What’s Happening Around Boise

By J. Gelband, 10-04-07

Saturday, Oct.  6
Meridian Chili Cook-Off – It’s getting cold outside, which is perfect time for a hot bowl of chili.  Starting at noon, 11 local businesses will fight for the “Best Chili” title in the 14th annual fundraiser. Food is served in the parking lot of the Chapel of the Chimes. $5 gets you bowls of all 11 chilis. It’s $4 for seniors and children 6-12, free for ages younger than 5. Last year there was no vegetarian chili – so if you don’t do meat, expect to fill up on Fritos and saltines.

See Spot Walk – Idaho’s largest community dog walk is in its 16th year. The fundraiser benefits the Idaho Humane Society. Participants earn prizes for the amounts of cash they rake in, but all families and dogs are welcome to walk with the group through downtown Boise and participate in all the other activities during the celebration, including dog contests for best singer, best hair and best costume. Registration is $15 for kids, $20 for adults.

Oktoberfest in the Garden — October, the traditional month of beer and German grub, and no place in Boise can resist the urge to host their own Oktoberfest, not even the Idaho Botanical Garden. Check it out for more than the beer – for all the culture that comes with the suds, including music by the Edelweiss Band, folk dancing and traditional food like brats. The fun begins at 5 p.m. and costs $6 or $4 for members and kids 4-12.

Sunday, Oct. 7
Sum 41 – The popular Canadian punk rockers from 2001 are back with a new album. Last time they were in town they brought chicks from the audience to make out on stage. That was years ago; they are all grown up now, the lead singer is married to fellow Canadian chanteuse Avril Lavigne and their new album, “Underclass Hero” has a picture of said lead singer spitting. See them for $20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Big Easy.

Monday, Oct. 8
Columbus Day – Don’t go to work or have a parade or protest it or whatever.

For more things to do, check out www.boiseevents.net.