POCATELLO — Old Town Pocatello will host a special Art Walk event on Friday in conjunction with the solar eclipse that will take place on Monday.
The Eclipse Art and Neon Sign Walk is a great opportunity for Pocatello locals and those visiting Pocatello for the eclipse to explore Old Town.
Pocatello natives and visitors are invited to enjoy the special Art Walk that will feature charming art galleries, local shops and restaurants that will all be hosting artists, live music, along with shopping and food specials. The Art Walk will run between 5 and 8 p.m.
To make this Art Walk even more special, those who visit Old Town Pocatello on Friday will have the opportunity to experience the historic neon signs that have been restored throughout Old Town.
“Each of these neon signs have a story about the history of our business community and our community as a whole,” said Stephanie Palagi, executive director of Old Town Pocatello. “They are pieces of advertising and art. To relight them and have them shining brightly in Old Town again helps us to celebrate our history.”
Between 8 and 10 p.m., there will be hosts are each neon sign that will provide visitors with information about the signs including their history and influence on the Pocatello community.
The Eclipse Art and Neon Sign Walk offers free admission and free parking to all those who wish to join.
Historic Neon Sign Locations
- The Chief Theater neon sign on the 200 block of North Main Street stands 40 feet tall.
- The Indian Head neon sign at Pocatello High School Auditorium, 325 N. Arthur Ave.
- The Greyhound, the last known “running” Greyhound Bus Depot neon sign in the U.S., at 200 W. Bonneville St., across the street from The Bridge Restaurant.
- The Whitman Hotel neon sign on the 100 block of South Union Pacific Avenue. The building was home to the historic Princess Theater featured in the 1954 musical “A Star Is Born,” starring Judy Garland.
- Molinelli’s Jewelers on the 100 block of North Main Street has a neon sign and street clock.
Art Walk Locations
Eastside Old Town
- The Gallows, 150 S. Fourth Ave., will feature eclipse art by Heidi Moratz.
- Portneuf Valley Brewing, 615 S. First Ave., will host Double Header Movies for the night in The Loft: “Werewolf in a Girl’s Dormitory” and the Ed Wood classic “Plan 9 From Outer Space.” Free admission with complimentary free popcorn, too. They will have special eclipse menu and beer selections served in eclipse pie tins for dine in or take out.
- Pocatello Co-op, 308 E. Center St., will host metal artist Mike Sierra.
- East Idaho Home Interiors, 237 E. Center St., has a store full of shopping specials, including furniture, home decor, fashion and fall decorating ideas.
Westside Old Town
- The Pocatello Art Center, 444 N. Main St., will host a special exhibit, “Eclipsing The West!” with local and regional artists featuring regional landscape, local culture, and the beauty of our area. The center will also be open Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, in addition to Friday from 10 am to 8 pm.
- American Family Insurance, 427 N. Main St., will be hosting Energy Art/Intentional Creativity by Lori Skoumal Reeves.
- Main Street Music, 401 N. Main St., will feature live music and a talented local artist.
- Elwen Cottage & Mr. Vaughn’s Emporium, 332 N. Main St., will feature in store shopping specials, art, furniture and candy.
- The Grecian Key Restaurant, 314 N. Main St., will feature live music and Greek menu specials.
- Great Harvest Bread Co., 250 N. Main St., will host a local artist with in-store bakery specials and Eclipse Sugar Cookies.
- Enchantments, 233 N. Main St., has eclipse glasses in stock now and on sale for $1.50. Prepare now for the big event and stop in for glasses for your family.
- Main Steam Coffee & Desserts, 234 N. Main St., will feature artist Kimberly Atkins. Atkins will be displaying both paintings and sculptures.
- The Purple Moon, 218 N. Main St., will host art on display throughout the store.
- Villano’s Italian, 165 N. Main St., will feature pizza and pasta specials along with their additional Italian specialties.
- Vain & Vintage, 149 N. Main St., will host Laura Hamilton, designer of Hipper Than Thou jewelry.
- PV’s Uncorked on Main, 138 N. Main St., will feature wine specials including the 7 Moons California Red, along with dining specials.
- Old Town Mercantile & Antiques, 134 N. Main St., will be hosting artist Lana Gribas who is a mixed media artist that makes magazine bead necklaces, painted bottles, and paintings. She is also the author and illustrator of two children’s books.
- Gate City Fine Arts Gallery, 315 W. Center St., will host a group show by local artists, as well as sculpture by Stan Gates.
- Black Rail Antiques, 312 W. Center St., will host Rail City Jazz playing live along with artist Mary Anne Hoffmann.
- Deckadence Board Shoppe, 326 W. Center St., will be hosting live music by Simply B. Simply B is a multi-instrumental, live looping artist out of Salt Lake City. Combining Funk bass, electric guitar, beat-boxing, and soulful vocals; B creates a positive, lyrical, danceable, one man band experience. The show is from 7 to 10 p.m. All ages are invited to attend. The entry fee is a suggested minimum $5 donation.
- Orange and Black Store, 123 S. Main St., will be hosting a local artist and shopping specials for back to school ISU Bengal gear.
- Pocatello Running Company, 200 S. Main St., will feature the art of running. Running shoe fitting, running gear specials and more. Be sure to stop in.
- Pocatello Elks Lodge, 410 S. Main St., will be hosting music and activities. The lodge will be open to the public, and dinner will be available.
Other events throughout the weekend happening in Old Town
- The Portneuf Valley Farmers Market will be open on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Old Town Pavilion. The market will feature fresh, local produce alongside handmade crafts, jewelry and more.
- On Saturday, the Pocatello Co-op and Farm Table Café, 308 E. Center St., will celebrate its 10th anniversary with an Anniversary Wine Tasting Celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. They will be tasting five wines from this month’s featured sustainable vineyards, Boomtown by Dusted Valley. Cost is $7 per person. Bring ID. The cafe will be open for dinner during the tasting. Call 208-904-1368 for more information.
- The Bridge, 230 W. Bonneville St., will be open for brunch on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Monday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Your first mimosa will be complimentary and they have eclipse glasses available on a first-come basis. Outside seating is available.
