Good morning, Coeur d'Alene.

The Veterans Clubs is a new organization formed in North Idaho that gives veterans and first responders a welcoming space to connect and share experiences—its meetings occur at 8 a.m. Thursdays at the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn and 10 a.m. Tuesdays at The Bunker Bar in Post Falls, and it already has more than 250 members and partners with veteran groups.

The North Idaho State Fair will begin Friday at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds with a 10-day celebration of food, drink, music, rodeos, and carnival rides—fair manager Alexcia Jordan expects to beat last year's record of more than 170,000 attendees.

College Division winner Aurora Bacowsky from Priest River won the recent PIA Poster Contest with her design 'Print Persuades Minds and Moves the Masses' which earned her an all-expense-paid trip to Disneyland and $500—marking the third consecutive win for NIC design students.

The program continues to gain regional recognition by using state-funded, state-of-the-art equipment to build strong creative skills.

The Idaho Transportation Department released a statement Wednesday afternoon that it was assessing the impact of the operator strike in Eastern Washington on projects in North Idaho such as the Highway 53 and Pleasant View interchange, the I-90 expansion, and work on the I-90 River bridges. The agency said project teams were in close contact with contractors to evaluate schedules and explore mitigation options — the exact delays remain undetermined.

Ales for the Trail 2025

3-8 p.m. — City Park — $35-$60 — Enjoy craft beers, food, and live music while supporting the North Idaho Centennial Trail.

Josh Turner Concert

6:15-9:00 p.m. — Kootenai County Fairgrounds — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy the soulful melodies of country star Josh Turner as he performs live on his tour.

NIC Color Fun Run

1–4 p.m. — North Idaho College — Free for students and youth, $20 for others — Enjoy a vibrant, untimed run with live music and food trucks.

Gem State Stampede Rodeo

1-10 a.m. — Kootenai County Fairgrounds — Check website for pricing — Experience thrilling rodeo action and unforgettable entertainment at this local favorite.

Jen McKenna Paddle and Run 5.0

8 AM – 12 PM — Higgens Point — Entry fee applies — Experience an active day of paddling and running in the scenic Coeur d'Alene area.

2025 Boats, Bikes, Burgers & Brews

12-6 p.m. — Hagadone Marine Group — Free entry — Celebrate the end of boating season with unbeatable deals on boats, accessories, and local brews.