CdA festivals create feast for the senses

Under the tall pines of North Idaho College, an explosion of art is about to happen.

Nearly 200 artists – many from around here and some from as far away as Illinois, North Carolina and Georgia – will set up booths for the 47th annual Art on the Green show and sale on the NIC campus. It’s all part of a traditionally big weekend in the Lake City, with Taste of Coeur d’Alene happening in nearby City Park and the annual downtown Street Fair taking over Sherman Avenue as far east as Seventh Street.

At NIC, if it seems like there are more booths than in past years, you’d be correct.

“Last year was our largest year, our most vendors, and this year is more than last year,” said Jolie Bazler, Art on the Green’s publicity and volunteer coordinator. “We had more people apply to the festival than we’ve ever had before.”

And not all who apply get in, Bazler said. It’s a juried show, meaning all of the vendors have been approved by festival organizers.

Although the three events coincide every year, they’re put on by different organizations. Art on the Green, with its emphasis on fine art, is presented by the Citizens’ Council for the Arts. Taste of Coeur d’Alene, with more than 100 food and craft vendors, is put on by the Panhandle Kiwanis Club. The Street Fair, with more than 250 food, craft and merchant booths, is organized by the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association. Expect entertainment in all three venues.