Annual summer events called off in North Idaho: Theater season postpones, powwow cancels, and art show goes online
The Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre has postponed its 2020 season until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“We have the safety and health of our audience members utmost on our minds,” executive director Tracey Vaughn wrote in a letter that was also signed by artistic director Stu Cabe, the CdA Summer Theatre board of directors and the CDA Summer Theatre staff.
“We are concerned for the health of our patrons, actors, musicians, crew members, staff and volunteers. In this uncertain time, it is better to take all of the precautions necessary for safety measures.”
The 2021 season will feature performances of “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” “The Full Monty” and “All Shook Up.” All performances will be at North Idaho College’s Schuler Performing Arts Center.
The 2020 season and individual show tickets will carry over to 2021. If you have purchased tickets, expect to hear from the box office with new dates for your tickets. Box office staff will transfer the tickets for patrons.
Those unable to use their tickets in 2021 can choose to make a tax-deductible donation of their ticket, transfer their ticket to a friend or family member or receive a ticket voucher to a 2020 nonseason event or show.
In the meantime, the Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre is presenting a variety of productions, including the virtual concert “Just Around the Corner” on May 30; “Working” at the Kroc Center from Sept. 18-26; “The Marvelous Wonderettes” on the Mish-an-Nock cruise boat on Lake Coeur d’Alene on Oct. 2 and 3; and “Big Man of CDA” at Coeur d’Alene Casino on Nov. 14.
Tickets can be purchased at cdasummertheatre.com or through the box office, which is open 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday at (208) 660-2958 or 4951 N. Building Center Drive, Suite 105, in Coeur d’Alene.
Julyamsh canceled
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Coeur d’Alene Casino has announced the cancellation of the 2020 Julyamsh Powwow scheduled for July 24-26. The powwow will return in 2021.
Laura Stensgar, CEO of Coeur d’Alene Casino, said in a news release that many factors contributed to the decision to cancel, especially the safety and health of everyone involved. “There are still so many unanswered questions, and with things changing daily, we felt it was in everyone’s best interest to not ask that many people to travel.”
Julyamsh brings drummers and dancers from across the U.S. and Canada to the Inland Northwest. The year’s event was to be the first hosted on property near Coeur d’Alene Casino.
“We are incredibly excited to bring the event home next year and will ensure that it will be an event to remember,” Quanah Matheson, cultural affairs director at Coeur d’Alene Casino, said in a news release. “After hosting the event at other locations for more than two decades, it means a lot to the Coeur d’Alene Tribe to host it on our land.”
Art on the Green online
Because of the pandemic, the Citizens’ Council for the Arts has canceled the 52nd Annual Art on the Green from July 31-Aug. 2 at North Idaho College and moved the festival online.
“Citizens’ Council for the Arts, organizer of Art on the Green, recognizes the challenges and risks in holding a live festival during the current pandemic affecting our country,” the council wrote in a statement. “Our decision was very difficult but has been made so we can protect our community, our many volunteers and to be in compliance with both CDC and State of Idaho guidelines.”
The virtual marketplace will showcase booth artists. Patrons can view images of their work and visit the artists’ websites so they can purchase directly from the artist. Art on the Green shirts, posters, bags and pins, all displaying the winning design by Sage Pedersen, also will be available for purchase at artonthegreencda.com.
“We will miss sharing time with all of our patrons and volunteers, listening to great entertainment, enjoying the great food and drink, but mostly we will miss this wonderful community event,” the council wrote.
As of now, the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association’s Downtown Street Fair and the Panhandle Kiwanis’ Taste of Coeur d’Alene, which also are planned for July 31-Aug. 2, are still scheduled to take place.