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Eagle Eye Newsletter - May 2026
Posted on May 1st, 2026 Comments (0)
 
 
“The more you celebrate life, the more in life there is to celebrate.”
  Oprah Winfrey
 
From Bloomsday to Memorial Day, May is a time to celebrate. With spring in full swing, there’s energy in the air, so open the windows, enjoy the blooms, get outside for a hike, or celebrate in whatever way suits you best. Need a reason beyond the fresh air and sunshine? How about Bloomsday (5/3), Cinco de Mayo (5/5), Mother’s Day (5/10), Armed Forces Day (5/16), Memorial Day (5/25) or other quasi-holidays like International Harry Potter Day (5/2), National mini-golf day (5/11) or Chocolate Chip cookie day (5/15). But no matter what you do this month, May the 4th be with you!
 
FOUR HOA UPDATES
Thanks to all who participated in the recent wildfire evacuation drill! The city is busy reviewing the details from the drill and will issue a report within 2-3 weeks. As a reminder, if you haven't responded to the recent survey regarding the drill, please do so at this link, Wildfire Evacuation Drill Resident Survey .
There was a large turnout for the recent city-sponsored town hall. Numerous city departments were there and talked with many from our community about plans for the Latah Valley. It was good to see many of you there.
The HOA Board recently approved a new playset for the park near Crestview and Keely Ct. It will take 2+ months to receive it and get it in place, but it's coming and we'll let you know dates as they get closer.
 
The Board has also approved fire mitigation efforts for the area along Cedar Rd as part of its commitment to FireWise. It's over 20 acres and work is expected to start May 11.
 
EAGLE RIDGE COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE (Sat May 16th  8:00am-3:00pm)
Our semi-annual garage sale is back, so dust off those knick-knacks, unpack the old boxes, partner with a neighbor perhaps, and take advantage. For those who have participated in previous years, you know this event is well attended and often brings folks from well outside the Eagle Ridge community. Good luck, have fun, and please remember to retrieve any signs you may place around the neighborhood after the sale.
 
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN SPOKANE
BLOOMSDAY
May in Spokane would be incomplete without Bloomsday. The event shows off Spokane at its best: active, community-minded, a little competitive, and a lot of fun. Whether you’re running, walking, volunteering, or just cheering from the sidelines, it’s one of the best days of the year to be in the city. Fun Facts:
·       The race was founded in 1977 by local runner Don Kardong w/ over 1,000 runners.
·       Participation regularly draws tens of thousands from around the region. It peaked in 1996 with 61,298 registrants and 56,156 finishers.
·       While it flips back and forth regularly, participation has been dominated by women (55-60%) for much of the event’s history.
·       Prize money was introduced to reward top finishers in 1982.
·       The course is 12k/7.5 miles long with 364 feet of elevation gain. Doomsday Hill, which has become part of Spokane running lore, is a staple, starting at roughly the 4.7 mile mark.
·       It hailed/snowed during the 1984 and 2002 events.
·       The warmest temperature recorded at Bloomsday was 81 degrees at the 1977 and 1980 events.
 
FARMERS’ MARKETS
Finally, the season for fresh fruit and veggies, flowers, arts and crafts, and more is back. Whether you have a favorite or like to sample them all, supporting local growers matters. Not to mention, the quality is amazing. So, take a moment to check these out and go visit! 
Perry Street Market (Thursdays – starting 5/7)
Spokane Farmers Market (Saturdays – starting 5/9)
Fairwood Farmers Market (Tuesdays – starting 5/12)
Liberty Lake Farmers Market (Saturday’s – starting 5/16)
Kendall Yards Night Market (Wednesdays – starting 5/20)
Millwood Farmer's Market (Wednesdays – starting 5/27)
Hilliard Farmers Market (Mondays – starting 6/1)
Emerson-Garfield Farmers' Market (Fridays – starting 6/5)
 
BIKE MONTH
May is also Bike Everywhere Month in Spokane, and it’s a great excuse to pump up the tires and make the most of the city’s growing trail and bike-lane network. In perfect sync, the City of Spokane planning department has numerous bike-related projects set to start this month. Read below for more information on the overall city bike plan and detailed project info:
·       Bicycle Master Plan - vision for enhancing bicycling opportunities across Spokane.
·       Bicycle and Pedestrian Resources
·       Fish Lake Trail to Centennial Trail Connection
·       27 x 2027 Project - will create 27 miles of fully connected routes linking all quadrants of Spokane through multiple adaptive design interventions.
Additionally, the Spokane Bicycle Club typically hosts regular weekly rides in May, including family-friendly, neighborhood, and “choose your own adventure” rides open to a wide range of participants.
 
MEAL OF THE MONTH
While May is a great time to visit local eateries and take advantage of outdoor patios for a meal, below are some fast, simple, and yummy options for a quick, quiet meal or gathering of friends:
Main: Easy Fish Tacos
Side: Cowboy Caviar
Dessert: Strawberry Banana Muffins
 
Thanks as always for reading and hope to see you out on the trails!
 
Mike Harcarik
Eagle Ridge Resident, Realtor, Neighbor and Community Cheerleader