AMERICA250 AND BLACKFOOT125This year America250 is joining the Community Dinner Table’s annual picnic dinner in the park — even Spudjamin Franklin will be there flying his kite and dispensing words of wisdom. The fun begins at 5 p.m. this coming Tuesday, July 14 at the Courthouse Park. Bring your own chair and let’s celebrate our great community and country together.

ANNOUNCEMENTSThe City of Blackfoot is looking for a wood artist to create a unique piece of art. They have a large tree stump and want to use it to enrich the community through art. The “stump” is 12 feet tall and about 72 inches in circumference. There isn’t funding to pay for the art — but it would showcase your talents. For details call the city at 208-785-8600 ext. 1814. A picture of the knobby stump is on the city’s Facebook page.

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGSWednesday, July 8

The Village is calling for volunteers on Wednesdays to help them maintain the new center — sort, organize, restocks, light cleaning or whatever else. Here is a chance to support all the foster homes in Southeast Idaho. The service window is from 10 a.m. — 3 p.m. and the center is at 250 W. Judicial St. 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.

Music in the Park will feature Carter Jct. 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!

Like trivia? Tumbleweed Saloon is hosting the “largest live host trivia in the U.S.” at 7 p.m. They are located at 40 W. Pacific in Blackfoot.

Thursday, July 9

The grand opening of the Fort Hall Fire Station is at 1 p.m. at 70 Widowville Road. They will be continuing two traditions at the opening — the Fire Hose Disconnect and the Push-in Truck Ceremonies.

Zumba is happening at the Bingham County Senior Center at 2:15 p.m. (also on Tuesdays). The class is $4 and the center is located at 20 East Pacific St. Janet Alvarez is guiding the session with movements designed for all levels of ability. If a Saturday works better for your schedule, she is at the Blackfoot Rec Center at 8:30 a.m.

Shelley Farmers Market is from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at 184 N. Park Ave. — behind Hard Times. Besides great local products, there is a hidden Shelley Spud to find and a Weekly Market Mission challenge to complete. Plus check out the Season-Long Adventure Giveaway, a growing raffle grand prize. It started with a 65-quart cooler and each week a new outdoor item is added! That drawing will be on Thursday, Sep 17 — so there is still time to get tickets.

The Prince of Egypt, the musical, begins tonight at the Blackfoot Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Performances will also be on Friday, Saturday this week and Thursday-Monday of next week, except on Sunday. Seats cost $12.

Shelley summer movies in the park start this week at the city park. At dusk they will be showing Goat. Remember your chairs or blankets — and popcorn, naturally. Next movie will be in two weeks.

Friday, July 10

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.

Saber Ridge Farms is hosting a Food Truck Cookoff to discover the Best Truck of East Idaho. The contest begins at 4 p.m. at 184 S 900 W in Blackfoot. The challenge will be to use food items from the Farms to create a culinary masterpiece. They suggest you come hungry and be ready to be impressed.

Saturday, July 11

Blackfoot Farmers’ Market is from 9 a.m. — 1 p.m. at Jensen Grove Park. Want farm fresh eggs? Local honey? Flowers, seedlings? Check out the craftsmen work- leather, metal, wood and the kitchen crafters — baked goods, jams/jellies, pickles.

The Village is having their 2nd annual Building Hope Festival — Hope Grows Here! — from noon to 4 p.m. at their new location at 250 W. Judicial St. This parking lot party will have food trucks, auctions, games and DJ music. Everyone is invited. All funds raised help The Village support foster children.

Also happening in the downtown area is the Broadway Summer Market from 12-5 p.m. This street market will have a dozen or more vendors with food, unique products and information. Want some Cottage Food or learn about the Idahoan Independent, Todd Achiles, that is running for Congress? Hmm, just what is Dad and Daughters Lemon Lab. That sounds refreshing! The event is sponsored by the Greater Blackfoot Chamber of Commerce.

Monday, July 13

Snake River Community Library is having a movie morning at the Blackfoot Movie Mill starting at 8:30 a.m. They will be celebrating America on the big screen with a special showing of Young Washington. The movie is free, but seats are limited. To claim a spot, call the library at 208-684-3063. Everyone is welcome.

Looking for a Vacation Bible School? The Calvary Chapel in Blackfoot is hosting a week of singing, games, lessons and snacks — for Free! Open to K-5th graders and “anyone who wants to learn about Jesus.” Sign in at the door and the fun will begin. They are located at 689 S. Fisher Ave. Questions? 208-785-0809.

Tuesday, July 14

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

1010 W Bridge Street Suite F. in Blackfoot.

The Wood Korner in downtown Blackfoot is only going to be open on Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. — 5 p.m., for the month of July. They are located at 298 N. Broadway. They will still book private group events and take custom orders. 208-690-0688.

Looking forwardThere is a business tour of the Idaho Potato Museum on Wednesday, July 15 from 1-2 p.m. Registration is required; contact the Greater Blackfoot Chamber of Commerce at 208-785-0510.

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.