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.”

If you're a strong swimmer on the hunt for a summer job, Spokane Parks and Recreation has the perfect spot for you. Spokane has two aquatics training programs to train life guards and water safety instructors. 

The Lifeguard Training Course runs May 18th-19th and May 20th-24th and will train on CPR_PR, First Aid and Life guarding. The course if for ages 15 and older and costs $175.

Water Safety Instructor courses will run for four Saturdays, June 8th-29th. You will learn how ti teach all ages water safety courses, survival and American Red Cross swimming skills. There is a text book required and the course costs $200.

Both training programs require that you pass a pre-course test to enroll. Lifeguard training will be at Witter Aquatic Center and Water Safety Instructor courses will happen at Liberty Aquatic Center. For more information or to register visit spokaneparks.org

Right before you cross the T.J. Meenach bridge you'll hit mile four of the Bloomsday course. Doomsday Hill looms around the bend and you just might start to feel some pain in your feet and fatigue in your legs. Why not stop to reboot at the SNAP VIP booth?

SNAP will have a VIP photo booth set up just before the bridge so you and your friends and family can snap silly photos before huffing and puffing up the hill. You can also sip on coconut water to rehydrate you for the last half of the run. Pictures will print classic photo booth style and be ready to take home. SNAP will also provide a web link for you to check out and share your Bloomsday photos online. 

However, the booth is VIP for a reason. SNAP only has 500 of the reflective VIP bracelets available for purchase. So, not everyone will get to taste the high life on race day. The VIP bracelets will be available for purchase at the Trade Show at SNAP's booth (#304) and are only $5. First come, first serve, and you won't be able to buy them on race day.