This September’s PARK(ing) It Festival on East Sherman Avenue got its first early support of the year from the city of Coeur d’Alene’s General Services Committee Monday.

The committee voted to recommend to the City Council they approve a one-day permit on Sept. 20 for alcohol sales and consumption in specially-designated sections near the 1300 and 1400 blocks for the event. They also voted to approve of temporary banners to stretch across Sherman around the 1600 block of the street to promote the block party, now entering its fifth year.

“I think this is a great event,” committee member Amy Evans said, “and a great opportunity for the community to get involved and learn more about East Sherman. That’s an important piece of this event.”

The yearly block party will run from 4 to 9 p.m. and, like always, is free to the public. Last year, approximately 1,800 showed up for the event.

“It’s also a big educational event, too,” senior planner Sean Holm said, “where we talk about things happening in the community, what’s happening with East Sherman, as well as the comprehensive plan.”

Holm told the committee he is seeing a diminished city role in planning the festivities each year, thanks to more public participation.

“The Planning Department has taken the lead for four years,” he said. “It’s important to note we have other members of the community that are starting to step up, which is great. They’re going to help us and — hopefully, over time — we can take less of a role in this as they celebrate their own neighborhood.”

The vote to approve the banner around the 1600 block of Sherman came with high hopes the display will sustain itself. Last year, an improperly grounded pole resulted in the banner for 2018’s PARK(ing) It falling by the wayside. This year, Holm said, the pole that will hold the banner is sturdier.

Aside from the live music and food trucks, this year’s PARK(ing) It On Sherman will include a bike rodeo, interactive booths and games.

“It’s just a great community gathering,” Evans added. “Supporting food trucks, there’s been a dog parade before, live music. It’s a great event for kids. I really encourage everybody to come out to it.”