Bayview Daze fun planned

BAYVIEW — In celebration of Independence Day, the city of Bayview is hosting its annual Bayview Daze on July 2 and 3.

“What I enjoy about Bayview, specifically Bayview Daze, is the number of people willing to give their time to help put this on,” said Norma Jean Knowles, vice president of the Bayview Chamber of Commerce.

The street parade will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, and participation is open to the public. To register, application forms and numbers can be picked up at marked locations on Third Street. Participants begin lining up around 9 a.m. at Third Street and Highway 54, and will be given direction for the route that morning.

There will be a few events Sunday evening, beginning at 8 p.m. with the Army National Guard Band playing on the lawn of Bayview Scenic Apartments.

The band, coming from Boise, has been broken up into different groups to play throughout the area. This particular group is considered the “rock” group. They will play until about 10 p.m.

At 9 p.m., there will be a lighted boat parade in Scenic Bay. Locals are encouraged to deck out their boats and join the parade. Ribbons will be awarded for best light display, best music, best theme, best crowd reaction and best overall boat.

Application forms are available at MacDonald’s Hudson Bay Resort, Bayview Mercantile, Bitter End Marina and Captain’s Wheel. Participants must register no later than 6 p.m. on Sunday, and bring their forms to either Bayview Mercantile or MacDonald’s Hudson Bay Resort.

Bayview’s fireworks will start at 10 p.m. in Scenic Bay. A special feature is being incorporated this year called the Remembrance Tribute.

Those who have lost a loved one are able to honor them by purchasing a shell to be fired during the display. This personal touch to the beloved community event is hoped to become part of the annual tradition.

“I think what I enjoy the most are the fireworks,” Knowles said. “It’s like a culmination of the whole event.”

On Monday the Fourth, the Chamber of Commerce will host its Red, White, and Blue Pancake Breakfast at the Bayview Community Center. It will begin at 8 a.m. and end around 10:30.

The Chamber of Commerce and local businesses are the main sponsors for Bayview Daze. Donations by individuals are also accepted throughout the year. There are collection cans throughout town, and Uncle Sam will be accepting donations during the parade. There’s also a raffle going on at $20 a ticket.

Bayview Daze has been a town tradition for years. Knowles said it was started by a local women’s group called BAB.

Information: Norma Jean Knowles, 208-683-1980 or www.bayviewidaho.org.