Mayor proclaims Oct. 10, 2025 as Bing's Day; city unveils honorary Bing Crosby Way sign

Mayor Lisa Brown joined local advocates, historic-preservation officials and members of Bing Crosby’s family on Sprague Avenue on Oct. 10, 2025, to unveil an honorary roadway sign and proclaim Oct. 10, 2025 as “Bing’s Day” in Spokane.

Advocates for the Bing Crosby Theatre, led by Bill Stimson, described long-running community efforts to preserve and celebrate Crosby’s ties to Spokane, saying the theater project and the new sign “close a circle” in the entertainer’s hometown history. Stimson recounted Crosby’s charitable work and local contributions, and thanked family members who attended the event.

Mayor Brown read a written proclamation at the ceremony that summarized Crosby’s early life in Spokane—attending Webster Elementary, Gonzaga High School, Gonzaga University and Saint Aloysius Church—and cited his subsequent national career, which the proclamation described as including nearly 4,000 radio programs, more than 400 single recordings and appearances in films. The proclamation also states the centennial recognition is intended to bolster tourism and support downtown revitalization efforts.

Crosby family members spoke at the event. A family member said the family was “so happy to be here” to celebrate Crosby’s legacy and described how his Spokane upbringing influenced his creativity. Megan Duvall, Spokane’s historic preservation officer, highlighted surviving downtown sites linked to Crosby’s early performances, including the Clemmer Theatre (now the Bing Crosby Theatre) and a nearby building that housed Spokane’s first radio station; she contrasted those survivors with other lost venues.

City staff from Public Works and Streets and council members who sponsored the honorary roadway ordinance were acknowledged for their roles in the signage effort. No formal council vote or legislative action was recorded in the provided transcript; the event functioned as a ceremonial dedication and proclamation.