Kids Can Usher Out Summer With A Bang

Mon., Aug. 18, 1997

Lynn Gibson Correspondent

Summertime is full of sweet anticipation: like waiting expectantly for the familiar tune of the ice cream cart, the clank of kick-the-can, the end of the heat wave - and the beginning of KidsWeek - an entire week of kid-heaven before the sun sets on another summer.

Sensational and celebratory, KidsWeek has been an Inland Northwest tradition for 14 years. It continues through Saturday with more than 100 events in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene offered free or at a reduced cost.

Presented by the City of Spokane’s Chase Youth Commission, the goal of KidsWeek is to honor our young people, says Valerie Kjack, chairwoman. Kjack represents countless volunteers who have organized the event, as well as area businesses and agencies which are funding and/or hosting events. The list of sponsors is both impressive and heartwarming. This community loves its kids.

Each day is filled with plenty of fun for all ages.

Here are KidsWeek highlights:

Today: A free pool party is from 2 to 4 p.m. at Comstock Park (corner of 29th and Howard). Kids 12 and under will enjoy team water activities, including a giant inflatable yellow submarine.

Tuesday: A free Multi-Sport Clinic is offered for children 12 and under. From 10 a.m. to noon, kids will learn fundamental skills of baseball, soccer and football. To participate, meet at the check-in booth at Chester Elementary, 3525 S. Pines Road, and wear athletic shoes. The same clinic will be repeated from 2 to 4 p.m. at West Central Community Center, 1603 N. Belt.

Wednesday: Young people, 18 and under, can enjoy a free visit to the Cheney Cowles Museum and Campbell House, 2316 W. First, to view the exhibit “Remembering Nat Park.” Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $2.

Thursday: Box-N-Hat Players will entertain audiences of all ages at various city and county libraries. These talented Spokane-area teens charm audiences with a musical revue. The free performances are at 1 p.m. at the Valley library; 3 p.m. at the Otis Orchard library; and 7 p.m. at the Shadle Park branch.

Friday: Tour the evening sky at “Indoor Nights” sponsored by Eastern Washington Planetarium. Learn the major constellations and take a pictorial journey through the solar system. The event in EWU’s Science Complex, 526 Fifth in Cheney, is free. For more information, call 359-7460.

Saturday: Northwest River Ecology presents “A Day to Make Our River Shine.” From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., kids and families are invited to a clean-up party of the Spokane River. Check-in is at Mission Park (across from Washington Water Power). Participants will enjoy entertainment, prizes, barbecue lunch and a commemorative T-shirt. The event is free, but registration is requested. Call 466-7166.

For more information, contact the Youth Department at City Hall, or call the KidsWeek hotline, 625-6909.

, DataTimes MEMO: The Family Track is a weekly column of notes and information for families. Send items to Lynn Gibson, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615, or fax (509) 459-5098.

The Family Track is a weekly column of notes and information for families. Send items to Lynn Gibson, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615, or fax (509) 459-5098.