Cusick, Wash.—River Valley Lifestyle, a new community organization in northeast Washington’s Pend Oreille County, aims to create events that encourage citizens to enjoy the natural bounty and culture of the Inland Northwest. The group’s first event, the Qlispè River Festival, a music and arts festival, is set for August 23-24 on the grounds of the newly-opened Kalispel Park in Cusick. The Qlispè River Festival will feature a variety of talented artists with items available for purchase, as well as local and regional musicians performing throughout the afternoon and evening, including diverse genres of singer-songwriters, a funk band, blues-rock, folk, Native American drumming and more. Lodging is available for the weekend, including 33 RV sites and eight small cabins for rent at the Kalispel RV Resort and tent camping at the Pend Oreille County Fairgrounds, one mile south of the music and arts venue.
To make the Qlispè River Festivalhappen, River Valley Lifestyle teamed up with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. Once one of the poorest Native American tribes in the United States, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians is now one of the top private employers in the Spokane region. The historically humble and hospitable tribe operates Northern Quest Resort & Casino, the region’s premier destination resort. Tribal health and social service programs, supported by the resort, have increased the quality and life expectancy for tribal members and surrounding communities near the tribe’s reservation along the Pend Oreille River. The tribe maintains a number of business enterprises, provides a total of 2,300 jobs, and has donated more than $18 million to regional non-profit organizations. Find out more about the Kalispel Tribe’s rich cultural history and their progression at Kalispeltribe.com. Follow the Qlispè River Festival on Facebook or find more details on its Eventbrite page. Tickets may be purchased at the gate for $10 per day. Two-day tickets are available only at Eventbrite.com for $15. Children 12 years and under are free, if accompanied by an adult.
