Dancing in the street for KRD
Photos by MANDI BATEMAN Patrons, including Constance Allen (right photo) get down to the music of Area 56 at Saturday’s street dance, put on by Bonners Ferry Chamber of Commerce as a part of the 2019 Kootenai River Days.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Constance Allen dancing her heart out to the music of Area 56.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Lori Allen dancing with her daughter at the street dance.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Belly Dancers performing during Kootenai River Days.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Four legged friends also enjoyed Kootenai River Days.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN 2019 Kootenai River Days street dance.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Area 56 took to the stage at the 2019 Kootenai River Days street dance.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Vendors lined the street on July 13, like this one selling cotton candy.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Children were first to get out and dance at the 2019 Kootenai River Days street dance.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Area 56 performing.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN 2019 Kootenai River Days street dance.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN 2019 Kootenai River Days street dance.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Belly Dancers delighted the crowd at the 2019 Kootenai River Days.
BONNERS FERRY — For many people in Boundary County, Kootenai River Days is looked forward to as a celebration of summer. Lasting four days, it is packed with activities for all ages, from movie night at the Pearl Theater, to golfing at Mirror Lake Golf Course, to the Farmers Market, Cornhole Tournament at Riverside Auto Center, and finally the main event on Saturday, July 13.
Early afternoon, Main Street was shut down so the vendors could set up. There was face painting and bounce houses for the younger audience. A wild game and pork rib cook off took place, filling the street with the smell of barbecue, that mingled with the smells from the food vendors.
A VIP event took place at Riverside Auto Center and belly dancers graced the street in front of the stage. As night approached, Area 56 took to the stage and the street dance kicked off around 9 p.m. The first to brave the dance area was the younger crowd. Children twirled in the colored lights as the adults stood back and cheered them on. As the night progressed, more and more people crowded the dance area, adults joining in with the children.
A street dance in a small town is not only about letting loose and dancing to the live band, it is about seeing friends, hugs in the street, waves and smiles. It is a community event, put on by the community, supported by the community, and enjoyed by the community.
The Bonners Ferry Chamber of Commerce worked for months to plan and present the four day event. The list of contributing volunteers and businesses was long, evidence of the support of the community.
“Kootenai River Days was another successful event even with the few minor technical issues that we had,” said Bonners Ferry Chamber of Commerce Representative, Diane Rogers. “And I thank all who came out and were part of this great event!”