GUGGEMOS: Rest of the story

Twenty-five summers of music and entertainment. Two and a half decades. One quarter of a century. This has been the vision of one individual with a passion for music, who wanted to offer the public an opportunity to experience music and entertainment in a comfortable outdoor setting. Chris Guggemos has tirelessly recruited sponsors, individuals and businesses to help support bringing a wide venue of concert series to the Greater Coeur d’Alene area, and all of it free to the public.

Chris launched his idea in 1992 with the first concert series being held at the Sherman Square Park in Downtown Coeur d’Alene. He expanded the series to include the Coeur d’Alene City Park in 1995, the city of Hayden in 2000 and the city of Rathdrum in 2001. He expanded the concert series to include Downtown Coeur d’Alene, the city of Hayden and the city of Rathdrum. Weekly concerts at these different locations is something we have almost taken for granted. Hundreds of people have turned out weekly, with lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy an afternoon or evening of great entertainment.

Chris has recently entered a new and somewhat tenuous chapter in his life. Chris is being treated for cancer. Although the cancer has slowed him just a bit, his spirit remains high. Through persistence the concert series will continue this season, with the first concert on June 30 at the Hayden City Park, July 3 at the Coeur d’Alene City Park, and July 5 at the Sherman Square Park in Downtown Coeur d’Alene. The concerts will continue most every week after that through the month of August. Everyone is encouraged to attend the concert series and support Chris during this time.

Regrettably, Chris had to reduce his activities and dropped out of the Rathdrum Concert Series, which will continue to be staged by the Rathdrum Parks Department instead.

This past winter and early spring, Chris produced his first CD of original music titled “One Short of a Dozen.” The title of the CD is, in itself, a great story about Chris and his family. In an effort to defray some of his mounting medical expenses, the July 24 concert at Coeur d’Alene City Park, featuring The Kelly Hughes Band, will be staged as a fundraiser for Chris where his CD will be on sale. Chris’ CD will also be available for purchase at all of the summer concert series. The proceeds of the CD sales will go to help with those costs.

If you can’t make it to the concerts, Chris’ CD can be purchased online at www.ChrisGuggemos.com.

Chris has brought a lot of smiles to many faces over the past 25 summers by following his passion for entertainment. It seems like only yesterday when he brought his idea forward and then grew it into a weekly multi-city entertainment venue. Thanks Chris for never giving up, and sharing your vision with all of us. We will be there for you, and with you, as you come through this difficult time.

DOUG EASTWOOD

Retired Coeur d’Alene Parks Director