Chalk artists were already at work Tuesday morning as Kootenai River Days got underway with Chalk the Block, kicking off four days of community events, live music, family activities and downtown celebrations across Bonners Ferry. 

Hosted by the Bonners Ferry Chamber of Commerce, Kootenai River Days runs July 16-19 and brings together residents, visitors, local businesses and community organizations for one of Boundary County's largest summer traditions. 

"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, chamber liaison representative. 

This year's celebration features a full schedule of activities, including Chalk the Block, the Rotary Wine Walk, live music, food vendors, the Kootenai River Run, Birdies for Our Brothers Golf Tournament, a community ice cream social and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend. 

One of the first events to begin was Chalk the Block, hosted by Teascarlet Fine Art. Now in its fourth year, the community art event invites artists of all ages and skill levels to create sidewalk chalk artwork throughout downtown Bonners Ferry. 

Hannah Sucsy, owner of Teascarlet Fine Art and organizer of Chalk the Block, said one of her favorite things about the event is its accessibility. 

"Everybody is just out here enjoying it," Sucsy said. "You don't have to have any skills or training to enjoy it." 

Artists are already at work downtown creating colorful displays, with more expected throughout the week. Participants can pick up chalk from Teascarlet Fine Art and enter the contest through an online registration and voting system. Voting closes at 5 p.m. Saturday, with prizes scheduled to be awarded at 7 p.m. before the evening's live music. 

Sucsy said Chalk the Block has become a unifying event for the community. 

"There's lots of things that divide people, and this is definitely a unifying community event," she said. 

While Chalk the Block is already underway, many of Kootenai River Days' signature events are still ahead. 

The Rotary Wine Walk begins at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 16, featuring six participating locations throughout downtown. The event raises funds for Rotary scholarships and community programs while giving participants an opportunity to enjoy beverages, music and refreshments at local businesses. 

Friday's schedule includes Chalk the Block from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Crazy Days shopping downtown, food and beverage vendors beginning at 5 p.m., a free community ice cream social from 7:30-8:30 p.m. and live music by Jam Shack from 7:30-11:30 p.m. 

Saturday's activities begin with the Bonners farmers market and Kootenai River Run at 8 a.m. The Birdies for Our Brothers Golf Tournament tees off at 9 a.m., while Chalk the Block continues from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Family activities, including face painting and bounce houses, will run from 4-8 p.m. Live music by the Kip McMillan Trio begins at 4 p.m., followed by food and beverage vendors from 5-9 p.m. and music by DJ Mark from 8 p.m. to midnight. 

Throughout the weekend, attendees can also enjoy the Bruce Festival, fairgrounds activities, local vendors and community fundraising events. 

According to Robles, this year's celebration features increased volunteer involvement and vendor participation, continuing the event's growth in recent years. 

From colorful sidewalk art and community gatherings to music, food and recreation, Kootenai River Days once again offers something for residents and visitors of all ages while celebrating the community spirit that brings people together year after year. 

    Hannah Sucsy, owner of Teascarlet Fine Art and Annie, a returning chalk artist for the 2026 Chalk the Block.