Sweet summer combo

Post Falls and Rathdrum are going country.

The Post Falls Community Picnic will be held tonight at Q'emiln Park, while the Taste of Rathdrum is Saturday, Aug. 16, at Majestic Park.

The Kelly Hughes Band will perform country music at both free events.

The Post Falls picnic, presented by the Post Falls Community Volunteers, will include an optional barbecue dinner starting at 5 p.m.

The dinner includes a hot dog or hamburger, potato salad and baked beans for $5. The concert is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Beer and wine will be available for an extra cost.

Donations will be accepted for Post Falls residents and active volunteers James and Megan Ownbey. Megan is having pregnancy complications with the couple's second child. The medical issues have resulted in increasing bills and a loss of income.

"We want them to know that we are here for them," said Rich Houser, a PFCV member.

The picnic will be held under the covered Lions Club Pavilion. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to both community events.

The Taste of Rathdrum, presented by the Rathdrum Parks and Recreation Department, is in its second year.

"We want to take it up a notch with Kelly Hughes," said Lance Bridges, Rathdrum's parks and recreation director.

Food booths and vendors will be set up Aug. 16 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. A hot dog eating contest will be held at 3 p.m., followed by barbecue judging at 4 p.m. and the barbecue awards ceremony at 5 p.m. There will be music (open microphone) throughout the day.

Kelly Hughes will perform from 6 to 9 p.m.

An anonymous donor from the community has given $200 toward the $2,500 cost of the concert and the city's parks and recreation commission is challenging individuals and businesses to donate to the family-oriented event. Donations can be made at the parks and recreation office.

A beer garden will be available.

Entrants for the barbecue contest are being sought. Entry fee is $20. Categories include: Ribs, Chicken and Anything Bacon.

"The contest is for all the backyard pros who believe that they have the hot stuff," Bridges said.

For more information on the Taste of Rathdrum, call 687-2399 or email ron@rathdrum.org.