Kiwanis putting on big show for Taste of Coeur d'Alene
Dave Fair with An Tostal Farm out of Post Falls seasons burgers for customers at City Park during Taste of Coeur d'Alene 2017. (LOREN BENOIT/Press File)
Various food vendors line a walkway in City Park during taste of Coeur d'Alene 2016. (LOREN BENOIT/Press File)
Johnnie Bibert, of Post Falls, downs a funnel cake at City Park, Friday, during Taste of Coeur d'Alene 2016. (LOREN BENOIT/Press File)
Phoenix Riggin prepares a strawberry kabob for a customer at the Berry-Ka-Bob booth at Taste of Coeur d'Alene 2016. (LOREN BENOIT/Press File)
It only takes a taste. But of what, exactly?
This weekend, Friday through Sunday, upward of 80,000 people will get a Taste of Coeur d’Alene. Located in Coeur d’Alene City Park, the public is invited to enjoy fresh food, homemade crafts, and of course, cold beer.
Taste of Coeur d’Alene is operated by the Panhandle Kiwanis, a group of “good people doing good things for our community,” according to Dave Eubanks.
The fundamental goal of the volunteer-based organization is to help the children of the community through ways of financial support, gift giving, and fundraising. As president of Panhandle Kiwanis, Eubanks said he’s “very honored” to be able to work with club members to bring the festival to life in downtown Coeur d’Alene.
The event is critical to the club’s operations, said Roger Stewart, committee member.
“The taste of Coeur d’Alene is the primary fundraiser for the Panhandle Kiwanis,” he said.
Stewart said last year’s Taste of Coeur d’Alene brought in about $42,000 for the local Kiwanians to give back to the community, with a goal of $50,000 this year.
According to Stewart, “All net proceeds go towards future projects” such as building playgrounds, collecting books for children leading up to the holidays (known as “Jingle Books”), and preparing meals for families in need during holidays.
With around 21 food vendors and almost 100 craft vendors coming from all over the Northwest, Taste of Coeur d’Alene is designed to offer something for everyone. But it’s the entertainment lined up for the weekend that has Kiwanis Club volunteers extremely excited.
Music will span various genres and local talent, including The Rub.
The Kiwanis team encourages visitors to “set up camp” at City Park and enjoy the beer garden, which will feature local breweries’ best offerings, while taking in the entertainment.
Kent Setty, chairman of Kiwanis volunteers, said Taste “adds a dimension to our regular summer tourist influx” and gives “them a reason to stay.”
Kiwanis leaders would like to take the time to recognize many of their sponsors who, through their generous support and donations, made this whole event possible. Their sponsors include Northwest Specialty Hospital; Aspen Homes; Potlatch 1 Federal Credit Union (P1FCU), Pilgrim’s Market; Lyte Balance; Allegra Printing; Vertical Earth and many more.
TASTE HOURS
Friday: noon to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.