Some critical of construction timing

While the organizers of Nordicfest agree the event was a success, many attendees commented on the nuisance of the ongoing curb construction along Lincoln Boulevard that streches eight blocks between Minnesota Avenue and Idaho Avenue.

“The city messed up on this one,” Bunad Procession Chairperson Laura Tindall said. “Just days before our big parade on Saturday there were large holes. I felt like it was a case where the left hand did not know what the right hand was doing.”

Libby City Council member and Chairwoman of the Streets, Sidewalks and Lighting Committee Barb Desch called the situation unfortunate.

“The job has been delayed by the contractor’s troubles with machinery,” Desch said. “Things don’t always go the way we plan. The city crews worked long days and nights both Thursday and Friday to improve the situation.”

During last Monday’s City Council meeting, Tindall voiced concerns about what she considered to be Desch underplaying the inconvenience of the trenches.

Les Nelson, Nordicfest committee president, said he thought the construction had zero impact on the event.

“I know the difficulties of working with weather and contractors,” Nelson said. “Personally, I am happy the work is getting done. The city bent over backward working to prepare the area, and it was a successful Nordicfest. We are already working on next year.”

Tindall agreed Nordicfest went well.

“I was selling food at the Sons of Norway tent from 1:30 through 4:30 on Friday,” Tindall said. “There were only two one-minute intervals where I was not busy. Nordicfest is such an economic boost for Libby.”