COEUR D’ALENE EVENTS: ENJOY THE ARTS IN DOWNTOWN CDA
There is plenty to do in Coeur d’Alene year round, but getting out during the dark winter months may seem less appealing to some. Thankfully, the Coeur d’Alene Arts & Culture Alliance has the perfect opportunity to head downtown and enjoy the musical talent of North Idaho. During the months of January, February and March, come to Downtown Coeur d’Alene on the second Friday of the month to enjoy Music Walk. From 5 to 8pm, enjoy music by local artists at various venues throughout the downtown area. While the venues and bands are still yet to be decided, Ali Shute, executive director for the Coeur d’Alene Arts & Culture Alliance, says the entertainment is always a highlight of the month for many.
At the conclusion of Music Walk begins ArtWalk each April. The event takes place the second Friday of each month and continues through December.
These are just some of the wonderful opportunities to not only enjoy the arts in Coeur d’Alene, but also the beauty of the downtown area as the walks take you to various venues.
Stay tuned throughout the year for other events such as the Riverstone Concert Series during the summer months, the Artist Studio Tour in June and much more.
LEADMAN RACE
Just when winter begins to wind down, the annual LEADMAN Triathlon has sports enthusiasts headed up to Silver Mountain.
Taking place each April, the annual LEADMAN is great for individuals and teams looking for a unique and exciting type of competition. The race, which begins at Kellogg Peak on Silver Mountain, starts with competitors running from the starting line approximately 200 feet where they click into their ski or snowboard equipment. Once they are strapped in, competitors ski or board approximately one mile to the next spot where their mountain bikes await. Here, they ditch their boots and get onto their bike for yet another descent down the mountain on an eight-mile trail; a mixture of single and double tracks complete with mud, rocks and dirt makes dodging obstacles an exciting part of the competition.
Once the bike portion is done, the running segment of the competition begins. A four to five-mile run ends at the Gondola Village. The race, which can be done as an individual or teams of three with each participant taking on a section, benefits projects sponsored by the Kellogg Rotary Club.
Spectators and participants are treated to some great post-race festivities as well! Come and check it out. Who knows? Maybe next year you will find yourself speeding down the mountain on skis, a bike or running...or maybe all three!
For more information you can visit LeadManTriathlon.com or call 208.783.1507.
SANDPOINT EVENTS:
AN EVENING WITH VIGGO MORTENSEN
On January 13 and 14, 2017, at Sandpoint’s historic Panida Theater, enjoy an evening with acclaimed actor Viggo Mortensen. This special event will include a viewing of the recently released movie “Captain Fantastic,” starring Viggo. There will also be an introduction and a question and answer session with the actor who stars in the movie that is set in Washington State.
Viggo is perhaps best known for his role in “The Lord of the Rings” and began his acting career in the 1985 film “Witness,” which starred Harrison Ford. Viggo has appeared in more than 30 films and was nominated for an Academy Award in 2008 as best performance by an actor in a leading role for his work in “Eastern Promises.”
He has been the recipient of many awards for his work as an actor, but his talent runs much deeper; he is also an accomplished poet, photographer and painter.
Don’t miss this opportunity to meet one of the finest actors in the industry and enjoy his latest production in the historic Panida Theater in Downtown Sandpoint.
SANDPOINT WINTER CARNIVAL
Mark your calendars now for Sandpoint’s Winter Carnival taking place February 15 through February 26, 2017. Since 1973, people have come from all over North Idaho to enjoy all the town has to offer during this fun-filled carnival. While events are still being finalized for this year, many of the traditional activities are sure to take place.
One of the favorites include the K9 Keg Pull where dogs of all sizes pull anything from beer cans to full-size kegs with the crowd cheering on the four-legged furry participants. The entry fee is donated to benefit the Panhandle Animal Shelter.
Schweitzer Mountain Resort is an eager participant in the annual Winter Carnival and their annual fireworks show is something not to be missed.
One of the highlights of Winter Carnival is the annual Dine Around Sandpoint, which runs every day for nearly one month and encourages locals and visitors to come out and enjoy all the wonderful cuisine that Sandpoint has to offer. With more than 20 Sandpoint restaurants participating in Dine Around Sandpoint, patrons who enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants are eligible to win a daily prize and the grand prize of a meal out each month for two people at 12 of the participating restaurants. What more of an excuse do you need to get out and enjoy all that our local chefs are serving up?
