UPDATED September 2 - It's summertime in Idaho! Why not plan a road trip or two to check out new places and faces?

Or take advantage of these low-key events to invite wavering Republican friends to see how much more fun it is to be a Democrat. Either way, get these dates on your summer calendar now, and check back all summer for new events and updates.

June 6

The Kootenai County Democrats will take part in the Post Falls Parade. Meet between 9 and 11 a.m. at the corner of Idaho Street and Sixth Avenue. The parade starts at 11. Wear your blue Democratic T-shirt if you have one. RSVP to kootenaicountydemocrats@gmail.com.

June 10

Come join Boise Mayor Dave Bieter at a gala party to kick off TJ Thomson's run for Boise City Council from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Linen Building, 1402 W. Grove St. in Boise. Although this is a non-partisan race, TJ made a big-D Democratic name for himself last year as one of the lead organizers for Barack Obama's presidential campaign in Idaho.

June 13

The Valley County Democrats will hold the inaugural clean-up of their new Adopt-A-Highway site on Highway 55. The area runs south of Elk Creek Church for 2 miles (that's 4 miles of clean-up). Meet at 9 a.m. in the parking lot of Elk Creek Church, 14102 Highway 55. Please wear sturdy shoes and sunscreen and bring gloves, sunhat, water, etc. Trash bags and safety vests will be provided.

Latah County Democrats will take part in the Genesee Community Days parade.

June 19-20

Look for the Ada County Democrats at Meridian Dairy Days.

June 20

Ada County Democrats will be taking part in the Pride Parade and Festival in Boise.

June 21

Idaho County Democrats will hold a potluck and pie auction at Borg and Lin's home on the Middlefork of the Clearwater River. The picnic will start at 4 p.m. Bring a dish to share, beverages and chairs. For directions or more info, call (208) 926-7875 or email Borg at chicory@wildblue.net.

June 28

Congressman Walt Minnick will be the guest of honor at the Owyhee County Democrats' first Wine Festival, set for 2 to 5 p.m. June 28 in Marsing City Park (2nd Avenue West just off Main Street). Sample local wines from a half-dozen Idaho vintners, hear Walt's updates from Congress and enjoy a beautiful summer Sunday afternoon in Idaho. Tickets are $15 per person or $25 per couple in advance; $20 per person or $35 per couple at the door. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Wine-tasting participants must be at least 21 years of age with ID. To RSVP (requested by June 19), email the OwyheeDems@gmail.com, call Pam at (208) 337-4154 or mail your check to Owyhee County Democrats, 4173 Market Road, Homedale, ID 83628.

July 4

Democrats will be taking part in the 4th of July Parades and celebrations in Boise, Cascade, Coeur d'Alene, Hailey, Sandpoint and other cities. Contact your local party for details!

July 11

The annual Canyon County Peck Picnic is set for the evening of Saturday, July 11, at 3624 Vista Drive, Nampa. The social hour is at 5 p.m., with dinner at 6 p.m. Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children. Enjoy fabulous barbecue and a live auction, and rub elbows with Democratic movers and shakers at one of the state's longest-running political picnics. RSVP to idadem@yahoo.com.

July 17

Latah Democrats will hold their summer picnic from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 17, in conjunction with the Moscow Rendezvous Celebration.The picnic will be at the home of Nels and Joyce Reese house at 308 S. Hayes, adjacent to  Moscow’s East City Park. After the picnic, people can walk across the street to enjoy the blues music of JJ Grey & Mofro.

July 18

Latah Democrats will be taking part in parades today at Troy Old Timer Days and Potlatch Community Days. Contact David Nelson at dnelson@moscow.com or (208) 301-2266 if you would like to take part in Troy. To participate in the Potlatch event, contact Nelson or Judy Brown at jlbrown@turbonet.com or (208) 882-0492.

July 21

Valley County Democrats will hold their annual "Proud To Be A Democrat" Potluck Dinner and Pies 'n More Dessert Auction from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, at the historic Roseberry home of Valley County Commissioner Frank Eld. Special guest and speaker will be District 7 Rep. John Rusche. Rusche, a physician, was elected to the Idaho Legislature in 2004 and currently serves as House Minority Leader. Bring family, friends, table service and a potluck dish to share. Donations for the pie and dessert auction are welcome. Questions? Contact Marilyn Arp at (208) 634-5833.

July 22

The Nez Perce County Democrats will hold their 50th annual summer picnic from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, at Pioneer Park, 5th Street and 3rd Avenue in Lewiston. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided; bring a potluck side dish to share and lawn chairs, too. Bring your own favorite beverage or visit the beer garden. A pie and dessert auction is planned, too. For more info, contact Pete Gertonson at (208) 743-1615.

July 23

The Teton County Democratic Picnic will be held Thursday, July 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. at City Hall Plaza in Driggs.  Look for free food plus beer and wine for sale.

July 23-26

The Canyon County Democrats will be at the Canyon County Fair. Look for them at O'Connor Fieldhouse, Blaine & 22nd Ave, Caldwell. Call (208) 454-8742 to help register voters and identify Democrats at the fair - and enter the drawing to win a gun (no joke).

July 25

The Kootenai County Democrats will take part in the Hayden Days Parade, which begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 25. Meet starting at 10 in the Lake City Rental parking lot on the northeast corner of Miles Avenue and Government Way. Call Brian at (208) 765-0965 to sign up to take part.

The Twin Falls County Democrats plan their annual picnic from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Centennial Waterfront Park in the Snake River Canyon. Tickets are $10; pledge fund members and children under 10 get in free. Call Dixie Siegel at (208) 420-6615 or Angi Naerbout at (208) 308-3605 or 208-733-6232 for tickets.

The Bonneville County Democrats will hold their annual family picnic starting at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, at Kate Curley Park, located in the 400 block of 8th and 9th streets in Idaho Falls. Senate Minority Leader Kate Kelly will be the guest speaker. The theme is Hawaiian, and the Bonneville Democrats will provide Teriyaki chicken and Luau pork along with soft drinks. Participants are asked to bring a side dish to share. The cost is $10 per person, $20 a couple, and $30 for a family of 3 or more.

August 4

The Lemhi County Democrats plan a potluck at 6 p.m. today with Idaho Democratic Party executive director Jim Hansen. Come learn more about the Idaho Democratic Party's future plans and how you can be involved. All Democrats from Salmon, Lemhi County and elsewhere in Eastern and Central Idaho are welcome! Bring your favorite beverage and a dish to share. Location : 197 S. St. Charles St., Salmon. (Turn on S. St. Charles from Main Street in Salmon; go 2.4 miles; turn right on dirt drive after mailbox.) For more info, contact : Luke Prange, (208) 303-0033 or prange@centurytel.net.

August 6-9

Democrats from all over the Western U.S. will be meeting in Worley, Idaho, for the Democratic National Committee's Western Regional Conference. Click here for more info.

August 7-8

Ada County Democrats will be at Kuna Days. Call (208) 331-2128 to help. To march in the Saturday parade, meet in the Kuna High School parking lot by 9 a.m.; the parade is at 10 a.m. Bring the kids and have some fun!

August 20-23

Democrats will be at the Benewah County Fair. For more info, contact county chair Cheryl Halverson at (208) 274-2455.

August 21-30

Look for the Ada County Democrats at the Western Idaho Fair in Garden City. To volunteer, email adademocrats@adademocrats.org or call (208) 331-2128.

August 26-30

Kootenai County Democrats will be on hand for the North Idaho Fair. Call Brian at (208) 765-0965 or Mary Jo at (208) 699-1228 to help.

September 2-7

Twin Falls County Democrats will be taking part in the Twin Falls County Fair. Sign up for a shift by calling Etha at (208) 329-0254.

September 3

A garden party featuring Joe and Jacie Sites, founders of the musical group Celtic Air, is set for 6 to 8 p.m. at 455 Gustafson Drive, Idaho Falls. Support the Idaho Democratic Party at this special event. To become a sponsor, call Jim Hansen at (208) 336-1815 ext.104 or email jim@idaho-democrats.org. Donations will also be accepted at the door.

September 7

The newly reorganizing Custer County Democrats plan a Labor Day Potluck Picnic at the Challis Community Park Pavillion at 5 p.m. on Labor Day. Everyone interested in being involved with the party is welcome to attend.

September 11

The Madison County Democrats plan a backyard barbecue at the home of David and Dawn Anderson, 324 S. 3rd East, Rexburg. Bring a salad or dessert side dish to share. RSVP by calling Dawn at (208) 356-4815 or emailing davedawn@srv.net. The event is free, but donations are appreciated.

September 17-20

Latah County Democrats will have a booth at the Latah County Fair. To volunteer, contact Pat Scott at 882-2428 or email her at pscott@turbonet.com.

County chairs and other Dem leaders: Do you have any events to add? Send the details to julie@idaho-democrats.org.

Democrats, be sure to ask your county chair how you can help with these events and other party-building projects this summer.