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On this great American holiday, I tend to start the libation process a little early, which can be very dangerous by the time it is dark enough for fireworks. Like that time when Uncle Trucker lit himself and the chicken coop on fire when he decided that it would be a better effect if he dipped bottle rockets into Everclear before firing them off. It struck me then that maybe we needed a lighter “all day” drink to sip on. This drink has great Fourth of July colors and is refreshing on a hot summer day. Gluten free. 21+. INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar heated up to a boil, turned off and chilled) 2 bottles of sauvignon blanc or pinot gris 1 cup triple sec 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice 1 cup of a berry-flavored vodka 1 cup sliced starfruit (slice across to get the “stars”) 1 cup raspberries 1 cup blueberries 1 cup sliced strawberries (remove the tops) METHOD Lightly stir all ingredients together and pour over ice in a glass pitcher so that your guests can see your red, white and blue creation. Cheers! Courtesy of Chef Troy Louis Chandler. #sangria #alcoholicdrink #cocktail #fourthofjuly #drinks #drink #recipe

Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 14, and prepare yourself for a full day of incredible, soul-stirring live blues at this year’s Blues ON!, which will once again be held in Tacoma’s Old Town Park. 2018 marks the festival’s 27th year, as Blues ON! is a continuation of the Old Town Rhythm and Blues Festival. “Blues ON! in Old Town Tacoma was started in order to continue this blues fan favorite, when the previous organizers decided to do a festival elsewhere. In addition, we took the meaning back to the roots: music, community, philanthropy,” says Kim Archer, producer, working in conjunction with the Robert “Ted” Brown Foundation. This free and fun music festival kicks off at 1pm and continues through the evening. “[This is] the outdoor blues concert to see in the South Sound,” says Archer. “We expect well over 1,000 people in Old Town Park this year, making it an outdoor yet intimate space to witness those amazing moments on stage. This year we’re bringing award-winning Mississippi blues Man, Dexter Allen, to the festival! If you like Buddy Guy and Muddy Waters style, this guy will blow your hair back!” The 2018 lineup includes Little Bill & the Blue Notes (1 to 2pm), Tuck Foster & The Tumbling Dice (2:15 to 3:15pm), Rafael Tranquilino Band (3:30 to 4:30pm), The Lady A Band (4:45 to 6pm) and Allen (6:15 to 7:45pm). In addition to the music, there will be a robust menu from Murph’s BBQ, delicious coffee from Anthem Coffee, sandwiches and sweets, beer/wine garden with great craft selections and Washington wines. “The South Sound Blues Association will be there as well, so people can join us in keeping the blues alive!” Archer says. Last year’s event was such a success that it was honored to be nominated for a Best of Blues award—Best Community Blues Festival—from the Washington Blues Association! Built upon the vision of Robert “Ted” Brown to make Old Town a live music spot for the blues, Blues ON! is carrying on that 25-year tradition, creating The Robert “Ted” Brown Foundation in his name. Last year, more than $2,000 was donated to the Tacoma School District K-12 music program, and they are hoping to double the donation this year. Head down to Old Town Park for this fun-filled day of music and blues community. You can find out more online at BluesOnInOldTownTacoma.com. #bluesfestival #blueson #bluesmusic #blues #music

This is a super easy recipe that will wow your backyard guests. It is very light and refreshing for a summer holiday. INGREDIENTS Crust: 3 cups shortbread cookies 1 1/2 cups melted butter Filling 20 oz. cream cheese (room temperature) 2/3 cup sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract (real, not imitation) zest and juice of 2 lemons Topping Blueberries (or blackberries) Raspberries (or strawberries) Strawberries sliced (removing the tops) Bananas sliced METHOD Pulse shortbread cookies in the food processor until fine crumbles are obtained. Add butter to the food processor and pulse until thoroughly combined. Press this mixture into a pie dish and set in the freezer while finishing the next step. Place the cream cheese into a stand mixer and mix until fluffy. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix for one minute. Spoon this mixture into your pie crust. Alternating the sliced fruit toppings, use your imagination and create your own patriotic design. Boom! Patriotic deliciousness. Courtesy of Chef Troy Louis Chandler #FourthOfJuly #Dessert #Recipe #Tart

You can be a part of this maritime tradition that celebrates Tacoma’s most important asset—its waterfront—while honoring Tacoma’s rich maritime history including the trades that defined the city’s past and activities and industry that shape it today. This two-day event, which is set for Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29, is an all-ages event bringing together an array of waterfront organizations from industrial and environmental to recreational and nonprofit. 2018 marks its 25th anniversary, and over the years the festival has attracted just short of a quarter-million people! All weekend long you’ll enjoy live music, roving pirates and bounce pirate ship, face painting, model toy boat building, food trucks and more! Saturday head to the Foss Waterway Seaport where there will be dockside tours of The Odyssey, The Curtis, and The Vérité vessels, Tacoma Youth Maritime Foundation Sea Scouts, heritage boats and schooners, a maritime garage sale in partnership with Foss Harbor Marina (10am to 4pm), and paddleboard activities such as paddleboard yoga and introduction to paddleboard. The fun continues Sunday, 10am to 5pm, where there will once again be dockside tours of vessels, boat shuttle between the Seaport and the Museum of Glass and Port of Tacoma Boat Tours leaving from the north end of docks. There is no admission fee to attend Maritime Fest. It is encouraged that those who would like to attend use public transportation, bike or walk from the Downtown Core, as free parking is limited along Dock Street. For more information about the event or if you are a vendor looking to participate, you can email info@tacomamaritimefest.com. Those who would like to volunteer can go online to volunteer form and select “Maritime Fest. For paddleboard activities, to reserve a seat on one of the Port of Tacoma Boat Tours or to sign up to volunteer at this year’s event, you can find links to each online at FossWaterwaysSaport.org/maritimefest. Be a part of Tacoma’s rich maritime history by attending the 25th Maritime Fest. It’s good, educational, waterfront fun for the entire family. By Jillian Chandler. Photo Courtesy of Tacoma Maritime Fest. #tacoma #tacomawa #tacomamaritimefest #maritimefest

Bust out your island wear and get ready for one of the most relaxed yet insanely fun golf tournaments you’ll ever take part in. Now in its 14th year, the Golferitaville tournament will be held at McCormick Woods on Friday, July 20. You won’t be waiting for silence at the tee boxes as hole sponsors will be out and about the course greeting you with refreshments, Caribbean music, contests and great prizes. You’ll weave your way through 18 holes and hundreds of pink flamingos while donning your best island living attire. Put on by the Midday Rotary Club of Gig Harbor, Golferitaville raises upwards of $50,000 for local nonprofits. These include CASA children’s advocates, the PTSD Foundation for veterans, Red Barn Youth center, high school scholarships and more. Your greens fees get you 18 holes and a cart as well as admission to the post-event banquet. A putting contest kicks things off at 8:30am with the winner taking home a 60-inch 4k TV. If you’re lucky (or skilled) enough to strike a hole in one on a par three hole, you’ll be going home with a brand new luxury vehicle. At each tee box you’ll find more opportunities to win prizes that can include anything from trips to items perfect for splashing around the harbor. Refreshments, breakfast and lunch are included as is the island-themed buffet during the awards banquet. Tickets can be purchased at Golferitaville.com, and you can register a foursome or as a single golfer. You can also buy into the new ‘raffle’ this year, golf balls that will be dropped onto a green from a helicopter. The five closest to the pin take home cash prizes ranging from $100 to $2,500. Even if your golf game won’t win you any awards, you could still bring home the trophy for best dressed or best decorated cart. Fun awaits, register today! By Colin Anderson. Photo by Julie Reed. #golferitaville #golf #golfing #events

If you’ve ever flown on a commercial plane, you’ve heard the safety speech regarding life jackets and emergency exits. You’ve also heard and seen the demonstration about putting on your oxygen mask. At the end, they make mention that you must put on your own mask before assisting others. It’s interesting that they have to point this out. Shouldn’t it be pretty obvious that if you die or pass out due to lack of oxygen while trying to help others, that you won’t be able to help anyone at all? It probably should be, but I’d bet that nine times out of 10, most people are going to make sure their loved ones are OK before taking care of themselves. How often are you guilty of this in your everyday life? If you’re like most people I work with, the vast majority of your life revolves around the needs of others before you take on the needs of yourself. In principle, this sounds all altruistic and warm and fuzzy. I mean, if we all just devoted our lives to helping others, wouldn’t we live in an incredible place? I’m not so sure. Think about it. If you’re absolutely elated with your life, are you better or worse in your relationships and interactions with others? I’ll answer for you. You’re better. Everyone is. But isn’t taking care of yourself first selfish? Nope. Notice I said, “Take care of yourself first,” not “Ignore everyone else and only serve yourself.” Those are two totally different practices. “But by serving myself first, I’m going to make my spouse and/or family mad at me. I can’t just devote time to getting what I need, then them. I need to continue running at full speed to provide for their needs, then in that last 20 minutes before I go to sleep, I’ll focus on me.” Hmmm. Read that again and tell me if it doesn’t sound a little crazy. Yet, I hear it all the time. “I really want to do this, but this person will be mad, jealous or resentful.” Imagine that you just did what you wanted, ignoring them for just a little bit. Would you be happier when you returned? Probably. At this point, one of two things will probably happen. One, the person you are worried about will be so supportive and happy for you that you’ll wonder why you didn’t do this sooner. Or two, they’ll be jealous and resentful. If it’s path two, they’re really toxic to your life, and you need to do everything you can to cleanse that relationship. That could be working through the issue through therapy or counseling. Or you could just do your best to cut them out of your life and never look back. By the way, if you’re not doing this on social media, you should be. Unfollow the people who make your blood boil. I can understand that this all sounds great in principle, but execution is much harder. That’s normal. The underlying histories and complications make everything a lot more challenging. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. The best course of action that you can take from here is to get to a place where you are mentally comfortable with taking care of yourself first. Consider all of your choices and actions from the perspective of, “I’ll be better at helping everyone else if I just do this for me first.” Just thinking that way will make you feel a lot better about things. Then start taking small actions toward making those self-care and self-interested things a reality. The underlying bonus here is that when you can do those things without guilt, you will become better at all of the things you were afraid of losing track of or feeling guilty about not fulfilling. You’ll do them with more vigor and energy that all of the people in your life will be much better off than they were when you were seemingly unselfish. By Kenny Markwardt, CSCS #PutYourSelfFirst #Health #HealthyLiving

So a couple years ago, I wrote about getting rid of the old yellowed-oak look of the 90s. Guess what? It’s back! No, no, not the yellowed look of the 90s, but oak is back—only this time, the updated oak look is a painted oak. Cabinet companies are starting to introduce this new painted look, but instead of a satin, smooth surface, designers are liking the textured wood-grain look with matte paint, which really highlights the oak graining of the wood. So, if you’ve been holding on to the oak cabinets in your house because you just didn’t know where to start with updating, now you have a starting point. However, you can’t just paint the oak cabinets you have and expect to have the same results. The wood graining on your existing cabinets is covered in polyurethane or lacquer, so if you paint that, and especially if you use a matte paint, it will highlight any uneven surfaces, and they will end up looking splotchy. Your cabinets will need to be sanded down, possibly wire brushed to get the graining to stand up a bit, and then you can paint them to get that similar look that’s in style right now. Enlisting a professional painter is probably a must, but if you want to try it, start with the back of a cabinet door to see how good you can make it look before you take off all your doors and have a project you wish you would never have started. Matte is in. Even the countertop companies are doing matte finishes on most—if not all—of their countertops, and if they don’t offer it, the fabricators can change the texture from a high-gloss polished surface to a satin/leathered or honed/matte finish with a special machining technique. The acrylic companies like Corian also offer a satin or matte finish, and laminates are starting to go that way, too. What does this mean? To me, it means that people must like cleaning off fingerprints. I would not use a matte countertop surface in my own house, but I also don’t like having to clean my countertops every five minutes. Matte finishes show any oil residues from cooking or even from your hands. If you set a cup of coffee on the counter, the matte finish will show the ring from your coffee mug long after the mug is in the dishwasher. Avoid going with too many matching surfaces. My recommendation is to mix textures. If you have matte cabinets, do a polished countertop. Let the polish reflect the natural light coming in through the windows, brighten the space and make the matte finish of the cabinets stand out that much more. And if you paint your cabinets, go with a contrasting flooring. By mixing the textures of matte and polish, and using contrasting colors of light and dark, you’ll avoid things being too monochromatic, even if you stay within the same color family. Providing contrast with the interior finishes also adds depth to the room and provides flexibility for future changes. By Annie Nye, Interior Designer #cabinets #cabinetcompanies #kitchens #interiordesign #remodels #remodeling

ARTISTS' STUDIO TOUR August 9 - 11 / 16 - 18 Sandpoint JCome celebrate the artistic community in the greater Sandpoint area. The community is invited to visit the working studios of painters, sculptors, jewelers, potters, glass artists and more. Read more... ALES FOR THE TRAIL August 10 Coeur d'Alene Join Ales for the Trail at McEuen Park Saturday, August 10, from 2 to 8pm. This is a day to enjoy and celebrate great craft beer, local cider and wine in beautiful Coeur d'Alene all while raising funds for the North Idaho Centennial Trail. Read more... HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS AUGUST 9 - 24 SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE Featuring the music of Leiber and Stoller, Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre’s scintillating musical revue illuminates a golden age of American culture. Set in an idealized ‘50’s setting, the themes of love won, lost and imagined are brought to life with 40 of the greatest songs ever recorded. Read more... AUGUST 10 COEUR D'ALENE DUATHLON The Coeur d’Alene Triathlon and Duathlon is one of the most scenic races in the Northwest. The 1.5k swim takes place in Lake Coeur d’Alene, followed by a 40k bike ride down Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive, a scenic route that leads to Mullan Trail Road for a challenging uphill course, and finishing with the 10k run. Read more... AUGUST 10 WINEMAKER DINNER Experience a special four-course dinner by Cosmic Cowboy, beautifully paired with Huston Vineyards wines at Only Local in Sagle, Idaho. You'll be greeted with a warm welcome and glass of Idaho wine before an intimate dinner with 30 soon-to-be-friends. Seating is limited! And Tickets must be purchased in advance. Read more... AUGUST 10 & 11 47TH ANNUAL ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR Browse and shop the artists’ booths in Downtown Sandpoint. The fair features more than 100 artist vendors, entertainment, food court and a youth art arena. All proceeds go directly to support POAC’s programs in visual and performing arts and art education for the benefit of the Sandpoint community. Read more... For more happenings this week ... CLICK HERE To read the Summer 2019 issue of SIZZLE .... CLICK HERE #newsletter

FESTIVAL AT SANDPOINT August 2 - 11 Sandpoint Join The Festival at Sandpoint for eight nights of eclectic music under the stars on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille in Sandpoint. The lineup includes Walk Off the Earth, Jackson Browne, Lake Street Dive, The Avett Brothers, Kool & The Gang and more. Read more... ART ON THE GREEN August 2 - 4 Coeur d'Alene More than 165 artists, a variety of musicians and performers, and over 500 volunteers will come together to present the 51st annual Art on the Green. Paired with the Taste of the Coeur d’Alenes at City Park and the Coeur d’Alene Street Fair on Sherman Avenue, this is a weekend not to miss. Read more... HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS AUGUST 3 LONG BRIDGE SWIM Don't miss the Northwest's premier open-water swimming event. A beautiful 1.76-mile swim from the south end of Sandpoint's historic Long Bridge to the the North end, the swim starts at 9am, and there is a 2.5-hour time limit. Read more... AUGUST 4 SPRINT TRIATHLON & DUATHLON Held at Q’emiln Park in Post Falls, the annual Post Falls Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon is a USAT-sanctioned event and includes a 5k swim, 19k bike and 5k run. The race begins at 8am and is chip timed, and snacks and an award ceremony will follow the race. Read more... AUGUST 4 HUCKLEBERRY COLOR FUN RUN Held at Schweitzer Sunday, August 4 from 7:30am to 1pm, this is your chance to run or walk through the forest and get covered with color tossed by the forest urchins. This family friendly run is marked for 5k and 2.5k participants, and everyone receives a T-shirt, sunglasses, powder pack, full day scenic ride ticket and gourmet hotdog! Read more... AUGUST 7 NIGHT UNDER THE STARS Join the Inland Northwest SIDS SUID Foundation Wednesday, August 7 at Elk Point Estates. Held 5:30 to 9pm, enjoy an evening of dinner, drinks, live music, and live and silent auction under the stars overlooking beautiful Lake Coeur d'Alene. A great evening for an amazing cause, funds raised help INWSIDS to continue their life-saving work. Read more... For more happenings this week ... CLICK HERE To read the Summer 2019 issue of SIZZLE .... CLICK HERE #newsletter

JULYAMSH July 26 - 28 Coeur d'Alene This three-day cultural event is filled with Native-American activities for all to enjoy, bringing people together and signifying the spirit of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe in celebration of heritage, diversity and culture. Read more... HAYDEN DAYS July 26 & 27 Hayden The Hayden community kicks off its festivities today at 2pm with food and craft vendors, beer and wine garden, live music and dancing. Saturday features Hayden Days Parade, along with children's games, vendors, live music and other activities. Read more... HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS JULY 27 SOFD PANCAKE BREAKFAST Start your day off right with a scenic drive along Highway 200 to Sam Owen Fire Station #1 in Hope, where volunteer firefighters will cook you a delicious breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, all for only $5. Then tour the station, climb into the trucks and pick up free fire chief hats for the kids. Read more... JULY 27 4TH ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC Join Matt's Place Foundation at Highlands Golf Course in Post Falls as they raise money for ALS! A fun day of golf, friendly competition, games and more, Sweet Lou's will provide lunch, and the Highlands Club House will cater a delicious barbecue dinner. Live auction and raffle drawings to follow dinner. Read more... JULY 28 CYCLE CELEBRATION Presented by Valleyfest, Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration, presented by Valleyfest, is set for Sunday, July 28. Less experienced cyclists can pick the 10-mile route while more experienced riders can choose between 25- and 50-mile rides. All rides begin and end at the North Centennial Trailhead across from Mirabeau Point Park. Read more... JULY 31 DIY KOMBUCHA CLASS Join Pilgrim's Market in Coeur d'Alene Wednesday, July 31, 6 to 8pm, as manager Max takes you on a journey to the land of kombucha! Max will take you step by step in the kombucha-making process including how to make a secondary ferment. He will also share the health benefits associated with this ancient fermented drink. Read more... For more happenings this week ... CLICK HERE To read the Summer 2019 issue of SIZZLE .... CLICK HERE #newsletter

VINTAGE SPOKANE July 21 Spokane This summer wine and food affair is unlike any other. Join them at The Davenport Grand Hotel Ballroom and sip wines from more than 50 of the region’s most celebrated wineries along with delicious small bites from area restaurants. Read more... SOUTH PERRY STREET FAIR July 20 Spokane This Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of the South Perry Street Fair! With four blocks of street vendors, a main stage and side stage, food trucks, a kids fair and fun events all day long, this is the biggest event of the summer in the South Perry District. Read more... HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS JULY 20 & 21 NORTHWEST WINEFEST Held on the Schweitzer Village lawn in Sandpoint, Northwest Winefest is a two-day event featuring great bands, great wine, great food and great fun! To taste, stop by the sales tent and purchase your souvenir wine glass with tasting tickets then head to “Wine Alley” and get sampling! Read more... JULY 24 2ND ANNUAL SUMMER SOIREE Join Liberty Lake Wine Cellars Wednesday, July 24, 6 to 8:30pm for an evening of yard games, food and wine as they raise money for the Friends of the Liberty Lake Municipal Library, with a chance to win prizes donated by local businesses and bid on silent auction items. Read more... JULY 24 UP IN SMOKE Join Secret Burger at Honey Eatery and Social Club in Coeur d'Alene at 6pm for Up in Smoke, a specialty three-course dinner with paired cocktails and beers available ala carte for each course. Tickets are just $40 each. You won't want to miss this tasty event. Read more... JULY 25 BACKYARD BAR & LIVE MUSIC Enjoy Blackwell Hotel's full-service Backyard Bar this summer with live music 5:30 to 8:30pm, featuring Justin James this Thursday, July 25. In addition to the fun, you'll be supporting a great cause, as 10 percent of the proceeds will benefit Hank's Law. Read more... For more happenings this week ... CLICK HERE To read the Summer 2019 issue of SIZZLE .... CLICK HERE #newsletter

WINE, WOMEN & SHOES July 17 Coeur d'Alene Benefiting Idaho Youth Ranch in Coeur d'Alene, Wine, Women & Shoes is a fun girls night out at the Coeur d'Alene Resort and includes premium wine tasting, a designer marketplace, raffles, live auctions and show-stopping entertainment. Photo By James & Kathy Mangis Photography. Read more... POST FALLS FESTIVAL July 12 - 14 Post Falls Held at Q'emiln Park and throughout the Post Falls community, the weekend will feature live music and bands, multi-cuisine food vendors, beer garden, craft booths, inflatables for the kids, parade, car show, ice cream social and more! Read more... HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS JULY 12 & 13 CRAVE! Crave!, a food and drink celebration held at CenterPlace Regional Event Center in Spokane Valley, kicked off last night with their Seafood Bash! Don't miss Fire & Smoke tonight from 6 to 9pm, and Saturday, the Grand Tasting, held noon to 4pm, Foods From Around the World 6 to 9pm, and the After Party from 9 to 11pm. Read more... JULY 12 - 14 SUMMERFEST Sandpoint's community-driven music, arts and culture festival is back for its 25th year! Held in Sagle the weekend of July 12 through 14, SummerFest is a weekend for great music, dancing, food and drink, artists, craftsmen, vendors, entertainers, camping, kids activities plus much more! It's sure to be a great time for all. Read more... JULY 13 SANDPOINT BEERFEST The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is hosting its sixth annual Beerfest Saturday, July 13, noon to 5pm on the lawn at Trinity at City Beach. Come enjoy craft brews and ciders from Sandpoint's four local breweries plus breweries from across the region, food catered by Trinity at City Beach, live music with Tennis, corn hole, beer trivia with prizes, pretzel necklaces and more! Read more... JULY 14 OPERA ON THE LAKE Inland Northwest Opera (INO) offers the annual Opera on the Lake featuring Mozart’s test of true love, Così fan tutte. In this romantic comedy, Così fan tutte, (subtitled “The School for Lovers”), offers a handy how-to guide for measuring true commitment among fiancées. The sunset cruise begins at 7:30pm, with boarding at 6:30pm at the Coeur d’Alene Resort. Read more... For more happenings this week ... CLICK HERE To read the Summer 2019 issue of SIZZLE .... CLICK HERE #newsletter

3RD ANNUAL BREWFEST July 6 Coeur d'Alene Held Saturday, July 6, 1 to 7pm at McEuen Park, the Downtown Coeur d'Alene Brewfest will feature 30 beers and ciders, great food, yard games and live music. Tickets include six 5-oz. beer pours and a commemorative pint glass. Read more... CRAVE! July 11 - 13 Spokane Valley During this food and drink celebration, guests are invited to savor the creative talents of award-winning chefs, specialty food purveyors, winemakers and craft drink providers. Highlights include a grand tasting tent, foods from around the world, seafood bash and fire and smoke fare. Read more... HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS JULY 5 FIRST FRIDAY ARTWALK Enjoy an evening of art at various businesses, tasting rooms, restaurants and galleries in Downtown Spokane. A wonderful way to spend time with family and friends the first Friday of each month. First Friday Artwalk takes place 5 to 8pm, though some venues have extended hours and additional entertainment such as live music. Read more... JULY 6 - 7 RACE THE WOLF Race the Wolf at Schweitzer Mountain in Sandpoint features three distances: 52k and 25k Skyrunner USA events on July 6, and an 8k trail race on July 7. The course boasts steep climbs, fun single-track and some super fast two-track, not to mention the epic views. Find additional information and the link to register at Schweitzer.com. Read more... JULY 7 RIDE AROUND COEUR D'ALENE Join Lone Wolf Harley-Davidson, Crave and Celebrity Chef Brian Duffy for a ride around Lake Coeur d'Alene. Sunday, July 7, kickstands up at 10am at Lone Wolf Harley-Davidson in Spokane Valley. Kickstands down at Outlaw BBQ in Spokane. The ride will last around 3.5 hours. Donations accepted to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. Read more... JULY 7 FAMILY FUN FEST This Sunday, grab the kids and head to Spokane Valley Seventh Day for this year's Family Fun Fest. Held 3 to 7pm, the entire family is sure to have an afternoon of fun. At this year's event there will be a petting zoo, inflatables, water slide, carnival games, info booths and more. Food will also be available at a minimal cost. Read more... For more happenings this week ... CLICK HERE To read the NEW Summer 2019 issue of SIZZLE .... CLICK HERE #newsletter

SPOKANE HOOPFEST June 29 & 30 Spokane The largest three-on-three outdoor basketball tournament in the world returns to the streets of Spokane this weekend, taking over 45 city blocks! More than 14,500 games will be played throughout this two-day tournament. Get out there and watch the action. Read more... IRONMAN 70.3 June 30 Coeur d'Alene Cheer on these inspiring Ironman athletes as they begin their day with a 1.2-mile swim in Lake Coeur d’Alene, followed by the challenging 56-mile bike ride and finishing with a 13.1-mile run that loops along the shores of the lake. Pick a spot along the course and show your support. Photo by Nils Nilsen Read more... HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS JULY 3 SPOKANE INDIANS CELEBRATION Get your tickets for the Spokane Indians on Wednesday, July 3, as they take on the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes at Avista Stadium, with first pitch at 6:30pm. The game-day program will feature Independence Day themes throughout the game, and fans will be treated to a fireworks display immediately following the game, win or lose. Read more... JULY 4 SANDPOINT PARADES & FIREWORKS9 The Sandpoint Lions Club proudly sponsors the Fourth of July activities which include a Children’s Parade at 9am followed by the Grand Parade at 10 through the streets of downtown. And it wouldn't be the Fourth of July without the fabulous fireworks show at dusk on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille at City Beach. Read more... JULY 4 CDA PARADE & FIREWORKS Spend the holiday with family and friends in Coeur d'Alene for the region's largest Fourth of July Festival! The day kicks off with the Parade on Sherman Avenue at 10am. After the parade, spend the afternoon in Coeur d'Alene City Park and enjoy great food and live music! Then ... it's time to sit back and enjoy North Idaho's largest fireworks display downtown over Lake Coeur d'Alene at dusk (around 10pm). Read more... JULY 4 4TH OF JULY CONCERT & FIREWORKS Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, claim your spot and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in Pavillion Park in Liberty Lake. Liberty Lake Kiwanis will be serving up snacks and treats all afternoon, and live musical performances start at 5:30pm with a great lineup (Twenty Dollar Bill, The Rub and Tuxedo Junction) leading up to the big fireworks display just after dusk, which is easily viewed throughout the city. Read more... For more happenings this week ... CLICK HERE To read the NEW Summer 2019 issue of SIZZLE .... CLICK HERE #newsletter

BLAZING FIDDLES June 22 Liberty Lake Grab your cowboy hat and boots and join Maestro Jan Pellant and the Coeur d’Alene Symphony Orchestra at Rockin’ B Ranch as they “Rock the West” in performances where classics meets cowboys. This fundraiser also features a cowboy dinner and auction. Read more... DINNER AT WITCH LAKE June 22 Coeur d'Alene Join Emerge for an immersive dinner inspired by Sharma Shields' "Witch Lake." Each ticket receives: a 12-course meal designed by Chef Adam Hegsted, an up-close look at the tale's 12 unique illustrations, an evening of music, and 1/50 highly limited, hand-pressed and bound editions of "Witch Lake." Read more... HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS JUNE 22 FROM THE ASHES Saturday, 11am to 4pm, nationally recognized pitmasters from across the country will once again gather in Coeur d’Alene at Settlers Creek where they will showcase the best of the best in American barbecue, and you'll have the opportunity to meet the chefs. Also enjoy regional craft beer, wines, activities, games and entertainment. Read more... JUNE 22 BAZAAR 2019 Find art, handmade goods, live music, food trucks, family friendly activities and other festive fun at the 2019 Bazaar from 11am to 9pm in Downtown Spokane. This one-day art market will showcase the region's best artists, makers and designers to thousands of attendees and take place on Main Street (between Post and Howard). Read more... JUNE 27 SUMMER SAMPLER Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce kicks off summer with the 14th annual Summer Sampler 5 to 8pm in Farmin Park. This is your chance to sample delicious food and drink from Sandpoint's finest restaurants, wineries and breweries. Great food and drink combined with live music with The Devon Wade Band makes for a night not to miss. This is a family friendly event, and all ages are welcome. Read more... JUNE 27 IDAHO CRAFT SPIRITS FESTIVAL The best craft distilleries from Idaho will be showcasing their small batch spirits throughout Downtown Coeur d’Alene bars and restaurants at the Idaho Craft Spirits Festival from 5 to 8pm. Enjoy a grand selection of more than 24 hand-crafted spirits from eight Idaho distilleries while experiencing the local food and bar scene. Industry professionals will be available to share information about their spirits. Read more... For more happenings this week ... CLICK HERE To read the NEW Summer 2019 issue of SIZZLE .... CLICK HERE #newsletter