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  Spokane AreaSpokane, the Lilac City, is thought to be a Native American word meaning "Children of the Sun." Located 18 miles from the Idaho border and 110 miles south of the Canadian border, Spokane is in the heart of a geographical area known as the "Inland Northwest" which includes areas of Southern British Columbia, Western Montana, the panhandle of Northern Idaho, Northeastern Oregon and Eastern Washington.  Spokane with a population of approximately 200,975 is the seat of Spokane County which has a population of approximately 456,175 people. The economy of Spokane is based on health care, education, retail and service industries, manufacturing, agriculture, mining, lumber, transportation, utilities, tourism and a military base. Four colleges and universities, two community colleges, Spokane Intercollegiate Research and Technology (SIRTI) provide educational opportunities and add to the cultural atmosphere and entertainment activities in the community. Sporting, entertainment, and civic events are offered regularly at the Spokane Arena, the Metropolitan Performing Arts Center, Spokane Civic Theater, and by regional groups.  Located within Spokane County are over 60 parks. Twelve national parks are within a day's drive of Spokane. There are over 75 lakes and almost as many rivers and streams within a 75 mile radius of the city. Seven excellent ski areas are within a 2 ½ hour drive. Hundreds of miles of paths and trails are available for running, hiking, cross-country skiing and bicycling. The Bloomsday Run, Spokane's annual Spring road race, attracts over 55,000 participants and many more spectators. It is one of the largest timed races of its kind in the nation. Hoopfest is scheduled each June and is the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the US with over 3,900 teams participating. Spokane River Centennial Trail is one of our finest attractions with 39 miles for walkers, runners, and bicyclists.  Riverfront Park, Duncan Gardens, Manito Gardens, Japanese Gardens, the Conservatory, and other city and county parks and pools provide year round enjoyment for Spokane’s four distinct seasons. Unlike the coastal Northwest, Spokane enjoys over 200 days of sunshine. Annual precipitation is approximately 17 inches with much of that in the form of snow between October and April. The average Fahrenheit temperatures range from 25 degrees in January to 80 degrees in July. Humidity ranges from 70% in January to 28% in August.
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