Belwood named Fourth of July grand marshal

SANDPOINT — Carrying on more than 50 years of tradition, Ernie Belwood has been tapped to be the grand marshal of Sandpoint’s Fourth of July Parade.

The prestigious position is chosen by members of the Sandpoint Lions Club, which organizes the annual celebration.

While there is no set criteria for picking a grand marshal, recipients must demonstrate a strong community spirit, according to Lee Hoge, chairman of the organization’s Fourth of July Committee.

“We try to pick someone who has been a valuable member of our community and has been a pillar of the community, and Ernie has been,” Hoge said.

Club President John Hunt echoed Hoge’s praise of Belwood.

The longtime Sandpoint resident has been the driving force behind Belwood’s Furniture since 1975 and was an obvious choice for the honor because of the consistency he has shown in helping those in need, Hunt said.

“Ernie has chipped in and done an awful lot for this community, and most people don’t know about it,” he said. “Every time the Lions have had some kind of a program or we needed something or needed Ernie’s help, he was always there to help. And that goes for just about every organization in town.”

For his part, Belwood said he was shocked but elated to be picked for the ceremonial position, which he said is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“I was totally flabbergasted,” he said. “I couldn’t imagine it. In fact, when they called and asked if I would be the grand marshal, I didn’t know if I was worthy enough.”

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Now that he has settled into the idea, Belwood said he is looking forward to seeing the parade from a new vantage point.

“I’ve been downtown for 35 years watching all these wonderful people being selected, and never in my wildest dreams thought I’d be asked to be the grand marshal, so it is quite an honor,” he said.

While the parade undoubtedly highlights the day’s events, the celebration also includes live music at City Beach, a National Guard climbing wall, face painting and the year’s most extravagant fireworks display.

To pay for the events — including more than $20,000 for fireworks — the Lions Club relies on sales from its annual raffle. Both Hunt and Hoge said raffle sales are down this year, which both blame on the struggling economy.

To buy tickets for the raffle, which features an all terrain vehicle and cash prizes, visit Safeway on Mondays, Yoke’s on Tuesdays, Wal-Mart on Wednesdays and Saturdays and Schweitzer Conoco on Thursdays.

Tickets will also be available on July 4. The day’s events kick off at 9 a.m. with the kids parade, followed by the grand parade at 10 a.m. beginning at Fifth and Church. The parade’s registration table will also be located at Fifth and Church.

Fireworks will begin at dusk, and the city is now requiring a 600-foot buffer zone around the perimeter of the fireworks launch site. This means no spectators will be allowed in the Windbag marine and jetty area during the fireworks. Fire Chief Robert Tyler said he will not allow the fireworks to proceed if spectators do not observe the perimeter.