Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Kids/Teen Week Despite The Name, Kidsweek Offers Plenty For Area Teens To Enjoy

Carisa White Lakeside

Just in time to save you from the summer doldrums, the 1996 KidsWeek celebration starts Saturday. And, like all things in life, there are changes to the nine-day youth fest.

Yes, you’ll still find the day-long KidsDay in Riverfront Park. The Saturday event kicks off the week’s fun. Many things will be familiar, like arts and crafts, karaoke and poster making. But the Chase Youth Commission came up with a few new things aimed at attracting teens. Like, human bowling.

Human bowling?

“It’s when you put a person in a round, cage-like ball, push them down the grass corridor, and they knock over soft pins,” explained Alison Burns of the city’s youth department. “This was overwhelmingly the first choice of teens when we asked what new activities they’d like for KidsWeek.”

So, yeah, human bowling all day at the park on Saturday. Be there.

As for the rest of the week, Wild Walls at 202 W. Second, is offering a simulated rock climb on Aug. 14 for $5; Wild Waters is hosting “Night Waters” for teens (ages 13-18) at the Coeur d’Alene water slide park on Aug. 16 for $5. Going with the flow, both Laser Quest and Wonderland mini-golf extended their half-price admissions for every weekday.

Only two events were dropped this year. The scavenger hunt wasn’t getting the participation it needed to continue, so that’s out. And - thanks to that 23-year-old who jumped off one of the Coeur d’Alene cruise boats earlier this year - there will be no teen cruises this KidsWeek.

Saving the best for last - as has become KidsWeek tradition - the Battle of the Bands returns better than ever on Aug. 17. Because of the overwhelming response and quality auditions, the competition has been expanded an hour, allowing 12 bands to compete.

In addition, many of the bands will preview the competition during noon and 3 p.m. concerts at the STA Plaza, Monday through Friday.

Tapes were received from all over the Inland Northwest, but the farthest competitor is a group from Missoula, Mont.

Several bands are back from last year. Previously known as What the Heck, Hinge is back to capture a spot in the Top 3 that it missed last year. The group known as Pitch last year is returning as Sara and the Catholic Girl. They’re shooting for Number 1.

Disgruntled Joe Box won the competition last year. R.L. Hayer, the only band-member who is still under 19, put together a new band called Something so he could compete again this year for the title.

The panel of judges has expanded from teens and adults to include music professionals. High Lonesome member Chris White, along with a booking agent, are among the professionals brought to the panel. The hope is to give bands more exposure and professional criticism.

But don’t forget, teens are the ones who give out the People’s Choice Award. So be there.

For a complete list of activities, go to the youth office in City Hall or any library for a schedule.

“I’d tell any teens who weren’t sure about KidsWeek to find a schedule and check it out,” said Shayna Silverstein, a youth volunteer. “It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

xxxx

This sidebar appeared with the story: TRY OUT SOME OF THESE SPECIAL EVENTS KidsWeek is for all youth throughout the Inland Northwest, but since Our Generation is a teen page, we’re highlighting some of the events that will interest teens. For a complete guide, go to Spokane’s youth department in City Hall or any public library. KidsDay, Aug. 10: Diversity Dance Workshop, Bouncy Boxing, Human Bowling, entertainment at the Clock Tower (all in Riverfront Park), free STA bus rides to kids 17 and under. Aug. 12-16: STA Plaza entertainment by Battle of the Bands competitors, noon and 3 p.m., Laser Quest, $3 admission, Wonderland mini-golf, $2. Aug. 12: Bowling at Lilac Lanes. Aug. 13: Learn to golf from the pros, Intro to Theater at Civic Theatre, Surfing the Internet at the Hillyard library. Aug. 14: Cheney Cowles Museum and Campbell House tours, tandem bike rides in the park. Aug. 15: Target shooting at Spokane Rifle Club. Aug. 16: Bowling at Lilac Lanes and the Sports Page, sports exhibition at East and West Central Community Centers, Night Waters at Wild Waters, $5. Aug. 17: Battle of the Bands at Riverfront Park (4-8 p.m.), Dress for Less fashion show at 2 p.m. in Riverfront Park, Fun River Clean-up w/ Northwest River Ecology. - Carisa White, Lakeside