Celebrate with food, music at JUMP to kick off Twilight Criterium, help Idaho Foodbank

Down for some high-speed cycling? Don’t worry, talkin’ spectating, not participating.

This Saturday is the Boise Twilight Criterium, the pro cycling event that will have thousands flooding the downtown streets to watch women’s and men’s teams from all over the nation compete for cash and bragging rights.

But before you start stressing about finding that ideal spot to catch all the action, let me distract you with three little words: free french fries. Did it work? Of course. This is Idaho, after all.

Prior to race day, check out the Twilight Trifecta from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at JUMP, 1000 W. Myrtle St.

The kickoff event is recognized as a celebration of community, cycling and fries — “three things that make Idaho great,” according to a news release.

From 4 to 7 p.m., families can feast on free fries and sliders, courtesy of Simplot. A free concert will start at 5 p.m. headlined by Head for the Hills, a bluegrass band from Colorado. Boise folk group The Pan Handles will open.

For those needing a break from the heat, retire to JUMP’s lobby to view the 3-D Basque Museum photo exhibit or play some Bike Bingo in the JUMP Room. The lobby will be open with extended hours, to 8:30 p.m.

Or you can always cool off with a cold one! Deschutes and New Belgium will be offering beer and wine. Proceeds from the bar sales benefit the Twilight Criterium race. There will also be an on-site food drive for Idaho Foodbank.

For more information, go to boisetwilightcriterium.com or visit the event’s Facebook page.