McCall Idaho Headline News

The McCall City Council last week decided to close off East Lake Street from Pine Street west to the Third Street intersection during the weekends of the 2008 McCall Winter Carnival.

The council voted unanimously, 4-0, to close the street on the weekends. Mayor Bill Robertson was absent.

East Lake Street will be closed to traffic from Friday, Jan. 25, at 3 p.m. until Sunday evening, Jan. 27, at 5 p.m. and from Friday, Feb. 1, at 3 p.m. until Sunday, Feb. 3, at 5 p.m.

The sponsoring McCall Area Chamber of Commerce requested the street closure to provide more room for pedestrians for various activities in the area during the winter carnival.

Last year, the chamber requested the streets be closed off for the entire festival. That plan was met with opposition from business owners east of Legacy Park, and the council denied the request.

No opposition was voiced at last Thursday's council meeting on the plan to close the street on weekends only.

Chamber Executive Director Tamara Sandmeyer was questioned by council member Bonnie Bertram about opposition to the street closure.

Sandmeyer told the council that business owners in the affected area were not opposed to this year's plan to close the street only on the weekends. She also said that access to the businesses was still available via Railroad Avenue to Pine Street.

The chamber also requested that the Legacy Park parking lot be used as a venue for the children's court during the 2008 carnival.

In addition, the chamber requested the use of the parking lot behind Gravity Sports that is now used by the city for snow storage. City staff will work with the chamber on the use of the parking lot.

Nominations sought for Mardi Gras Parade grand marshal during carnival
The 2008 McCall Winter Carnival committee is seeking nominations from the community for the Mardi Gras Parade grand marshal.

Traditionally, the parade grand marshal is a well-known member of the community who is recognized by others as an outstanding citizen.

"We think it is important to involve our community in this important decision," said Tamara Sandmeyer, executive director the sponsoring McCall Chamber of Commerce.

"Please take this chance to nominate your favorite candidate to be the grand marshal during this year's parade," Sandmeyer said.

The parade will begin at noon Saturday, Jan. 26, and wind through downtown McCall.
Nominations can be sent by mail to PO. Box 1046, McCall, ID 83638 or via e-mail to jesse@ infuzemarketing.com.  Nominations are open until Nov. 20.

Nominations should include the name of the candidate and reasons for nomination. For more information, contact Sandmeyer at 631-7631 or Jesse Murphy at (208) 866-6085.