Billowing evergreens silhouetted against the soft glow from layers of freshly acquired snow crystals is a panorama often anticipated by skiers when embarking upon their adventure. However, each year in Bellevue, Idaho, such opulent scenery is traded for the hind view of a four-legged stead. The sport is dubbed “ski-joring” and incorporates two teammates: one mounted horseback with the other perched upon skis.

What began as a mode of transportation during harsh winters in Scandinavia has transformed into rapidly growing and competitive pastime throughout United States. A single rope, connected by the rider’s saddle and skier’s grasp, melds the teammates together as they navigate a series of jumps and gates while simultaneously collecting rings which are suspended course-side. Thundering power transferred from the stead’s determined, muscular legs ripples through the snowpack as teams take turns dashing across the track. While the rider is responsible for safely procuring one of the dangling rings during this journey, the burden of seizing the remaining (5-9) spheres falls upon the agility of the skier.

“People thinks it’s a horse race… it’s not,” explains Bellevue’s ski-joring event coordinator, Tyler Peterson. “The skier has to adapt to the pace and speed of the horse while not catching an edge. That’s just as big of a factor.”

Though Peterson admits he has witnessed one (or two) entertaining wrecks in his 15 years of involvement with ski-joring, he notes that most races are completed successfully. Points are deducted for each missed jump and ring with the victor of each age and skill bracket awarded points towards national ski-joring standings and a money added purse for upper divisions.

This year’s event in Bellevue will be held the weekend of March 3-4. Cowboys, skiers, adventure seekers and curious citizens of all ages are encouraged to participate in the action or enjoy the thrills from the sidelines.

“It’s a really fun event by itself, but we also like to give back,” Peterson states. Proceeds from the $5 admission price for the 2012 event will be donated to the Sagebrush Equine Training Center for the Handicap (SETCH). Any interested in participating or simply intrigued by the sport of ski-joring may contact Peterson at dallyup7@aol.com or by visiting http://www.woodriveresja.com.

Every Tuesday night, a musical muse tugs members of the Snake River Flats, a group of singers who have been entertaining audiences for more than four decades, to Harmony Hall in Rupert.

From Left to right, Miles Hoopes, Russel Dockter, Don Dean McCrae, Rod Draper.

“Music is so inspiring like nothing else,” says Jim Rodgers, a retired farmer who has been singing 22 years with the Flats, the non-profit Burley-Rupert chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, whose members have been sharing their love of a cappella music with residents since 1968, when the group was chartered.

“Hearing the harmonies is so profound, it raises the hair on the back of your neck,” Jim says of the blend of baritone, bass, melody and tenor from nearly two dozen members. “We’re a congenial bunch of guys who share a passion for singing, a hobby that’s far more stimulating than staying at home and watching TV. It’s such a thrill for us to perform.”

Their polished performances have been appreciated, judging from the many ribbons hanging in gilded frames, awarded to them at choral contests during the past decades. Posters advertising their concerts, some as far back as 1973, also hang on the walls of Harmony Hall, attesting to their decades of dedication.

From left to right, Danny Ward, Craig Felt, Scott Barksdale, Jim Rodgers.

Every Valentine’s Day, they carry on a decades-old tradition and become Cupid’s carolers, delivering singing Valentines and a flower or candy to sweethearts within a 25-mile radius of Burley.

“We divide into quartets and sing two songs, usually ‘Let Me Call You Sweetheart,’ ‘Heart of My Heart,’ or ‘My Wild Irish Rose,’ ” says Paul Brown, a retired residential building contractor, who has been singing bass with the Flats for more than 30 years. “People call us to schedule a time.”

With their voices as their best instruments, they perform on other holidays, including Memorial Day in Paul, the Fourth of July in Rupert, and the Festival of Trees in Burley. Local residents also invite them to their company banquets, Christmas parties, family reunions, class reunions, church events, funerals, weddings, care centers and schools.

From left to right, Wayne Wilske, Duane Knos, Claude Bowman, Dave Sprier.

As Jim and Paul slip into their respective places on the choral risers, the Flats’ president, Danny Ward, arrives after getting off work at his brake shop.

“We always welcome new members,” says Danny, who has been singing bass with the Flats for six years. “The more voices we have, the greater our sound. Some of our members will be retiring from the group this year, so at our annual show in March, we’ll perform some special songs, like ‘76 Trombones.’ Some of us eat drink and sleep barbershop music.”

As director Sharon Hardy-Mills arranges sheets of music on her stand, the singers take their sheet music from folders. Considering her 20 years experience leading music at churches, “we’re lucky to have her,” Paul says.

Sharon says she’s the lucky one to have been directing the Flats for the past three years. “We have a blast together. My cousin asked me to help out, and I love music, so I said, ‘Why not?’ Leading them is a great way to pay it forward and give something back to the community.”

From left to right, Mel Phiefer, Aaron Clegg, Gene Goodwin, Paul Brown.

The Flats pay it forward not only by entertaining, but by donating money to high school music departments and offering a scholarship, using proceeds they earn from their annual show, scheduled this year for March 10 at the King Fine Arts Center in Burley.

With their weekly rehearsals, they will be ready to perform for the show’s usual audience of about 1,500. With all the singers in their places, Sharon raises her baton, and soon harmony fills the hall once again.

To join the group for their weekly 7:30 p.m. rehearsals or to schedule a singing Valentine, call Paul at 679-1522, Jim at 436-6047 or Danny at 878-8575.

Back Row, Scott Barksdale, Danny Ward, Wayne Wilske, Don Dean McCrae, Paul Brown, Gene Goodwin, Dave Sprier. Middle Row, Rod Draper, Duane Knos, Russel Dockter, Jim Rodgers, Claude Bowman, Aaron Clegg. Front Row, Mel Phiefer, Sharon Hardy Mills, Miles Hoopes.

Editors note: Story corrected Feb. 13, 2012 –

More than one person looked at the 20 years worth of debris stacked inside the old Hill City Store and Saloon and said it wasn’t worth fixing up.

Austin Jacobs, Ione Kaylor and Mark Kerner bring the old Hill City Store back to life.

It would cost more than it was worth in time, talent, hassle…. Ione Kaylor heard it all. She didn’t care. Despite the fact there were plenty of people in her life who thought she was crazy to even try to make the old building into anything more than a broken down shed, she was determined to make it work.

They underestimated Kaylor’s will to make it happen. Really, it was more of a drive.

“Once we started, we couldn’t step back,” Kaylor said. “We’d stop and go into town for lunch and everybody would ask us what we were up to. Everybody was expecting it.”

The project of restoring the 100-year-old business started last summer. The building’s owner, Rollie Bennett is a friend of Kaylor’s. When he retired after nearly 30 years as the Camas County Clerk, he told her he had two goals. He wanted to restore a 1923 International pickup and open the store.

Mark Kerner, Kaylor’s boyfriend, looked at the pickup. A Shoshone dairyman with a passion for mechanics and old cars, he could get the vehicle running. No problem. The building – that was a different story.

“I kept saying, ‘There ain’t no way. It’s too far gone’,” Kerner said.

Kaylor put on her work gloves and started hauling loads of garbage to the dump. The initial plan was for her daughter to manage the bar and store, but even she threw in the towel. Kaylor kept digging. She filled dumpster and dumpster – including 14 in a weekend – before they could start basic repairs. The plumbing needed redone, new lumber, propane lines reworked, insulation. Every weekend, evenings and holidays Kaylor and every friend or family member in the area would work, clean, plumb, paint, hammer – whatever was needed. A few walked away shaking their heads, but most stayed and came back the next day.

“Every time we needed help, we didn’t have to ask, it just showed up,” Kaylor said.

It wasn’t without a few surprises. Two winter parkas had been stowed in ice chests. An old candy counter in need of new glass, old metal advertising signs — about a foot of bat guano supported by an old roof tin. In the corner of the store where the old Hill City Post Office still supports old combination mail boxes, it was as if time stopped. There were stamps and papers stacked and ready for the next day’s work. Mail still in the boxes. In the cash register: $30.

Mike Menkee was one of those friends who started at the beginning and never left.

“I can be part of this,” Menkee said. He said after a bad day, he can turn toward Hill City instead of heading directly home. Once he’s here, the worries are gone.

“I like it at the end of the road. I like the personal bar. Everybody comes here because it feels like home.”

The shelves are stocked with grocery basics as well as locally raised produce (in season) and arts and crafts from area artisans. In keeping with the family atmosphere, she always has a Crockpot full of warm food so when neighbors stop in they can get a bite to eat. This summer, Kaylor is hoping to host farmers markets outside and have local artists working near the store.

“Everyone has to bring a little of themselves in here,” Kaylor said.

Kaylor said she’ll try to keep the store open seven days a week. Sometimes she has to close up to head into town for supplies or maybe to have dinner with friends. She’ll always leave a note in the door – she’ll be right back.

For just plain fun in the snow and sun kids from 3 years of age to 12 will gather on the slopes of Spud Run in the great outdoor’s of Pomerelle’s terrain park to compete in the annual Giant Slalom Challenge during Kid’s Day Competition, Saturday February 4.

Each participant races the course twice taking the best time. These times will determine 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd winners that will get them a spot that will get them on the winner’s blocks.

With fun competition just for kids, winners are judged and awarded trophies and prizes. The competition is a great way to get kids up on the slopes with their friends as well as have fun trying their skill at a variety of competitions.

Robbie Moore, son of Robert and Rebecca Moore of Declo competed in last year’s 10-12 year old ski division and came in the finals. “My mom signed me up and took me up there.” He remembers. “When it was my turn I skied down the hill as fast as I could” Robbie has skied with his family since he was 4.

“It’s a neat thing for all the children,” he says, adding “I love skiing.” Robbie and his brother Caleb, who came in the snowboarding finals for the 9-10 year olds, plan to compete in this year’s Kids Day Competition in February.

Jody Burrows, events coordinator at Pomerelle say conditions are great for the event. “We have a Giant Slalom course on Spud Run.” She also notes that Pomerelle has “top notch” grooming equipment and employees that keep the runs in excellent condition. “We groom 2-3 times a day.”

Come enjoy a day in the Southern Idaho’s great outdoors and test your skills on the slopes with Pomerelle’s annual Kid’s Day Competition.

To get more information and register check out Pomerelle’s website: http://www.pomerelle.com/events/kids-day-competition

Open to ALL ABILITIES!

Walk-In Registration 9:00 am – 11:00 am in the lodge.
Racing begins at noon!

$15 Registration Fee + PLUS a…
$10 Bib Fee that will be REFUNDED when the bib is returned.

Release waiver must be signed by parents.
Release waivers can be found at Pomerelle or  Download a Release of Liability Form.

For more information contact:
Pomerelle Mtn. Resort
961 E Howell Canyon Rd
P.O. Box 158
Albion, ID 83311
(208) 673-5599
info@pomerelle.com

Air borne with nothing but snow and an 8,000 foot decent to the valley below, ski and boarding competitors practice jumps, grabs, kicks and spins as they get ready for Pomerelle’s Big Trick Competition, Saturday, February 11, 2012.

Dealing with up to 7 feet of snow fall, grooming crews faced one of its biggest challenges of distribution in January. With the Slope Style Competition postponed and in the wings because of the snow, the Big Trick Competition is on the horizon.

“Pomerelle has some of the latest and most advanced grooming equipment,” Jody Burrows, Pomerelle’s events coordinator states. “We are over qualified.” Using the heavy snow fall to their advantage, Pomerelle has created 20 foot ramps for lift off. Which makes Pomerelle’s slopes some of the finest for competition.

Michael Westfall, last year’s winner in the Big Trick Competition ski competition, observes that while “Pomerelle is small”, compared to larger resorts, “It’s well built and fun and they have a lot of good features.” Westfall, who will be competing in this year’s competition, began skiing at age 4.

Pomerelle expects competitors for the Big Trick Competition from Idaho, Utah and Nevada bringing the level of competition to greater heights.

Colt 45, one of Pomerelle’s more difficult runs and terrain park will be where the action is as boarders and skiers demonstrate their skills on 3 runs and two tables. Scoring is based on amplitude (height), style and difficulty of the trick.

Along with course keepers, judges are picked from Zumez and area sports stores.

Whether boarding or skiing, Big Trick Competition provides a means for the most competitive skier. Barrows sees this competition as a jumping off point for future competitors. She encourages them to “Come try it and see if [this type of competition] is in their future.”

Big Trick Competition information:

Pomerelle Mtn. Resort
961 E Howell Canyon Rd
P.O. Box 158
Albion, ID 83311
(208) 673-5599
info@pomerelle.com

For skiers and Boarders 13 years and older.

The competition will be on Colt 45 slope.
Three runs on two table tops.

Scoring based on amplitude (height), style and difficulty of trick.

Registration: 9:00 am – 11:00 am in the lodge.
Competition starts at noon!

$15 Registration Fee + PLUS a…
$10 Bib Fee that will be REFUNDED when the bib is returned

Inverted Aerials are Not Allowed and Helmets are Required.

Release waiver must be signed by parents for participants under 18 years of age.
Release waivers can be found at Pomerelle or  Download a Release of Liability Form.

They’re counting the seconds.

Literally.

Open up the home page at www.snowkiteevent.com and the first thing you see is a countdown, ticking off the seconds, minutes, hours and days to this year’s Snowkite Solider. It’s the sixth year of an event that brings hundreds of “kiters” in to the Camas Prairie. As of Feb. 1, the days number 22.

About 20 miles west of Fairfield’s city center, the wide open prairie and fairly constant wind makes it an ideal spot for enthusiasts to put space between their skis or snowboards and terra firma.

The sport of snow kiting is relatively new. It blends snowboarding/skiing with kiteboarding or kite-surfing. While its history isn’t really well documented, it got its start in Europe in the mid 1990s and has grown from there. When the snow is good, there are snow kiters around most weekends, but come the last weekend in February, professionals and amateurs alike flock to Southern Idaho.

Kevin Wilder from Colorado prepares his kite by pumping air into it.

Event organizers were unavailable for comment, but according to the event’s websites, more than 200 kiters are expected to make their way to the prairie this year. Since there aren’t quite that many rooms available nearby, residents of Fairfield and Camas County rent out rooms, campers and any other open space to help accommodate the visitors.

Chris Bradley owns Soldier Creek Brewing in Fairfield. He said he’s had people dig snow caves into the mounds of snow piled behind his building by city road crews and camp there.

“It’s a pretty festive event, like any snow event,” Bradley said. He said the community and the Chamber of Commerce get actively involved in Snowkite Soldier. Residents volunteer both on site during the day and then in the evening during nightly events and award ceremonies.

“They (event organizers) try to support all the businesses,” Bradley said, although he admits the event has gotten so big over the last few years, his place is too small for some of the larger events. He said last year’s snow kiting movie premier had to take place at the local legion hall.

Aaron Sales from Hood River Oregon is representing Kiteboarding Magazine.

The four-day event boasts lessons for beginners, adventures camps and exhibitions for the latest equipment. There is a “poker run” with what the organizers call “great swag” as prizes. The late snowfall had this year’s event in jeopardy. As long as the snow holds, Snow Kite Soldier will launch colorful kites in the crystal blue skies of the Camas Prairie.

Snowkite Soldier
Feb. 23 – 26

To get there: From Fairfield continue west another 20 miles. Watch for flags and signs marking the event.

For more information monitor the website: http://snowkitesoldier.com and http://www.snowkiteevent.com .

Soup aka “comfort food” is perfect for our bitter cold Idaho winters. Whether you want healthy and homemade, or quick and simple, nothing compares to homemade soup and it is easier to make than you think. Even if you are strapped for time, you can quickly make a large pot, and freeze the leftovers for another day. This can be a lifesaver for a busy family on the go. Delicious homemade soup can also be packed for lunch and reheated at work, or put hot into a thermos ready to eat.

This easy recipe was given to me by my son-in-law, Mike, and is a great recipe when you have a feeding frenzy sized crowd and little time to spend in the kitchen. Another good option is that if you have people coming and going, eating at different times, the food will stay warm and ready in a crock pot. Let the soup simmer, your home will smell wonderful.

Taco Soup

1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
1 can sliced olives, drained
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 family sized can of pork and beans
1 can of corn
2 cans Mexican stewed tomatoes or regular stewed tomatoes
1 corn can of water
1 to 2 cans of diced green chilis (optional)
1 bag of Fritos corn chips
Grated Monterey cheese or Cheddar cheese
Sour cream

In a large soup pot or crock pot add cooked ground beef and mix in taco seasoning. Add the rest of the ingredients except Fritos, sour cream, and cheese (Don’t drain the cans). Cook until hot and bubbly. Place ½ cup of Fritos in bottom of bowl and ladle soup over Fritos. Top with cheese and sour cream. Serve and enjoy.

Optional: top with diced avocados, tomatoes, or peppers.

“…And a Three Fold Cord Is Not Quickly Broken.”  Ecclesiastes 4:12

Tanned to cowboy perfection and accented by his trademark bushy, golden mustache, Charlie Liesen works from his sunlit “braiding room” in Hazleton, Idaho.  Quietly and methodically, Liesen weaves thin strips of rawhide into intricate masterpieces of practical horse gear including riatas (lassos), bosals (nosebands), bridles, reins, and whips.  Using three fingers on both hands (middle, forefinger and thumb), Liesen weaves with balanced tension that later lends to perfect communication from rider to horse.

Charlie and his wife Sheila, met in Bible class.

Liesen met his future wife, Sheila, in Bible class four years ago. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 became their signature scripture in place of most couples’ sentimental song. Indicating the strength of two over one, the verse illustrates symbolism that a threefold cord is not quickly broken. For Leisen, the deep significance of the scripture’s meaning traces back over 40 years to his childhood.

Born and raised in Brussels, Belgium in the mid-1950s, where wide open spaces are rare, Liesen merely dreamt of the wondrous Wild West. His grandfather fostered the young boy’s love of cowboys and horses with movies featuring the legendary John Wayne. While still young, Liesen developed a passion for weaving, devoting hours to the intertwining of leather strips. Early on, most of these attempts were discouraging and resulted in his setting the hobby aside for a time.

Though in the early 1970s western riding had emerged in Europe, Liesen focused on the arguably more sophisticated style of English riding. The accompanying indoor arenas and short trail rides did little to satisfy his deep yearning for the great outdoors found in the West.

It was during a “pato” (where horseback riders engage in a game combining polo and basketball) that Liesen caught his first glimpse of authentic western cowboy attire. Rene J. Duykaerts, who later became a close friend of Leisen’s, was decked out in western gear.  Sitting atop a work saddle, Duykaerts guided his steed with soft pressure to a bosal, while a wide brim hat lent shade and shotgun chaps protected his legs down to spur adorned boot heels.  After gathering the courage, Liesen approached him with “Mister, may I ask you a question?” This was among his first exposures to the “real” West.

Another impressive moment for Liesen came when a retired cattle horse was imported from California by a friend.  The equine came complete with gear including a silver mounted bit and set of rawhide show reins.  When he saw them Liesen admits, “I was marked for life!”.

Reins

While in Belgium Liesen was educated in interior design but, because of his love for horses, also began a horseshoeing school.  However, this venture ended abruptly when he departed for Saudi Arabia and put his interior design degree to use by remodeling military officers housing.  During his time there, Liesen was presented with the opportunity of making his first trip to the United States accompanied by Duykaerts and a few other friends.

His introduction to the high deserts of Nevada with the seemingly limitless expanse of open land along with thousands of horses and cattle amazed Liesen.  But what stood out most was the horsemanship and traditions of the vaqueros (Spanish cowboys hired to herd cattle).  Their ability to train horses and work the livestock impressed Liesen.

During a visit to one of the Spanish ranches in Tuscarora, Nevada, Liesen remembers watching them sort over one hundred head of horses in a huge round, willow corral.  Liesen recalls, “The earth was shaking! What a learning experience, what a dream!”

Liesen would never be the same after experiencing his ultimate longing for the West.  After his duties is Saudi Arabia ended, he was invited to ride once again with the cowboys. It wasn’t long though before he was back on the deserts of Nevada riding and roping. In Leisen’s biography he notes, “From that time on, life and learning experiences continued from ranch to ranch, year after year.”

Closeup detail of Charlie Liesen reins

During these years he observed that most cowboys practiced some craft or skill whether it be rawhide braiding, leather and silver work or horsehair twisting.  It was during this time that Liesen returned to braiding once again and determined to address the challenges of understanding the art.  With materials readily available and tools easy to find, Liesen began learning to make serviceable horse gear.

Charlie is an excellent artist and often sketches of his ideas.

Researching the art through books Liesen attempted various ways of weaving.  “Through my career I must have tried to quit half a dozen times,” he confesses.  But in 1987, Liesen met braiding expert, Doug Groves, who taught him several tricks of the trade.

For the next 16 years Liesen studied the work of Luis B. Ortega and met professional braiders including Bill Black, Randy Stowell and Frank Hansen.   Each braider left their impression on Liesen which, as he puts it, “was like pouring oil on fire! A burning passion…”

Years of experience working with a variety of rawhide has given Liesen the credibility of an expert. Each piece of rawhide gear requires a specific moisture content and thickness. As Liesen learned to tighten the braid and control the moisture content, his work with rawhide became exceedingly refined and exquisite.

Bosal

The smooth finish Liesen gives his work has a unique quality which surpasses manufactured leather works. Before completing a piece, Liesen rubs it first on his own skin (or nose if it’s a bosal or bridle) making sure the surface is smooth enough to keep from burning or chafing the hide of an animal.

Liesen now creates stunning but usable gear made to endure for years. Although functional and long lasting, Leisen’s artistic nature and training in color and balance also lend to creating beautiful designs often found in exquisite Argentinean leather work. Due to the durable quality of workmanship put into each piece, he admits most of his creations go to working cowboys who appreciate equipment able to withstand everyday ranch use.

Collectors, however, do not leave his work unnoticed. Requests for the quality  craftsmanship of his masterpieces pour in from France, Belgium, Germany as well as California, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon and Wyoming.  Not wishing to keep his talent solely to himself, Liesen imparts his techniques for rawhide braiding at the Elko Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Nevada to any interested.

Today, braiding rawhide gear, giving riding lessons and engaging in groundwork with colts, Charlie Liesen is doing what he loves best while giving back to the community. His goals for the future are to keep improving and sharing the knowledge he has with others.

When asked who has had the greatest influence in his life and work, without hesitation Liesen replies, “God.” He notes, “Every day I thank God for the experiences He has given me, the people I meet, the abilities He has blessed me with and the opportunities He gives me.”  With that combination in Liesen’s life “a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

Charlie Liesen’s work can be seen on his website and blog.

http://cjlrawhidegear.webs.com/aboutme.htm

http://cjlrawhidegear.webs.com/apps/blog/

Welcome to the New Year!  Once the holiday decorations are taken down, the champagne glasses put away and life returns to business as usual, the new year (for many) signifies new beginnings and a clean slate.  For several business owners, the recession which accompanied the past few years has spurred uncertainty and a somewhat dismal business atmosphere.  However, in the Magic Valley a local group can help businesses ring in 2012 with prospects a fruitful new year.

Jill Skeem started the Magic Valley Leads Group In 2004.

In 2004 Jill Skeem was new to the Magic Valley.  Eager to begin her life in Idaho after moving from Boston, she wondered how she would market herself as a Macrobiotic Health Counselor when most people have not a clue what that is.  Jill contacted the Chamber of Commerce in search of an area Leads Group similar to one she had belonged to back east.  After informing her that no such group existed the Chamber suggested she start one. Jill did just that.

On the first Wednesday of every month a group of over 20 Southern Idaho business owners gather at Hands On Ceramic Studio in Twin Falls.  Over a continental style breakfast the group shares leads and referrals.  Each member gives the group a one minute presentation about their business and each month, 2 members do an 8-minute presentation about their business.  You really get to know all the businesses better and all members reap the rewards.

Skeem says the presentations give the members information about a variety of different businesses so that they, in turn, can pass the information on to friends, family members, colleagues and others.  “Anyone can do cold calls.  This sort of turns those cold calls into warm calls,” she says.

Dan Olmstead with Idaho power was one of the first Leads Group members.

Over the past eight years the group has attracted the several top local business owners.  Skeem says the group is representative of the types of business owners southern Idaho residents want to do business with; those that embody integrity, honesty and hard work.  Former member Jason Lugo says, “It’s a great group to pass leads and get business”.

Skeem has seen the group’s members benefit in other ways as well.  Business owners improve and fine tune the way they market their businesses and several members have honed public speaking skills after presenting at the monthly meetings.  With many members who have been in the group several years Jill says, “It’s just been really successful and original.”

Business owners can join the group for an annual fee of $50 or $30 for a six month membership.  Enrollment is open any time and interested parties can come check out their first meeting for free.

“We want everyone to feel welcome. And really, everyone who comes joins…it’s just such a great group.”

If you are a new business owner looking to launch your business into 2012 on a high note or a long time business owner looking to rejuvenate your great ideas, contact Jill Skeem by email at jillasherman@yahoo.com or at (208) 320-2786.
For more information, visit www.magicvalleyleadsgroup.com

Stepping out on each month’s first Friday becomes a lively event when those steps are taken into Twin Falls’ historic downtown.  Twangy strains rolling from the worn stings of an old country guitar and vibrant window displays are but a few of many attractions likely to welcome  ‘First Friday’ guests.  Such festivities in the downtown district began eight years ago and have grown to include a diverse offering of arts, crafts, cooking, shopping and music as fun excuse to kick off the arrival of every month.

Patrons at Rudy's enjoy live music and free sample food entrees from various local chefs.

Stroll along Main and Shoshone Streets while taking advantage of the many shops treating patrons to extended hours, activities, and eclectic live music sure to enchant all ages.  Whether the evening is entrusted to a single venue or is spent meandering through several hot spots, gracious hospitality and refreshments are sure to abound.

Twin Falls’ oldest continual retail location which debuted as a hardware store in 1904 now harbors Rudy’s – A Cook’s Paradise; one of First Friday’s original participants.  Visitors to the culinary specialty shop are bestowed with complimentary wine, beer and delectable treats all garnished with live tunes of local talent. For those who wish not only to enjoy a few savory sensations but to participate in the creation of them, Rudy’s hosts several instructional classes.

First Friday at Hand's On is often packed full of creativity and fun!

Not a far jaunt from Rudy’s, individuals, families and children at heart are encouraged to summon their creative sides at Hands On Ceramic Studio. In keeping with the surrounding merriment of First Friday, Hands On offers free studio painting, live music (from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.) and hot drink specials including coffee, chai tea and hot chocolate.  “Hands On is a fun place for self expression; bring a friend to hang out and relax while you do that,” Owner Robin Dober suggests.

Jensen Ring Makers also incorporates First Friday interaction and specials. Wine and other beverages are offered while guests peruse art exhibits which rotate each month.  Owner Tony Prater explains, “It is an opportunity for the community to stop in and meet the artists.”

“First Friday is cool because it introduces people to what the downtown has to offer,” said Michele Hamilton, employee of Scrappin’ Girlfriends.  This specialty store accommodates patrons by extending its hours to 8pm on First Fridays while providing beverages and candy to those wandering by or stopping in to create scrapbook memories or other art forms.

Wherever First Friday finds you this month, don’t miss out on all that Historic Twin Falls has to offer.  Step out and discover that their business is your business and they want to share every bit of it with you!

Planning to go?

For event information please visit:

Rudy’s A Cook’s Paradise – www.cooksparadise.com
Hand’s On – www.handsonstudio.com
Scrappin’ Girlfriends  –  www.scrappingirlfriends.com
Jensen Ring Makers – www.jensen-jewelers.com