AMERICA250 AND BLACKFOOT125The Serve Blackfoot125 Challenge — one service for each year Blackfoot is old — is at its deadline and the good news is that, by my count, we made it to 127 services. There is a progressive candle display in the library/city hall foyer with a lit candle for each service happening during these two months. Drop by and see how bright the lights shine.

Thank you to all that have served Blackfoot during these two months — of course, the good vibes don’t have to stop. We have honored our past by serving each other — continuing our forefathers’ and mothers’ legacy. What a great way to begin the next 125 years!

Moving forward, this Saturday, the 4th of July, the America250 celebration will be a Community Breakfast & Patriotic Program, starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Patriot Field located at 217 W. Francis St. in Blackfoot. After delicious morning eats, the flag ceremony will begin, including some remarks by Judge Scott Hansen and music by Evie Clair and the Spjutes. After the tribute to our freedoms, the candy cannon will signal the end of the morning for kids of all ages. Thanks to the Rotary Club, LDS 1st and 13th wards for breakfast and the Blackfoot American Legion Post 23 for the program.

ANNOUNCEMENTSDue to federal cuts in the school’s summer lunch program, there was a hunger gap for local children. Never fear, Blackfoot volunteers have stepped up and there will be lunches during the week for the next two weeks, hosted by the St. Paul’s Episcopalian Church from 11:30 a.m. — 1 p.m. Thanks to many organizations and churches they are able to serve free lunches to kids and their parents in the church’s social hall located behind the church at 72 N. Shilling.

But there still is a gap from mid-July to August when the Jason Lee Memorial United Methodist Church will begin their summer lunch program. If there are more donations of time and resources, that gap could be filled so no one goes hungry. To help call Chris at 208-680-8534.

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGSWednesday, July 1

The Elks Lodge, located at 123 N. Ash in Blackfoot is open to the public for lunch from 11 a.m. — 1:30 p.m. today.

Music in the Park will feature the band Eclectics who will kick off an evening of music at 6:30 p.m. Bring a comfy seat and a neighbor or friend to enjoy tunes with — dancing is still an option!

Zumba with Susan is starting at 7 p.m. at the Blackfoot Rec Center, located at 1350 Parkway $31.

Thursday, July 2

Red/White Bounce Thursday is where your friend gets in for half price. Great way to split the fun at the Blackfoot Rec. Center. Hours are from 11 am. — 7p.m.

Paws for Patriotism is happening at the Shelley Farmer’s Market from 4:30-7:30 p.m. that is located behind Hard Times. Thanks to the Snake River Animal Shelter there will be free pet microchipping, giveaways, and a chance to donate to the shelter. They are in need of pet food, treats, toys, towels and blankets — as well as financial donations. Remember each donation earns you an entry in the Season-Long Shelley Farmers Market Grand Prize Giveaway. Sounds like a win-win evening.

Lori Hickman, candidate for Idaho Attorney General, is in town and will be speaking about why she is challenging the current attorney general. Karole Honas is hosting the evening that runs from 6-8 p.m. at 9 S. Thompson Lane in Blackfoot.

Friday, July 3, Fort Bridger Treaty Day

The St. Paul’s Episcopalian Church is open every Friday from 7 a.m. — 7 p.m. for anyone that wants a quiet santuary in an historic and beautiful church. They are located at 72 N. Shilling in Blackfoot.

The Elks Lodge, located at 123 N. Ash in Blackfoot is open to the public for lunch from 11 a.m. — 1:30 p.m. today.

Fort Bridger Treaty Day celebrations will start at 1 p.m. at the baseball field and will include Indian games and a hand drum contest. The fun is hosted by the Eagle Lodge-Gibson District and the Language & Culture Preservation Department. Bring a lawn chair, shade and sunscreen.

The Fort Bridger Treaty Day Indian Relay Races will be on Friday and Saturday, starting at 3 p.m. each day, though the grandstands are open at 1 p.m. The Chief Race, Lil Chief, Youth Straight, Youth Warrior, Youth Relay, Ladies Relay and Indian Rely races are on Friday. Saturday there will be the Teen Warrior, Teen Girls, Junior Relay, Warrior Race, Ladies Race and Ladies Relay Races. Entrance costs $10 per adult, $5 for students 12-17 years old, $2 for younger kids and free for elders over 62 years old.

Caping off Treaty Day will be fireworks at 9:45 p.m. With current drought conditions, the safest fireworks might be the ones professionals put on — and it’s a great way to celebrate together.

Saturday, the 4th of July, Independence DayRiverside Freedom Run & Community Celebration begins at 7 a.m. with registration at 6:30. There is a 5K & 1 mile run or walk for all ages and fitness levels. Breakfast and activities will begin at 8:30 at the Riverside Church parking lot, located at 7 N. 700 W. in Blackfoot. This free event includes a car show, water and yard games, a barrel train ride and, of course, a candy cannon. All are welcome.

The America250 Blackfoot Community Breakfast & Patriotic Program will be at Patriot Field from 8:30 — 11 a.m.

Wakeup Call is hosting 40 Dollar Flash Tattoos from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. for those 18 years and older. Is it time for a star tat or fireworks one? Wakeup Call is located at 790 W. Bridge St. in Blackfoot.

Aberdeen is celebrating the 4th at their Sportsman’s Park — complete with live music, food, vendors, and a cornhole tournament. The fun starts at 4 p.m. To register for the tournament call Fawn Bair at 208-221-5328.

Sunday, July 5

St. Bernard’s Catholic Church is having a parish potluck picnic and mass in the church park starting at 11:30 a.m. at 583 W. Sexton St. in Blackfoot. At 3 p.m. Los Nobles will be providing live music. As to what to bring? Last names A-F bring drinks, G-L salads, M-T meat dishes and U-Z desserts. All are welcome.

Tuesday, July 7

It’s Toddler Tuesday at the Blackfoot Rec Center where those 5 years old and younger get in for $4 from 11a.m.- 2 p.m.

Folk Style Wrestling is every Tuesday at 7pm at the Blackfoot Jiu Jitsu gym at

1010 W Bridge Street Suite F. in Blackfoot.

Until next week….

If you have events or announcements to be included — contact me at jannmmneish@gmail.com. Press deadline for the Bingham News Chronicle is Monday.