SPOKANE, Wash. — The city of Spokane declared October 10 as “Bing’s Day,” celebrating Bing Crosby with a ceremony that unveiled a landmark honoring the singer.
The honorary “Bing Crosby Way” now runs along Sprague Avenue in downtown Spokane, across from the Bing Crosby Theater. The dedication drew a crowd of fans in the Chronicle Courtyard.
Bing Crosby starred in classic films in the 1940s and 50s and recorded well-known songs like “White Christmas.” He got his start in Spokane and left a legacy in the Lilac City that spans music, athletics, radio and TV.
“People associate dad with Spokane. And so this is one more way to say, yeah, this is where it all started,” said Mary Crosby, Bing Crosby’s daughter.
Mary Crosby was nine years old the last time she was in Spokane, but she knew about the city from her father’s stories.
“It’s where he grew up. So he had really fond childhood memories of both Gonzaga and sledding and the way he got to live and then doing all the theater because there was so much music and theater going on here,” Mary Crosby said. “He loved it. And that was clear in his stories.”
Mayor Lisa Brown made the official proclamation during the ceremony.
“On behalf of the people of Spokane, do hereby proclaim October 10, 2025, as Bing’s day in Spokane,” Brown announced.
“I’ve always been a fan of Bing Crosby, but I’m now a superfan learning so much about him,” said Suzanne Ostersmith, Spokane Arts Commissioner.
Ostersmith is organizing another tribute to Crosby at Gonzaga with performances by undergraduate students.
“It’s been really fun to see their interest be piqued by learning about what an important part he was in Spokane’s history and the real impact he made within the industry of the performing arts,” Ostersmith said.
Crosby inspired the name of the Gonzaga acapella group “The Big Bing Theory,” which is performing Saturday.
“We’re really proud of the musical culture that Bing has been able to bring from Gonzaga in the Spokane area,” said Grace Kirsch, co-director of Big Bing Theory Acapella.
Lauren Harris wrote a book about Crosby’s life and describes him as the first “multimedia star.”
“He brought the media to Spokane. And he invested in KXLY in radio and TV,” Harris said.
A historic marker commemorates this achievement on the side of the Symons Building downtown. Mary Crosby attended both dedications.
The festivities continue Saturday with a book reading at 10 a.m. at the Bing Crosby house and a dance performance at 1 p.m. Both events are on Gonzaga’s campus.
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