Idaho Falls- top 10 things to do (Pocatello, Rexburg: camping, live in, transport)

[Mtn. States Resident]

Maybe this is an experience Breer23 and others will be involved with next year. For now, this seems to be the week of science camps for kids.

Has anyone had a child attend? I believe they are coordinated throught the Museum of Idaho. I know they had to expand them greatly, given the interest of kids wanting to learn all about science.

I was interested to find the website about summer science camps and the one in Idaho Falls, as well as Boise, are listed for Idaho. For Idaho Falls, the link is: Idaho Falls, Idaho Day Camps & Summer Day Camps - Summer-DayCamps.com.

On Sat., 7/19, there is a free, brief science camp with a dentist. The Museum of Idaho has further details. The Museum of Idaho.

Please post if you know of kids or adults who have participated in the various science camps in Idaho Falls. I think the annual one day rocket camp should be happening fairly soon. Does anyone know?

Enjoy whatever you do.

[Mtn. States Resident]

Tonight is another EIRMC-sponsored concert on the Greenbelt. If you are shopping, traveling through or find yourself in Idaho Falls for any other reason, you may want to go listen to the music with the running river, as the natural accompanist.

If anyone goes, please post and let us know how the music is sound this year. Also, how big are the crowds and any tips of where to best enjoy the music and pleasant evening?

Thanks.

MSR

[Mtn. States Resident]

I wasn't certain if those traveling through the Idaho Falls area, or if new, let alone more established residents, were aware that the markets on Sat. Mornings in Idaho Falls are now on both sides of the river.

The on-going, growing and popular Farmer's Market, is on the EAST side of the river.

More recently, the Artisans Market, is held each Saturday from
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., near the Brownstone. This is on the west side of the river, and a close walk to several hotels.

The two Sat. Morning Markets are closely linked by a walk across the Broadway Bridge (over the Snake River).

If you go, have fun.

MSR

[Mtn. States Resident]

Someone recently asked me to if all of the Art/Theatre/Plays etc. - fine arts are scheduled through or sponsored by the Idaho Falls Arts Council. No, they are not.

There are several private art galleries, other locations for plays, musical performances, dance etc.

For example, The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho has its own link: The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho. You might want to look at the "Celebrate Life," exhibit that just opened here.

If you are looking for an event and can't find it on the Idaho Falls Arts Council website, I'd encourage you to utilize a general search engine and search for the activity or facility you would like to attend.

It appears some are confused of the role the Idaho Falls Arts Council. Hopefully, this will get you looking for those private dance recitals, plays, performances etc. you haven't been able to find at the I.F. Arts Council website.

Enjoy your next Fine Arts experience in Idaho Falls.

MSR

P.S. - Don't rule out sports though. Between the Chukars, the new Skating Board Park, the sports facilities on the westside of Idaho Falls etc., there are lots of events for those who don't enjoy the Fine Arts.

[WesternHeart]

Man . . . I still have 3+ months before I can move.

Fiddle.


Maybe I better change my attitude and say that in less than 4 months, I'll be able to move.

[Mtn. States Resident]

There are so many annual activities that are held the next 2-3 weeks, regardless of when you may read this, if you are planning a trip through southeastern Idaho, you may want to consider some of these events as part of your vacation any year.

I've mentioned the War Bonnet Roundup before, the oldest rodeo in Idaho (it started in 1911, I believe). This year, more country entertainers with billboard hits will be performing: War Bonnet Roundup.

The Snake River Roaring Youth Jam (free art material for kids), music, theatre, dancing and so many other "arts" one doesn't necessarily think of along the Idaho Falls Greenbelt, is 8/7-8/9 this year. The Battle of the Bands will be on 8/9 with over a dozen local bands playing. Other annual events also happen at that time. The link to learn more about the Snake River Roaring Youth Jam is: Idaho Falls Arts Council.

Don't forget the the numerous private and civic performances, art gallery displays, art on the sidewalks display along with our film fest, SpudFest. All of these activities and more are annual events. If you are traveling through or visiting the area, you may want to learn more about these annual community favorites to incorporate some or many of the events in your plans.

If you are new to the area and have kids, you might want to start now learning how your kids can participate in these plus so many other fun activities next year. After all, who knows where the next great band will start their percormances?

It is hard to believe it is time for Spudfest again. This year 17 Independent Films, along with other television features and activities are included. The screenings and events will be held in Driggs and Idaho Falls from 7/29/08 - 8/2/08.

For more information about this annual Idaho screening of Independent Films etc., check out the website: Spudfest. Dawn Wells certainly has added a unique opportunity that local residents and visitors did not have too many years back.

I believe that website will also has information about the facilities Dawn Wells has built in Driggs for teaching acting, filming etc.

If you like Independent Films, original screenings, or have someone in your life that is interested in the Film Industry, it is well worth your time to attend Spud Fest!

It's a busy time with parents getting kids ready to go back to school, in some areas, and also planning which of these events to attend. There is so much to do, sometimes it can be hard to chose where to spend your time, given the days left before summer vacation is over.

If anyone reading this has participated in any of these annual events, or more than one, please post information here so others may learn from your experiences. Would you recommend certain age groups for some events and not others? What time did you have to arrive to find adequate parking? Did you take your own picnic lunch, or buy food from vendors at the event etc.

Whatever you do, make it a fun experience for you and those who attend with you. If you enjoy yourself, mark the event down for next year so you can plan ahead where you want to spend your time.

MSR

[breer23]

Hey MSR,

Sorry that I wasn't able to respond to this posting sooner...

Originally Posted by Mtn. States Resident

Breer23 - that sounds great! I'm happy for you and your wife this phase of your next level of training has almost begun.

If you like Pro Baseball, the Chukars are having quite the interesting season. Cleosmom and others know more than I. I know they cleared the dug out one night against Ogden - and that isn't good for either team! Actually, aren't the Chukars the farm team for a midwestern baseball team? Can tell I'm right up there on my baseball.

My wife & I are both huge baseball fans (me for the Cubs, my wife for the DBacks & Cubs). SO we will certainly enjoy some minor league baseball, which can so often be more fun than the hassle (and cost) or a major league game.

FYI, MSR...the Chukars (last I read) were an affiliate of the KC Royals.

Hope your trip is safe and smooth and you found the right place for you to live. If not, you can take your time and find a better fit once you get your Idaho license plates.

Thanks. We haven't found the right fit, IMO, but the right fit for right now. A little more than we wanted to pay at first, but we'll get used to it - and we have a lot more space now.

And contrary to what so many write about changing license plates etc., it is no big deal in Idaho Falls. Probably, due to the amount of tourists going to Yellowstone and Jackson Hole from everywhere.

Well, it can't be worse than in St. Louis (and certainly nowhere near as bad as in Chicago).

Meanwhile, we'll have to talk about those activities you'll miss, as you may want to be involved next year, especially with what is happening this week.[/quote]

Will do...we will probably be living the poor life for the first couple of months, trying to save to see the in-laws at Christmas time, but we should be ready for playoff baseball!

Be there in 2+ weeks!! (cheering, followed by hyper-ventilating, and a nip of whiskey).

[Mtn. States Resident]

This link was recently added for those who want to follow the ups and downs of the Chukars. www.chukarscorner.com.

Breer23,

This is just in time for your relocation so you and your wife can learn more about the Chukars. Yes, I thought they were a Farm Team for St. Louis, but not having attended a game in quite a while, I wasn't positive.

I hope this link is available all year round.

For baseball lovers - enjoy!

MSR

[Mtn. States Resident]

Such a busy, busy time. Anyone visiting Idaho Falls, or those who recently relocated who can't find something to do, aren't looking for information in the right places.

Besides the War Bonnet Roundup, and local productions by teens who have spent their summer preparing for the shows, the athletic activities etc., the highlight this week that has really captured my attention more than in previous years is Spud Fest.

Spud Fest, eastern Idaho's independent film festival started with Dawn Wells (Mary Ann from Gilligan's Island) only about 4-5 years ago. This year, it seems to have been renamed to, "The Spud Fest Family Film and Fun Festival." It is a benefit event to raise money for the nonprofit Idaho Film and Television Institute. Dawn Wells started the facility in Driggs several years ago.

Besides teaching acting classes, having the only floor wired for commercial productions (Hollywood specifications), the institue exists, as I understand it to promote independet films. Also, it focuses on young actors or those who may work in the film industry.

The festival this year includes an Elvis theme. Some of the more famous and loved movies about Elvis Pressley are playing.

More interesting to me, is the quality of the 30 independent films and documentaries this year.

"FlyBoys," a film which will later be released later this year to theaters in eastern Idaho, was written by an Idaho native. The reviews have been positive from those who have attended. You may want to see if it is available in your area during the fall. Its website is:
www.thefly (broken link) boysmovie.com.

If anyone attended screenings and films this year, please post about them. It appears this film festival is drawing crowds not only from the U.S., but some European countries as well.

If you attend the films today or tomorrow, have fun.

MSR

[Mtn. States Resident]

Wow - so many things to do in one week at no cost. Did anyone attend the gathering on the Greenbelt yesterday? The Great Snake River Rubber Duck Race contest, always yields a lot of interest partially because of the prizes. Others like the displays of water sports. Some like the cause and just a great reason to be on the Greenbelt again with new and old friends.

Paired with the growing and popular annual Snake River Roaring Youth Jam, the 18th annual Rubber Duck Race made the Greenbelt as busy as ever on Sat.. The estimated $50,000.00 from the event will help local residents and visitors have more Greenbelt developed and amenities on it, to enjoy next year.

This is a good link to learn more how the Rotary Club improves and expands the Greenbelt every year from the Rubber Duck Race: NBC Newschannel 6 Where News Comes First - 18th Annual Duck Race Raises Money to Benefit Community.


Also, here is the link to the Idaho Falls Rotary Club, if you want to learn more: Rotary Club of Idaho Falls, Idaho. If you click on the Duck Race, you can see pics of how a helicopter has to release the thousands of rubber ducks sponsored in the race. Collecting them down river can take days.

If you have never participated in or seen this event, it is one worth considering for Aug. in Idaho Falls for next year. It is unique, a lot of fun, and draws residents from surrounding communities and states.

There is no fee to attend and see the exhibits, duck race and register for certain prizes. Those who wish to sponsor a rubber duck do so often months in advance. More information is available via the Rotary Organization and other media about being a sponsor.

If anyone attended, please post your observations and what you enjoyed.

MSR