CREEK: Toast to better times

This is the time of year, with the NFL season over and the 2010 taxing season looming ahead, that lots of folks take a break from their everyday routines and drop in to their favorite pub for a moment or two of relaxation and some fun with their friends.

For those who have lived here for 30 years or more, this means that a good many wonderful, unique places have fallen to the wayside, either closed or demolished. Places like the Fish Inn off Highway 90 between Coeur d’Alene and Kingston, Gibbs Tavern on Northwest Boulevard across from the entrance to the old lumber mill, Mad Mary’s Bar and Restaurant on Northwest Boulevard, The Blue Lagoon on Highway 3 near Rose Lake, Shooter’s Bar and Restaurant in Rockford Bay, or The Coeur d’Alene Brewing Company/TW Fisher’s Pub on Lakeside and Second. Gone, closed.

But the one place I still truly miss and mourn for the old days is The Fightin’ Creek Tavern and Restaurant. It unfortunately had to close Feb. 12, 2005! This was a place where not only great local people came to enjoy a cold brew or two, but our state, county and city officials made a point of dropping in, especially during election years. Many a time, I had the honor of tipping one or two with our Governor and his entourage, a privilege and a reminder of how “down home” our state officials are. The Fightin’ Creek property was purchased by a tribal member and the restaurant and bar and the chamber office (the outhouse) were demolished and made way for a gas station and convenience store.

And though it has been two decades since I was elected the Mayor of Fightin’ Creek, one of 24 such distinguished individuals, I miss this neighborly place and so in memory, on Feb. 12, 2011, I plan to make a toast to that wonderful establishment and I encourage all of you to attend to your favorite establishment and give a toast to the memory of this very special place: THE FIGHTIN’ CREEK TAVERN!

DICK WANDROCKE

Coeur d’Alene