Spokane has been named a finalist in Outside Magazine's Best Town 2013 contest. Voting begins today for Spokanites to tell the magazine why our city is the best for easy living.

Every year the magazine holds the contest offering up different titles for cities around the country to be the best destination for. Last year, Outside readers voted Richmond, VA the most livable river town.

This year, Spokane is competing with cities that include San Diego, Boston, Park City and Bozeman to see which city is the best for an easy and active lifestyle.

“We're not choosing the winner based on the number of votes, but more by the passion shown by the voters for their town,” said Jonah Ogles, an associate editor for Outside Magazine, “We just want to find out why people love Spokane and what makes it a great, healthy city.”

Shortly after the Boston Marathon bombings, Bloomsday announced that they would be distributing 50,000 lilac bands etched with “Bloomsday Stands With Boston”. Now they have ordered 8,000 more bracelets so that volunteers can also show their support for the East Coast city.

The initial bracelets were purchased for runners participating in the world's largest timed road race this Sunday. The response to the idea has been so positive that Bloomsday officials decided it was something that volunteers and safety personnel should participate in as well.

In wake of the tragedy that struck Boston Marathon runners yesterday, Lilac Bloomsday organizers have released the following statement regarding race safety for this year's Bloomsday run:

We at Bloomsday are heartbroken about the events at the Boston Marathon, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the victims and their families. We are saddened that a wonderful celebration of health and fitness ended in tragedy.

Since our own event will take place in a few weeks, we understand that the Greater Spokane community and our visitors may have concerns. Safety at Bloomsday has always been our highest priority, and we will continue to work with the Spokane Police Department, the Spokane County Sheriff and federal agencies to plan for the wide variety of contingencies that might affect Bloomsday, as we have for many years. As we review these systems, we will make whatever changes are deemed advisable to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all our participants and spectators.

--Steven Jones, President, Lilac Bloomsday Association

--Don Kardong, Bloomsday Race Director