Priest River, ID

Having Coffee, What Should Appear?

This morning I received this email from my friend Karen Dingerson who lives in Priest River, Idaho. Has you may remember she is a wildlife photographer. Well this morning while having coffee, what should appear?

Good mornin!
I was doing my usual early morning wandering on the edge of the forest next to the house when a deer alerted me to this big guy, who was standing, staring at me, about 25 ft away. Nothing like a little adrenaline to add to my coffee! Evidently his sights were on something of his size, without antlers, instead of me....
He is really gorgeous (even though is rack was a little anemic!)!
Mom/Karen

-- Karen Dingerson
karendingerson@gotsky.com
www.karendingerson.com

Isn't he amazing? I can't imagine being within 25'. UMMM>>>>

Incrediable Pictures....

Takes on a whole new appreciation on your morning MO JO !!!!

Oktoberfest is everywhere.... today September 25th 3rd Annual Oktoberfest
Held in Downtown Priest River.
Music, wine/beer garden, art/craft vendors, food booths, and more.

You will remember only a couple of weeks ago I wrote a story about visiting Priest River, Idaho. I found it a beautiful area and really enjoyed the time we spent there. Since then I have been staying in touch with a few people we met on our visit and knew today was the 3rd Annual Oktoberfest. I had meant to call my cousin, Kathy who lives in Atlanta and tell her about it but never got around to it. Well guess who just called me? Yeap, that's right, Kathy, to tell me she was out there again and was at Oktoberfest and having a wonderful time. "You should be here". She and her family had already been to Sandpoint for their Oktoberfest and now was in downtown Priest River. They were having a great time eating sausage, drinking beer, the kids were loving the bounce houses and life is good.

Her main reason for calling was to let me know they were looking for people interested in the revitalization of the Priest River downtown area and that she had signed up and wanted me to also. Well, I guess it won't be to long and I will be on another road trip, love revitalization. But do hope they hold off till Spring, getting a little cold up there for this Florida girl:)

Why Did the Bear Cross the River?? In a recent visit to Priest River, Idaho I discovered a whole new world. I also met some very interesting people. One of the people I met was Karen Dingerson, a very talented wildlife photographer.

On Tuesday after my return from Priest River, Idaho, Karen emailed me these pictures of a Momma Bear crossing the river right up to her deck.

She did not notice the two babies under her deck, playing and stuffing themselves on berries.

Well I guess Momma wanted some of those berries herself and because it was night fall it was time for bed for the little ones.

If you are looking for some great wilderness, mountain, lake, and wildlife pictures, Karen Dingeron has some very great shots. Visit Karen Dingerson's website.

About a dozen years ago I was operating a real estate agency in our small town of Priest River, Idaho and I was bothered by the fact that the 4th of July celebration I remembered from childhood had somehow fallen by the wayside.

So I went to a Chamber of Commerce meeting and suggested that it might be time to bring it back. They said "Sure, go ahead and do it."

OK then - was anyone going to help? Heck no!

So I started out on my own to find out where to buy the fireworks, who could legally fire them off, etc. A fireman could do it, but none were willing. Finally I found a company who does nothing but fireworks displays and they did have one crew left who could do our event. It would cost at minimum $2,500.

I should have just worked at getting one more closing and paying for the thing myself. But no - I started trying to collect funds from the community. And I was terrible at it! I felt like I was asking for money for myself rather than for the community... and I'm not good at "gimmie." I don't even like to remind clients of a past due invoice for services rendered.

Lucky for me, I made the acquaintance of two young women who had the time, the desire, and the nerve to go get the money. They raised $3,500 and we were able to make the show just a little bit bigger.

Meanwhile, I was writing news articles and telling people to come to the event. And everyone I met said they hadn't read the articles, and didn't know it was going to happen. I was afraid the only ones there would be me and the two ladies!

Finally the big night arrived and I was running around crazy, coordinating with the shooters, the musicians, the firemen, the ambulance people, and the man who would turn the lights off at the appropriate time. I saw people drifting into the park, but the crowd didn't seem very big.

Then, just before it was time for the show to start, I went out to the parking lot to get something from the car. I was headed back when the first shot went into the air, and so was a little boy of about 8.

I'll never forget that moment, because that little boy made all my work worthwhile.

He threw his arms in the air and shouted to the sky "Happy Birthday America!"

I still get misty when I think of him. And I still wish I knew who he was so I could tell him what that impulsive action on his part meant to me.

And as for the attendance...

When the show was over and the park lights came back on, I was amazed. The park was FULL. And then I looked across the river and saw car lights coming on ... the huge parking lot at the sawmill was full and both sides of the road were lined with cars.

My little town really did care about "Happy Birthday America!"

While I handed over the reins to the project a few years ago, it is still going on... and I fully intend to drive to town on Sunday night to watch the show.

Who should buy a rural home in Priest River, Idaho? Anyone who loves mountains, wildlife, clean air, and sparkling streams.

Priest River, Idaho began life as a logging town, and it has remained so throughout the years. Residents cling stubbornly to their logging heritage, and recreation is almost entirely centered around the great outdoors.

As the logging industry wanes, the town has become a haven for tele-commuters, artists, and retirees who seek quiet and solitude. The majority of newcomers arrive looking not for a home within the Priest River City limits, but for a rural home within a few miles of Priest River. They want privacy. Most choose a home with acreage that gives a buffer between residents and their neighbors.

The town offers basic shopping opportunities - a grocery store, hardware store, drug store, and of course a liquor store! You can also find a limited supply of "gifty" items, furniture, and two businesses who will be happy to install new carpet in the home you purchase.

Unless you're a "thrift shopper" you won't find clothing to buy in Priest River. If you are, you'll be in heaven, as the town boasts four establishments selling used clothing.

Shopping centers, entertainment, and hospitals are a mere hour's drive away in Spokane, Washington or Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Priest River does have a medical and dental clinic, and a small hospital is located just 6 miles away in Newport, Washington.

Main street died out several years ago, but is now coming back to life, with old buildings being remodeled for new purposes. Along with others being renovated, the Historic Beardmore Building is finding new life. It was purchased by a grand-son of the original owner, who has been remodeling it into office suites and retail spaces. Residents were treated to a sneak preview last fall, during Priest River's first (hopefully) Annual Octoberfest.

Main street is also home to the Priest River Branch of the West Bonner County Library. This is a busy spot, with computer stations filled most days, and residents enjoying the ongoing activities for children and adults alike. Andrew Carnegie would be proud to see how this small community makes use of the opportunity he so believed in.

Residents tend to watch out for each other - as evidenced by the number of active volunteers at both the food bank and the Monday Soup Kitchen, held at the Priest River Senior Center. Here is where anyone can walk in and get a good meal of soup, sandwiches, salads, and deserts - and pay whatever they can, if they can. The food is provided and served by volunteers from local churches, service groups such as the Rotary, and even local businesses. Two of the town's three banks take their turn at hosting this event.

If you're yearning for a taste of yesterday - small town life the way it was - then you should definitely consider purchasing a home in Priest River, Idaho.