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Pocatello’s first Neon Fest brings history to light – East Idaho News

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Pocatello’s first Neon Fest brings history to light – East Idaho News


POCATELLO — The Gate City will shine a little brighter this summer as it celebrates its first annual Neon Fest on July 11 and 12, spotlighting the legacy of neon and historic preservation in the heart of downtown.

Organized by Relight the Night, a volunteer committee under Historic Downtown Pocatello Inc., the two-day festival will feature a series of neon-themed events, culminating in the relighting of the restored Idaho Motel sign, a vintage gem that once welcomed travelers along South Fifth Avenue.

For several decades, the historic Idaho Motel provided a warm bed to visitors in Pocatello. Located between the 1100 blocks of South Fifth and South Fourth avenues across from Idaho State University, the motel’s roots trace back to 1938, and a portion of it still exists today as an apartment complex next to Taco Bell.

According to Randy Dixon, chairman of Relight the Night, the Law family started the Idaho Motel in 1938 and installed the neon sign in the early 1950s, an era when people with the USO (United Service Organizations) were visiting during World War II. They were a very predominant family who kept the motel going until 1976.

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The Idaho Motel back in its heyday was a welcome sight for those traveling through Pocatello in need of a place to stay. | Photo Flickr

This information, along with more details, will be shared on a permanent plaque accompanying the sign’s installation, which will be officially unveiled during the relighting ceremony at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday at Lookout Point in the heart of Historic Downtown Pocatello.

Group hosting weekend event to help restore historic neon signs in downtown Pocatello

“The Idaho Motel sign is beautiful. Just wait until you see it all lit up. There are few signs in existence that feature the name of the state in the shape of the state,” said Dixon. “We’re fortunate to have people in our community, like the team at Blaze Sign Company, who make this possible. We know how to make classic neon signs happen—it’s what we do.”

Friday, July 11 — Art, Neon, and a Walking Tour

The Neon Fest kicks off on Friday evening with a neon-themed Art Walk from 5 to 8 p.m., where downtown galleries, boutiques, and restaurants will feature special exhibits, music, food, and glowing surprises.

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“Our success is based on what we know about historic preservation,” said Dixon. “This 1.6-mile walking tour is a great example of our tenacity and vision.”

At 8:30 p.m., attendees can take part in a guided Neon Sign Walking Tour, beginning at the iconic Chief Theater sign. The free tour highlights the growing collection of restored neon signage that has been brought back to life since the committee began its work in 2013.

Saturday, July 12 — Farmers Market, Live Music, and the Big Reveal

Saturday starts with a visit to the Portneuf Valley Farmers Market in Lookout Point, followed by shopping and exploring downtown businesses. However, the main event takes place that evening, when the community gathers for an electrifying night of festivities.

Starting at 5 p.m., Lookout Point will come alive with food trucks, neon drinks, kids’ activities, and more. From 6 to 7:30 p.m., local music legend Steve Eaton will perform live. Then at 8:30 p.m., all eyes will turn to the Idaho Motel sign as it lights up for the first time in decades.

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What started with the relighting of the Chief Theater sign in 2013, the Idaho Motel sign marks the 22nd sign restored through Relight the Night’s efforts, supported by local businesses and volunteers. The restoration of sign is being funded in part by a grant from the Idaho Heritage Trust, with community donations covering the remainder.

While Relight the Night has had several substantial donations, but we still have a way to go. Donations can be made online or mailed to Relight the Night, PO Box 222, Pocatello, ID 83204.

“This is about historical preservation,” said Dixon. “As long as these signs shine brightly, the history that surrounds them will never be forgotten.”

Movie Under the Stars

Following the relighting, families are invited to stay for a special screening of Disney’s Cars — a fitting tribute to America’s roadside neon culture. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for a nostalgic evening complete with popcorn, glow lights, and a sense of community spirit.

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The inspiration behind Cars — the fictional town of Radiator Springs — was modeled after real-life destinations along historic Route 66, a stretch of highway known for its dazzling neon. In fact, Dixon recently presented Relight the Night’s work in Arcadia, Oklahoma, home to one of the largest private neon collections in the United States, helping to put Pocatello on the national map for neon restoration.

Dixon encourages everyone to mark Neon Fest on their calendar and to bring their entire family for this premier community event.

For more information, follow Pocatello’s 1st Annual Neon Fest on Facebook.

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Idaho

Delicious New Menu Item Expected To Hit Idaho Costcos Soon

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Delicious New Menu Item Expected To Hit Idaho Costcos Soon


There’s something special and timeless about the Costco food court.

Having a Costco Card doesn’t just mean you unlock your grocery shopping there but you now get to go to the best food court known to man: The Costco Foodcourt.

Everyone loves their great prices and great options. Whether you’ve wanted to get a pizza to share with your family or one of their beloved giant hot dogs everyone’s got a good reason to go to the Costco Foodcourt.

Costco has been adding a lot of new menu items recently including fun ice cream flavors. Now they have yet again added something new to their menu.

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Idaho Costcos

Where to find Costcos in Idaho.

Gallery Credit: Shannon Buccola

Costco has added a new menu item that everyone is already going crazy for. In a new viral Instagram reel an influencer revealed that Costco food courts around the country would be adding chicken strips to their menu! This feels like the perfect addition to the already extremely popular Costco food court and we can already see everyone going crazy over this new menu item.

Credit: Instagram/costcohotfinds

Credit: Instagram/costcohotfinds

As of right now it appears the chicken tenders are going to be 6.99 and include 5 chicken strips. They also seemingly have a new sauce that is going to be paired with these chicken strips and it looks delicious!

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Credit: Instagram/costcohotfinds

Credit: Instagram/costcohotfinds

You’ll have to check out all of the local Idaho Costcos for when these hit stores because they just look delicious!

Look at those chicken tenders:

 

 

 

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Costco Foodcourt’s New Item

It’s a Caramel Brownie Sundae!!!

Gallery Credit: Shannon Buccola

Change Complete at Costco’s Food Courts

Who would have thought that an age old debate would bring out such a reaction in Costco shoppers!?

Gallery Credit: Mateo, 103.5 KISS FM

 

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This is How to Identify an Idaho Christian Nationalist

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This is How to Identify an Idaho Christian Nationalist


You’ve heard that our federal Constitution was made for a moral people.  The line is attributed to the founding father and second President, John Adams.  Notice he said “moral,” not “Christian.”  One of my friends was a graduate of Liberty University, a prestigious Christian school.  His mission in life was to evangelize, but he always cautioned his listeners that our founders spoke of a Creator, and not Jesus.  Some of our early leaders were devout Christians.  Many of them were also womanizers, drinkers, and gave religion no more than lip service.  They were people who wanted to be left alone, and if they practiced faith, it was personal, and they didn’t believe it was the government’s role to dictate morality.

They Mock Good People of Other Faiths

I’m reminded of a story about the 2024 Republican National Convention.  Harmeet Dhillon, a rising star in the party, spoke.  She referenced her Sikh faith, and someone in the crowd felt compelled to shout “Jesus is Lord!”  Now, maybe a majority believes that, but are you sure He wants you to taunt good and moral people?  Or would God prefer a gentler approach?  For instance, you could pray for conversions.

Where does the Great Commission instruct you to be rude to people of good moral character?

Idaho’s Glenneda Zuiderveld was an alternate delegate, and when a seatmate said the man was rude, the state senator dismissed the argument.  “We’re all going to be judged,” she said.  What’s a Senator’s purpose in politics?

The Pot Calling the Kettle Black

A few days ago, a local church had a men-only event for candidates.  A group of liberal women demonstrated outside.  I don’t know why they can’t organize their own event instead, but apparently, they would rather be confrontational.  They’ve accomplished nothing more than preening and making a claim that they’re more virtuous, but the church is within its rights to hold a men-only event.  If you want a women’s only event, I’m not bothered.  Let me add a caveat.  Some of the men involved believe that it’s okay to berate members of the LDS Church as they enter the temple.  I wouldn’t say screaming at someone that they’re going to hell is a sign of moral people.  Again, if you think they’re wrong, then pray for them.

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Some people wonder why they’re called Christian nationalists.  Do we need to draw them some pictures?

Brad Little Through The Years

Gallery Credit: Kevin Miller





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Local non-profit fills Mother’s Day baskets for NICU moms across Idaho

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Local non-profit fills Mother’s Day baskets for NICU moms across Idaho


KUNA — A sister-duo is filling baskets with blankets, snacks and handwritten notes to spread some extra love to moms spending Mother’s Day in the hospital with their newborns.

The effort is led by “Helping Hands for NICU Moms,” a nonprofit co-founded by sisters Tiffany and Alyssa Higbee. The organization was born from Alyssa’s own experience spending months in the NICU with her firstborn.

Alyssa’s son was initially in the NICU for about two weeks, then was put back in for about 3.5 months. During that time, several holidays passed, making it especially hard as a first-time mom.

“There was people in companies who would bring us stuff and try and cheer up your day, and it really helped, and so when my son was about 6 months old, we decided that it would be best to try and help moms in the NICU somehow,” Alyssa Higbee said.

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That inspiration led the sisters to create Mother’s Day gift baskets filled with items to bring comfort and encouragement to moms facing the same journey.

WATCH: Learn more about “Helping Hands for NICU Moms”

Local non-profit fills Mother’s Day baskets for NICU moms across Idaho

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The sisters have a 12-year age gap. Tiffany was fresh out of high school when they started the nonprofit in 2023, which meant she had more time to dedicate to the project. Alyssa noted that because of the age gap, they didn’t get to spend a lot of time together growing up, so the project has brought them closer.

“Hopefully, this can bring some hope that you can get out of it … that NICU period, that scary initial phase, it does get easier,” Alyssa Higbee said.

ALSO READ | Fragile beginnings to bright futures: NICU ‘Wall of Hope’ inspires families with stories of strength

Alyssa’s son, who was born in the NICU at St. Luke’s in Twin Falls, is now 3-years-old and healthy. Tiffany said watching her nephew go through the NICU was hard, but seeing him now — jumping, tackling her, and doing everything a little boy does — makes the work even more meaningful.

“It’s cool to see the difference because I know that some kids don’t make it to where he is when they’re in the NICU, and it’s just cool to see that he did,” Tiffany Higbee said.

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This year’s baskets are packed with items donated by nearly 25 local companies — up from just 5 donors in the first year. The baskets include soaps from Wild Highland Soaps, claw clips, bibs, hair bows, chapsticks, socks, lotions, hand sanitizers, coloring books, colored pencils, snacks, minky blankets, and stuffed puppies from Scheels.

Gift cards and coupons are also included from Dutch Bros, Flying M Coffee, a pizza company, Wendy’s (free meal coupons for breakfast and lunch), Albertsons, and a $10 coupon to a baby store.

Tiffany started collecting donations for this year’s baskets as early as November of last year, spending a few hours every week for the past 6 to 8 months to prepare — reaching out to companies, picking up donations, and organizing everything.

The assembly process includes last-minute tasks like ironing vinyl onto bags, opening boxes, and putting together gift card envelopes before the full baskets are assembled and delivered.

“We start putting the bags together, making sure we have everything in there, and then we deliver them on Mother’s Day,” Alyssa Higbee said.

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The baskets are delivered before noon on Mother’s Day to avoid missing moms who may be discharged after doctors do their rounds. Currently, the organization delivers to St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital in downtown Boise.

Tiffany said delivering the baskets is one of the most rewarding parts of the work.

“I love seeing the moms sometimes we get to watch them come out with their baskets, and they’ll be going through it, and they look really excited and happy,” Tiffany Higbee said.

“Seeing how happy they are or knowing how I cheered them up a little bit for their Mother’s Day because it’s a big holiday, it’s their first with that baby at least,” Tiffany Higbee said.

The first year, the project was funded mostly out of their own pockets. Three years later, as an official nonprofit, they said they no longer have to rely heavily on their own funds thanks to their new partnerships.

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The organization accepts both monetary donations via Venmo and their website, as well as in-kind donations of physical items like soaps, claw clips, and other basket items — year-round.

The organization’s future goal is to expand to all the different NICUs in the area, and potentially the PICUs (Pediatric Intensive Care Units) as well, since that was also part of Alyssa’s experience.

To learn how you can donate or get involved with “Helping Hands for NICU Moms,” you can visit their website by clicking here.

Send tips to neighborhood reporter Brady Caskey

Have a story idea from South Boise, West Boise or Kuna? Share it with Brady below —

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