Spokane Will Remember Events To Remind City On Second Anniversary Of Kidnapping

Friends of Don Hutchings will mark the second anniversary of his kidnapping with events designed to remind Spokane he’s still held hostage.

They will set a medallion on the Centennial Trail today and drape the Riverfront Park Clocktower with yellow ribbons Friday.

Medical facilities and the Rocket Bakery will give away pins made with yellow ribbons.

REI and Mountain Gear stores will sell commemorative shirts for Hutchings, who taught climbing for the Spokane Mountaineers Club. Proceeds from the $15 shirts will help cover expenses for the group’s events.

Two members of the club will climb Mount Rainier on July 4, the date he was kidnapped, as a tribute to the Spokane psychologist.

Several climbers had hoped to rappel down the Clocktower that same day, but plans were canceled when city officials refused to grant permission, said Maria Ranniger, a spokeswoman.

There will be a moment of silence during the concert in the park and a tribute during the fireworks display. A yellow hot-air balloon will also fly over the park during the music festival.

“We’re making sure it’s all very upbeat,” Ranniger said.

Churches and cathedrals around Spokane have agreed to ring their bells for five minutes, starting at noon, today and next Sunday, Ranniger said.

Here’s a schedule of events:

Today: Noon. Five-minute salute by church bells. 2 p.m. Fun run and walk of 1.6 miles along the Centennial Trail from the floating stage to a new trail medallion placed in Hutchings’ honor.

Monday: 3 p.m. Repainting of the Monroe Street graffiti wall with Hutchings’ name, the date of his kidnapping and a yellow ribbon.

Friday: 9 a.m. Unfurling of yellow ribbons from the Clocktower. During fireworks, moment of silence, tribute to Hutchings.

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