Coeur d'Alene's tripleheader weekend

COEUR d’ALENE — So what if it was 100 degrees as Steve Loisel checked out the Street Fair in downtown Coeur d’Alene on Friday?

For the man from Sun City, Ariz., it was a walk in the park. 

“Just give me some shade and I’m good,” Loisel said.

A few blocks away, Erik Etter of Post Falls was busy turning out cool treats from his Kona Ice truck.  

People were happy to hand over $6 for something cold. Very cold. 

“It hits the spot,” said Ginny Tary of Post Falls.  

Etter said the high temps were “absolutely” good for business and he quickly went through a gallon of pina colada flavoring.

“I’ve got more on the way,” he said. 

Despite the heat, with 90s in the forecast today and Sunday, thousands will stop in for one of the biggest weekends in Coeur d’Alene, as the Street Fair, Taste of Coeur d’Alene, and Art on the Green kicked off on a triple-digit day. 

A feast of food and drink was available from Sherman Avenue, through City Park and on to the grounds at North Idaho College. 

Art, crafts, jewelry, carvings, dresses and sunglasses were just a few of the offerings from hundreds of vendors, as were specialty items like handmade designs and metal work, paintings, pottery and colorful blown glass creations. 

Music filled the air at NIC as the Scottish Fiddlers performed to a big crowd, while a rock band blasted away from the bandshell at City Park 

A cooling station on Sherman Avenue was popular as folks sought relief from the heat, as were shady spots beneath the trees at City Park. 

“This is probably our favorite show,” said LR Montgomery, a Spokane artist who creates original oil landscape paintings of places in the Northwest. 

Joined by wife Carole, Montgomery happily chatted with the steady flow of visitors who stopped by. He said he’s been part of Art on the Green for about 30 years. He was delighted with the location, the weather and the atmosphere. 

“Some of our best clients have come out of there,” Montgomery said. 

Count Josh and Amanda Kracht of Spokane as fans. They come to Art on the Green each year specifically to check out Montgomery’s latest art.

“We look forward to seeing him every year,” Amanda Kracht said. 

As usual, for the 28th year, Scott Dodson and family were creating a 14th century medieval masterpiece sandcastle at Art on the Green. 

It was 14 feet tall and made of 26 tons of sand, water and glue. The Dodsons started Wednesday and expect to finish Sunday. 

People stopped by to watch, take pictures and compliment the artist. 

“It’s always great to be here,” Dodson said. 

Lucy and Jim Squire of Bayview made the 50-minute drive to take in Taste of Coeur d’Alene and Art on the Green.  

“We love coming here,” Jim Squire said. 

They didn’t let the hot weather keep them home. 

“You can’t change the heat. You just have to go with the flow,” Lucy Squire said. 

They were headed to find a cool place and eat. 

“We’re getting hungry,” Jim Squire said. 

Leia Fox, owner of Leia Fox Designs, attracted attention with her custom jewelry and custom-shaped hats. It’s her third year at the Street Fair. 

“I usually sell a lot of hats here,” she said. 

As for the sweltering conditions, Fox brushed them off.

“You’re here and you just do your best,” she said. 

The Southwest Kiwanis Club of Spokane was selling Dippin’ Dots ice cream at Taste of Coeur d’Alene. Member Dennis Woodfill said it wasn’t as busy as they expected but was confident it would be a good weekend. 

He said they come here not only to raise funds for their club, but to do some Christmas shopping. 

“We've got a bunch of people to buy for and there’s way different stuff here than at a store,” Woodfill said. 

All three events continue this weekend. 

    Hats offered by Leia Fox, owner of Leia Fox Designs, are displayed at the Street Fair in Coeur d'Alene as crowds wander nearby on Friday.
  

    Scott Dodson works on a sandcastle at Art on the Green on Friday.
  

    A mirror for sale at the Street Fair reflects people passing by on Friday.
  

    Jaime Rome sits with her art at the Taste of Coeur d'Alene in City Park on Friday.
  

    LR Montgomery chats with a visitor to his art booth at Art on the Green on Friday.
  

    William Kracht takes a nap at Art on the Green on Friday.
  

    The Scottish Fiddlers perform at Art on the Green on Friday.
  

    Crowds head to Taste of Coeur d'Alene at City Park on Friday.