Meridian, ID July 2024

exploring Idaho

43 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Biltmore Co.’s owners Kevin and Liz Amar would like to thank the Community for Choosing us as the People's Choice for this year's Spring Parade of Homes including:

• The 2024 People’s Choice Winner for the 2024 Boise Parade of Homes

• “Best Overall”, Category Seven in the Boise Parade of Homes, which included “Best Kitchen”, “Best Primary Bedroom” & “Best Interior Design & Finish”

• 100+ 5 Star Google Reviews

• They build everything from Single and Multi Family Homes to Small Office and Commercial Strips

• Their amazing builder team and trade professionals will bring your vision to life by working tirelessly to ensure your project is completed efficiently, on schedule, and within budget, delivering quality craftsmanship that stands the test of time.

Discover the Magic of Idaho

Welcome to our summer issue, a celebration of the endless opportunities for adventure and discovery right here in Idaho. As we dive into the warmest months of the year, it’s the perfect time to step away from our routines and embrace the great outdoors.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, constantly chasing deadlines and ticking off to-do lists. But summer offers us a unique chance to pause and reconnect with what truly matters. It’s a season that invites us to slow down, breathe deeply, and explore the beauty that surrounds us.

This issue is packed with ideas to help you make the most of your summer. From hidden trails and serene lakes to charming small towns and vibrant community events, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re an avid adventurer or someone who prefers a leisurely stroll, Idaho has a wealth of experiences waiting to be discovered.

One of my favorite summer memories involves a spontaneous road trip with my family. We packed up the car, left our devices behind, and set out with no fixed destination in mind. The joy of discovering a picturesque little town, stumbling upon a farmers’ market, and enjoying a picnic by a sparkling river was unparalleled. These are the moments that stay with us, reminding us of the simple pleasures and the joy of exploration.

We hope this issue inspires you to create your own summer adventures. Try something new, visit a place you’ve never been, or simply take time to appreciate the natural beauty around you. Let this summer be a time of discovery, connection, and making memories.

Thank you for being a part of our community. We’re excited to share these stories and adventures with you, and we can’t wait to hear about your own explorations.

Happy exploring!

Meridian Lifestyle is available for pick up at the Meridian Chamber of Commerce, 215 E. Franklin Rd. GREG GEWALT, PUBLISHER @MERIDIAN.LIFESTYLE

July 2024

PUBLISHER

Greg Gewalt | greg.gewalt@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Tricia Busalacchi | tricia.busalacchi@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITER

Jordan Gray | editorial@boisecitylifestyle.com

SALES SUPPORT ASSISTANT

Maria Serondo | support@boisecitylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Russell Detablan | editorial@boisecitylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Chelsea Chambers, Pamela Kleibrink Thompson, Ashley Loeb, Kurt Orzeck, Jana Kemp, Denise Llorente, Tricia Busalacchi, Sue Collins, Pauli Reep, Tammy De Weerd

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ashley Loeb, Skylar Jett, Erik Ryan, Chelsea Chambers, Peter Schuler, Lance Thompson, Paul Versluis, Erin Jones, Sarah Beckwith, Suzanne Allman, Colby K. Neal, Jennifer Myslilvy, Joe Bradshaw, Tammy De Weerd

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

Learn how to start your own publication at

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-3: Idaho Art Gallery, now located in downtown Meridian, held its grand opening in May. The event was a fantastic opportunity to meet local artists and enjoy their incredible work in the new gallery space. CONTINUED >

Boise Bloom (PS–G1) (208) 338-9500

5551 West Bloom Street

Boise, ID 83703

Everest (PS–G8) (208) 846-8888

2020 W. Everest Lane

Meridian, ID 83646

4-6: The gallery features an impressive lineup of artists, including Heather Martindale, Kathi Holzer, Bailey Miller, Melanie Lynn Macy, Bonnie Griffith, Chi-E-Shenam Westin, Martha Channer, Phylicia Mann, Sarah Barnes, Mandy Henebry, Edie Martin, Connie Pepper, and more. This new location promises to be a vibrant hub for the local art community, showcasing diverse and captivating artworks that engage and inspire visitors.

the RISING STAR

THE COMMUNITY OF STAR OFFERS SMALL TOWN CHARM WITH BIG TOWN CONVENIENCES

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY

ASHLEY LOEB

With a history steeped in the journeys of western travelers along the Oregon trail or heading to nearby mines, Star has been a resting place for people since the mid-1800’s. Earning its name from a wooden star posted on its first schoolhouse, Star became a welcoming destination and remains so to this day. Current Mayor Trevor A. Chadwick declared that “Star remains a beacon of goodness, friendliness, and community spirit that draws people from all over the U.S. in search of a place to call home.”

On the drive into Star, big box stores, warehouses, and ever-flowing traffic give

way to farmhouses amongst pastures of cows, horses, and bright yellow canola fields. At the edge of town, the Star Riverwalk path meanders through the trees where a crane may soar overhead while ducks float down the Boise River. On the main thoroughfare, there’s a mix of old and new as the western-town feel of newer establishments like the Rustic Table blend with the historic Star Mercantile grocery store. Star is no stranger to coffee and baked goods, both of which can be found at the locally owned Bordertown Coffee which offers a drive through and unlimited drink concoctions from a welcoming staff. For those that aren’t in a hurry, the adorable red structure is adorned with the perfect patio for pups or a chat with a friend.

While heading out of town to nearby conveniences like Costco or Scheels, it’s also easy to imagine a relaxing weekend in Star visiting the nearby wineries or taking a swing at the very approachable and beginner-friendly golf course, River Birch. Options like Proof Kitchen and Cocktails or Sully’s Pub and Grill offer both modern and more home-cooked options for a meal. And no small town experience would be complete without a watering hole like Beer Guys Saloon! But perhaps best of all is that Star provides a safe haven with open-spaces, friendly faces, and new communities with the views to all of the beautiful landscapes and expansive starry sky that will make you never want to leave!

From Ellis Island to Eagle Hills

A MULTIGENERATIONAL JOURNEY OF FAMILY, HERITAGE, AND WINE

We were traveling when the message came, “I would like to learn more about Spoken Wines and how Rolling Hills Vineyard can collaborate with your company.” We hadn’t even launched our business so to hear from Mark Pasculli, a respected businessman and Idaho wine industry leader, was exciting. We also recalled how incredible their Cab Franc wine was at the 2022 Savor Idaho event.

Rolling Hills aligns with our mission of discovering exceptional wines with captivating stories from around the world. We met Mark last November in their Garden City tasting room upon returning from four months in S. Africa and Australia’s wine regions. We were so struck by how Mark and Lori worked seamlessly together with their kids that day. We were sold —  we wanted to tell their story. We showcased Rolling Hills Vineyards on YouTube in May. Here are excerpts from that interview with the Pasculli’s - Mark, Lori, Daniel, Savannah, Zach.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY BUSINESS.

Lori: Mark and I love to be with our kids. We had bought this beautiful property and this old vineyard that we needed to rehabilitate. Our kids were interested in helping. Daniel was in the Marines getting ready to finish.  He was interested in farming and winemaking with Mark. Zach loves videos, pictures, [and marketing]. Savannah is our tasting room manager. I like the design aspect. There is a lot of work to be done; we have our own job responsibilities and we also work very well together.

ARTICLE BY TAMMY DE WEERD, SPOKEN WINES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TAMMY DE WEERD + PROVIDED

HOW DO YOU COMMUNICATE AND WORK TOGETHER AS A FAMILY?

Daniel: There is constant communication. We have a group chat – all the ideas go there – and get together once a week on various things.

Zach: It’s not always smooth. Being in a business as a family we sometimes must drop those family privileges that can get in the way of business. We work to operate as co-workers that care.

Savannah: Overall, it works very well for us. We have our different strengths and weaknesses. The way it all comes together, we kind of balance each other out in the perfect way. There is a lot of mutual respect.

WHAT WAS THE MOTIVATION BEHIND ROLLING HILLS?

Lori: My grandfather had a small vineyard in central California where I grew up. My grandfather would throw me on his lap on the old tractor and we would go up and down the rows. I look back on those times with real fondness. I wanted something like that for my kids. So, when we found this old vineyard, it was just calling out to us.

Mark: I’m a first-generation immigrant of an Italian family. My grandfather came before WWII started, unfortunately the rest of my family arrived after the war. Both our families came to America through Ellis Island.  We have great appreciation of what our families went through – both during war and Lori’s family was part of a genocide. You don’t go through those things personally, but you learn from their story the importance of family in staying together and working together. What is more important than that?! RollingHillsVineyard.com

“The way it all comes together, we kind of balance each other out in the perfect way. There is a lot of mutual respect.” — Savannah Pasculli

With a view of the scenic Boise Front vista, the Proletariat Winery and Tasting Room in Garden City is a welcoming space that offers an engaging wine experience for the Treasure Valley community and its visitors. We invite you to enjoy our wines, paired with tasty charcuterie platters, in our cozy tasting rooms, on our ground floor patio or on our rooftop terrace (both patios are pet friendly)!

Plan your special event at our Garden City winery and tasting room. With a beautiful view of the Boise Front, our indoor and outdoor settings offer unique, private event options.

ARTICLE BY KURT ORZECK | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Meridian Meets Its Artistic Community

Fine art items that are presented, handcrafted, and handmade by the artists

Treasure Valley residents will find an exciting new opportunity to support local businesses, engage in the community, and make a few friends to boot. What kind of event could pull off such an unfathomable feat? Meet the first-ever Meridian Fine Art Festival, to be held at Kleiner Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 29th and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the following day. Common pieces of art that artists will show at the event include paintings, jewelry, handmade furniture, stained glass, and select special foods like jams and spices.

The juried fest will focus almost solely on artists who live in Meridian, with the goal of cultivating community in one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. The Meridian Fine Art Festival will aim to provide an outdoor space for 125 artists and craftsmen — almost all of them residents of Meridian — to show neighbors their wares.

With any luck, the art extravaganza will be a winwin for the city and its artist residents, many of whom struggle to find exposure for their artwork. Adding to the Meridian Fine Art Festival’s charm, the two individuals who concocted the idea and spent years bringing it to fruition are a mother and a daughter, each of them a distinguished artist in their own right.

“The Meridian Fine Art Festival is long overdue,” Lauren T. Kistner told Meridian Lifestyle in midMay, noting the city’s staggering growth.

“All the items that are presented must be handcrafted and handmade by the artists,” Sherri said, proudly adding that neither she nor

her daughter refused to loosen their standards. Doing so might have accelerated the process of planning the large festival but would have betrayed their personal values.

Likewise, Lauren and Sherri bucked the notion of commercializing the Meridian Fine Art Festival by not allowing merchandise to be sold.

If the name “Sherri Kistner” sounds familiar, it’s probably because she spent more than three decades promoting and coordinating a similar fine art festival in McCall: the Payette Lakes Fine Art & Craft Fair. After all that time, Sherri and Lauren decided to combine their talents and enthusiasm to create their own festival.

The Meridian Fine Arts Festival will be “The same idea [as the McCall one], but on a bigger scale with a beautiful venue for kids,” Sherri noted.

Given that she and her daughter are artists themselves, the mother and daughter team prioritized their peers above all else for the Meridian Fine Art Festival.

CONTINUED >

“We don’t want to compete with Kmart,” Sherri said with a laugh, adding that she and Lauren incepted the idea of the Meridian Fine Art Festival in August of last year. “We’re much more interested in making sure everyone’s happy.”

Moreover, the Meridian Fine Art Festival will offer hands-on experiences for its attendees. In other words, don’t expect this festival to be your typical “art fair.” Sherri and Lauren want Meridian residents to connect and even build friendships with artists in their city.

To that end, the festival will provide attendees the ability to talk with the participating artists so they

can have their pieces of jewelry or other handcrafted items customized with the colors and styles of the patrons’ choosing.

“Fine art is accessible if you know how to do it,” Sherri noted.

For any parents who might be wary about bringing their kids to a fine art festival, Lauren and Sherri insisted that the Meridian Fine Art Festival will be family-friendly. Kids can wear themselves out at the splash pad at Kleiner, for one; for another, the event will feature live entertainment and food trucks. MeridianFineArtFestival.com

ARTIST TESTIMONIALS

• “Meridian has always been a great supporter of my artwork. Being the resident artist for the Meridian Arts Foundation, showcasing at the Initial Point Gallery, and receiving grants from the community for my artwork, I feel like Meridian is the place where my art will thrive the most. I’m thrilled to be joining the Meridian Fine Art Festival this year! It’s the perfect opportunity to share my work with the community.” - Suzanne deSoleil

• “The Meridian Fine Art Festival is an opportunity for Idaho artisans, like myself, to share their creative work with the Treasure Valley community. This will be a well-curated event with a wide variety of artisans who take a lot of pride in the quality of their work.”

- Brenda Pettinger of BP Pottery

RO A D CHOW

A FUN AND CREATIVE TRAVEL SNACK

GUARANTEED TO SATISFY EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY.

ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP

Planning to load up the family truckster and head out on an adventure? This easyto-pack and satisfying snack is a great way to keep growling tummies quiet while you’re behind the wheel. Grab the kids, prepare it together, and try not to eat them all before you hit the road!

BREAKFAST COOKIES

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups quick oats

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 cup peanut butter

• 1/4 cup honey

DIRECTIONS:

• 1/3 cup apple butter

• 1 large banana, mashed (1/2 cup)

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 1/2 cup pepitas

• 1/2 cup raisins

1/ Preheat oven to 325°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.

2/ Combine all the ingredients into a large bowl of a stand mixer (or hand mixer). Mix until all the ingredients are combined and the dough is thick and heavy.

3/ Portion 1/4 cup mounds of cookie dough onto prepared cookie sheets. Use the back of a spoon to slightly flatten out into a cookie shape. (The cookies will not spread in the oven.)

4/ Bake for 16-18 minutes or until the edges are slightly brown. Cool cookies on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.

5/ Cover leftover cookies and store at room temperature for up to 5 days or 10 days in the fridge.

With a view of the scenic Boise Front vista, the Proletariat Winery and Tasting Room in Garden City is a welcoming space that offers an engaging wine experience for the Treasure Valley community and its visitors. We invite you to enjoy our wines, paired with tasty charcuterie platters, in our cozy tasting rooms, on our ground floor patio or on our rooftop terrace (both patios are pet friendly)!

Plan your special event at our Garden City winery and tasting room. With a beautiful view of the Boise Front, our indoor and outdoor settings offer unique, private event options.

STEP BACK in time

In 1911, Roseberry was the largest town in Idaho’s Long Valley, complete with a hotel, two blacksmith shops, a restaurant, butcher shop, and a logging mill to serve the town’s descendants of Finnish homesteaders. But when the railroad bypassed the town less than two miles to the west in 1914, many people decided to move closer to the rail lines, establishing the town of Donnelly. Roseberry became a semi-ghost town of a few sturdy structures including a schoolhouse, general store, barn, and carriage house.

From July 18 to July 20, Roseberry will come alive with the sound of music. Since 1977, musicians have traveled to Long Valley to perform for enthusiastic crowds in the majestic mountains of central Idaho. And for two decades that crowd has gathered in Roseberry.

Cody Fisher has been coordinating the Summer Music Festival at Roseberry for 18 years. “I like that our festival is still a smaller local hometown festival. It's very cool to see so many awesome people come together each year to make this awesome tradition happen! It feels like you're home when you're there. The energy is always super positive and everyone is there to have fun.”

Fisher notes that he and the board members work all year long to plan and prepare the festival. “We appreciate our loyal audience who come out to support us no matter what. We love our people! The McCall Folklore Society is a non profit that also puts on the annual Kids Mountain Music Camp and local small concerts. (kidsmountainmusiccamp.com)”

The camp, a three-day workshop for children ages 8-17, is held in McCall with a final community performance in historic Roseberry.  The Summer Music Festival gives the students a real life life experience of performing for a live audience. Children learn basic music skills and the history of American music with an emphasis on folk, bluegrass, and mountain music. Classes cover an instrument choice of fiddle, banjo, mandolin, or guitar, plus singing and songwriting.

“Festival volunteers work in exchange for festival passes, and a great time! Sign up on our website.”

“We reach out to musicians and acts that fit our style, price point, tour routing, local popularity, and many other factors.” Fisher concludes, “Our festival and non profit board run on volunteer staff, and we always need happy people to come help us. Festival volunteers work in exchange for festival passes and a great time! Sign up to volunteer on our website.”

For more information, go to: historicroseberry.com thesummermusicfestival.com

Here is the schedule so far (performances begin at 6:15 p.m):

• Thursday, July 18:

• Locals Night - line up to be announced.

Friday, July 19:

• Potato Mountain String Band

• Big Richard

• Tierro Band with Bridget Law (of Elephant Revival)

Saturday, July 20

• Tophouse

• The Po Ramblin' Boys

• The Gasoline Lollipops

• Potato Mountain String Band from Stanley, Idaho, serves up a mix of bluegrass, folk, and traditional Irish music.

• Colorado-based Big Richard siphons from traditional bluegrass, oldtime, classical, modern bluegrass, pop and country.

• Tierro Band with Bridget Law presents a unique Roma Grass musical style.

• Tophouse combines old-fashioned bluegrass, rock, pop, folk fused with Irish traditional tunes.

• The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys take pride in being ambassadors of bluegrass.

• The Gasoline Lollipops fuse folk with punk.

In addition to the Music Festival, Roseberry also has a free concert series on Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. from June 26 to August 28. Banjo Matt opens the season on June 26.  Blaze and Kelly will be the last performers on August 28. Bring a chair or picnic blanket.

Located about 2 hours from Boise, turn east from Highway 55 on E. Roseberry Rd and go about a mile to reach Roseberry.  No camping or pets are allowed.

BOOKS TO TAKE YOU AWAY

I ASKED MY EXPAT AND TRAVEL-SAVVY FRIENDS TO RECOMMEND BOOKS TO TAKE ME FAR AWAY. HERE YOU GO!

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

The Corfu Trilogy

BY GERALD DURRELL

Three classic tales of childhood on an island paradise -  My Family and Other Animals, Birds, Beasts and Relatives and  The Garden of the Gods by Gerald Durrell - are available in a single edition for the first time in The Corfu Trilogy.

Blue Latitudes

BY TONY HORWITZ

Blue Latitudes: Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before

The Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist travels to various parts of the world, following in the footsteps of explorer James Cook.

The Island of Missing Trees

BY ELIF SHAFAIT

It is 1974 on the island of Cyprus. Two teenagers, from opposite sides of a divided land, meet at a tavern in the city they both call home. The tavern is the only place that Kostas, who is Greek and Christian, and Defne, who is Turkish and Muslim, can meet, in secret, hidden beneath the blackened beams from which hang garlands of garlic, chili peppers and wild herbs. This is where one can find the best food in town, the best music, the best wine. But there is something else to the place: it makes one forget, even if for just a few hours, the world outside and its immoderate sorrows.

Just before the Second World War the Durrell family decamped to the glorious, sun-soaked island of Corfu, where the youngest of the four children, ten-year-old Gerald, discovered his passion for animals: toads and tortoises, bats and butterflies, scorpions and octopuses. Through glorious silver-green olive groves and across brilliant-white beaches Gerry pursued his obsession . . . causing hilarity and mayhem in his ever-tolerant family.

Cutting for Stone

BY ABRAHAM VERGHESE

Cutting for Stone is a novel written by Ethiopian-born, IndianAmerican medical doctor and author Abraham Verghese. It is a saga of twin brothers, orphaned by their mother’s death at their births and forsaken by their father.

The Museum of Innocence

BY ORHAN PAMUK

The author is a Nobel-laureate Turkish novelist. The book, set in Istanbul between 1975 and 1984, is an account of the love story between the wealthy businessman Kemal and a poorer distant relative of his, Füsun.

FOOD TRUCKS AND OUTDOOR VENUES

ARTICLE BY JANA KEMP

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

JANA KEMP AND

PROVIDED

FOOD TASTES GOOD AND MUSIC SOUNDS GREAT OUTSIDE

Food trucks and outdoor concert venues thrive in our hospitable climate. Find food trucks at: Farmers Markets in Boise, Eagle, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell; night-life streets in Boise; brewery locations in Eagle, Garden City, and Boise; and art in the city events in Boise, Eagle, and Meridian. Outdoor concert venues include the Western Idaho State Fair at Expo Idaho, parks, the Canyon County Fair, the Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater, the Idaho Botanical Gardens, and the food truck gathering place, Green Acres.

01 FOOD TRUCKS

GREEN ACRES FOOD TRUCK PARK

BOISE FARMER’S MARKET

Food trucks are a staple of Boise and other city Farmer’s Markets. Wander produce booths and locally made product displays while eating deliciousness from a made-onthe-spot food vendor. Creativity abounds in the styles of the trucks and the tastes of their foods. American, French, African continent, and pizza options abound. Enjoy the community conversations that blossom while people wait in line!

Founded in Boise in 2021, this permanent location for a rotation of food trucks is a happy hang-out place for food and music. The day we visited, the vendors include: Kanak Express; Bochi Bochi; Basilios Tacos; Darjeeling Momo; Rib Shack Barbecue; and The Fizzy Cow. Kanak Express is a relative of brick-and-mortar Kanak Attack restaurant and catering company.

FOOD TRUCKS AROUND TOWN

THE FOOD WAREHOUSE

The Food Warehouse combines the best of both worlds – food truck choices with indoor and outdoor eating options. Some nights you’ll even find a band playing indoors. Variety abounds at the Warehouse. A recent Friday dining experience eating at Bao Boi Concepts allowed me to meet Chef Frank who was inspired by a food truck he had eaten at in another state – yummy results!

Some food trucks operate only out of trucks. Others aim to open restaurants – as MELTZ did and Tazztee’s hopes to do. Located west of Orchard on Emerald Street, Tazztee’s Mexican food lives up to its name.  “Boise Food Trucks” is a “bridge between food truck operators and the hungry public.” The site has a helpful map for locating dozens of food truck locations.

OUTDOOR CONCERT VENUES

IDAHO BOTANICAL GARDENS

GREEN ACRES FOOD TRUCK PARK

A daily schedule of music and musicians is found on their website. Bring sunscreen or find shade. 2024 includes more tables and chairs, more shaded areas, and hours of music listening enjoyment. Find a new musician to follow. Explore the rotation of food booths that will tickle your tastebuds. Hang out with family and friends. This venue is family and pet friendly.

The Great Garden Escape summer concert series provides an intimate music setting with a variety of acts in the shade of the garden. Outlaw Field draws people willing to sit in the sun to see favorite big-name performers such as Jon Batiste (June 6, 2024) and Norah Jones (July 26, 2024). Food trucks and beverage options are available at both concert venues.

KLEINER MEMORIAL PARK

Meridian Symphony Orchestra (in the March issue of the Meridian Lifestyle Magazine) performances happen at Kleiner Park which is home to playgrounds, picnic areas, a senior community center, and outdoor concerts. Meridian Parks and Recreation hosts the Bri Kleiner Park Live FREE concert series. Grab your lawn chair, blanket, and dancing shoes to enjoy an evening of music. Every other Friday: June 7 and 21; July 5 and 19; August 2 and 16. 01

JULIA DAVIS PARK, GENE HARRIS BANDSHELL

In 2001, the Julia Davis Park bandshell (built in 1928) was rededicated as the Gene Harris Bandshell to honor famed jazz pianist Gene Harris. Enjoy this outdoor concert and performance site during art events in the park, during Treefort’s annual week of music, and during Opera Idaho special performances such as the upcoming FREE outdoor concert on Saturday, July 13, 2024.

02 03 04

SERVING IDAHO FOR NEARLY 40 YEARS

THE IDAHO RECREATION AND TOURISM INITIATIVE

From the towering peaks of Mount Borah to the cool depths of Lake Pend Oreille and all the diverse landscapes in between, Idaho’s recreational heritage is unequivocally why so many people have fallen in love with the Gem State. Comprised of over fifty million acres of forests, rivers, deserts, and more, there’s no shortage of ways to get yourself into nature. With nearly 20,000 miles of trails, over 100,000 river miles, and more than 2,000 (named) lakes, it’s safe to say that there is truly something for everyone, whether you like leisurely walking or whitewater rafting, Idaho’s recreational abundance provides.

“ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT IRTI IS THAT IT IS COMPOSED OF AGENCY STAFF WHO ARE WORKING DAY TO DAY ON PROBLEMS BOTH IN THE FIELD AND WITH PUBLIC INFORMATION.”

And groups like the Idaho Recreation and Tourism Initiative formed to ensure that those opportunities remain for generations to come.

Established in 1988, the Idaho Recreation and Tourism Initiative (IRTI) is a coalition of state, federal, and nonprofit entities, banded together to share ideas, expertise, and funding to protect Idaho’s recreational opportunities. Partners like the Idaho Department of Commerce, Idaho Fish and

Game, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Business for the Outdoors, and so many more have been meeting for nearly 40 years.

The main focus of this group is collaboration. With so many opportunities to get outdoors, it can often present an abundance of challenges, many of which are shared by entities across the state. How do you manage the influx of people interested in recreating? What communication

tactics are most effective? What do people want to see more of? Less of? And how can all of this be accomplished?

Idaho Senator Rick Just was one of the early members of IRTI and spent the better part of two decades with the initiative. “I was on the organizing committee and served as an IRTI member representing the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation until my retirement in 2013. Shortly after my retirement, I took over as coordinator of the organization,” he shared. “One of the best things about IRTI is that it is composed of agency staff who are working day to day on problems both in the field and with public information.”

Many programs that formed with IRTI are still ongoing today. Initiatives like Idaho Fish and Game’s statewide Free Fishing Day, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation’s Stay on Trails campaign, and the Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism (ICORT) all got their start around the table of the Idaho Recreation and Tourism Initiative.

One of the most successful and ongoing undertakings of IRTI is the Be Outside, Idaho! grant program, an annual grant cycle that focuses solely on projects that get children and their families into nature.

While the group has seen a lot of turnover in the nearly 40 years since its inception, IRTI continues to focus on the needs of Idaho, its people, and the recreation and tourism opportunities that abound here. By bringing together land managers, nonprofits, and devoted staff members from all corners of Idaho’s state and federal government, things can really get done. Even if it seems to take time…as all good things do!

ARTICLE BY TRICIA BUSALACCHI

INDEPENDENCE DAY IN MERIDIAN

CELEBRATION THAT KICKS OFF THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS WITH BBQ’S, FIREWORKS, AND COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS

Independence Day in the United States!

A celebration that for many kicks off the summer holidays with BBQ’s, fireworks, and community celebrations abound. The holiday stems from the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, even though only two signatures were actually applied on this day! The remaining 54 were gathered over the course of a month.  This day, however, was not a federal holiday until June 28th, 1870. Fireworks became popular in 1777 with over $2.5 billion spent today on these spectacular displays in the night sky.

Whatever your chosen celebration activities are, there is plenty to celebrate in Meridian!

Storey Park will host a grand fireworks display with food trucks available onsite starting at 4:00 p.m. for snacks and local cuisine featuring Bistro Babe, Coned and Daisy’s Gelati. Fireworks are set to kick off from the back of the Meridian Speedway at dusk.

Live music will start at 5:00 p.m. featuring Red Light Challenge, followed by Stef & the Groove who will take the stage from 7:30-10:30 p.m.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

— Preamble to the Declaration of Independence

COMBATING WILDFIRES IN IDAHO AND BEYOND

Charge Leading the

ARTICLE BY CHELSEA CHAMBERS

Did you know that there are over 53 million acres of land in Idaho? Comprised of more than 80,000 square miles, Idaho is actually one of the largest states by land area, coming in at number 14 behind Alaska, Texas, Montana, and a few others. The Gem State continues to grow in population, causing urban areas to reach into what was once more rural. But despite this ongoing growth, Idaho’s land remains over 60% public.

In Idaho, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is the primary agency responsible for managing the large and complex wildfire program. According to their website, “They protect over 11 million acres of range and forest land in central and southern Idaho and employ nearly 500 people.”

The BLM’s massive fire program includes efforts in suppression, fuels management, emergency stabilization, rehabilitation, prevention, and community assistance. But there is no one-size-fits-all answer to fire management, and it takes many hands to make the program run effectively. The BLM partners with the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), the Rangeland Fire Protective Associations (RFPAs), a myriad of other rural and volunteer departments, and a handful of other federal entities.

“The BLM is a leader in the nation’s management of wildland fire and carries out a broad range of actions to protect the public, natural landscapes, wildlife habitat, recreational areas, and other values and resources,” shares Samantha Storms, Deputy Division Chief of External Affairs for BLM Fire and the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho.

But their efforts extend much further beyond Idaho’s borders. The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, located primarily in 12 western states and Alaska.

In anticipation of the 2024 fire year, the BLM and other land managers have been taking proactive measures to hopefully alleviate some of the burden of wildfires. One of their primary initiatives has been to reduce vegetation buildup and to educate communities on how they can best manage their land to prevent fires from spreading.

Despite all of the great work organizations like BLM, IDL, and RFPA do to prevent and minimize wildfire impacts, the problem is usually much more close to home. On average, more than 98% of wildfires are human caused. Take these steps to ensure you are not part of the growing wildfire problem.

• Keep vehicles (including off-highway vehicles) off dry grass.

• Never throw your cigarette butts out the window or onto the ground.

• Check weather and drought conditions before you go.

• Never let fires burn unattended and always ensure it is dead out before you leave the area.

• Regularly maintain vehicles and equipment.

• Check tires, bearings, and axles on trailers.

“The 2024 fire year won't be without its share of challenges,” said Storms. “But we are proud of our wildland firefighters and support personnel and the way they respond to wildland fires on public lands.”

For more information on wildfire management and prevention, visit blm.gov/programs/fire

Meridian + Valley Events

JULY 2024

2 —TUESDAYS ON THE CREEK

Indian Creek Plaza, 6 PM: 20-week event series with Farm to Fork Farmers’ Market! indiancreekplaza.com

2 —#TERRORTUESDAYS: A CLASSIC HORROR FILM & POPCORN

Voodoo Cellar Boise, 7 PM: Free horror film, popcorn, and win drinks every Tuesday. voodoocellarboise.com

3 —GOD & COUNTRY FESTIVAL 2024

Ford Idaho Center, 6:30 PM: Family-friendly fun with fireworks, Christian bands. godandcountryfestival.com

4 — INDEPENDENCE DAY

Storey Park, 4 PM: Grand fireworks display, family picnics, and local food trucks to celebrate independence day. meridiancity.org

4 —FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS CELEBRATION

Ann Morrison Park, 6 PM: Fireworks display synchronized to music on 107.1 K-HITS. cityofboise.org

4 —IDAHO 4TH OF JULY PARADE

Downtown Boise, 10 AM: Join the parade and support Idaho nonprofits. boise4th.com

5 —TART CHERRY DAYS

Cherry Hill Farms, 9 AM: Learn how tart cherries are harvested. cherryhillfarms.com

5 —DOGGIE SOCIAL FIRST FRIDAYS Greenbelt Market, 6 PM: Bring your furry friend for treats and fun. instagram.com

5 —MOVIES ON THE GREENBELT

Kuna Greenbelt, 7 PM: A fun movie night. kunacity.id.gov

6 —WALKABOUT BOISE HISTORIC WALKING TOUR

Basque Museum & Cultural Center, 10 AM: 90-minute guided walking tour about Boise’s history and architecture. preservationidaho.org

6 —5TH ANNUAL BOISE CORGI FES T

Expo Idaho, 10 AM: All dogs are welcome, though some may be excluded from certain events. boisecorgifest.org

6-7 —2024 ANNUAL HARVEST FESTIVAL

Eagle High School, 9 AM: Lavender harvesting, live music, crafts, and the new Lavender Locomotive ride! redchairlavender.com

10 —GRAND OPENING

Lovely Hollow Farm, 6 PM: Flower picking at the flower farm grand opening. lovelyhollowfarm.com

10 —WINE DOWN NAMPA

Nampa Civic Center, 5 PM: Sip local wines and enjoy a night of culture and networking. nampaciviccenter.com

11-13 —VINTAGE MARKET DAYS

Expo Idaho, 11 AM: An upscale vintage-inspired market experience. vintagemarketdays.com

12 — SPARKLIGHT MOVIE NIGHT

Settlers Park, 7 PM: Set up blankets and chairs and enjoy premovie activities. meridiancity.org

12 —SILVER SCREEN ON THE GREEN

Midway Park, 6 PM: Watch movies on a large inflatable movie screen.  nampaparksandrecreation.org

12-13 —EAGLE FUN DAYS

Eagle High School: Friday: Family Fun Night, free activities, food trucks. Saturday: Eagle Fun Days Run, market, live music! cityofeagle.org

13 —THE DOSE: A PSYCHEDELIC COMEDY SHOW

Lounge at the End of the Universe, 7 PM: A mind-bending journey of psychedelic exploration. loungeboise.com

20 —CAPITAL CITY PUBLIC MARKET

The Grove Plaza: Featuring over 150 rotating local vendors every Saturday. capitalcitypublicmarket.com

22-25 —BUDDING ARTISTS CAMP

Idaho Botanical Garden, 9 AM: Engage in hands-on STEAM activities and connect with nature. idahobotanicalgarden.com

25-28 —CANYON COUNTY FAIR 2024

Canyon County Fair, 12 NN: Discover a world of magic, dancing, animals, concerts, laughter, rides, and tasty food.  fairsandfestivals.net

26-28 —SAN INAZIO FESTIVAL

The Basque Block, 4 PM: Local music and dance and Basque sports to celebrate St. Ignatius of Loyola. basquecenter.com

27 —PAAWZITIVELY CREATED CRAFT FAIR 2024

Lakeview Waterpark, 10 AM: Craft fair event, supporting local animal nonprofits. paawzitivelycreatedcraftfair.com

27-28 —GODDESS FEST 2024

Expo Idaho, 10 AM: A celebration promoting care for Mother Earth. goddessfest.org

29 —DISNEY PRINCESS THEATER CAMP

The Creative Space, 9 AM: Disney-themed musical theater camp. flipcause.com