Boise’s Art in the Park goes virtual because of COVID. Here’s when to start shopping

If you’ve ever wandered the grounds of Julia Davis Park during the annual Art in the Park, you know how it’s nearly impossible to meander through the crowds without bumping into others.

It’s kinda popular, a yearly favorite some would say, and easily attracts thousands.

So with the restriction on mass gatherings because of COVID-19, a decision was made to host the 66th annual Art in the Park virtually.

It was important to shift the annual event online not only sustain Boise Art Museum (the community tradition is BAM’s single largest fundraiser), but to “help artists whose livelihoods have been diminished by the cancellation of so many fairs and festivals this season,” according to a press release.

Therefore the all-new event, BAM’s Art in the Park Marketplace, was created. It has extended dates, running from Sept. 10-18. And 75 percent of all purchases will go to the artists.

Go to boiseartmuseum.org beginning Sept. 10 for a link to the marketplace.

Fill the Shelves to help sex trafficking victims

Microbe Formulas, a Meridian-based supplement company, is hosting a Fill the Shelves donation drive “to collect essential items to give to local victims of sex trafficking and crime after they are rescued,” according to a press release.

Personal hygiene products (toothbrushes and paste, deodorant, soap, shampoo), as well as clothing (socks, underwear, pajamas, sports bras, shoes), backpacks and nonperishable food items, are needed.

Drop off donations from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, through Saturday, Sept. 5, at 3750 E. Pewter Falls St., Suite 100, Meridian.

Cash will also be accepted at tiny.cc/fillshelves and will go toward creating various packages of essentials. For instance, a $50 donation covers the cost of a backpack containing three days’ worth of food; $40 provides a victim with a TracFone and prepaid minutes; and $15 puts together a hygiene kit.

Idaho Community Outreach Behavioral Services (COBS), which “provides trauma care for victims of human trafficking across Idaho,” is partnering with Microbe Formulas on the project.

This story was originally published August 31, 2020 at 3:19 PM.