Sandpoint Lions ready for Fourth of July festivities

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Lions are preparing for another great Independence Day celebration.

They just want to make sure you know that everything will be a day early.

The Fourth of July falls on a Sunday — prompting the Lions to hold all the parade and all other festivities on Saturday, July 3.

This year’s theme — “Together, we are one” — is built around the community’s wonderful ability to help those in need.

The Lions invite all individuals, groups, businesss and organizations to participate in the Grand Parade. For parade information, call Lion secretary Nancy Lewis at 263-77-96. Parade applications also can be picked up at the Bonner County Daily Bee front desk.

After the grand parade, everyone is invited to head down to City Beach for more fun. In addition to a terrific lineup of musical talent, the Lions have all kinds of activities planned, including face painting for kids. Fireworks will take place at dusk.

Area residents are reminded to purchase their tickets for the “big raffle” — this year’s top prize is a 2010 Polaris 500 with winch. Second prize is $2,500 in Bonner County bucks, which can be spent anywhere in Bonner County and third prize is $1,000 cash.

The drawing will take place at City Beach  just before the fireworks show.

The proceeds from ticket sales pay for all expenses and activities of the Independence Day celebration. Any balance goes to help support the Lions’ community outreach programs such as sight, hearing and scholarships.

To buy tickets, contact a Lions Club member or look for Lions wearing their red vests along with the ATV in the parking lot of cooperating merchants.