Holiday festivities take place July 3
This year the Sandpoint Lions festivities honoring Independence Day will all happen on Saturday, July Third. The events begin with the Kids Parade at 9:30 a.m., followed by the Grand Parade at 10 a.m.. Then it is off to the City Beach at 11:30 a.m. for the big free Variety Show that runs until dusk, and the colossal fireworks begin.
The location for the Kids Parade is the Sandpoint City Parking Lot across from Merwins.The theme for both the Kids Parade and the Grand Parade is "Helping Hands That Make Our Community Better." The Sandpoint Lions know that helping hands come in all sizes.
No advanced registration for the Kids Parade is necessary, but participants are urged to be in place by 8:15 a.m. to allow for judging and organization. Entrants will be placed in four categories: individual, wheels other than bikes, bikes, and groups and pets. Age groups will be 1-3, 4-7, 7-9. and 8-12. The bike category will not have the 1-3 group, and be divided 4-6, 7-8 and 9-12. Groups and pets will not be broken down by ages.
There will be candy for all entrants, and cash prizes will be awarded to the three best entries in each age class. The Kids Parade will start at 9 a.m. going east on Church Street, north on First Avenue, west on Cedar, and south on Third Avenue back to the parking lot where prizes will be awarded.
The Grand Parade including entrees representing individuals, groups, businesses, and organizations will begin at 10 a.m. All entries are urged to be at the registration desk at Fifth Avenue and Church Street by 8 a.m. for registration and staging. Most entries are already registered, but registration can be accomplished at check-in for a $25 fee.
Lion President Tim Coffelt reminds everyone that the parade is an opportunity to show residents and visitors that we can have fun showing off our community spirit. Carolyn Gleason, founder and sparkplug for Sandpoint's Lost in The '50s event, will be Grand Marshal for the parade.
Trophies will be awarded in the following categories: Community and Civic Float, Commercial Float, Animal Group or Individual, Antique Transportation, Band, Youth Organization, Forest Products, and Individual Effort. There will also be a Grand Prize winner.
The Grand Parade route will be east on Church Street from Fifth Avenue to First Avenue, north on First Avenue to Cedar Street, west on Cedar and disband at Cedar and Fifth Avenue. Insurance regulations prohibit the throwing of items to the crowd or handouts.
The free variety show will provide music for every taste. A face painter and ice cream cups for the kids will fill Saturday afternoon at City Beach, Come early, bring chairs or a blanket and enjoy. The entertainers include some familiar friends and some new talent.
The schedule looks like this:
? 11:30-12:30 Albeni Falls Pipes and Drums
? 12:45-1:15 Stoik (Heavy Metal)
? 1:30-2:30 District of Insomnia (Alternative Music)
? 2:45-3:45 No Cover (Other Alternative Music)
? 4-5 Lance Marley (Country)
? 5:15 - 6:15 Muskrat Ramblers (Blue Grass)
? 6:30 - 7:30 Five Fingered Mary (Pop)
? 7:45 p.m. - Illusion 33 (Funk)
Face painting for children up to 12 years of age will take place between 2-4 p.m. Ice cream cups will be given out to keep everything cool.
The drawing for the winners of the 2004 Kodiak 400 4X4 ATV, the $2,500 in Bonner County Bucks, and the $1,000 cash will take place after the Illusion 33 program and before the "Really Big" Fireworks Show. The Lions hope you got your tickets.
The "big bang" is back. The Sandpoint Lions Club recalled the tremendous fireworks display last year when through the generosity of Coldwater Creek the Lions $7,500 fireworks budget was matched for a $15,000 spectacular show. Coldwater Creek provided the answer when it agreed to once again match the Lions $7,500 budget, and another $15,000 show became a reality. The capacity of the City Beach launch area will once again be filled with fantastic fireworks. This is very appropriate as our nation honors its independence and our community works together for the betterment of all.
The Lions recall Coldwater Creeks' long history of supporting Lions' activities. Come and enjoy this great program that makes our community a great place to live.