2008 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MARCH 2008

March 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 – Hello Dolly

Presented by the Pend Oreille Players, this musical takes place in the new Sadie Halstead Middle School auditorium. Show times are 7:00 pm Fridays and Saturdays and 3:00 pm on Sunday. Ticket prices are $10.00 (General Admission) $8.00 (Seniors – 55+ and students with student ID. Advance group tickets are $6.00 each. Tickets may purchased at the door. For more information, go to www.pendoreilleplayers.org.

March 28, 29 – You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown

Enjoy the Dinner Theater Experience and see an outstanding show put on by Northwoods Performing Arts while enjoying a fine meal prepared by Owen’s Grocery & Deli. Dinner starts at 6:00pm, with the show starting at 7:30. So get ready for fun and laughter at the Circle Moon Theater on Highway 211 (off Highway 2).

APRIL 2008

April 4, 5 – You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown

Enjoy the Dinner Theater Experience and see an outstanding show put on by Northwoods Performing Arts while enjoying stuffed chicken breast dinner catered by Scrumptious Stuff. Dinner starts at 6:00pm, with the show starting at 7:30. So get ready for fun and laughter at the Circle Moon Theater on Highway 211 (off Highway 2).

April 5, 2008 – Sweets and Drinks

Come and see a really strange fashion show at the Ranch Club. Sponsored by the Newport/Priest River Rotary Club, this event features men in evening gowns and women in tuxedos. There is a contest for the best chocolate desert. Tickets are $20 each and may be purchased at Concept Cable TV and the Priest River Times.

April 10, 11, 12 – You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown

Enjoy the Dinner Theater Experience and see an outstanding show put on by Northwoods Performing Arts while enjoying a Mexican Buffet catered by Cusick Tavern. Dinner starts at 6:00pm, with the show starting at 7:30. So get ready for fun and laughter at the Circle Moon Theater on Highway 211 (off Highway 2).

April 27, 2008 – Senior Showcase

Held at the U.C.C. Church, this event, produced by the Pend Oreille Players features local talent. Show time is 3:00 pm. There is no charge for this show but your donations are more than welcome for the P.O.P.A.Scholarship program. For more information, go to www.pendoreilleplayers.org.

MAY 2008

May 3, 2008 – Summer Kick-Start

This event, sponsored by the Newport Oldtown Chamber of Commerce is our kick off to the summer season. Included are food booths, Museum tours and merchant sales. It all happens at Centennial Plaza.

May 3, 2008 – Museum Opens

The Pend Oreille County Historical Society Museum opens for the summer season. The Museum will be open every day from 10:00 to 4:00 through mid-September. Special tours may be arranged by calling 447-5388. Come and learn about your history at the Museum.

May 3, 2008 – Tiger Museum Opens

Visit the Tiger Museum and Store, located at the junction of Highway 20 and 31, and learn more about our area as well as being able to purchase historic items and other neat stuff.

May 3, 2008 – Farmer’s Market Opens

The Farmer’s Market will be open every Saturday from 9:00 – 2:00, on Third Street between Washington Ave., and Union Ave. Here you may purchase fresh produce, flowers, and garden items.

May 3, 2008 – Regional Yard Sale

There will be hundreds of yard sales in Newport, Oldtown and Priest River for those of you looking for “experienced” items. Just drive along Highway 2 and look for sales and signs.

May 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 – Dancing At Lungassa

This drama is produced by the Pend Oreille Players with the location to be announced. Show times are 7:00 pm Fridays and Saturdays and 3:00 pm on Sunday. Ticket prices are $10.00 (General Admission) $8.00 (Seniors – 55+ and students with student ID. Advance group tickets are $6.00 each. Tickets may purchased at the door. For more information, go to www.pendoreilleplayers.org

May 10, 2008 – Campgrounds Open

Albeni Cove, Riley Creek and The Mud Hole plus other local campgrounds open. For information and reservations, contact the Army Corps of Engineers at 208-437-3133.

May 11, 2008 – Iris Garden Opens

Newport Naturals at Spruce Corner presents the 2008 Iris Garden, featuring 2,500 varieties of Iris. They also have Garlic, Alpacas, Naturally colored sheep, and offer displays of weaving, spinning and felting. Licensed massage therapy and Karatedo Doshinkan is also offered. Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from May 11 through mid-June – also Memorial Day by appointment. 205 N. Craig Ave., 509-447-2552.

May 16 – 18 – Annual Home & Garden Show

Sponsored by the Newport Oldtown Chamber of Commerce, this show featured local businesses who can help you with your gardening, landscaping and home repair questions. Tickets are $5.00 each and may be purchased at selected businesses in Newport and Oldtown.

May 30, 31 – Northwoods Performing Arts Chorale

May 30 – BBQ Buffet catered by Cavanaugh Bay Restaurant

May 31 – BBQ Buffet catered by Cusick Tavern

Enjoy the Dinner Theater Experience and see an outstanding show put on by Northwoods Performing Arts while enjoying a wonderful meal. Dinner starts at 6:00pm, with the show starting at 7:30. So get ready for fun and laughter at the Circle Moon Theater on Highway 211 (off Highway 2).

JUNE 2008

June 6, 7, 8 – Plien Air Festival of Arts

Sponsored by Newport Naturals and Spokane Art Supply, this event is held at Newport Naturals Iris and Alpaca Farm, 205 N. Craig Ave., Newport. They feature over 2,500 varieties of Iris (which should be in full bloom), plus Alpacas, chickens and more. Art classes are offered and supplies are available for sale. No charge for this event. For more information, call Shirley Bird Wright at 509-981-6811, or visit www.sprucecorner.com.

June 7- 8 – Free Fishing in Washington & Idaho

Get out your fishing gear for a fun day with no fishing license required. Other restrictions do apply. For a free fishing guide and fishing regulations, stop by the Chamber Office.

June 10,13,14 – Northwoods Performing Arts Chorale

Enjoy the Dinner Theater Experience and see an outstanding show put on by Northwoods Performing Arts while enjoying a wonderful roasted pork loin meal catered by Skeyes The Limit. Dinner starts at 6:00pm, with the show starting at 7:30. So get ready for fun and great music at the Circle Moon Theater on Highway 211 (off Highway 2).

June 28 – Rodeo Parade

It’s Rodeo Time in Newport with a great parade held along Washington Ave., featuring floats built by local organizations and businesses. The parade starts at 10:00, so come early for a good viewing space. After the parade, visit the Rodeo Grounds for food and fun, or just head over to the Farmer’s Market for some great local produce.

June 26 – 29 – PWRA Rodeo

It’s time for some rip-snorten’ rodeo action at the Newport Rodeo Grounds. Thursday night is Family Night with food and merchandise vendors open and a full carnival for the kids. Rodeo action starts Friday night at 7:00 and continues through Saturday (7:00) and Sunday (3:00). Advance Rodeo tickets are available at selected businesses.

JULY 2008

July 4, 2008 – Boat Races on the Pend Oreille

Come on down to the river and see the hydroplane races. Races start mid-morning and run all day, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Food concessions are available, so plan to make a day of it.

July 4, 2008 – Fireworks

Lots of great fireworks displays in our area. Check out the action at the Priest River City Park, or at the Kalispel Tribal Grounds in Usk. Fireworks start at dusk so be sure and get there early for a good viewing location.

July 4, 2008 – Parade

Take a drive up Highway 20 and 31 to Metaline for a great parade. Be sure to visit the vendor booths and plan on a full day in this beautiful and historic setting.

July 12 – Duck Race

Come to the River and cheer on your duck as it races from the Interstate Bridge to Kelly Island. The event starts at 1:00. Ducks are available at the Chamber office and selected Newport/Oldtown businesses.

July 12 – 13 – Lavender Festival

The 2008 Lavender Festival will be held at the Newport City Park. Come and see some great displays of Lavender, visit the Vendor Booths for some great food and unique crafts. For more information, contact the Chamber office at 447-5812.

July 19 – 20 – Poker Paddle

Paddle your way down the Pend Oreille River in this two day event sponsored by the Newport Oldtown Chamber of Commerce. Put your canoes and other flotation devices into the river at Usk and make your way down to Ione, pulling off frequently to draw a playing card for the best poker hand. Camping spots are available along the way. For entry forms, call or visit the Newport Oldtown Chamber Office.

July 21, 2008 – Bull-A-Rama

This one day event, held at the Newport Rodeo Grounds, features championship bull riding.

July 26 – 27 – Downriver Days

Held in Ione, this two day event features entertainment, food, merchandise and Train Rides from Ione to Metaline Falls. Plan on spending the day at this great event.

AUGUST 2008

August 1 – 3 – Salish Fair and Powwow

Held at the Kalispel Tribal Grounds in Usk, this event features authentic Indian dancing, native food and many other events. A great way to spend a day.

August 8 – 9 – Relay For Life

The Third Annual Pend Oreille Valley Relay for Life is held at the Newport High School track and benefits the American Cancer Society. Here you can raise money to help fight cancer, honor loved ones who survived cancer and those who did not. The event starts at 5:00pm, August 9^th and ends at 10:00am, August 10^th. For more information, visit Paul or Nancy at Coldwell Banker North Country Realty or call the Chamber office.

August 14 – 17 – Pend Oreille County Fair and Rodeo

Held at the Fairgrounds in Cusick, this event features exhibits, food and entertainment. Come and see what County Fairs used to be like before the commercialization of big city fairs.

August 30 – Great Northwest Bike Tour

This event starts and ends at the Newport City Park and features 25, 50, and 85 mile rides. All proceeds from entry fees benefit local community projects in Newport, Oldtown and Priest River. Come for the fun, come for the exercise, come to ride.

SEPTEMBER 2008

September 6–7 – Train Rides

Hop aboard the Lion’s Club train for a great ride between Metaline Falls and Ione. Experience a train robbery by Jimmy and the Kids. Reservations are highly recommended, so go to www.povn.com/npovlions for times, costs and to make your reservations.

September 8, 2009 – An Affair on Main Street

This event is held in Metaline Falls and features fun, food, entertainment and merchandise. While you are there, be sure to visit the historic Cutter Theater and the Washington Hotel’s Art Gallery.

September 12 – 14 – Bluegrass Festival

Come and hear some great Bluegrass Music at the Cusick Fair Grounds. Tickets are available at the Chamber office and through selected businesses.

September 11 – 14 – Heritage Days

Held at the Pend Oreille County Historical Society Museum, this event takes you back in time with events, displays and historical information. The Museum Gift Shop is open for your shopping and there will be food.

September 26 – 27 – The Curse of the Hopeless Diamond

Enjoy the Dinner Theater Experience and participate in a mystery put on by Northwoods Performing Arts while enjoying great Mexican Buffet catered by Cusick Tavern. Dinner starts at 6:00pm, with the show starting at 7:30. So get ready for fun at the Circle Moon Theater on Highway 211 (off Highway 2).

OCTOBER 2008

October 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 – The Curse of the Hopeless Diamond

Enjoy the Dinner Theater Experience and participate in a mystery put on by Northwoods Performing Arts while enjoying great meal. Dinner starts at 6:00pm, with the show starting at 7:30. So get ready for fun at the Circle Moon Theater on Highway 211 (off Highway 2).

October 3 & 4 will feature a great meal catered by Owen’s Grocery and Deli.

October 9-11 will feature a Roasted Chicken Dinner catered by Skeyes The Limit.

October 4, 5, 11,12, 18, 19, 25, 26 – Train Rides

Hop aboard the Lion’s Club train for a great ride between Ione and Metaline Falls. Experience a train robbery by Jimmy and the Kids. Reservations are highly recommended, so go to www.povn.com/npovlions for times, costs and to make your reservations.

October 31, 2008 – Trick or Treat in Newport & Oldtown

Bring the children to downtown Newport and Oldtown for Halloween goodies. This event, sponsored by the Newport Oldtown Chamber of Commerce gives you children a chance to trick-or-treat in a safe environment. Times are from 3:00 – 5:00 pm.

NOVEMBER 2008

November 29, 2008 – A Hometown Christmas

Start off the Christmas season with a visit from Santa Claus at the Newport Oldtown Chamber Office. There will be cookies, hot chocolate and hot dogs. Pictures with Santa are available by donation. Plan to bring the young and young at heart for a great event.

DECEMBER 2008

December 3, 2008 – Christmas on Main Street

Held at the River Pigs restaurant in Priest River, the children can come and see Santa Claus.

December 5, 6 9, 12, 13 – Gala Night at The Circle Moon

Put on by Northwoods Performing Arts and directed by Mark D. Caldwell, this event features some great music and a catered dinner. The cost is $30.00 per person (there are no “show only” tickets for this event).

Catering by:

December 5, Cavanaugh Bay Restaurant

December 6, 9 – Cusick Tavern (Mexican Buffet)

December 12, 13 – Owen’s Grocery & Deli (Ham Dinner)

December 6 – Deck the Falls

Held in Metaline Falls, this event is well worth the trip. For more information, contact the Town of Metaline Falls at (509) 446-4641.