BONNERS FERRY — Kootenai River Days returns next week, bringing four days of live entertainment, family activities, community traditions and downtown celebrations to Bonners Ferry. 

Hosted by the Bonners Ferry Chamber of Commerce, the annual event will be held July 16-19 and is designed to give back to the community while supporting local businesses and organizations. 

"Kootenai River Days is for the chamber to give back to the community by hosting a free event and to support local businesses by bringing an event into town that will bring many people to support them," said Teshra Steffen Robles, Bonners Ferry Chamber of Commerce liaison representative. 

This year's celebration will feature a wide variety of activities, including two nights of live music and downtown street dances, free face painting, bounce houses, vendors, food, the Kootenai River Run, golf tournament, Rotary Wine Walk, Chalk the Block, the Bruce Festival, fairgrounds activities and fundraising opportunities hosted by local organizations. 

According to Robles, organizers are seeing continued growth in participation, with increased involvement from volunteers, event organizers and vendors. 

Among the returning favorites are the Kootenai River Run, Rotary Wine Walk, Chalk the Block and performances by Jam Shack. Robles said attendees can also look forward to more vendors and free ice cream during this year's festivities. 

One of the most colorful events associated with Kootenai River Days is Chalk the Block, which returns for its fourth year July 14-18. 

Hosted by Teascarlet Fine Art, Chalk the Block invites community members of all ages and artistic abilities to transform downtown sidewalks into works of art. Whether participants are experienced artists or simply looking for a creative way to join the celebration, the event encourages everyone to get involved. 

This year's Chalk the Block will once again feature artwork created by the community throughout downtown and will include an international professional chalk artist, giving visitors an opportunity to enjoy both amateur and professional creations during the weeklong event. 

For adults looking to enjoy an evening out, the Rotary Wine Walk returns as one of Kootenai River Days' most popular traditions. 

Organized by the Rotary Club of Bonners Ferry, the walk has been part of Kootenai River Days since its inception. This year's event will feature six participating locations, with attendees traveling from stop to stop using a passport-style format. 

Each participating business selects its own featured beverage, creating a unique experience at every location. Along the way, participants can enjoy music, light refreshments and opportunities to connect with friends and neighbors. 

Rotary Secretary Glenda Poston said the event is about more than wine tasting. 

"I believe we do the wine walk to bring and gather community support for each other," Poston said. "It is truly a fun-filled evening. There is music at several of the stops, along with wonderful snacks for all participants to enjoy. Unity within the community." 

Funds raised through the walk help support Rotary scholarships for local students as well as community organizations and programs throughout Boundary County. 

"If we are fortunate enough to raise $4,000, that is four to six scholarships for area students," Poston said. "Or it can support Rotary's efforts in community support to different organizations, boys basketball, Girl Scouts, robotics, the jazz band and many others." 

Poston said one of her favorite parts of Kootenai River Days is seeing the community reconnect. 

"You see people who live in your community that you know, and it may be only once or twice a year that you see them," she said. "Kootenai River Days brings people to town for a fun-filled weekend of events. It also brings those people who no longer call Bonners Ferry home back into the community." 

Tickets for the Rotary Wine Walk are limited, with organizers typically capping attendance at 150 participants to ensure businesses can comfortably accommodate guests. The evening will also feature raffle baskets, music at several locations and a variety of refreshments. 

For Robles, the continued success of Kootenai River Days comes down to the atmosphere it creates and the people who make it possible. 

"What keeps people coming back year after year?" she said. "A weekend of fun in downtown Bonners Ferry, especially at night." 

From sidewalk art and live music to races, food, local businesses and community gatherings, Kootenai River Days continues to offer something for residents and visitors of all ages while celebrating the people and organizations that make Boundary County unique. 

"You never know who you will run into,” Poston said.