We’re in that weird lull between Christmas and New Year’s when it seems like everyone we know is on vacation. If you can pick yourself up off the couch and get out, do.
Dec. 29
CLARKSTON — An evening of bunco begins at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 29 at the Clarkston Eagles Lodge here, 505 Maple St.
Cost is $10 and food will be available for purchase.
The game is sponsored by the Eagles Auxiliary with half of the game proceeds going to winners and the remainder funding auxiliary and aerie projects.
Dec. 30
COTTONWOOD — The Idaho County Orchestra will give a free Christmas Concert beginning at 2 p.m. Dec. 30 in the chapel of the Monastery of St. Gertrude here.
Orchestra members include Carletta Allen, Alli Kohrman, Lana Claussen (all violin), Joan Haaland (flute), Bruce Graham (guitar), Lori Graham (viola), Karen Martin (clarinet) and Dave Johnson (cello).
Refreshments will be served after the performance. The monastery is at 465 Keuterville Road.
Dec. 31
LEWISTON — Live dance music is on tap at a New Year’s Eve party the evening of Dec. 31.
The Lewis-Clark State College Jazz Band will playing big band swing music to kick off the evening beginning at 8 p.m. The B-Sides will follow playing covers of “horn band” rock ’n’ roll such as Chicago; Blood, Sweat and Tears; and Tower of Power until midnight.
Before the dance begins, a dinner of bite-size steak and shrimp will be available for purchase from 6 to 8 p.m.
Cost for dinner, music and breakfast is $50. Music and breakfast only is $35, and admission for the dance only is $20. Tickets are available at the door.
The Elks is at 3444 Country Club Drive.
Jan. 1
LEWISTON — College football bowl games can wait a bit. Get out and join in the First Day Hikes at America’s State Parks event beginning at 10 a.m. New Year's Day at Hells Gate State Park along the Snake River here.
One guided hike of 4¼ miles will leave the Lewis and Clark Discovery Center at 10 a.m. Hikers also can choose among the more than 12 miles of trails at the park to create their own hike.
Following their adventures, hikers are welcome to return to the Discovery Center for free soup and hot drinks.
Pets are welcome for the hikes but must be leashed. Cost to enter the park is $5 per vehicle, but admission is free for those with the annual Idaho State Parks Passport.
The park is at 5100 Hells Gate Road.
Jan. 2
LEWISTON — Tune up those vocal chords and quell the butterflies in your stomach: Open-mic night at Mystic Cafe here begins with signups at 8 p.m. Jan. 2.
Performances will begin at 8:30 p.m. at the cafe, 1303 Main St.
