City approves street closures for upcoming events

Libby City Council members approved three separate street closures at recent meetings.

The headliner of the three events - the 2024 Ignite the Nites car show - is scheduled for Aug. 16-17.

Council approved the request from the Igniters Car Club to host the 63rd annual show. 

The closure includes Mineral Avenue, from Eighth Street to First Street and the cul-de-sac, as well as Lincoln Boulevard, from Mineral Avenue to Montana Avenue, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16.

According to a letter from the Igniters, car club members will be stationed along the route to monitor traffic and allow passage of any emergency services vehicles. All traffic will flow in its normal lanes of traffic in a continuous loop along the entire route.

Saturday’s street closure, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., includes Mineral Avenue, from Eighth Street to First Street and the cul-de-sac.

The club will also seek a permit to except it from the city’s noise ordinance during the car cruise from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16.

The second request which was approved was sought by three Mineral Avenue businesses so they can hold a combined grand opening event on Saturday, April 6. 

The approved closure, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., includes the 400 block of Mineral Avenue, from Fourth Street to Fifth Street. The letter seeking the closure was signed by owners of First Ascent Climbing and Fitness, Jason Schikora Photography and Red, White and Brews.

Mayor Peggy Williams said the event will require $1 million liability insurance coverage. She also asked if alcohol would be served on the street because a permit would be required. Red, White and Brews owner Sherri Roberts said a decision on whether alcohol would be served hadn’t been made yet.

A petition signed by 10 neighboring businesses indicating their respective approvals was included with the request.

Organizers said they are hoping to have local vendors, fun attractions, a food truck and live entertainment.

The third approved closure includes the east bound lanes of Lincoln Boulevard from Mineral Avenue to Louisiana Avenue for the 2024 Workforce Expo on Tuesday, April 30. It will be in effect from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Janelle Kimberlin, a workforce consultant with the state Job Service in Libby, made her request on March 5. She said several dozen businesses and government entities will have representatives present to explain job opportunities for high school students at Libby, Troy, Eureka and Kootenai Valley Christian School.