Mayfest returns

CHENEY - The ninth annual Mayfest celebration returned downtown May 12 and 13 after a two-year hiatus.

The event featured vendors, artists, musicians, a Cornhole tournament and more.

Hundreds of people gathered for the ranked Cornhole tournament on First Street, between C and D streets.

Nearby, the East Spokane Kiwanis Club offered helmet painting for children in a booth along First Street.

Seven-year member Natalie Duprey said the project provided bicycle helmets to children across the West Plains.

At the Cheney Library and near City Hall, classy chassis were on display.

A featured car, "Rosey," owned by Debbie and Ken Boone, was "rescued" by the pair in the early 2000s.

"We love this car," Ken Boone said.

There were many activities for children, including Kid Zone, a giant sand box provided by DOW Excavating and horse and pony rides.

In the center of the event, and Spokane Aerialist Performers were stationed between D and College Street.

Participating girls twisted, turned and hanged upside down from fabric.

Amber Hunter has been performing at Mayfest for several years, she said.

"We used to be in the Owl Pharmacy parking lot, but this is much more centrally located," Hunter said of the location in the middle of First Street. "We train anyone who is old enough to follow instructions."

Artists and participatory projects were stationed in "Art Alley" between College and F Street, where there was also a chalk art wall on which participants could draw.

On College Street, Light as a Feather Soaps, a Spokane vendor, was stationed.

"We've been doing this a little under a year, and one of my co-workers lives in Cheney," the vendor said. "I am happy to be here."

For hungry event-goers, American Legion Post No. 72 sold hot dogs on College Street to raise funds for its auxiliary.

Post Cmdr.John Herring spent the day grilling and greeting patrons.

Representatives from the American Civil War Association had set up a booth and displayed re-enactment garments, weapons and Civil War-era memorabilia.

"We're here to promote the association and to raise awareness about the rich history of the American Civil War," volunteer Lisa Tharp said.

According to Tharp, the organization won't be bringing a battle re-enactment to town this Memorial Day.

The event had to be canceled, she said, noting volunteers hope to resume their Memorial Day event here in 2024.

In addition to vendors, local businesses benefitted from the event.

Derek Baziotis, owner and operator of the new Ohana Hawaiian Grill on First Street, said business was booming.

"We can barely keep up some days, but it's great," Baziotis said.

In addition to the other activities, a stage set up at the intersection of Cheney-Spangle Road and First Street brought numerous bands to town.

Among the bands were The Kelley Hughes Band, Atomic Frequencies, Eternal Jones, The Whags and The Gray Goo are slated to perform.

The Kelley Hughes Band performed Friday night at the kickoff street dance.

The other entertainers were on stage Saturday.

Author Bio

Lucas Walsh, Former managing editor

Lucas is a former Cheney Free Press managing editor. He is a nationally published author who contributes regularly to several publications across the country.