Best Local Play or Musical of 2019-20
THE SOUND OF MUSIC, SPOKANE VALLEY SUMMER THEATRE
For three weeks last July, the Valley was alive with The Sound of Music. Local actors like Jennifer Tindall, who starred as the governess to the preternaturally mellifluous Von Trapp children, performed songs that have long since transcended this classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical: "Do-Re-Mi," "Edelweiss" and "My Favorite Things." Though it stopped short of sparking a sudden vogue for lederhosen and dirndls, there's little doubt that this memorable production wowed audiences. (EJI)
2nd PLACE: It's a Wonderful Life, Spokane Civic Theatre; 3rd PLACE: Young Frankenstein, Spokane Civic Theatre; NORTH IDAHO'S BEST: Beauty and the Beast, Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre
Best Charity Event
EPICUREAN DELIGHT, BLOOD CENTER FOUNDATION
This formal food-based fete sells out year after year, and for good reason. Pairing a friendly culinary competition between 30 regional restaurants and 30 libations purveyors, Epicurean Delight raises funds to support Vitalant's regional blood center, offering life-saving transfusions. In 2020, Epicurean will host its 39th event on Nov. 6; watch for tickets to go on sale sometime in August if you plan to return or check out this popular benefit for the first time. (CS)
2nd PLACE: Beyond Pink Bra Fashion Show; 3rd PLACE: Furr Ball, Spokane Humane Society; NORTH IDAHO'S BEST: The Showcase, Community Cancer Fund
Best Arts Festival
ART ON THE GREEN
It's going to feel like Groundhog Day for the region's arts festivals as Coeur d'Alene's Art on the Green takes top honors again this year. File it under "if it ain't broke..." because for 51 years, this three-day festival on North Idaho College's lovely lakeside campus has been one of the highlights of summer. Artisan goods, food booths, live entertainment, a juried art show and more awaits. (CAS)
2nd PLACE: ArtFest; 3rd PLACE: Terrain
Best Tattoo Parlor
ANCHORED ART
Anchored Art is celebrating its third consecutive year snagging this award. The downtown Spokane parlor has been operating for nearly a decade, and their no-nonsense attitude continues to win the hearts of tattoo fans. Tattoos are fun, but they're also permanent. It's best to see a team who takes the artform seriously. (JS)
2nd PLACE: Mom's Custom Tattoo; 3rd PLACE: On the Level Tattoo; NORTH IDAHO'S BEST: Bleeding Hearts, Sandpoint
Best Art Gallery
NORTHWEST MUSEUM OF ARTS AND CULTURE (MAC)
Tucked into the Browne's Addition neighborhood, the MAC, as it's affectionately known, is the kind of regional arts and culture hub that would leave an unfillable hole if it ever left. That's true physically as it takes up a lot of space. But the kinds of exhibits it brings — from arts to Northwest history to science and the natural world — make it more than a place to simply "view" art. It's a space to experience lifelong learning. (SAL)
2nd PLACE: Marmot Art Space; 3rd PLACE: Art Spirit Gallery, Coeur d'Alene
Best Bookstore
AUNTIE'S BOOKSTORE
The news of local, independent bookstores' death has been greatly exaggerated. That's certainly true at Spokane's iconic downtown and much-loved bookstore (where classic Mark Twain novels are indeed for sale). For over 40 years, it's been a haven for word lovers to melt into its shelf-lined aisles and ascend a grand staircase to overlook literary joy. It changed hands to local businessman John Waite several years ago, but they're the hands of an owner who carries on the grand tradition of what a strong local bookstore means to a community. (SAL)
2nd PLACE: Giant Nerd Books; 3rd PLACE: The Well-Read Moose, Coeur d'Alene
Best Public Art Piece
THE GARBAGE GOAT
Among the many positive things Expo '74 left Spokane, the Garbage Goat has to be the quirkiest — and perhaps most memorable. An artist nun, Sister Paula Turnbull, made the public art piece to coincide with the world's fair that transformed Riverfront Park. And it's since transformed the must-see list visitors to the city have to check off their list. (SAL)
2nd PLACE: Riverfront Park Pavilion; 3rd PLACE: Red Wagon; NORTH IDAHO'S BEST: Mudgy & Millie sculptures, Coeur d'Alene
Best Giant Yard Spider
FLUFFY
Best Cutest Public Art Piece
BRONZO THE BRAVE
