Freedom 5K to kick of Clark Fork festivities 

CLARK FORK — For a small town, Clark Fork knows how to throw a Fourth of July celebration.

The festivities begin at 7 a.m. with the Freedom 5K Fun Run, formerly Haden's Heart, and keep going throughout the day, culminating in a fireworks celebration at dusk.

"People spend all day in town," said Laura Emmer with the Filling Station Youth Center. "It's so much fun."

The fun run, put on by the Filling Station, not only has a new name, but a new course as well. This year, the event starts at the youth center at First and Main at 7 a.m., with participants running past the library and cemetery, winding their way up the Lightning Creek valley, providing for scenic views of the creek, Emmer said. At the end of the course, runners will be shuttled back to The Filling Station where refreshments and showers will be available.

The fun run generates college scholarships for Clark Fork high school graduates, as well as funds to operate the youth center. A custom T-shirt and "plenty of smiles" are included in the fun run, according to a statement by Laura and Jeff Emmer. Discounts for students and family members participating with students encourage families to run or walk together. Register early at fillingstationyouth.com to guarantee T-shirt availability. Registration is also available at the youth center before the race.

As running — or walking — tends to build up an appetite, everyone is encouraged to head on over to the Clark Fork Fire Station for a pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 9 a.m.

The rest of the day's events are hosted by the Clark Fork Rod and Gun Club, starting with a "delightful and surprisingly large" small-town parade at 9:30 a.m. 

"It's a really big parade," Emmer said, adding it is about 30-45 minutes long. "It's a big deal. For a town of 500 people, it's a pretty amazing parade."

Emmer said the Filling Station will have a float in the parade with a basketball hoop on it, allowing spectators to try and make a basket to win a coupon for a free snow cone.

Trophies will be awarded for the best floats, followed by foot races, food, and raffles in the yard at Clark Fork Jr./Sr. High School. Those who enter the drawings have a chance to win a wood splitter, kayak, chainsaw and more.

At noon the action moves up to Memorial Field at Tenth Street, where an airplane will drop coupons for snacks at the local businesses and maybe even some cash, according to the statement. There will also be turtle races — bring a turtle or one will be provided — as well as a watermelon eating contest and other games for the youngsters. Lumberjack competitions including pole climbing, fastest cutting chainsaw, axe throwing, and crosscut saw contests will be held for the older crowd.

The day's events will come to a close with the firework show at dusk.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.