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

Tired of Zag-mania? Can’t handle another squeaky sneaker or dribbling ball? There are lots of other things going on in Spokane today whether you are into yoga, gun shows, skiing or Pokemon

By now it’s probably too late to leave town, even if you really don’t like basketball. If you can’t handle another day of Zag-mania or one more squeak of a sneaker on the hardwood floor, what are you going to do?

It may be surprising to some, but there are lots of things to do in and around Spokane that have absolutely nothing to do with basketball.

You will have to get in your car for this one, but the Coeur d’Alene Blues Festival at the Coeur d’Alene Resort began Friday evening. This is the eighth annual festival featuring the award winning Stacy Jones Band, known for “Can’t Do Nothing Right” from the album “Whiskey, Wine & Water.” Robin Barrett and the Coyote Kings are also playing, as is the Ty Curtis Band. Hurry – there may still be tickets for a blues cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene tonight.

This afternoon is probably also a good time for no-crowd shopping, so round up that list and head to Costco – or go see that movie that just opened: there will be plenty of seats.

If you prefer quiet and serenity over everyone screaming “Gon-Za-Ga!” perhaps the free yoga class at the Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave., is your cup of tea. The class runs from 3 to 4 p.m. and all you have to do is wear comfortable clothes and show up – bring a mat if you have one.

Speaking of, at the Shadle Library, 2111 W. Wellesley Ave., there’s a free, basic photography class from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Bring your camera or cellphone and learn what turns an OK picture into a great picture.

For those into shooting something else, the Wes Knodel Gun Show is at the Spokane Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St., Saturday and Sunday. It’s $8 to get in, and there’s also a flea market.

There’s still time to catch the popular “Titans of the Ice Age: Mammoths and Mastodons” exhibit at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The traveling exhibit of saber-tooth tigers and woolly, prehistoric elephants originated at the Field Museum in Chicago and it’s only here through May 7.

Uncle’s Games, 404 W. Main Ave., is hosting a Pokemon Trading Card League Cup from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. It’s $10 and there are lots of prizes and swag. Players will play between three and six rounds, before those advancing to the top are selected. You must be there no later than 11 a.m. to sign up.

It looks like the weather is going to be pretty nice, as in mid-50s and partly sunny, so Saturday afternoon would be a great time to take a walk in a budding park or go down to see the raging Spokane River Falls.

If you have a yard, it’s getting to be that time of the year when perennials poke through the dirt. Head outside and do some spring cleanup and dream of warmer weather. If you need garden ideas, The Plant Farm, 14208 E. Sprague Ave., opens Saturday with free tours at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park is still open, and so is 49 Degrees North, Schweitzer Mountain and many other nearby ski areas. Some offer customer appreciation deals on rentals and lift tickets because the ski season is ending soon. If you never got to go skiing this winter, here’s your chance for less crowded hills and perhaps even sunshine.

If you make it to Saturday evening but then suddenly feel desperate for a sports fix, there’s hope: The Spokane Empire are playing Nebraska Danger at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena at 7 p.m. – there are still tickets available.