BONNERS FERRY — The Boundary County Fairgrounds is bringing back its summer concert series for a second year. The free concerts will be Tuesday nights from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. weekly throughout the summer. News of the concerts’ return was announced Jan. 20.   

The idea for the series came when Jaycee Atkins, the Boundary County Fair manager, worked with teenagers for several years to help them prepare for college. As part of her work, she traveled with groups to different areas of the state, where they attended movies in the park and outdoor concerts during the summer. Seeing them inspired her to create the series, which she began working on after becoming fair manager in 2024.

Atkins said the series was a win for everyone involved. 

“There's really not a high cost for us,” Atkins said. “We just provide the stage and do the advertising and the musicians show up and play. It's just a great way for them to get their name out there and provide some fun, free entertainment.” 

“Last year went exactly how I thought it was going to go. There were some days the weather did really well for us, but some days we might have had just a small family out there — five or six people. Then we had a night where so many people showed up and we were just super grateful,” Atkins said. 

Atkins said the only change expected is a permanent structure, similar to a gazebo, that should be in place by June. The fair is currently working with a class that wants to make it their class project. 

Last year, concerts featured a variety of music. 

“It’s family friendly,” Atkins said. “Last year, we had a really great young rock band that performed all their own songs. It was super fun to see them. Then we had country music and a Christian orchestra. I think that also brings in a little more diversity and shows the public that there is a lot of really great music and a lot of different groups here in town.” 

Atkins said she looks forward to seeing the audience this summer. 

“I love seeing families show up with their coolers and just enjoying themselves,” Atkins said. 

The concert series will pause for a week or two before the county fair, as well as the week after, to give people time to decompress. 

Atkins encouraged community members to provide feedback and volunteer for the event. 

“I’m here for the community,” Atkins said. “I listen to a lot of what people say. I welcome input. I welcome volunteers. Don't be the person who wants to give input but not help and volunteer.” 

For more information on how to get involved, contact the fair manager at 208-946-0244 or visit boundarycountyfairgrounds.com.