Mayfest heads up weekend events

Downtown Cheney will be a hub of activity this weekend with the return of the fourth annual Cheney Mayfest, Friday and Saturday.

Coordinator Douglas LaBar said the event is taking place earlier this year because of scheduling conflicts in May. Last year's event took place during the State 1A/1B/2B track and field meet at Eastern Washington University, and while attendance at Mayfest was good, LaBar said they wanted to hold the festival on a weekend that it wouldn't run up against something else.

"It was hard finding a weekend when something was not going on," he said.

Several new elements have been added to this year's festival, beginning with a stage featuring live music all day Saturday. Two EWU bands, Ragtag Romantics and Twist, will perform along with two dance groups and country/rock recording artist Herrick.

Herrick, composed of Spokane musicians who have relocated to Nashville, recently released a new album, "Cottonfields."

The group has performed in the area before, including at the former Cheney Jubilee. Friday night the stage will be occupied by the popular Kelly Hughes Band, with performances between sets by the Spokane Aerial Fire Troupe.

Another new element is "Artists in the Alley," which is all about creating awareness about a new concept for displaying community artwork. The concept would utilize the alley behind LaBar's business, The Mason Jar, and other adjacent stores between F Street and College Avenue as a location for art by local artists, calling the art alley "Plaice."

LaBar said other cities have utilized alleyways as places for displaying and selling local art. The idea in Cheney is something he and others have worked on for over a year.

Also new is a car show, as well as demonstrations from over 20 EWU clubs in the vacant lot next to Brewster Hall at Second Street and College. LaBar said there would be demonstrations by clubs such as the fencing club, taekwondo, archery and rodeo.

Another new element incorporates part of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge's 19th annual "Floods, Flowers and Feathers Festival" into Mayfest. The festival will have some 40 different booths and events taking place in downtown Cheney this year as well as at the Refuge's headquarters on Cheney-Plaza Road.

Other popular attractions are returning to Mayfest was well. Saturday will features a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, which LaBar said should have some good, competitive brackets as local teams tune-up for Hoopfest, and the "4 1/2 Block Walk" to support the American Cancer Society.

"It (walk) will be the same format, anyone can come," LaBar said.

There will be a variety of booths as well as activities for kids. The Spokane Aerial Fire Troupe will also perform, making for a lively time on First Street between F and the library.

But just as important as the activities are also the businesses that will be open in downtown Cheney during the festival. LaBar said part of the concept behind Mayfest is to get people to come and not only to enjoy good weather and have fun, but check out local businesses that have played parts in revitalizing downtown Cheney.

"It should be a jam-packed day," LaBar said.

John McCallum can be reached at [email protected].