May 26, 2013 editor’s note: It costs $50 to ride the bull at the Cheney Rodeo. The prize money is $1,750. For more information, visit http://www.cheneyrodeo.com/docs/Bullriding.pdf.

by Cori Olson
Contributing Writer
[email protected]

Students get ready to jump in the lake and ride the bull for an exciting summer in a typically not-so-exciting town.

Cheney has many options to choose from for those students that decide to stay for the summer or permanently live in the small town. Options range from outdoor to indoor to night time activities.

To kick off the summer, Rokko’s Teriyaki & BBQ is hosting its first ever festival.

David Hall, owner of Rokko’s, said, “June 1 we are having Rokko Palooza or Rokko Fest coming up. We haven’t decided on a name yet.” Although the name is uncertain, the event planning is well underway.

“We are closing down College Street, and we are going to have three bands, a [disc jockey], beer garden, Japanese hot dogs and have a party.” Hall said the event is open for family and students.

An avid hiker and outdoor adventurist, James Pfeifer said he likes to spend his time at the lake.

“Recently, my favorite thing to do is take my dog and go swimming with him at Fish Lake,” Pfeifer said. “It’s super easy going out there — Not too crowded but still with plenty of people when I go up.”

Fish Lake is a family park with a swim hole, playground for kids, a barbecue area, hiking trails and a rope swing for those more adventurous students up for the challenge. Boats are allowed on the lake and there is no fee to enter the park.

Cheney also hosts a once-a-year event that draws people of all ages from all over. The Cheney Rodeo goes on the second weekend in July and is one of the biggest events put on by the town. Bull riding, horse riding, clowns and cowboys are exactly what you can expect from this traditional and popular event.

Tickets are $18 at the door on July 12 and 14 of that weekend and are $20 on the 13. The price of an advance ticket is $14 and can be purchased at Bi-Mart. Those above the age of 18 are invited to ride an actual bull for a payment of $1,750 or attend the dances, with ticket purchase, held after the July 12 and 13 showings.

The annual parade that goes on during the rodeo weekend begins in downtown Cheney on July 13 this year and goes from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This starts the rodeo for that day and includes local businesses advertising, cars, horses and Cheney history.

Kellie Wietstock, a current student at Eastern, said there are many other things to do when looking for fun locally this summer.

“Well, there’s always bowling at Rosa’s and lots of fun lakes to swim in,” she said.

These lakes include Centennial Lake and Hagelin Park that provide trails and swimming areas.

Local campgrounds are also popular during the summer season not just for staying students, but for visiting family members as well. Peaceful Pines RV Park and Campground is located in the center of several lakes, Cheney and Spokane and is convenient for a short getaway. A night in a tent costs $27 and more for an RV with utilities.
Students who are 21 or older can hit one of the many bars and experience the nightlife that goes on when the sun goes down. Eagle’s Pub has karaoke and pool every night of the week and a trivia game on Tuesdays and Fridays.

For more information on these campgrounds, lakes and events, visit the cityofcheney.org website and get involved in the summer activities to keep you active and busy during the hottest days of the year.

For Cheney residents and Eastern summer students with a low-budget activity ideal, Wietstock shared her favorite thing to do when the sun comes out.

“Find a trail. There are lots of trails to go hiking or biking or even sightseeing on. Take advantage of it while it’s nice outside.”