If you’ve been a student of Dave Ramsey (or if you’ve been raised by my mother, who once offered an apple as payment for towing a car home—no lie), you’re into free or almost free. As a mom with three kids, free was/is my go-to word, and if it’s family-friendly, even better. That’s why I’m all about sharing what’s going on in the Treasure Valley that’s both.

Starting today, I’m taking readers from Friday to Friday with free or almost-free things to do, all week long. You won’t have to waste precious down time sifting through the calendars for the good stuff…because I’m just O.C.D enough to do that for you.
Here we go:

Idaho Fish & Game Community Day:
For 18 and over: You can work and play Saturday at the Idaho Fish and Game Community Day, where you’ll meet at the MK Nature Center starting at 8 a.m., as the citizens of Treasure Valley help out. We’ll be shown how to plant sagebrush and bitterbrush seedlings that will replace what was lost when it was burned by last year’s fires. The deer and elk rely on these plants for their food. Take some water, a lunch, and a pair of work gloves with you and they’ll put you to work, with transportation to and from the worksites.
For more information, you can call 334-2225

WaterShed Weekend’s World Water Day Celebration
Saturday, March 15 from 10am-12pm, it’s another great WaterShed Weekend as they Celebrate World Water Day. This is being held at their facility at 11818 Joplin Road in West Boise. The Treasure Valley Engineers Without Borders are going to talk about how they’re helping improve water around the world, while kids get to do crafts and make rain sticks they’ll use later to jam with a local drumming group that is guaranteed to get everyone in a festive St. Patty’s weekend mood. This is FREE, and if you need more information, you can go to
Boiseenvironmentaleducation.org

Idaho Food Festival
Saturday, March 15th, 11 am-10 pm at the corner of 6th & Main, nearest to Grove Street
This downtown Boise pre-St. Patty’s party lasts from lunch till late...Whatever you’re craving, they’ve probably got it at this Festival of flavor.
Fried cheese, sushi, specialty pizzas, hamburgers, corned dogs, funnel cakes, Chinese food, fried ice cream, St. Patty’s corned beef n’ hash, and those big ol’ turkey legs. Beverages o’green, too.

Food Truck Rally Goes to the Dogs
The delicious and tempting “Food Truck Rally Goes to the Dogs” in Nampa at Lloyd Square from 3-7 p.m tomorrow. This is free, fun for the whole family, and the family dog, so you can bring your canine friends.
There will be Leprechauns, delicious food for purchase, live music and all things green. The proceeds for this event will go towards improvements to the Nampa Dog Park.
Boise.eventful.com or call 468-5858

Monster Truck Storytime with Tyler Groth
Fri., March 14, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
208-468-5800
Nampa Public Library 101 11th Ave. S., Nampa

Meet Tyler Groth and his Double Trouble Monster Jam Truck. Storytime? BE THERE, because Tyler’s going to read you a book that’s not your mama’s storytime monster truck book. After the reading step outside to take a look at Double Trouble.
FREE.

Teens DIY

Fri., March 14, 4:30 p.m.
208-297-6700
Ada Community Library, Lake Hazel Branch 10489 Lake Hazel Road, Boise

Robotics and 3D printing for teens, ages 12-18.
What could be better than 3D and FREE?

Family Fun Night
Fri., March 14, 6:30 p.m.
208-297-6700
Ada Community Library, Lake Hazel Branch
10489 Lake Hazel Road, Boise

Games, snacks, and the screening of a new film release. All ages.
FREE

Comedian/Mentalist Aaron Cobb
Fri., March 14, 6 p.m.
208-467-3643
Artistblue Gallery, Karcher Mall, 1509 Caldwell Blvd., Nampa

He calls himself a ‘psychotic comedian/mentalist’, and you’re about to find out just exactly what that means. This magician will make you laugh and shake your head in disbelief. Kid-friendly, so take ‘em.
FREE

Kid's Club: Personalized Name Plate
Sat., March 15, 10-11:30 a.m.
208-376-9961
Michaels 8633 Franklin Road, Boise

Kids can make their very own personalized wooden nameplate, and get the satisfaction of saying ‘I made that’ whenever they look at their masterpiece. Ages 3 and up. Contact Michaels for details.
$2


Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area

Tue., March 18, 6 p.m.
208-472-2941
Garden City Library 6015 Glenwood St., Garden City

Want to know more about great day trips? Andy Ogden of the Idaho Fish and Game and Idaho Rivers United tells us about 1,600 acres with miles of trails, five campsites, wetlands and a bunch of birds.
FREE

Spring Author Series: Tim Woodward
Wed., March 19, 12 p.m.
208-570-6900
Library at Cole and Ustick 7557 W. Ustick Road, Boise

It’s Tim! Idaho, the Movie’s writer and narrator, and the columnist/reporter for the Idaho Statesman for over 40 years. Tim Woodward sure knows a lot about Idaho. Hear his perspective on the people and places of the Gem State.
FREE


Historic Downtown Walking Tour

March 20-23, 12 p.m.
208-433-5671
Boise 150 Sesqui-Shop 1008 Main St., Boise

Boise’s changed a little over the past century and a half. Find out how through a one-hour, ten-block tour through Historic Downtown, a great way to spend your lunch hour.
Grab a sandwich and some friends, and enjoy the stories.
FREE


Public Art Walking Tour

March 20-23, 1 p.m.
208-433-5671
Boise 150 Sesqui-shop 1008 Main St., Boise

Hey! Do you want to ride a musical bike? How about taking a look at the Spud King? Boise’s public art will excite your imagination, so walk, look, and like.
FREE

*Have a great week! If you want to tweet with me on Twitter at @Amy_Larson and share the fun things you're doing, I'd love it, and I'd most likely re-tweet. You can also find photos, blogs, and other Idaho adventure stuff at the Appetite for Idaho Facebook page.

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