**Update 5/4/15**
This continues to be one of my favorite traditions, to do this event with my family every May. I think Spokane has MUCH to be proud of, how they can pull off this amazing event, year after year, so seamlessly. We did it again this year, and were so impressed, as usual, with how smoothly and efficiently it went! The stupendous, glorious weather didn't hurt, either! Here's what we love about Bloomsday:
-the sense of community and city pride amongst locals who participate, and those who don't but who gather along the course route to cheer us runners and walkers on! It's palpable, how Spokane natives take pride in this event, and thier city, and are SO helpful and friendly and nice to all of us who participate!
-the course itself is gorgeous, with views of valleys and creeks and pedestrian bridges and forested hills, occasionally passing by stately churches and government buildings and tony apartment houses, and a fraternity house or two and sprawling community colleges and a beautifully landscaped cemetary, and up and down hills and through a holl-top residential area.
-we love all the local bands and singers spread out along the course route, ranging from classic rockers to older gentlemen dressed in gold lame belting out Rod Stewart or Neil Diamond stand-bys. We also love the homeowners who have running sprinklers out or who hold garden hoses out to spray water on those of us who need to cool down, and all who cheer us on as we plod along. And all those homeowners who decorate thier homes for Bloomsday with all the t-shirts from yeasr past, and all those elderly homeowners who site in wheelchairs by thier windows and wave us all on.
-we sure meet a lot of characters who participate, every year, and they help make the walk/run fun! This year we saw Spiderman, two cowboys "riding" ostriches, lots of guys and gals in tutus, and more! And all were super nice and "normal", despite their far-out costumes and get-ups. No wacky, wierd or scary personalities, thank goodness.
-as mentioned, this event is always efficiently run and uber-organized, from the race packet pick-up at the Convention Center the day prior, to the actual event. There are a TON of police, security, fire and medic personnel visible, everywhere (literally, EVERYWHERE), and even the start-up to the race is smooth. No worries about getting trampled, and even the folks pushing strollers are polite. All the cops and firefighter personnel are all friendly, too. It just seems everyone is always happy to be there and super positive.
-we enjoy the trade show the day prior, when we get our race packets. There are a ton of vendors with really cool items for sale - some at really good, discounted rates. And lots of samples. And just nice, friendly people who are jazzed about racing!
-the course itself is 7.5 miles and well-marked. The start and finish line are imressive with their arches of balloons and music playing. It's great how the theme from "Chariots of Fire" blares at the finish line! And how upbeat and excited everyone is! And it's always fun guessing what the t-shirt will look like, for those who complete the race. read more