Bagpipes add beat to Fourth festivities

You either love 'em or you hate 'em.

Me? When I see the pipers and drummers walk down Church Street en route to First Avenue and hear the bagpipe music echoing off the downtown buildings, I got to admit, it adds a certain something to the parade.

According to Wikipedia, the evidence for bagpipes prior to the 13th century AD is uncertain but by the early part of the second millennium, clear evidence of "the pipes" appears with increasing frequency. While associated mainly with Scotland today, bagpipes can be found in various incarnations throughout Europe, Northern Africa and Western Asia as well as a few other locations.

If you enjoy listening to the bagpipes, I challenge you to donate a dollar (or more.) If you absolutely hate the bagpipes, I also challenge you to donate a dollar or more.

The result will be an even more fabulous Fourth of July celebration — and after the challenges brought about by a global pandemic, we could all enjoy the best birthday party we can throw America.

Tag, you're it.

This year, the theme for Fourth of July parades is "It Takes a Community" and the event will showcase the many local businesses which impacted by the pandemic, and celebrate the community and all residents, Lions Club officials said.

Applications are being accepted for the Grand Parade, and will be until the morning of the parade.

The children’s parade will start at 9 a.m., and the Grand Parade will begin at 10 a.m.

While the club has the funds to cover the costs of the parades, celebration, and fireworks show, they're looking to make them bigger and better than ever.

Total donations received to date total $2,800. Those donating to the Independence Day celebration will be named in future columns. If you would like to be anonymous, please indicate that on your donation or let the Lions Club know.

Although overall fundraising for this year is limited due to the short turnaround time, Lions Club officials held a raffle in 2019 to pay for 2020 fireworks, which were then run by Sandpoint Independence Day, Inc. instead.

Those funds, in addition to community donations, will be used for the Fourth of July events.

Those who wish to contribute to the July 4 fundraising can do so by clicking the donation link on the Lion’s Facebook page or dropping off donations at the Daily Bee, 310 Church St.

Caroline Lobsinger can be reached by email at clobsinger@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @CarolDailyBee.