Community help Lions make Fourth fabulous
The Sandpoint Lions Club again says “thank you” to the many who made the Independence Day salute to our nation and community a success. The Lions are few and the program United We Stand was only possible because of the many volunteer individuals and groups. We want everyone who helped to know that the Lions appreciate your efforts.
Everyone who bought and sold raffle tickets helped pay for the prizes and other celebration expenses. The Lions particularly thank the businesses that provided space for our raffle ticket sales. These firms included Yoke’s, Wal-Mart, Safeway, The Hoot Owl, Schweitzer Conoco, Co-op Country Stores and Sandpoint Super Drug. Businesses which sold raffle tickets contributed significantly.
The Grand Parade contributed 98 units and entries were capably judged by Ray Miller, Joan Wanamaker and Paul Graves. Lion charter members Jim Berry and Bill Jones served as grand marshals and parade announcer Bill Brown kept the crowd informed. Kids Parade judges Marilyn Ward, Maggie Becker, Elizabeth Murphy and Patty Murphy had the challenge of picking winners in that fun event.
The Lions’ special thanks go to the veterans’ organizations that provided the color guard and were a reminder that our armed forces are still in harm’s way defending our freedom and community.
The variety show at City Beach was highlighted by the 25th Army Band, Idaho National Guard. Michael Cosby brought together the fine local talent for the event. We also want to thank the face painters.
The great fireworks were only possible because Coldwater Creek generously matched the Lions’ budget and gave us the tremendous $15,000 shoot that concluded our celebration.
Bonner County Sheriff’s marine deputies kept the boat spectators safe and the Sandpoint Police Department did an exceptional job in making traffic and the festivities run smoothly. The Bonner County Amateur Radio Club again earned special thanks for providing communications in organizing and controlling the parade.
The Lions thank all the media which publicized and covered the Fourth of July celebration. The list includes the Bonner County Daily Bee, River Journal, Blue Sky Broadcasting and the Sandpoint Newsline.
Our “thank you list” will always come up short and the Lions apologize to all those we failed to mention. We must conclude by thanking our Lions members and their families who worked very hard on this effort. The Sandpoint Lions look forward to another great celebration in 2009.
? John A. Hunt is the president of the Sandpoint Lions.