM The annual walk-through Christmas pageant fea tures actors and live animals. Dec. 2-4 from 6-8 pm. Free. South Hill Seventh Day Adventist Church, 5607 S. Freya St. journeyspokane.com (509-448-6425)

MILLWOOD COMMUNITY TREE LIGHTING The Inland Empire Paper Company hosts a community Christmas tree. Dec. 2, 6-7 pm. Free. Millwood Presbyterian, 3223 N. Marguerite Rd. millwoodpc.org

NORTHWEST WINTERFEST The Pacific Northwest’s largest illuminated lantern display and cultural celebration. Dec.

2-Jan 1; Fri 5-8 pm, Sat 4-8 pm, Sun 3-6 pm. $10-$15. Spokane Fair & Expo Center, 404 N. Havana. northwestwinterfest.com

1912 CENTER WINTER MARKET The market includes vendors selling wares, food and drinks. Dec. 3 and Dec. 10, 9 am-1 pm. Free. 1912 Center, 412 E. Third St. 1912center.org (208-669-2249)

AFTERNOON WITH SANTA Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for photos, a hot cocoa bar, crafts, The Polar Express and more. Dec. 3, 11 am-4 pm. $7-$10. The Hive, 2904 E. Sprague. spokanelibrary.org

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION & TREE LIGHT ING Free hot cocoa, pictures with Santa, holiday crafts for kids, carolers and a tree lighting. Dec. 3, 3:30-5 pm. Free. Pines Cemetery, 1402 S. Pines Rd. fairmount memorial.com

HOLIDAY GREENS GNOME CLASS Build your own gnome porch greeter with fresh winter greens. All materials pro

vided. Dec. 3, 11 am. $35. The Plant Farm, 14208 E. Fourth. spokaneplantfarm.com

MILLWOOD ART & CRAFT FAIR Hand made goods by local vendors are avail able for purchase. Dec. 3, 10 am-3 pm. Free. Zion Lutheran Church of Millwood, 8304 E. Buckeye Ave. millwoodnow.org

WINTERFEST Celebrate the holidays on Main St. with a winter market, decora tions, fireworks and a parade. Dec. 3, 12-6 pm. Colfax. explorecolfax.com

SANTA CARES: A SENSORY-FRIENDLY SANTA EXPERIENCE Children within ev ery spectrum of special needs and their families are invited to a private photo session at River Park Square. Visits free, photos available for purchase. Dec. 4, 9-10:30 am. Free. River Park Square, 808 W. Main Ave. riverparksquare.com

PAWS & CLAUS An opportunity for your pets to celebrate the holiday season by meeting Santa and taking photos with

Shop local this season at the Riverfront Market. ALYSSA HUGHES PHOTO

him. Dec. 6, 5-7 pm. $40-$50. River Park Square, 808 W. Main Ave. river parksquare.com (509-363-0304)

41ST ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CER EMONY A comforting space to grieve, mourn and remember people who have passed away. Dec. 8, 4:30 & 6 pm. Free. Hospice of North Idaho, 2290 W. Prairie Ave. postfallschamber.com

LIGHT UP THE SEASON PARADE This event takes place on Main Street in Moscow and features a tree lighting and a holiday parade. Dec. 8, 6 pm. Free. Moscow. moscowchamber.com

COWBOY CHRISTMAS VENDOR MARKET A western-themed shopping experience with 25+ vendors. Dec. 9, 4-7 pm, Dec. 10, 10 am-7 pm and Dec. 11, 10 am-4 pm. Kootenai County Fair grounds, 4056 N. Government Way. haydenchamber.org

MANITO HOLIDAY LIGHTS Walk or drive through Manito to see the holiday light displays. Drive-thru only Dec. 9-12, 6-9:30 pm; walk-through only Dec. 1318, 5-8 pm. Free. Manito Park, 1800 S. Grand Blvd. thefriendsofmanito.org

CHRISTMAS POSADA Includes local vendors, COVID vaccine clinic, photos with Santa Sanchez, and traditional posada activities. Dec. 10, 5-8 pm. Free. West Central Community Center, 1603 N. Belt St. latinosenspokane.org

GREEN BLUFF COMMUNITY CHRIST

MAS PARTY This annual event fea tures Santa photos and toy bags for kids. Dec. 10, 4:30-6 pm. Free. Green Bluff Grange, 9809 Green Bluff Rd. grange.org/greenbluffwa300

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE An exhibit of

work by resident artists along with an expanded gift shop. Dec. 10, 10 am-5 pm. Free to shop. Dahmen Barn, 419 N. Park Way. artisanbarn.org

PARADE OF LIGHTS Coordinated by a student at University High as part of her Girl Scouts Gold Award. Pines and 32nd in Spokane Valley. Dec. 10, 4:30 pm. facebook.com/paradeoflights.net

T’WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE MURDER Solve a holiday mystery at the North Pole. Dec. 10, 6 pm. $57. Coeur d’Alene Fresh, 317 Coeur d’Alene Ave. crimes ceneentertainment.com

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE See 25+ decorated trees, listen to festive music and learn the history of the inn. Dec. 11, 12-4 pm. Free. Roosevelt Inn, 105 E. Wallace. therooseveltinn.com

GRUSS VOM KRAMPUS: KRAMPUS FUN FOR EVERYONE Celebrating Krampus in all his terrible glory by dig ging into the legend of Krampus, sing ing carols and even meeting Krampus. Dec. 11, 2-4 pm. Free. Hillyard Library, 4110 N. Cook St. fb.me/e/2hPtMFYgM

CAMPBELL HOUSE HOLIDAYS Ex plore the home at your own pace, enjoy the Christmas tree, decorations, scavenger hunt and a fun activity. Dec. 17,-21, 12-4 pm. $9-$14. The MAC, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org

A CONTEMPLATIVE CHRISTMAS... THROUGH TREES Walk through an indoor forest of decorated Christmas trees that tell the story of mankind and God, leading up to Christmas day and beyond. Dec. 18-23, 4-8:30 pm. Free. Undercliff House, 703 W. 7th. contem plativechristmas.com

MORE EVENTS

NEW YEAR’S EVE CRUISES A cruise in cluding a fireworks show, party favors, a no-host bar and a trip to the North Pole. Dec. 31, 7:15 & 7:30 pm. $21.50-$29.50. cdacruises.com

FILM

HUB DRIVE-IN HOLIDAY MOVIES Watch two holiday class at the drivein. Dec. 3, 5 pm (The Polar Express) and 7:30 pm (The Santa Clause). $25/ car. HUB Sports Center, 19619 E. Cataldo Ave. hubsportscenter.org

THE POLAR EXPRESS Support the Panida Century Fund at a screening of this holiday classic. Dec. 3, 2:30 pm. $9.27. Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave. panida.org (208-263-9191)

BING CROSBY HOLIDAY FILM FESTI

VAL A two-day festival of Bing’s holiday films including White Christmas. Includes music by Howard Crosby, Zonky Jazz Band and Everdream. Dec. 10-11, 12-9 pm. $2-$20. Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague. bingcrosbyadvocates.org

A CHRISTMAS STORY Ralphie Parker attempts to convince his parents, teacher and Santa Claus that a BB gun is the perfect Christmas gift. Dec. 13, 7:15 pm. $5. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave. garlandtheater.com

NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION Clark Griswold takes his frustration out on decorations in the front yard. Dec. 16, 7:15 pm and Dec. 24, 5:30 pm. $5. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland. garlandtheater.com

DR. SEUSS’ THE GRINCH A grumpy Grinch plots to ruin Christmas for the village of Whoville. Dec. 17, 7:15 pm. $5. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave. garlandtheater.com (509-327-1050)

ELF After discovering he isn’t actually an elf, Buddy travels to NYC in search of his real family. Dec. 20, 7:15 pm and Dec. 24, 3:30 pm. $5. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland. garlandtheater.com

THE POLAR EXPRESS A young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole. Dec. 21, 7:15 pm and Dec. 24, 1 pm. $5. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave. garlandtheater.com

KRAMPUS Family squabbling unleash es the wrath of a fearsome demon. Dec. 22, 7:15 pm. $5. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave. garlandtheater.com

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRIST MAS The live-action adaptation of the Dr. Seuss classic. Dec. 23, 7:15 pm. $5. Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland. gar landtheater.com

FOOD & DRINK

A TASTE OF FRANCE Indulge in awardwinning wines from France paired with a six-course menu by chefs Jim Barrett and Taylor Wolters. Dec. 2, 6 pm. $136. Beverly’s, 115 S. 2nd. beverlyscda.com

BAD SANTA PUB CRAWL This event benefits Spokane Toys for Tots. Regis tration includes a crewneck sweatshirt. Dec. 3, 5 pm. $20. Downtown Spokane. irishdrinkingteam.com

TASTING: WANDERING WOLF Taste local wine and enjoy cheese and crack ers. Dec. 3, 2-4:30 pm. $10. Vino!, 222 S. Washington St. vinowine.com

HOLIDAY SHOWSTOPPERS COOKING CLASS Make individual beef welling tons, gorgonzola mashed potatoes, Christmas beet, goat cheese and wal nut salad with a decadent dessert. Dec. 3, 5 pm. $95. Wanderlust Delicato, 421 W. Main Ave. wanderlustdelicato.com

SCANDINAVIAN HOLIDAY TREATS Create lefse, rosettes and Danish butter cookies. Dec. 3, 1 pm. $65. Wanderlust Delicato, 421 W. Main Ave. wanderlust delicato.com

SMALL VINEYARDS ITALIAN WINE DINNER G&R partners with expert winemaker Antonio Sanguineti to fea ture unique, limited-production wines from Italy. Dec. 5, 5-8:30 pm. $50. Gan der & Ryegrass, 404 W. Main Ave. gan derandryegrass.com (509-315-4613)

WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS DINNER A light dinner of soup, salad and bread with a program to follow that includes a speaker and crafts. RSVP online. Dec. 5, 6 pm. $7. New Horizons Church, 3122 W. Lincoln Rd. nhccspokane.com

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Have break fast with Santa and get affordable, pro fessional photos. Also features live mu sic and gifts for each child. Dec. 10 and Dec. 17, 9 am-noon. $5-$10. Southside Community Center, 3151 E. 27th Ave. southsidecc.org (509-535-0803)

HOLIDAY BRUNCHEON A brunch host ed by the Spokane Lilac Festival Asso ciation featuring crafts, pictures with Santa, carols by the Ferris Canterbury Belles and more. Donations to Toys for Tots suggested. Dec. 10, 10 am-noon. $40-$50. Historic Davenport Hotel, 10 S. Post St. spokanelilacfestival.org

TASTE OF GINGERBREAD Purchase a pre-constructed gingerbread house, then shop a candy bar to create the perfect mansion. Open to all ages and abilities. Dec. 10, 10 am-1 pm. $25. The ISAAC Foundation, 6607 E. Broadway Ave. theisaacfoundation.org

TRUFFLE DINNER A five-course dinner f centered around truffles from Wash ington, Oregon, France and Italy. Dec. 14 and Dec. 15, 5-11 pm. $250. Gander & Ryegrass, 404 W. Main Ave. ganderan dryegrass.com (509-315-4613)

BEVERLY’S SCOTCH DINNER A sixcourse menu crafted by chefs Jim Barrett and Taylor Wolters paired with award-winning scotches. Dec. 15, 6 pm. $175. Beverly’s, 115 S. Second St. bever lyscda.com (208-765-4000)

CHRISTMAS TAMALES Make pork con chita and chicken chile verde tamales from scratch. Dec. 17, 1 pm. $75. Wan derlust Delicato, 421 W. Main Ave. wan derlustdelicato.com

KIDS’ BAKING DAY Book a 30-minute slot for up to four and make a special holiday memory with your loved ones. All supplies are provided. Reserve online. Dec. 17, 2-5 pm and Dec. 20, 9 am-noon. $40. Made With Love Bakery, 2023 W. Dean Ave. mwlbakery.com

WINTER MARKET Enjoy craft beer from Lumberbeard while supporting local makers, bakers and farmers. Third Sun. of every month from 2-4 pm through March 19. Free. Lumberbeard Brewing, 25 E. Third. lumberbeardbrewing.com

PARIS BY NIGHT:

JOYEUX NOËL WINE DINNER A six-course meal featuring salmon, beef bourguignon, wine pair ings and more, accompanied by live jazz music. 21+. Dec. 21, 6-9 pm. $100. Highball A Modern Speakeasy, 100 N. Hayford Rd. northernquest.com

CHRISTMAS DINNER A dinner featur ing honey-glazed ham, roasted turkey and other holiday side dishes. Dec. 25, 3-9 pm. Noah’s Canteen, 610 Bunker Ave. silvermt.com (208-783-2440)

SPARKLING SOIREE An evening of bubbly wine and chef-curated cuisine. Dec. 29, 6 pm. $175. Beverly’s, 115 S. Second St. beverlyscda.com

NEW YEAR’S EVE MIDNIGHT MAS QUERADE A cocktail social hour and grand dinner buffet complete with live music from Soul Proprietor. Cocktail at tire required. Dec. 31, 6 pm-midnight. The Coeur d’Alene Resort, 115 S. Second. cdaresort.com/new-years-eve

MUSIC

THE BEST OF CHRISTMAS Ellen Tra volta’s annual evening of holiday music, laughter and stories, featuring Abbey Crawford, Molly Allen, Mark Cotter and Margaret Travolta. Nov. 25-Dec. 18, ThuSat at 7:30 pm; Sun at 5 pm. $35. Coeur d’Alene Resort, 115 S. Second. cdaresort. com/travolta-christmas-show

The Garland Theater screens holiday classics all season long.

If your business is experiencing supply chain issues, this message is for you. We’re Wheatland Bank. And we’ve earmarked more than $100 million to help you bridge the inventory gap. Best of all, the money is available now. As in, not presently sunning itself off the coast of California. Let’s keep your business moving forward. Even when your computer chips and coffee beans aren’t.

MORE EVENTS

SGT. STEVE: IT’S OFFICIALLY CHRIST MAS Steve Friel, EWU professor of saxophone, and fellow EWU professor Kristina Ploeger perform original takes on well-known holiday songs. Nov. 25, 8-10 pm. Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. bingcrosbytheater.com

EWU JAZZ EWU student jazz groups perform various compositions. Directed by Jenny Kellogg and Steve Friel. Nov. 28, 7:30 pm. $5-$10. EWU Music Build ing Recital Hall, Cheney. ewu.edu/music

CHRISTMAS JOY The Coeur d’Aleers of Cancer and Community Charities of Kootenai County share music and tra ditional carols that lift spirits. Nov. 29, 2-4 pm and Dec. 2, 7-9 pm. Free. Trinity Lutheran Church, 812 N. Fifth St. trinity lutherancda.org (208-664-5743)

GONZAGA JAZZ ENSEMBLE CHRIST

MAS “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and selections from Duke Ellington’s big band arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. Nov. 29, 7-8 pm. Free. Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Cen ter, 211 E. Desmet. gonzaga.edu/mwpac

THE NUTCRACKER BALLET The classic holiday ballet performed by the State Street Ballet with music by the Spokane Symphony Dec. 1-4; Thu-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sat-Sun at 3 pm. $25-$99. Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 W. Sprague Ave. spokanesymphony.org

EWU CHORAL Campus choral groups perform various compositions. Directed by Kristina Ploeger-Hekmatpanah. Dec. 2, 7:30 pm. $5-$10. Central Lutheran Church, 512 S. Bernard. ewu.edu/music

CELEBRATING SEASONS GREETINGS! The symphony performs Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, music from Disney’s Frozen, Anderson’s Sleigh Ride and Christmas Festival. Dec. 3. $10-$25. Schuler Performing Arts Center, 1000 W. Garden Ave. cdasymphony.org

CHRISTMAS BRASS A holiday concert featuring the WIS brass section. Dec. 3, 7:30 pm. $10-$25. Pullman High School, 510 NW Greyhound Way. waidsymphony.org (509-332-1551)

JIM BRICKMAN WITH MAT & SAVAN NA SHAW: A VERY MERRY CHRIST MAS Jim Brickman is known for his star-studded vocal collaborations and radio show. Dec. 3, 8-10 pm. $37-$77. Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague. bingcrosbytheater.com

NORTHWEST BACHFEST: JASON VIEAUX The Grammy award winner performs selections from Bach, Browl er, Morel and more on classical guitar. Dec. 3, 7 pm. $15-$49. Barrister Winery, 1213 W. Railroad Ave. NWBachFest.com

A VERY WAZZU WINTER The WSU choir ensembles perform winter music and hosts an in-person silent auction. Dec. 3, 2-4 pm. Free. Bryan Hall Theatre, 605 Veterans Way. music.wsu.edu

NORTHWEST BACHFEST: JASON VIEAUX, ZUILL BAILEY The two Gram my award winners perform selections by Bach, Ellington, Piatti and more on classical guitar and cello. Dec. 4, 3 pm. $15-$49. Barrister Winery, 1213 W. Rail road Ave. NWBachFest.com

GONZAGA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Directed by Kevin Hekmatpanah and featuring Shlomo Mintz, performing Copland, Verdi, Sibelius and more. Dec. 5, 7:30-9 pm. $15-18. Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center, 211 E. Desmet Ave. gonzaga.edu/mwpac

EVERDREAM: A CELTIC CHRISTMAS This show features much-loved Celtic and Christmas classics, including mu

sic from Riverdance and more. Dec. 7, 7 pm. $12-$18. Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave. panida.org

AWAKING WONDER Spokane Area Youth Choirs present their December concert along with a silent auction. Dec. 10, 3 pm. $6-$10. Westminster Congre gational UCC, 411 S. Washington St. say choirs.org (509-624-7992)

CHRISTMAS CONCERT FOR VOCA TIONS The Saint John Paul II Society’s annual Christmas concert with live instrumental music, featuring the Ca thedral of Our Lady of Lourdes Choir and the Diocesan Youth Choir. Dec. 10, 1-3 pm. $5-$15. Gonzaga Prep, 1224 E. Euclid Ave. (509-483-8511)

GONZAGA CANDLELIGHT CHRIST MAS CONCERT The GU choirs reflect on the great mysteries and wonder of the holiday season. Dec. 10, 7:30-9 pm and Dec. 11, 3-4:30 pm. $15-20. Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center, 211 E. Desmet Ave. gonzaga.edu/mwpac

HANDEL’S MESSIAH SING-A-LONG This annual tradition is open to any singer. Rehearsals are from 1:30-2:30 pm on Dec. 10. Reservations required for singers and spectators. Dec. 10, 3 pm. Free. First Presbyterian Church of Spokane, 318 S. Cedar. spokanefpc.org

HOLIDAY SING-A-LONG WITH MUDGY & SANTA Children’s author Susan Nipp, creator of the “Mudgy & Millie” book, leads children in singing some holiday favorites. Dec. 10, 11 am. Free. Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave. cdalibrary.org (208-769-2315)

SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS Featuring performances by the NIC Wind Sym phony, the Cardinal Chorale and the NIC Chamber Singers. Dec. 10, 7:30-9 pm and Dec. 11, 2-3:30 pm. Free. Schuler Performing Arts Center, 1000 W. Gar den Ave. nic.edu (208-769-3300)

SPOKANE TUBACHRISTMAS A selec tion of carols performed by tubas and low brass instruments. Dec. 10, 2-3 pm. Free. Spokane Transit Plaza, 701 W. Riv erside Ave. spokanetransit.com

A VERY DIVA CHRISTMAS Five vocal ists perform holiday tunes in various styles. Dec. 10, 7 pm and Dec. 11, 2 pm. $30. The Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center, 405 N. William St. thejacklincenter.org

WHITWORTH CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL: NOWELL SING WE Choral ensembles and student instrumentalists perform seasonal selections and carols. Dec. 10, 8 pm and Dec. 11, 3 pm. $15-$20. Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 W. Sprague Ave. foxtheaterspokane.org

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER A pro gram that celebrates Mannheim’s 35 years with dazzling multimedia effects. Dec. 17, 7:30 pm. $45-$90. First Inter state Center for the Arts, 334 W. Spo kane Falls Blvd. firstinterstatecenter.org

SPOKANE SYMPHONY HOLIDAY

POPS The Symphony Chorale and the Spokane Area Youth Choirs perform, plus a carol singalong and a visit from Santa Claus. Dec. 17, 7:30 pm and Dec. 18, 3 pm. Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 W. Sprague Ave. spokan esymphony.org (509-624-1200)

PROJECT JOY HOLIDAY CONCERT Project Joy presents holiday instru mental music. Dec. 17, 1:30-2 pm. Free. Liberty Park Library, 402 S. Pittsburgh St. spokanelibrary.org

SPOKANE JAZZ ORCHESTRA: A PEA NUTS CHRISTMAS The Spokane Jazz Orchestra performs the music of Vince Guaraldi. Dec. 17, 7:30 pm. $27-$32.

Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. bingcrosbytheater.com

CHRISTMAS CONCERT & SING-ALONG The American Theatre Organ So ciety’s Dave Wickerham performs tradi tional songs and carols. Dec. 18, 6 pm. Free. Spokane First Nazarene, 9004 N. Country Homes Blvd. (509-467-8986)

MARK O’CONNOR: AN APPALACHIAN CHRISTMAS The three-time Grammywinning composer and fiddler per forms. Dec. 21, 7:30 pm. $32. Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 W. Sprague. foxtheaterspokane.org

SPOKANE SYMPHONY NEW YEAR’S EVE: BEETHOVEN’S 9TH Celebrate the new year with Beethoven’s monumen tal work dedicated to freedom, joy and unity. Dec. 31, 7:30 pm. Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 W. Sprague. spokanesymphony.org

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

RUN RUN RUDOLPH 5K Colfax Friends of the Park’s annual holiday fun run. Starts/ends in Schmuck Park. Dec. 3, 9 am. $25. fb.me/e/3RBThNU8P

RE*IMAGINE CHRISTMAS STOCKING STUFFER 5K A non-competitive 5k fun run/walk with prizes for best costume by age group. Dec. 10, 1-2 pm. $10. Co ney Island Park, 200 E. Lake St. medi callake.org/5k (509-263-0414)

SANTA SACK STUFFER RUN Run to as many “Elf stations” as you can in 45 minutes and complete a task to enter a swag drawing. Dec. 10, 9 am. $35-$40. Plantes Ferry Sports Complex, 12308 E. Upriver Dr. nsplit.com (509-456-5812)

MT. SPOKANE SNOWSHOE TOUR Learn the basics of snowshoeing during this guided hike on trails around Mount Spokane. Pre-trip information sent af ter registration. Dec. 17-18, 9 am-1 pm. $39. spokanerec.org

SKI WITH SANTA Ski beginner and intermediate runs with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Dec. 23, 1-4 pm and Dec. 24, 12-5 pm. Free. Schweitzer, 10,000 Sch weitzer Mountain Rd. schweitzer.com

SLEIGH & WAGON RIDES Take a horsedrawn carriage or wagon ride followed by various winter excursions. See web site for available dates. Dec. 26-31, 11 am-6 pm. $75-$100. Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, 1413 Upper Gold Creek Rd. westernpleasureranch.com

STAGE

BABES IN TOYLAND A rendition set to Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker, weaving together characters from Mother Goose nursery rhymes. Nov. 30, 5:30 & 7:30 pm. $25-$37. Jones Theatre at Daggy Hall, WSU Pullman. festivaldance.org

THE NUTCRACKER SUITE The parents of Ballet Arts Academy present a stu dent-cast ballet performance. Dec. 10, 3 & 7 pm and Dec. 11, 3 pm. $25-$45. Spokane Community College, 1810 N. Greene St. balletartsacademy.com

JAZZY NUTCRACKER The Nutcracker features local ballet students while the Christmas Spectacular incorporates jazz, hip hop, tap, contemporary, lyri cal and some ballet. Dec. 14, 5:30-7 pm. Free. Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave. panida.org (208-610-1944)

CHRISTMAS OVER THE RAINBOW Artistry in Motion Dance and Perform ing Arts Center’s annual winter show

case. Dec. 20, 7 pm. $15-$35. Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, 1001 W. Sprague Ave. foxtheaterspokane.org

THE ILLUSIONISTS: MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS A showcase featuring illu sionists and magic performances. Dec. 26, 7:30 pm. $46-$76. First Interstate Center for the Arts, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. firstinterstatecenter.org

THEATER

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Ebenezer Scrooge sees the wrongdoings of his life in this holiday classic. Nov. 25-Dec. 23, Thu-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. $10-$35. Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard. spokanecivictheatre.com

CHRISTMAS BELLES Set in Fayro, Tex as, the Futrelle Sisters are not exactly in a festive mood. Dec. 2-11; Fri-Sat at 7 pm, Sun at 3 pm. $10-$14. Pend Oreille Playhouse, 236 S. Union Ave. pen doreilleplayers.com (509-447-9900)

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE Drawn To gether Arts, in collaboration with The Art Spirit Gallery, present a live radio play adapted by Joe Landry. Dec. 8, 7:30 pm, Dec. 10, 7:30 pm, Dec. 16-17, 7:30 pm. $20. Art Spirit Gallery, 415 Sherman Ave. drawntogetherarts.com

A CHRISTMAS CAROL In-house play wright Sam Opdahl presents her ad aptation of the classic story. Dec. 9-10, 7:30 pm and Dec. 11, 2 pm. $40. Glad ish Community Center, 115 NW State St. pullmancivictheatre.org

HOLIDAY PUNCH A holiday-themed, family-friendly revue of short works and music performed/directed by students from the University of Idaho. Dec. 9-11; Fri-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. $8-$20. Hartung Theater, 625 Sta dium Dr. uidaho.edu (208-885-6465)

TRADITIONS OF CHRISTMAS A Radio City Music Hall-style show that inspires the hearts of audience members of all ages. Dec. 9-22, times and days vary. See website for details. $23-$36. Kroc Center, 1765 W. Golf Course Rd. tradi tionsofchristmasnw.com

TIS THE SEASON AT STAGE LEFT! Sing various holiday songs and watch short plays written by local authors. Dec. 10, 7 pm. Stage Left Theater, 108 W. Third Ave. stagelefttheater.org

A BIG BAND CHRISTMAS Seventeen musicians accompany singers per forming songs of Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Irving Berlin and more. Dec 16-18; Fri-Sat at 7:30 pm and Sat-Sun at 2 pm. $25-$42. University High School, 12320 E. 32nd Ave. svsummertheater.com

VISUAL ARTS

26TH SMALL WORKS INVITATIONAL

A show and sale that features works by over 100 artists, small enough to give as gifts this holiday season. SunThu from 11 am-6 pm through Dec. 25. Free. The Art Spirit Gallery, 415 Sher man Ave. theartspiritgallery.com

ORNAMENT & SMALL WORK SHOW

This annual show features small pieces of art and ornaments by lo cal artists. Mon-Fri, 10 am-5 pm; Sat, 10 am-4 pm through Dec. 23. Free. Spokane Art School, 811 W. Garland Ave. spokaneartschool.net (509-3251500)

BLACK FRIDAY SPOKRAMPUS ART

SHOW Local artists are featured in this annual Krampus/dark Christmasthemed show. Nov. 25, 5-8 pm. Free. Giant Nerd Books, 607 W. Garland Ave. giantnerdbooks.com (509-868-0420)

CUP OF JOY Over three dozen artists from across the U.S. are featured in this annual ceramic cup show. Reception Fri, Dec. 2 from 5-8 pm, regular gallery hours Dec. 3-Jan. 7; Wed-Fri from 11 am-5 pm. Free. Trackside Studio, 115 S. Adams St. tracksidestudio.net

HOLIDAY ARTIST STUDIO TOUR Visit six local artists in their studios to see how they create their work. Dec. 3, 10 am-4 pm. $15-$20. The MAC, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org

HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS Create a fes tive ornament to celebrate the holi days. Supplies provided. Dec. 3, 10 amnoon (Fairfield); Dec. 3, 11:30 am-1 pm (Airway Heights) Dec. 3, 3-4 pm (Deer Park) scld.org/events

HOLIDAY ART MARKET A juried art market that promotes local artists. Dec. 10, 9 am-5 pm and Dec. 11, 11 am-4 pm. Free to shop. Five Mile Grange, 3024 W. Strong Rd. urbanartcoop.org

HOLIDAY ILLUMINATED MANU SCRIPT WORKSHOP Hannah Charlton teaches how to create tiny medievalstyle paintings using gouache, gold and parchment. Dec. 10, 12-4 pm. $40-$44. The MAC, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org

HOLIDAY ORNAMENT FUN Make su per sparkly holiday ornaments. Reg istration required. Dec. 10, 9:30-11:30 am. $39. Corbin Art Center, 507 W. Seventh Ave. spokanerec.org

WBRRRZAAR Spokane’s largest, alllocal art market features handmade items are artwork from hundreds of vendors. Dec. 17, 9 am-7 pm. Free. River Park Square, 808 W. Main Ave. terrainspokane.com n

The State Street Ballet returns to Spokane for the Nutcracker.

LABOR

OF LOVE

McKenzie DonTigny opens Billie’s Diner in Airway Heights as a tribute to family and farmers

BY CARRIE SCOZZARO

Behind the greeter’s station at Billie’s Diner, several framed photos of people sit on a high shelf. One of them is of a man teaching a little girl how to fish. That would be the diner’s owner, McKenzie DonTigny, with her father, Billie, after whom the new eatery in Air way Heights is named. The others, however, are photos that DonTigny asked staff to bring in “of someone they love,” she says.

From a booth inside Billie’s on a recent Tuesday, DonTigny says she knows that sounds simple and even kind of cheesy.

It’s a bluebird winter day, with all the West Plains glit tering in the snow and traffic buzzing by on Highway 2 outside. A woman pulls in the parking lot, hopeful, even though the neon sign is off. Ordinarily, the diner would be open, but staffing issues felt throughout the industry have led to some adjustments.

“I mean, there’s been some tough days here,” Don Tigny continues. “This was a two-year long process to get where we are right now, and coming back to why I’m doing this and what’s important to me,” she says. “The love is what keeps me going.”

Love… and a clear vision of what Billie’s Diner is all about: having a farmer-first and community-centered philosophy are the restaurant’s mission.

The West Plains burger ($13) for example, features beef from Spangle’s Browning Beef and onions from Spokane-based co-op LINC Foods. The bun is from Spokane’s Alpine Bakery, which uses regionally sourced Shepherd’s Grain, while the burger sauce is made inhouse at Billie’s.

Much of the breakfast menu like the Northwest Garden Benedict ($15), grilled breakfast sandwich ($12) with smoked gouda and Swiss cheese, and bread pudding French toast ($10) is made possible by eggs from the Reardan-based Spokane Hutterian Brotherhood.

By buying locally, Billie’s Diner contributes to the sustainability of the region’s farming community, which tangentially benefits local consumers at large. It reduces the carbon footprint involved in transport. And as many studies have shown, fruits and vegetables harvested while ripe are more nutrient-dense.

If there is any drawback, says DonTigny, it’s that the way she wants to run the restaurant is more expensive and more work. But she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“One of the goals that I went into this adventure with is I don’t ever want to get to the point where I’m doing something just because it’s convenient.”

Billie’s weekly pie offering ($4.50 per slice), for ex ample, includes what DonTigny calls a zero-waste apple

pie, utilizing the scraps from LINC’s apples in several ways. Apple peels and cores can be stuffed inside whole chickens during roasting to add moisture and flavor, which you can taste in the Fairchild chicken sandwich ($15) or chicken apple salad sandwich ($14). Billie’s also sends apple scraps to Spokane-based Vets on the Farm for use in its chicken feed.

Vets on the Farm, in turn, provides Billie’s with season al vegetables like winter greens, squash, shallots and garlic for the diner’s in-house roasted garlic mayo. They are also collaborating on next year’s crops, including peppers Don Tigny would like to have for an in-house hot sauce.

Like many eateries, Billie’s features local coffee, which obviously is not grown anywhere in the Northwest, but DonTigny chose Sandpoint-based Evans Brothers because she appreciated the owners’ relationship with their growers.

“Honestly, the first phase of this project — about the first year — reaching out to vendors and farmers and building those relationships was a part-time job,” DonTigny says. “I spent anywhere from 15 to 30 hours researching a week.

The spent grounds get donated, too, as part of Don Tigny’s intention to reduce waste.

McKenzie DonTigny is a hands-on owner at Billie’s Diner. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

Although Billie’s Diner has only been open since September, the foundation for DonTigny’s farm er-first approach was laid early in her upbringing.

“I had the knowledge at a very young age where our food comes from,” says DonTigny, who grew up in the Lake Stevens, Washington, area and remembers sneaking raspberries and picking green beans in the huge garden her mother grew.

DonTigny thinks she might have taken those early experiences for granted a bit, yet during the pandemic shutdowns especially, she realized how vital it had been for her and was for others.

When her job with Gonzaga University’s student publications department ended, DonTigny embarked on the journey toward creating the diner. She chose Airway Heights for both its accessibility to farms, but also its increasing population.

She had also been involved with Spokane Edible Tree Project, a nonprofit that, its mission states, “mobilizes community members and resources to provide equitable access to healthy food that would otherwise go to waste,” also known as gleaning.

When DonTigny found out about River City Youth Ops, formerly Project Hope Spokane, she eventually joined its board of directors. The organization works with youth ages 12 to 18 to teach them various facets of farm ing and food safety, including selling produce through the Emerson-Garfield Farmers Market.

“It’s an organization that really resonated with my beliefs … and something that I wanted to be a part of,” DonTigny says. “It’s touching on a lot of those kinds of life and job skills that you don’t really get in a traditional school system. And it helps kind of go full circle in we

specifically serve the West Central [neighborhood], where food scarcity, particularly for fresh food is an issue.”

Although DonTigny has her hands full, that hasn’t stopped her from dreaming about the future. She’d like to someday sell farmers’ goods, such as eggs, as well as sauces, canned goods and other items made in-house. She has also been eyeing the small lot behind the diner, envi sioning a fence, expanded garden and a someday dinner service al fresco.

Yet another project involves strengthening the avenues by which local farms can connect with custom ers, similar to the now-defunct Inland Northwest Food Network.

“There are a lot of challenges working directly with farmers,” Don Tigny says, noting that their priority is farming, not having a website or strong online presence.

“And so part of my research was even just driving around these areas and being like, ‘Oh, looks like they have corn. Let’s see if I can stop in,’” she says. “So that’s something that I hope to be more involved in in the next couple of years is trying to build some sort of database for the local farms.” n

Billie’s Diner • 13008 W. Sunset Hwy., Airway Heights • Open Wed-Sun 6 am-1 pm • billiesdiner.com • 509-244-0197

The Northwest Garden Benedict at Billie’s features local ingredients. YOUNG KWAK PHOTO

December 16TH – 19TH

FRI Regular Bingo SAT Regular Bingo

SUN $5 Buy-in Regular Bingo Regular games pay $1,000 (minimum electronic buy-in $25)

MON Dauber Day Monday Night Bingo

December 23RD – 26TH

FRI Christmas Bingo Win one of 15 Blankets! Regular Bingo SAT NO BINGO Christmas Eve SUN NO BINGO Christmas Day MON Blacklight Bingo

December 30TH – 31ST

Life Happens Off-Screen

BY CHASE HUTCHINSON

Whenever a filmmaker makes a work that is itself centered on films, it is often described as being a “love letter to cinema” or, even more simplistically, a tribute to the “magic of the movies.”

With Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans, it’s easy to see why it could be forced into such descriptors at first glance. Telling an explicitly autobiographical story where we get to see a young version of Spielberg himself, Gabriel LaBelle’s Sammy, discover creative ways to make movies with his buddies is joyous. But pigeonholing The Fabel mans’ more expansive emotional experience into sweet and sentimental pull quotes would do a disservice to a film that is so much more than that. While there is a de gree of fun that Spielberg has in winking at the audience as he goes down memory lane, a somberness sneaks up on both us as the audience and young Sammy.

For all the ways that the veteran filmmaker would become known to audiences for iconic classics like Jaws, Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park, when we first see the bud ding talent beginning to understand how to use cinema to communicate a story it is for an audience of one. Specifi cally, it is his mother, Mitzi, played here by a mesmerizing Michelle Williams, who Sammy takes aside to show her

what he has been working on. He does so not in a cinema but in the confines of a tiny closet with a small projec tor’s whirring providing the sole sound through his silent movie that is as much an accusation as it is an expression of pain. Though initially excited to see Sammy’s home movie of a recent family vacation, Mitzi’s face soon falls into sadness as she understands what it is that is troubling her son. It is one of many ways that the film takes rose-colored recollections and injects them with a sorrow, looking back frankly at the unhappiness that can be at the core of childhood.

Rated PG-13

Excavating these memories from growing up in the ’50s and ’60s sees Spielberg grappling with what has been present in many of his films. Even in en during stories like Close Encounters of the Third Kind or E.T. that are most centrally works of science fiction, there has always been a sense that he was drawing from what he knew from his own childhood. With eye for openness and honesty, Spielberg primarily focuses this film on how Mitzi and Sammy’s father, Burt (played by an understated Paul Dano), are drifting apart. It is done in a way that doesn’t mask the hurt he felt, but is also overflowing with a clear amount of love for each parent. While a good deal

ALSO OPENING

BONES AND ALL

Ugh… another coming-of-age romantic cannibal road film? All joking aside, Call Me By Your Name director Luca Guadagnino takes a very different approach to Timothée Chalamet-centric young love in this story of people with an unquenchable hunger for human flesh trying to survive. Rated R

DEVOTION

Still craving more air battles after watch ing Top Gun? Devotion might scratch that itch. This biographical period piece drama follows the exploits and friendship of the most decorated U.S. naval fighter pilots of the Korean War: Jesse Brown (Jonathan Majors) and Tom Hudner (Glen Powell, aka “Hangman” in Top Gun: Maverick). Rated PG-13

STRANGE WORLD

A farmer, whose cowardice prevents him from following his father’s footsteps as an explorer, is forced into action and must tra verse the far-out planet of Avalonia in this family-friendly, Disney CGI-animated sci-fi action flick. Rated PG

of humor is found in seeing the specifics of his family — including a scene-stealing appearance by Judd Hirsch as the visiting Uncle Boris — it is all intercut with a growing disillusionment. It is a coming-of-age story, but it is also a portrait of the people that Spielberg knew better than just about anyone. The way he shares his reflections on them can feel occasionally perfunctory, often eschewing depth to wrap everything up a bit too neatly, while still becoming play fully poetic when it counts.

THE FABELMANS

In particular, the ending suc cession of scenes does wonders in helping to smooth over any of its prevailing neatness. Without tip ping off who it is that appears, as this appearance is best preserved for audiences to experi ence themselves, it is more than just a throwaway cameo even as it is brief. The way this cinematic titan offers one final piece of wisdom is glorious and mirthful while offer ing a final glimpse of how much of who Spielberg is can be felt in even the smallest of technical details. It conveys a warmth that is completely earned as a final tilt of a cam era becomes one last cinematic look to the horizon. n

Directed by Steven Spielberg Starring Gabriel LaBelle, Michelle Williams, Paul Dano

Spielberg turns the lens inward for The Fabelmans.

Mystery, Inc.

Glass Onion makes a case for the continued adventures of Rian Johnson’s ingenious detective

BY JOSH BELL

When Rian Johnson’s murder mystery Knives Out was released in 2019, it didn’t seem like the kind of movie to launch a franchise. But after its surprisingly sub stantial success at the box office, there was a bid ding war for the rights to sequels, which Netflix eventually won. That puts a lot more pressure on Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Johnson’s new murder mystery starring eccentric detective Ben oit Blanc (Daniel Craig), but Johnson sticks to the path he laid out in the first movie, delivering a satisfying and entirely self-contained mystery connecting back to the traditions of Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot.

With Glass Onion, Johnson proves himself a better heir to Poirot creator Agatha Christie than Kenneth Branagh, who’s heading into production on his third Poirot movie. Johnson’s Blanc tales are light and clever, the opposite of Branagh’s leaden Poirot movies, and he makes better use of his all-star casts. Craig is the only returning actor from Knives Out, and as he did in the first movie, Johnson populates the cast with famous faces, led by Edward Norton as tech billionaire Miles Bron.

influencer. Birdie’s assistant Peg (Jessica Henwick) and Duke’s girlfriend Whiskey (Madelyn Cline) tag along, but the biggest surprise arrival is Andi Brand (Janelle Monáe), Miles’ former business partner whom he recently forced out of their company following a lengthy legal battle.

The initial pandemic-related setup is a bit cumbersome, but once the characters are united on the island, Glass Onion kicks into gear, with the same kind of witty banter and devious scheming that made Knives Out so fun to watch out. Once again, Blanc is immersed in the world of the amoral ultra-rich, and while Glass Onion is less pointed in its social commentary than Knives Out was, it’s still pretty harsh in its depiction of oblivi ous 1-percenters. Miles summons his supposed friends to his lair with ominous invitations, and it’s implied that they don’t really have the option of saying no. As Blanc points out, he’s deliber ately gathered a group of people who all have motivations to kill him.

GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY

Rated PG-13

Directed by Rian Johnson

Starring Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, Janelle Monáe

The central murder isn’t unveiled until the movie is nearly halfway over, though, giving the audience (and Blanc) plenty of time to under stand the characters and their relationships before one of them ends up dead. It requires some viewer patience, but Johnson and the actors make the playful, barbed interactions between the characters a delight, all while seeding clues for the eventual solution to the crime. John son’s bigger budget is evident in the title location, an extrava gant glass-and-steel structure that sits at the center of Miles’ island, and the climax includes set pieces that probably wouldn’t have been within Knives Out’s comparatively modest means.

At the height of the pandemic in May 2020, Bron invites a group of his old friends and fellow “disruptors” to a getaway on his private island off the coast of Greece. He also, for reasons that are not immediately clear, invites Blanc, whom he’s never met. The guest list includes politician Claire Debella (Kathryn Hahn), Miles’ chief scientist Lionel Toussaint (Leslie Odom Jr.), fashionista Birdie Jay (Kate Hudson) and Duke Cody (Dave Bautista), a men’s-rights social media

Even as the production threatens to get away from him, Johnson keeps tight control on the in tricate narrative, with Craig as his anchor point. Blanc gets just enough character development to make him more than a plot device, while remain ing an outside observer to the central action.

Netflix has already paid for the rights to a third movie, and Glass Onion proves that Blanc is more than capable of carrying an ongoing franchise, as long as Johnson is at the helm. n

REVIEWS

FALL ALBUM ROUNDUP

Before launching into winter season, we look back at some of the freshest new musical releases

BY SETH SOMMERFELD

BLUE REV ALVVAYS

After crafting two near perfect indie pop albums, Cana dian band Alvvays mixes up the formula a bit on its third record, Blue Rev. The group dips into shoegaze territory to create an absolutely massive wall of sound that envelops listeners from the opening moments of “Pharmacist” and never lets up. While it’s an awe-inspiring instrumental feat, it does come at a bit of a cost, as singer/guitarist Molly Rankin’s sweet vocals and sharp lyrics get a bit buried in the mix (it’d be nigh impossible to decipher them with 100 percent accuracy without a lyrics sheet resting in your lap). But even if you can’t make out all the words, the fact remains that few modern bands can come anywhere close to touching the beauty of Alvvays’ overall songcraft.

COMPONENT SYSTEM WITH THE AUTO REVERSE OPEN MIKE EAGLE

Rap might be thought of as a young man’s game, but Open Mike Eagle artfully carves out a spot for the old heads on Component System with the Auto Reverse. The MC’s eighth LP has simultaneous footholds in his days growing up mainlining ’90s hip-hop (as samples from mixtapes recorded off the radio can attest) and in the current day, blending the colors of nostalgia with clear-headed modern reflection. The whole album’s production sports a laidback summer front porch hang casualness, which makes Open Mike Eagles’ rhymes go down incredibly smooth whether he’s representing his Chicago roots on “Crenshaw and Homeland” or paying tribute to the late MF DOOM on “For DOOM” (“The news, it knocked it out me like Ronda Rousey / Fool, you’re ’bout to sell more masks than Dr. Fauci / I’m copping one off Etsy to rock it proudly / I’m dadbod, Saved by the Bell-y, Kelly Kapowski”).

CRYBABY TEGAN AND SARA

Canadian indie pop duo Tegan and Sara might be in their 40s now, but they’re still struggling with adulting. And that’s a good thing for their fans. Splitting the difference between the tight indie rock of The Con and the sugary synth-pop of Heartthrob, Crybaby has the singer-songwriters sorting through their arrested development. From the twitchy kinetic electropop of the album opening “I Can’t Grow Up” to the rejection of connection on “Smoking Weed Alone,” the sisters still have a knack for crafting in credibly catchy angsty jams for those of us who probably wear a bit too much of our hearts on our sleeves.

ENTERGALACTIC

KID CUDI

Entergalactic works in whatever form you consume it. As Kid Cudi’s standalone eighth LP, the record leans heavily into the psychedelic side of the MC’s signature trip-hop sound. It’s easy to let the serene expansive waters of these love songs wash over your senses and get lost in their blissful vibes. But the album also serves as the soundtrack for Cudi’s adult-targeted animated rom-com of the same name about two toking artist neighbors finding love. The Netflix film employs an art style similar to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and having these Cudi tunes under score its dreamlike scenes only enhances the product.

FLOOD STELLA DONNELLY

When the world seems like an unsteady place, sometimes the best comfort can be found in self-reflection. That’s what Stella Donnelly is striving for on her sophomore LP, Flood. The Aussie indie rocker still taps into the buoyant

side of herself on songs like the shoulder-shaking disco pop of “Lungs” or the peppy talk-spoken “How Was Your Day?,” where she sounds a bit like a cousin of fellow countrywoman Courtney Barnett. But much of Flood finds itself awash in more melancholy musings. The dreamy sway of “Flood” or delicate extreme reverb harmoniz ing of “Morning Silence” aren’t exactly pick-me-ups, but they’re gorgeous meditations on dealing with those less cheery thoughts. Donnelly often still boasts a coy sense of humor on the less sunny numbers like “Medals” (“You’ve got a lot of medals / for someone who is losing”), and ulti mately settles into a place of realizing one’s own self-worth on the album-closing “Cold,” defiantly proclaiming, “You are not big enough for my love.”

FOSSORA BJÖRK

A lot of us spent time attempting to rekindle our bond with nature during pandemic lockdown times. So did Björk. Written during those isolated times, the Icelandic avant garde pop legend’s 10th album attempts to dig its toes into damp soil and reconnect with an earthy universal life force. She’s dubbed Fossora her “mushroom album,” which feels apt ’cause it often feels like a sonic journey through an underground cave illuminated by the neon colors of bioluminescent fungi. The singer’s off-kilter syllabic delivery pairs with crashing synthetic beats, lush woodwinds, and choral backing to create a wonderfully weird soundscape that’s still both gorgeous and approachable, as she ruminates about the loss of her mother (“Sorrowful Soil”), moving past trauma (“Victim hood”) and more. Humanity might often feel disparate, but just like fungi mycelia, there are connections hidden under the surface that bond us together.

ILYSM WILD PINK

While brevity tends to be preferable in a world cluttered with overlong albums, sprawling exploration can be a virtue when you can feel an authentic and purposeful ambition behind it. This is the case with Wild Pink’s latest album ILYSM, which clocks in at over an hour with most tracks running past five minutes. Created in the wake of singer/guitarist John Ross being diagnosed with cancer, the album is an unconstrained ode to the simple and fragile connections of love in our lives. The album boasts a vast, seemingly infinite ceiling of open sonic space, allowing all the ornate instrumental work to shimmer. While it occasionally lyrically touches on Ross’ illness, the Brooklyn indie band doesn’t dwell on the topic, instead engaging in gorgeous whispered tenderness akin to co-producer Peter Silberman’s excellent band the Antlers. When the band fully decides to go all-in, like on the single “ILYSM,” things approach Joshua Tree-era U2 levels of bombastic euphoria.

INNER WORLD PEACE FRANKIE COSMOS

The Danish use the term “hygge” to describe a state of cozy comfort that fosters feelings of well-being. Frankie Cosmos is musical hygge. The New York indie rock outfit led by Greta Kline crafts twee tunes that feel as warm as being piled under a mountain of blankets on a snowed-in winter’s day. There’s always a childlike wonder in the band’s songs, which still feel humble and spiritu ally lo-fi. The collection on Inner World Peace finds Kline looking inward and examining the state of herself during the waning days of quarantine, while still maintaining the levels of soft melodicism, empathy and care that has become Frankie Cosmos’ hallmark.

PALOMINO

FIRST AID KIT

Stockholm is a far cry from Laurel Canyon, but you wouldn’t think that’s the case listening to Palomino, the latest album from Swedish folk rock sister duo First Aid Kit. The album is so awash in those ’60s and ’70s Cali fornia rock sounds (to the degree that when I read the band was listening to Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours while making this record, my only reaction was no f---ing duh). But this isn’t some half-hearted copy job. First Aid Kit nails the Laurel Canyon sound with all its lush instru mentation and gorgeous harmonizing, and even play fully dips into the nostalgia when debating the merits of the Stones versus Gram Parsons (“Wild Horses II”). The record transcends being an homage and instead feels like a forgotten ’70s gem finally unearthed after many lost decades.

WHEN I GO I GHOST CORY BRANAN

Existing somewhere on the spectrum between folk punk and Memphis country rabble-rouser, it’s never easy to pin down Cory Branan. If there’s a consistency to the singer-songwriter, it’s his love for writing songs about the unlucky saps always finding themselves in hardscrabble situations. That remains the case on When I Go I Ghost. There are points where it seems like there might be light at the end of the tunnel, like the rocking “When in Rome, When in Memphis” or “That Look I Lost,” with its Southern soul horn blares. But much of the album dwells in a much darker underbelly, characters far too seedy to be immortalized in triumphant outlaw country: “Angel in the Details,” the grunge guitar-tones of “When I Leave Here” and the creeping dread-around-the-corner of “Pocket of God.” They’re hardly the feel-good songs of the fall, but Branan’s deft songwriting makes the sinister storytelling feel uncomfortably real. n

CHRISTMAS TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA

If there’s one fair complaint to level against Santa and Baby Jesus, it’s that they really don’t shred. Trans-Siberian Orchestra rem edies the utter lack of rock in typical holiday celebrations (sorry, “Jingle Bell Rock” simply doesn’t go that hard). The seasonal prog rock outfit specializes in creating an arena spectacle Christmas concert that will attempt to melt faces (though not literally, in spite of the stage show’s pyrotechnics). This time around TSO will perform its rock opera The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, which first debuted as a madefor-TV film in 1999. The story follows a child runaway who takes shelter in an abandoned theater on Christmas Eve only for performers from the past to visit and perform ghostly holiday musical numbers.

— SETH SOMMERFELD

Trans-Siberian Orchestra • Fri, Nov. 25 at 7:30 pm • $50-$100 • All ages • Spokane Arena • 720 W. Mallon Ave. • spokanearena.com

HARD ROCK SLEEP SIGNALS

Friday, 11/25

BACKWOODS WHISKEY BAR, Jody Piper

BIGFOOT PUB, Pastiche

BOLO’S BAR & GRILL, Hasenpfeffer

CHAN’S RED DRAGON ON THIRD, Kosta la Vista

COEUR D’ALENE CASINO, Nick Wiebe CURLEY’S, Chasing Eos

IRON HORSE (CDA), The Happiness MOOSE LOUNGE, Loose Gazoonz

NIGHTHAWK LOUNGE (CDA CASINO), Rock Candy

OSPREY RESTAURANT & BAR, Echo Elysium

J PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Bridges Home J J SPOKANE ARENA, Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve ZOLA, The Night Mayors

Saturday, 11/26

219 LOUNGE, Headwaters

J BABY BAR, Bad Penmanship 18: Wanderers, Esto, Jalil Moses, Scoobie, Freetime, BLVCK CEILING, Jaeda, Dusty Kix, Ben 10, Kosmos, DJ Klaus Torque

BACKWOODS WHISKEY BAR, Jody Piper

BIGFOOT PUB, Pastiche

BOLO’S BAR & GRILL, Hasenpfeffer

CHAN’S RED DRAGON ON THIRD, Bobby Patterson & the Two Tones

COEUR D’ALENE CASINO, Nick Wiebe

CURLEY’S, Chasing Eos

J DAVENPORT GRAND HOTEL, Steven King

IRON HORSE (CDA), The Happiness

LUCKY YOU LOUNGE, Starcourt MOOSE LOUNGE, Loose Gazoonz

NIGHTHAWK LOUNGE (CDA CASINO), Rock Candy

J

J SNOW EATER BREWING CO., Just Plain Darin

SPOKANE EAGLES LODGE, Stagecoach West ZOLA,

The road life isn’t easy for any artist, but hard rock quintet Sleep Signals knows the extreme end of the havoc that touring can wreak. While the group was driving through Missouri in August 2021 while being a support ing act on a tour with P.O.D., the band’s bus was involved in a serious crash. While everyone walked away with their lives, members of the group were left with extensive injuries that necessitated rehab. But Sleep Signals members are fighters, and despite their reservations, they returned to touring this fall after recuperating. That sort of drive underscores how committed the guys are to getting their blend of dark lyri cism, distorted guitars and thumping rhythms out to the people, so you certainly shouldn’t expect a half-assed show when Sleep Signals rolls into town.

— SETH SOMMERFELD

Sleep Signals, Quor, A Day On Earth,

J LUCKY YOU LOUNGE, Enumclaw, Milly, Dec. 9, 8 pm.

Coming Up ...

J J THE BIG DIPPER, Kadabra, Spoon Benders, Itchy Kitty, Dec. 3, 7:30 pm.

J LUCKY YOU LOUNGE, Wild Pink, Trace Mountains, Dario Re, Dec. 4, 8 pm.

J PANIDA THEATER, Everdream: A Celtic Christmas, Dec. 7, 7 pm.

J NASHVILLE NORTH, Jeremy McComb: Christmas, Cowboy-Style, Dec. 8, 6:45 pm.

J J BING CROSBY THEATER, Anuhea: All is Bright, Dec. 9, 8 pm.

J J BING CROSBY THEATER, Jake Shimabukuro: Christmas in Hawaii, Dec. 14, 7:30 pm.

J J SPOKANE ARENA, Holidaze of Blaze: Snoop Dogg, T-Pain, Warren G, Ying Yang Twins, Justin Champagne, Dec. 15, 7 pm.

J LUCKY YOU LOUNGE, Lucky You Holiday Show, Dec. 16, 8 pm.

J J FIRST INTERSTATE CENTER FOR THE ARTS, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, Dec. 17, 7:30 pm.

J NORTHERN QUEST RESORT & CASINO, LeAnn Rimes - Joy: The Holiday Tour, Dec. 18, 7:30 pm.

OSPREY RESTAURANT & BAR, Jonathan Arthur PANIDA THEATER, Shook Twins, John Craige, Harold’s IGA

PEND D’OREILLE WINERY, Doug and Marty

MUSIC | VENUES

219 LOUNGE • 219 N. First Ave., Sandpoint • 208-263-5673

ARBOR CREST WINE CELLARS • 4705 N. Fruit Hill Rd., Spokane Valley • 509-927-9463

BABY BAR • 827 W. First Ave. • 509-847-1234

BARRISTER WINERY • 1213 W. Railroad Ave. • 509-465-3591

BEE’S KNEES WHISKY BAR • 1324 W. Lancaster Rd.., Hayden • 208-758-0558

BERSERK • 125 S. Stevens St. • 509-315-5101

THE BIG DIPPER • 171 S. Washington St. • 509-863-8098

BIGFOOT PUB • 9115 N. Division St. • 509-467-9638

BING CROSBY THEATER • 901 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-227-7638

BLACK DIAMOND • 9614 E. Sprague Ave. • 509891-8357

BOLO’S BAR & GRILL • 116 S. Best Rd., Spokane Valley • 509-891-8995

BOOMERS CLASSIC ROCK BAR • 18219 E. Appleway Ave., Spokane Valley • 509-368-9847

BUCER’S COFFEEHOUSE PUB • 201 S. Main St., Moscow • 208-596-0887

THE BULL HEAD • 10211 S. Electric St., Four Lakes • 509-838-9717

CHAN’S RED DRAGON • 1406 W. Third Ave. • 509-838-6688

COEUR D’ALENE CASINO • 37914 S. Nukwalqw St., Worley • 800-523-2464

COEUR D’ALENE CELLARS • 3890 N. Schreiber Way, Coeur d’Alene • 208-664-2336

CRUISERS BAR & GRILL • 6105 W Seltice Way, Post Falls • 208-446-7154

CURLEY’S HAUSER JUNCTION • 26433 W. Hwy. 53, Post Falls • 208-773-5816

EICHARDT’S PUB • 212 Cedar St., Sandpoint • 208-263-4005

FIRST INTERSTATE CENTER FOR THE ARTS • 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. • 509-279-7000

FOX THEATER • 1001 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-624-1200

IRON HORSE • 407 E. Sherman, Coeur d’Alene • 208-667-7314

IRON HORSE BAR & GRILL • 11105 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley • 509-926-8411

JOHN’S ALLEY • 114 E. Sixth St., Moscow • 208-883-7662

KNITTING FACTORY • 911 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-244-3279

LEFTBANK WINE BAR • 108 N. Washington St. • 509-315-8623

LUCKY YOU LOUNGE • 1801 W. Sunset Blvd. • 509-474-0511

MARYHILL WINERY • 1303 W. Summit Pkwy. • 509-443-3832

THE MASON JAR • 101 F St., Cheney • 509-359-8052

MAX AT MIRABEAU • 1100 N. Sullivan Rd., Spokane Valley • 509-922-6252

MILLIE’S • 28441 Hwy 57, Priest Lake • 208-443-0510

MOOSE LOUNGE • 401 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene • 208-664-7901

MOOTSY’S • 406 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-838-1570

NASHVILLE NORTH • 6361 W. Seltice Way, Post Falls • 208-457-9128

NORTHERN QUEST RESORT & CASINO • 100 N. Hayford Rd., Airway Heights • 877-871-6772

NYNE BAR & BISTRO • 232 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-474-1621

PEND D’OREILLE WINERY • 301 Cedar St., Sandpoint • 208-265-8545

THE PODIUM • 511 W. Dean Ave. • 509-279-7000

POST FALLS BREWING CO. • 112 N. Spokane St., Post Falls • 208-773-7301

RAZZLE’S BAR & GRILL • 10325 N. Government Way, Hayden • 208-635-5874

RED ROOM LOUNGE • 521 W. Sprague Ave. • 509-838-7613

THE RIDLER PIANO BAR • 718 W. Riverside Ave. • 509-822-7938

SEASONS OF COEUR D’ALENE

MUSIC A LYRICAL LEGEND

It’s hard to contextualize the true breadth of Judy Collins’ career, but here’s a tidbit: The folk icon earned a Grammy nomination for her 2017 album, Silver Skies Blue, 42 years after her most recent previous Grammy nomination… which she received 26 years into her career. Her soaring voice has made hits out of songs by Joni Mitchell and Stephen Sondheim, and her version of “Amazing Grace” has been preserved by the Library of Congress. Collins’ voice is still ringing true at age 83, garnering almost universally positive reviews with the 2022 release of her 29th album, Spellbound. Collins was scheduled to perform at the Bing in October, but had to reschedule, and tickets to that original date are still valid.

— SETH SOMMERFELD

An Evening With Judy Collins • Tue, Nov. 29 at 8 pm • $35$99 • All ages • Bing Crosby Theater • 901 W. Sprague Ave. • bingcrosbytheater.com • 509-227-7638

GET LISTED!

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.

VISUAL ARTS BEST OF THE WEST

A short drive down I-90 could bring you closer to some unique local art and closer to your neighbors to the west. Eight local artists out of the Medical Lake and Cheney area are opening up their studio doors and inviting visitors to check out their art and take a peek into their creative processes. The self-guided tour brings participants to the studios of Dennis Smith, Ruthie Franks and Michelle Schneider to name a few. Make sure to look for the yellow signs along the way that let you know you’re on the right path. See our online calendar listing (inlander.com/events) and below for a link to the event map and a list of each studio address. While you’re on the tour, make sure to support the artists and pick up a piece of art as a “thank you” for letting you stop by!

— MADISON PEARSON

Slightly West of Spokane Studio Tour • Sat, Nov. 26 from 10 am-5 pm • Free • Medical Lake and Cheney • bit.ly/3GlPy1I

COMMUNITY FAIRNESS RULES!

When buying material items, we rarely think about the work that went into making them, whether the person who crafted them was paid a fair wage and what their working conditions look like. The Festival of Fair Trade, hosted by Ganesh Himal Trading and Kizuri, is an annual marketplace full of handicrafts that, when purchased, can support local importers who pay artisans fair wages and make a big difference in the life of a hardworking artisan. Not only is this event a celebration of fair working conditions, wages and labor laws, but it also celebrates the global community by including handmade jewelry, clothing and bags from makers in Nepal, Chile, Guatemala and many other countries.

— MADISON PEARSON

Festival of Fair Trade • Fri, Nov. 25-Sun, Nov. 27 from 10 am-5:30 pm • Free • Community Building • 35 W. Main Ave. • shopkizuri.com

COMMUNITY BOOK WRITERS, BOOK SELLERS

Got a lot of bookworms to shop for this holiday season? If so, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to shop local and, perhaps, get titles personally signed by the writers themselves when Auntie’s turns over its sales floor to local writers-turned-booksellers this Small Business Saturday. If you’ve already read Jess Walter’s Spokane historical fiction bestseller The Cold Millions or Mark Anderson’s poetry debut Scarecrow Oracle, plus titles by many other local writers, what better chance is there to get personalized recommendations from people who, ya know, write books for a living? See the full schedule of who’s working when on Auntie’s website, including Sharma Shields, Lora Senf, Jack Nisbet, Trent Reedy and Shawn Vestal. After that, be sure to visit even more of the region’s amazing locally owned businesses for your gifting needs.

— CHEY SCOTT

Small Business Saturday • Sat, Nov. 26 from 11 am-5 pm • Free • Auntie’s Bookstore • 402 W. Main Ave. • auntiesbooks.com • 509-838-0206

VISUAL ARTS UNDERAPPRECIATED

For most of us, whether by car or on foot, the view of the monumental con crete construction known as the highway underpass is something glimpsed while en route to someplace else. It’s something to be gotten through quickly, just another visual blip on our radar of forward momentum. But to Virginiabased artist Caitie Sellers, our urban landscapes inspire delicate metal jewelry, complex line drawings and mixed-media sculpture celebrating overlooked, oft-traveled yet underappreciated things like the highway overpass. Sellers is “fascinated with the hidden workings of cities — beautiful, efficient design that is hidden beneath pavement and brick,” she writes on her website. Experience Sellers’ unique perspective in this unusual exhibit that concludes Spokane Falls Community College’s 2022 exhibition calendar, with the next exhibition launching Jan. 10.

— CARRIE SCOZZARO

Caitie Sellers: Scenes from an Underpass • Through Dec. 1; Mon-Fri 8:30 am-3:30 pm • Free • SFCC Fine Arts Gallery, Bldg. 6 • 3410 W. Whistalks Way • instagram.com/sfcc_fineartgallery • 509-533-3710

CHEERS

JUTA DEAR I jumpstarted your car in Super 1 parking lot, months ago. Then I lost your phone #. Please contact me, Ellie, 509-6249295. xox

THANX Thank you to the good-looking older woman who gave a ride to my kitty and me as we were on the way to the vet in Mead. I often think of your kindness. Again, thank you.

SAFEST BIKE STORAGE EVER Kudos to the merry prankster(s) who placed a bicycle on top of an old bridge pier about 20 feet high in the middle of the Spokane River next to the Sandifur footbridge in People’s Park. Pray tell, how did you do this?

SHOUT-OUT TO THOSE STRUGGLING AT HOLIDAYS This time of year even the most stoic and cynical feel the heartstrings pulled. We all have a lot of memories. If you’re feeling lonely or alone, just know other people are thinking of you and sending love and warmth your way. We don’t get to choose our families. Sometimes this makes it difficult to make friends. If you reach out for Friendsgiving to those missing family passed away or far from home or those without for whatever reason, thank you. This is a great time for reflection and building community. It’s a time to share. You can share sadness, joy, cheer, love, friendship and, hey, even being annoyed as well as laughter. We’re all in this together as human beings. Sending out a virtual hug to those in need. Let’s make this Inlander section and Spokane reflect the holiday

human spirit. All the best, Mrs. Claus.

CRIME CHECK HOORAY Thank you, Crime Check, for helping me when I wasn’t sure if it was fireworks or a gun going off in our neighborhood last week. Much better response & the gentleman was friendly.

WOW 2 CRIME CHECK Hey, Crime Check, I don’t know if you read the Inlander or if your managers did, but this time when our apartment complex had prowlers in the parking lot, you sent a rolling police unit. Thanks — it sure scared the crap out of them. MUCH BETTER THANKS.

AMERICAN VOTERS Cheers to the American voters that wouldn’t let the Trumpanzees completely destroy democracy. The big red wave was barely a ripple. Now if we could get the last two Trump SCOTUS justices and Justice Thomas to go away, America could possibly go back to normal. Unfortunately there’s too much conservative hate out there for that to happen.

CHEERS TO THE JEERS Regarding the unrealistic Pollyanna who finds the Jeers section petty and/or negative: Not so. I admit, I go straight to reading the Jeers because so many issues have been brought to light with awareness through succinct and descriptive writing. I frequently find myself impressed by the writer putting into words what I can’t quite verbalize. Sticking one’s head in the sand only works for ostriches, BTW.

MISSING YOU We used to look at all of the drama in the Inlander. Now every week I hope to hear from you. I want to trust you. I forever will have you in my heart. Happy holidays bear. Our love is the club, our chemistry is the dj. Let’s dance! I’m right here.

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS Missing you is an understatement. I miss your smile, your touch, your shrimp Alfredo. I deeply love you and am still in love. I can’t have you, and it sucks. All I want is my Irish kisses again. With all the toppings. I’ll see you in my dreams. Brrrr.

AZAR’S Cheers to Katy Azar for 42 years of excellent food. What else is there to say but thank you? Your wonderful restaurant will be missed. Good luck in your future endeavors.

KUDOS TO RESPONSIBLE PEOPLE Spay, neuter, feed and protect pets and strays!

MISSING YOU Given that I used to grab you an Inlander every week, I’m guessing that you may read this. It’s me, you can trust me. And I just want you to know that I miss and love you. I’m not looking to go back to where I was before we went our separate ways, but I never thought that you would be entirely out of my life. I’ll just hold on to the

middle of the intersection on 29th and Lincoln, and you and your kiddo stopped to make sure I was OK and stayed with me so I wouldn’t be alone. I didn’t get to sincerely thank you like I wish I could have. Just in a panic, I left so quickly after that guy jumped my car. But you saved me from a breakdown, and I appreciate you so so so

BAD SHOT Big boo hiss to the jerks forcing a pro soccer load down our throats. You helped tear down a historical place (Joe Albi Stadium) and took away business and parking spots. Not everyone wants all sports all the time. From roundabouts to soccer teams, apparently Spokane is trying to be Europe.

small chance that you will be single again one day and until then, please know that I love you, baby. Bye for now.

THANK YOU, NATASHA HILL Thank you for running against CMR. I’ve never agreed with CMR’s politics but never totally disliked her till she turned into one of the Trumpanzees. I really thought she was better than that, but it’s politics so I guess not.

JUST DOING OUR JOB Cheers to everyone who remembers that you need to turn off your car when you’re getting gas even if it’s cold outside. For everyone else, we are doing our job by telling you to turn it off.

VERY HELPFUL POLICE A BIG thanks to the two helpful Spokane police officers who helped a clueless grandmother get the infant car seat installed in her Subaru Forester. I was outside the C.O.P.S. office at Lincoln Heights the week before last when your car pulled up — and you were so pleasant and helpful — the car seat was installed within 15 minutes. THANK YOU AGAIN

WARM RESPONSE IN OUR HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOOD Yesterday a friend and I went door to door advocating for the Historical Cannon Streetcar initiative votes. I was so impressed with the response of my neighbors. I am often reluctant to open my door to someone unfamiliar. We were greeted by everyone with smiles and warm conversations. I love this beautiful historic neighborhood and am so proud of the wonderful people that live here. Thank you to my neighbors who were so welcoming and generous with their time.

PURPLE-HAIRED LADY My car died in the

much! It’s people like you who make me still have hope. Your kid has someone real special raising them.

A LITTLE KINDNESS GOES A LONG WAY

Thank you again, Josh of the silver Silverado in the parking lot of the Safeway at Trent and Argonne on Oct. 24. When you took time out of your day to help get my Crosstrek battery going again, your compassion did more than help me get on my way in a warm car — it gave me a sliver of hope for humanity at a dark time. It had been a difficult and sad day, and your random act of kindness felt like a bit of grace when I most needed some.

JEERS

ORE: UGLY/JEERS TO FEARS Who had the hate-filled response to Pelosi getting attacked? I didn’t see any hate-filled responses, on the flip side, I recall a lot of laughing and full-blown cheering when Rand Paul had ribs broken. And of course, you equate this guy with Trump. This guy was a BLM supporter, trans rights, supporter of democrats. You clearly have a major case of Trump Derangement Syndrome. Now, the republicans use scare tactics? That’s rich. I cannot count how many times a day I would hear democrats say if you vote republican, same-sex marriage, interracial marriage, abortion, all banned. Handguns will be handed out with every fill up of gasoline, voting rights abolished. Oh, the one that never goes out of style, democracy will end as we know it! Yet I never heard how that would happen. Odd. Well, Washington, 30 years of failure Murray wasn’t enough. Good job. You reap what you sow.

THEY’RE HERE! Anyone who thinks the republic was “saved” by voters who recently elected a barely Democratic Senate, get ready for a brutal reality check. Now that the House has flipped to the GOP, it will be controlled by Trump lapdog Kevin McCarthy and whipped into a frenzy by Trump Veep wanna-be Marjorie Taylor Green. Lunacy is about to be unleashed. Say goodbye to even a marginally functioning federal government. Say hello to the Barbarians at the gate.

SCOFFLAWS Has anyone else noticed all the Spokane drivers who are driving with expired tabs? I don’t mean by a month or two, but a year or more. They apparently want to use the public streets without paying their way. We know how busy the SPD is with major crimes, so they figure they can get away with it. You need to pay your way like the rest of us! Oh, and don’t get me started on drivers who cut across parking lots who don’t want to wait a very short time to make a right turn at an intersection. n

NOTE: I Saw You/Cheers &

right to edit or reject any posting at any time at

“

This is a great time for reflection and building community. It’s a time to share.

BENEFIT

“THANKS FOR THE WALK” DOG WALK

Join the community on this 15th annual dog walk that benefits SpokAnimal’s dog park at High Bridge Park. Nov. 24, 9 am. $10 suggested donation. High Bridge Park, Riverside and A St. spokanimal.org

CAMPS FOR KIDS HOLIDAY HAPPY HOUR This 24th annual event raises funds to help children attend camp. Pro gramming includes a raffle, an auction, appetizers and drinks. Dec. 1, 4-6 pm. $40. Spokane Club, 1002 W. Riverside Ave. spokaneclub.org (838-2310)

GIVEBACK THURSDAYS: THRIVE A live acoustic performance by Marshall McLean and a raffle. Five percent of sales go to Thrive International to benefit Ukrainian refugees. Dec. 1, 5-9 pm. Free. Brick West Brewing Co., 1318 W. First Ave. brickwestbrewingco.com

LIVE NATIVE ART AUCTION The event includes spoken word, a ribbon skirt auction, local vendors and artist booths. Proceeds benefit the artists and Elk Soup. Dec. 2, 5-8 pm. The Philanthropy Center, 1020 W. Riverside Ave. fb.me/ e/3EkVmK6co (509-315-1323)

COMEDY

PREACHER LAWSON Preacher is best known for his appearance on season 12 of America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent. Nov. 25-26, 7:30 & 10:30 pm and Nov. 27, 7:30 pm. $25-$35. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokan ecomedyclub.com (509-318-9998)

KATHLEEN MADIGAN Madigan’s career started more than 30 years ago in local comedy clubs’ she has since risen to co medic stardom. Dec. 1, 7:30 pm. $59-$89. Northern Quest Resort & Casino, 100 N. Hayford Rd. northernquest.com

SPOKANE COMEDY CLUB AUDITIONS

Audition to become a part of the Spo kane Comedy Club’s paid regular come dians. Dec. 1, 6:30 pm. $10-$16. Spokane Comedy Club, 315 W. Sprague. spokan ecomedyclub.com (509-318-9998)

HA!!MARK HOLIDAY SPECIAL A full-im provised satire of heart-warming holiday movies. Fridays at 7:30 pm through Dec. 30. $8. Blue Door Theatre, 815 W. Garland Ave. bluedoortheatre.com

COMMUNITY

JOURNEY TO THE NORTH POLE A 40-minute holiday cruise across Lake Coeur d’Alene to view holiday light dis plays and visit Santa and his elves. Nov. 24-Jan. 2; daily at 5:30, 6:30 & 7:30 pm. $11.50-$26.50. cdacruises.com

MULTICULTURAL THANKSGIVING

cdaresort.com/holiday-light-show/

FESTIVAL OF FAIR TRADE Celebrate the global community by shopping handi crafts from around the world including Nepal, Chile, Guatemala and more. Nov. 25-27, from 10 am-5:30 pm. Free. Com munity Building, 35 W. Main Ave. shopki zuri.com (509-448-6561)

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE & MARKET Free photos with Santa at New Leaf. Reserva tions required Nov. 25, 9 am. Free. New Leaf Nursery, 12655 N. Government Way. newleafnurseryhayden.com

ROLE-PLAYING GAME DROP IN Improve your RPG skills by watching and partici pating in games. Fridays from 4-8 pm and Saturdays from 1-5 pm. Free. RPG Community Center, 101 N. Stone Street. rpgcenter.org (509-608-7630)

KIDS HOLIDAY HUNT Look for hidden characters with secret words in 25 down town businesses and organizations and be entered to win prizes. Nov. 26-Dec. 18; daily from 10 am-8 pm. Free. Downtown Spokane. downtownspokane.org

MAC HOLIDAY KICK-OFF CELEBRATION

Enjoy festive holiday lights and outdoor activities including a vintage Crescent holiday display and a scavenger hunt. Meet the Campbell House’s cook, Hulda, and enjoy one of her sugar cookies. Nov. 26, 4-6 pm. By donation. The MAC, 2316 W. First Ave. northwestmuseum.org

NUMERICA TREE LIGHTING The celebra tion kicks off with food trucks, enter tainment, complimentary hot chocolate and ice skating. Nov. 26, 4-7 pm. Free. Numerica Skate Ribbon, 720 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. riverfrontspokane.com

SMALL BIZ SATURDAY Shop small and local this holiday season. The Small Biz Shoppe’s shelves are stocked with items from over 50 local businesses. Nov. 26, 10 am-8 pm. Free. The Small Biz Shoppe, 808 W. Main Ave. (509-570-4614)

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Local art ists and makers sell their goods; pastries and coffee available while you shop. Nov. 26, 7:30 am-3 pm. Free. Made With Love Bakery, 2023 W. Dean. mwlbakery.com

WONDER HOLIDAY MARKET The Won der Building’s winter market features live music, arts and gifts, hot cocoa and more. Nov. 19-Dec. 17, Sat from 10 am-2 pm. Free. The Wonder Building, 835 N. Post St. wonderspokane.com

CHRISTMAS TREE ELEGANCE This an nual holiday event features 15 decorated trees for raffle ($1/ticket) on the mezza nine of the Historic Davenport and sec ond floor of River Park Square. Proceeds support the Spokane Symphony. Nov. 29-Dec. 11. spokanesymphonyassoc.org

photo stations. Dec. 1, Dec. 8 and Dec. 15, 4-7 pm. Free. CenterPlace Regional Event Center, 2426 N. Discovery Place Dr. face book.com/SpokaneValleyFarmersMarket

FILM

WARREN MILLER’S DAYMAKER Adap tive backcountry riding is featured in the 73rd annual Warren Miller film. Nov. 26, 7:30 pm. $10. Silver Mountain Resort, 610 Bunker Ave. silvermt.com (208-783-1111)

CAMAS: SACRED FOOD OF THE NIMIIPUU This film shares the historical and cultural significance of the camas plant to the Nez Perce people. Nov. 29, 7 pm. Free. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org (208-882-4127)

UI JAMM: FALL38 A screening of the top films from a 48-hour filmmaking chal lenge hosted by the University of Idaho School of Journalism and Mass Media. Time TBD. Nov. 30. Free. The Kenworthy, 508 S. Main St. kenworthy.org

A MOVIE NIGHT OF REMEMBRANCE

This event includes showings of The Woman King, a film about strong, black female warriors, chosen to honor the legacy of Sandy Williams. Also includes a silent auction with proceeds benefiting the Carl Maxey Center of Spokane. Dec. 1, 7:30 pm. $20. Magic Lantern Theatre, 25 W. Main Ave. magiclanternonmain.com

FOOD

COOKING CLASS: RAVIOLI Commellini Estate’s executive chef teaches partici pants how to create ravioli. Class culmi nates in a family style meal. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1; Dec. 7-8 at 6:30 pm. $85. Commel lini Estate, 14715 N. Dartford Dr. commel lini.com/november-ravioli

TAMALES FOR THE HOLIDAYS Try Ter raza’s handmade tamales, soup and aguachile while listening to live music and enjoying the views of the Spokane River. Dec. 1, 6:30-9 pm. $65. Terraza Wa terfront Cafe, 1950 Bellerive Ln., Coeur d’Alene. terrazacda.com

A TASTE OF FRANCE WINE DINNER Indulge in award-winning wines from across France paired with a six-course menu by executive chef Jim Barrett and sous chef Taylor Wolters. Dec. 2, 6 pm. $136. Beverly’s, 115 S. Second St. bever lyscda.com (208-765-4000)

WORLD CUP BRAZILIAN SOCCER & BRAZILIAN FOOD Brazilian and Nigerian chefs with Feast host a watch party that features a lunch entree competition. Dec. 2, 11 am-2 pm. Free. Feast World Kitchen, 1321 W. Third Ave. feastworldkitchen.org

EWU Music Building Recital Hall, Music Building 119, Cheney. ewu.edu/music

CHRISTMAS JOY The Coeur d’Aleers of Cancer and Community Charities of Koo tenai County share music and traditional carols that lift spirits. Nov. 29, 2-4 pm and Dec. 2, 7-9 pm. Free. Trinity Lutheran, 812 N. Fifth. trinitylutherancda.org

GONZAGA JAZZ ENSEMBLE CHRIST MAS CONCERT A Charlie Brown Christ mas and selections from Duke Ellington’s big band arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. Nov. 29, 7-8 pm. Free. Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center, 211 E. Desmet Ave. gonzaga.edu/mwpac

GONZAGA WIND SYMPHONY CONCERT

Under the direction of Peter J. Hamlin, with music by Carl Orff, Alfred Reed, Steve Danyew and Viet Cuong. Also features guest Alphorn soloist Jennifer Brummett. Dec. 1, 7:30-8:45 pm. Free. Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center, 211 E. Desmet Ave. gonzaga.edu/mwpac

NIGHT OF CHAMBER North Idaho Col lege’s Cardinal Chamber Orchestra per forms music of the romantic, 20th cen tury opera and pop-rock hits of the early 2000s. Dec. 1, 7:30 pm. Free. Schuler Per forming Arts Center, 1000 W. Garden Ave. nic.edu/music (208-769-7780)

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

BRRC TURKEY TROT A three-mile race on Thanksgiving morning to benefit Sec ond Harvest Food Bank. Nov. 24, 9 am. By donation. Manito Park, 1800 S. Grand Blvd. brrc.net (509-456-8038)

GOBBLE, GOBBLE, WALK & WADDLE

Before your Thanksgiving feast, start your day with fresh air and fun with fam ily and friends. Walk the 5k (3.1 mile) route around the Spokane River. Nov. 24, 9 am. Free. Mission Park, 1208 E. Mission Ave. fb.me/e/5V83VlOXx (625-6200)

HUFFIN’ FOR THE STUFFIN’ A 5k through Riverfront Park. Includes virtual and in-person options. Proceeds benefit Active 4 Youth. Nov. 24, 9 am. $35. River front Park, 507 N. Howard St. runsignup. com/Race/WA/Spokane/TheTrot

STATE LAND FREE DAYS The Washing ton State Parks and Recreation Commis sion invites visitors to enjoy a state park for free on select days each year. Nov. 25, Jan. 1 and more dates parks.wa.gov

WORLD CUP WATCH PARTIES Watch the World Cup games. 10% of beer sales go to the Spokane Youth Soccer Associa tion. Nov. 25 and Nov. 29, 10:30 am. Free. Brick West Brewing Co., 1318 W. First Ave. brickwestbrewingco.com

Scrooge reflects on the true meaning of Christmas. Nov. 25-Dec. 23, Thu-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. $10-$35. Spokane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard St. spo kanecivictheatre.com (509-325-2507)

A LEAGUE OF HER OWN A performance from Spokane Playwrights Laboratory and Just Friends. At a private residence, see website for location info. Nov. 26-27 at 8 and 11 pm, Dec. 1 at 8 pm and Dec. 2 at 11 pm. $20. spokaneplaywrightslabo ratory.com (509-998-7515)

NATIVE GARDENS A disagreement over a long-standing fence line soon spirals into an all-out war of taste, class, privi lege and entitlement. Dec. 2-18, Thu-Sat at 7:30 pm, Sun at 2 pm. $10-$25. Spo kane Civic Theatre, 1020 N. Howard St. spokanecivictheatre.com

VISUAL ARTS

SPOKRAMPUS ART SHOW Various lo cal artists showcase their Krampus/dark Christmas-themed artwork. Nov. 25, 5-8 pm. Free. Giant Nerd Books, 607 W. Gar land Ave. giantnerdbooks.com

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT An exhibi tion curated by Charlene Teters of local native artists who create art around the idea of Native land acknowledgements. Fri 4-7 pm, Sat 10 am-3 pm through Dec. 3, 10 am. Free. Gonzaga University Urban Arts Center, 125 S. Stevens St. facebook. com/GUUAC

NEIGHBORHOOD PAINTOUT Live paint ing by four local artists: Abigail Gutting, C. Michael Dudash, Jessica Bryant and Tobias Sauer. Nov. 26, 2-5 pm. Free. Coeur d’Alene Galleries, 213 E. Sherman Ave. cdagalleries.com (208-667-7732)

MILLWOOD BREWING PAINTER’S CHOICE PAINT NIGHT Create one of many designs available, including a “Santa, Stop Here,” countdown, a snow man shelf sitter, a 3D door hanger and more. Nov. 28, 6-8:30 pm. $39-$55. Mill wood Brewing Company, 9013 E. Freder ick Ave. facebook.com/millwoodbrewery

ITCH TO STITCH Weekly support for your stitch cravings and a place to learn new basic skills in knit, crochet and other stitch crafts. Spark furnishes yarn, but please bring hooks and needles if pos sible. Tue from 12-2 pm through Dec. 20. Free. Spark Central, 1214 W. Summit Pkwy. spark-central.org (509-279-0299)

MEGAN ATWOOD CHERRY: PRECIOUS CARGO Cherry’s latest series combines painted wood, stone and fiber to create unique artwork. Nov. 29-Jan. 27, Mon-Thu from 9 am-4 pm, Fri from 10 am-2:30 pm. Free. Boswell Corner Gallery at NIC, 1000 W. Garden Ave. nic.edu (208-769-3276)

CEL

EBRATION A celebration with four eth nic groups to express gratitude for their countries through traditional dress, mu sic and prayer. Bring nonperishable food items for Our Place. Nov. 24, 10-11:30 am. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1503 W. Dean Ave. (509-993-6157)

RESALE TRAIL Visit local vintage and consignment boutiques across Spokane for a chance to win prizes. Twelve local shops are participating; grab a passport and get a stamp when you visit each. Through Dec. 3. Info: instagram.com/ garland_resale

25TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW

This annual show features over a mil lion lights along the floating boardwalk. Nov. 25-Jan. 2, daily at sundown. Free. The Coeur d’Alene Resort, 115 S. Second.

WREATH WORKSHOP Create a custom winter wreath for your front door. Nov. 29, 4 pm. $35. The Plant Farm, 14208 E. Fourth Ave. spokaneplantfarm.com

WINTER MARKET AT THE PAVILION Shop local this season from a variety of farmers, processors, artisans, craft ers and vendors with the Spokane Tribe of Indians. Wednesdays from 3-7 pm through Dec. 21. Free. Pavilion at River front, 574 N. Howard St. riverfrontspo kane.org (509-625-6000)

COWLEY PARK LIGHTS Presented by the KXLY Extreme Team, Cowley Park is lit up with holiday lights for the kids at Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital. Dec. 1-Jan. 31. Cowley Park, Sixth & Division St. kxly.com

WINTER PALAA-ZA Stroll through the west lawn plaza and visit a variety of local vendor booths. Also includes free crafts/activities for kids and holiday

MUSIC

THE BEST OF CHRISTMAS Ellen Tra volta’s annual evening of holiday music, laughter and stories, featuring Abbey Crawford, Molly Allen, Mark Cotter and Margaret Travolta. Nov. 25-Dec. 18, ThuSat at 7:30 pm; Sun at 5 pm. $35. The Coeur d’Alene Resort, 115 S. Second. cdaresort.com/travolta-christmas-show SGT. STEVE: IT’S OFFICIALLY CHRIST MAS Steve Friel, professor of saxophone at EWU, and fellow EWU professor Kris tina Ploeger perform original takes on holiday songs. Nov. 25, 8-10 pm. Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague Ave. bingcrosbytheater.com (509-227-7638)

EWU JAZZ CONCERT The EWU student jazz groups perform various composi tions. Directed by Jenny Kellogg and Steve Friel. Nov. 28, 7:30 pm. $5-$10.

SPOKANE CHIEFS VS. EVERETT SIL VERTIPS Promotional events include the Winter Warmth Clothing Drive. Nov. 27, 5:05 pm. $12-$30. Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave. spokanechiefs.com

WORLD CUP VIEWING PARTY Watch the USA. Men’s team take on Wales and Iran and work on a kids’ soccer craft. Nov. 29, 11 am-1:30 pm. Free. Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main. scld.org

“THE FITZ” MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT A high school basketball tournament honoring the legacy of the former Gon zaga basketball coach, Dan Fitzgerald. Dec. 2-3. Free. Lewis & Clark High School, 521 W. Fourth. spokanehoopfest.net

THEATER

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Miserly Ebenezer

WORDS

HANDS-ON POETRY Youth and families to get creative with language through art and movement. Fridays from 4-5 pm through Dec. 30. Free. Spark Central, 1214 W. Summit Pkwy. spark-central.org

GET LIT! FESTIVAL BOOK CLUB In preparation for the 25th Get Lit!, partici pants read a book by a 2023 author each month. Meets on the last Monday, from 6-7 pm, through March 27. Free. Auntie’s, 402 W. Main Ave. auntiesbooks.com

NIC VISITING WRITERS SERIES: SHANN RAY Writer and poet Shann Ray discuss es and reads from his most recent titles, The Souls of Others and Atomic Theory 7 Nov. 28, 2:30 pm. Free. North Idaho Col lege, 1000 W. Garden Ave. nic.edu n

Research Revival

Lawmakers approve expanding access to cannabis for research purposes

BY WILL MAUPIN

After decades of keeping researchers largely in the dark when it comes to cannabis, the federal government is ready to shine a little light for the scientific community.

The Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act passed in the U.S. House in July and was approved in the Senate by a voice vote on Nov. 16. President Biden intends to sign it into law, according to Bloomberg News. The bill will expand opportunities for cannabis research and remove a lot of red tape surround ing the issue.

The news comes just weeks after Biden announced

a handful of federal cannabis reforms, including initiat ing a review of cannabis’ status as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule I drugs are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical uses. Medical marijuana, in one form or another, is legal in 46 states, calling into question whether cannabis should be scheduled so harshly.

For decades, research into cannabis has been ham pered by its status as a Schedule I drug. Until just last year, the only cannabis that could be grown legally for research purposes came from the University of Missis sippi. Researchers were hamstrung not only by the lack of cannabis available, but also because it was low-quality and did not match the level of cannabis being produced for the nation’s legal and illicit markets. The Drug En forcement Administration has since granted approval to six additional producers of cannabis for research.

A provision of the bill heading to Biden’s desk directly addresses the shortage of cannabis for research

by directing the DEA to “assess whether there is an adequate and uninterrupted supply of marijuana for research purposes.”

One key way this bill will further expand the amount of cannabis available for research is by allowing the DEA to approve certain licensed institutions — medical schools, research institutions and practitioners, for example — to produce and distribute their own cannabis for research purposes. The bill also allows commercial producers of cannabis-derived drugs to register with the DEA in a more streamlined process.

Additional provisions in the bill will allow physi cians to freely discuss potential benefits of medical marijuana or cannabinoid use with patients, a practice that is currently prohibited under federal law. The bill will also require that relevant federal agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health, produce reports on the therapeutic benefits of cannabis for various conditions, such as epilepsy. n

A new federal law will allow scientists to study cannabis without fear or unnecessary red tape.

BE AWARE: Marijuana is legal for adults 21 and older under Washington State law (e.g., RCW 69.50, RCW 69.51A, HB0001 Initiative 502 and Senate Bill 5052). State law does not preempt federal law; possessing, using, distributing and selling marijuana remains illegal under federal law. In Washington state, consuming marijuana in public, driving while under the influence of marijuana and transporting marijuana across state lines are all illegal. Marijuana has intox icating effects; there may be health risks as sociated with its consumption, and it may be habit-forming. It can also impair concentration, coordination and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. Keep out of reach of children. For more information, consult the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board at www.liq.wa.gov.

NOTE TO READERS

Be aware of the differences in the law between Idaho and Washington. It is illegal to possess, sell or transport cannabis in the State of Idaho. Possessing up to an ounce is a misdemeanor and can get you a year in jail and up to a $1,000 fine; more than three ounces is a felony that can carry a five-year sentence and fine of up to $10,000. Transporting marijuana across state lines, like from Washington into Idaho, is a felony under federal law.

This product has intoxication effects and may be habit-forming. Cannabis can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with the consumption of this product. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of reach of children. All discounts are subject to change. Discounts are for regular-priced items only. No additional or stacking of discounts. Some restrictions / exclusions may apply. All discounts are applied in-store at the time of purchase. Please contact our store for further details.

Give your holiday wish or gift list a high-tech upgrade during the $72,000 Techs-Giving Giveaway at Coeur d’Alene Casino!

On Friday, November 25TH and Saturday, November 26TH , 30 winners will get to choose from a PlayStation PS5, Xbox Series X, 10.2" iPad 128GB, GoPro HERO9 Complete Sports Bundle, iRobot Roomba Robot Vacuum and Extra Play Cash! Each prize package is valued at $1,200. Contestants will choose from the prizes available at the time their name is drawn.

Play your favorite video gaming machines starting on November 1ST to earn entries into the giveaway. Get one entry for every 500 points earned while playing with your Coeur Rewards card.

See the Coeur Rewards booth, CDA Casino app or cdacasino.com for promotional rules.

Little Dragon Eatery NOW OPEN

WEDNESDAY – SUNDAY

Experience our all-new dining venue at Coeur d’Alene Casino. Little Dragon Eatery offers great options for quick and easy dining for lunch and dinner. Come enjoy your favorite Asian-inspired dishes like cashew pork, orange chicken, pork fried rice and more.

See cdacasino.com for more details.

Play the newest games first at Coeur d’Alene Casino!

Check out the Discovery Den, our newest gaming area which is the first and only testing room in the Inland Northwest. Featuring an ever-changing variety of video gaming machines from the world’s leading manufacturers, you won’t find these video gaming machines being tested anywhere else in the Inland Northwest—or possibly even in the US. Play them first and help decide which ones stay and which ones go.