Bellevue has a long tradition of letting loose on Labor Day. This year is no different. Following a successful fundraising concert with Micky and the Motorcars in August, the town is ready to rock and roll again this weekend.
But first, there are some bad guys who need to be dealt with on Main Street.
At 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 6, the Old Ketchum Frontier Gang will stage a shootout on Main Street between the Silver Dollar Saloon and Mahoney's Bar & Grill. By 1 p.m. the trouble will be settled one way or another, and the Bellevue Labor Day Parade will commence, bringing everything from "pugs on parade," horse-drawn carriages and antique tractors onto Main Street.
"(It's for) pretty much anybody who wants to walk, ride or drive," said parade organizer Stefany Mahoney.
Following the parade, celebrants have many choices for afternoon activities, all centering around Bellevue Memorial Park. There will be live music Sunday and Monday, arts and crafts, food vendors and an antique show at the park, as well as a play train to entertain the kids.
Those seeking some healthy competition before the festivities can sign up for a "five-on-five" basketball tournament, which will begin at 9 a.m. on Sunday with a break for the parade. There will be cash prizes and medals for first, second and third places. Pre-register by calling 928-6334. There is a $150 registration fee. There will also be a "Three Throw Event"—a three-point shootout open to the public for a $10 entry fee.
The city's first five-kilometer foot race to benefit the Bellevue Fire Department will begin at 9 a.m. Monday. The easy and flat route starts and ends at Bellevue Memorial Park and goes through scenic Bellevue neighborhoods, including Bayhorse and Muldoon Canyon roads.
Registration will cost $10, with kids 10 and under free. Registration is available online at bluecirclesports.com or forms can be picked up at Guffy's and Giddy-Up Coffee.
All paid entrants will receive a gift bag, provided by Cox, and be entered into a drawing to win a prize package including an iPod shuffle, Visa gift card and more gifts from Cox.
It's the live music that marks Labor Day in Bellevue more than anything else. Bands will play from 1:30-8 p.m. on Sunday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday.
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The Sunday lineup is as follows:
( Up a Creek is a Bellevue-based "shed-bred" group of fellows playing "southern Idaho folk 'n' roll."
( Joshua Tree began 25 years ago when Deborah and Johnny met and found that they had a mutual love for the music and duet singing of Emmylou Harris and the late Gram Parsons.
( Dallas Alice (headliner) is a rootsy rock 'n' roll band from Louisville, Ky., featuring singer/songwriter Sean Hopkins. The Dallas Alice sound has been described as "country rock," "alt-country," "folk-a-billy" and "yeesh!"
"This band is one of the loudest, drunkest, foul-mouthed and downright fun bands you are ever going to see," reports a news release from Dallas Alice. "You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you may have to defend your girlfriend's good name, but ... you're gonna have a good time."
On Monday:
( Carter Freeman was born in the Deep South, and now lives in Boise. Freeman gained an early appreciation for the wonderful old acoustic blues, folk, bluegrass and jazz recordings. "Most of all, I try to keep the music alive, and in a constant motion of growth, and development," he writes in a news release.
( Mighty Shims will play a mix of Americana, from swamp to Indie garage, '30s swing to folk, contemporary ballads to pop interpretations, some blues and a good dose of lively originals.
( Cow Says Moo, a local band, plays a unique blend of cover tunes and original songs, fusing folk, blues, pop and classic rock.
( X-Latino will follow, with Hispanic favorites.
( Sound County (headliner) is a different kind of country-rock band that blends old- and new-style country with an edgy alternative rock punch. Out front is the lovely Debbie U, who rocks with real country sincerity. In 2009, Sound County buckled down at the Tonic Room Recording and Mastering Studio in Boise, and in the fall of that year released its first full-length album, "On the Road Home."
The Bellevue Labor Day celebration planning committee is looking for volunteers to work a couple of hours on Sunday, Sept. 5, and Monday, Sept. 6. Two-hour slots are available from 1-8 p.m. on Sunday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday. Anyone who would like to be a part of this community event can e-mail: bellevuelaborday@gmail.com or call Stefany at 788-3867 and leave a message.
Tony Evans: tevans@mtexpress.com
The Bellevue Labor Day parade is a family-friendly event.
Express file photo
