Parade fans ready for Fourth fun

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SANDPOINT — Long before the floats gather on the side streets across from Fifth Avenue.

Long before the first "whirp whirp" as Sandpoint Police leads off the parade with a quick blast of its siren and flashing lights.

Long before the first horse prances down Church Street or the first flags are unfurled for the Community Assistance League members to proudly wave as part of a sea of the red, white and blue of Old Glory.

Long before all of that come the chairs — under the tree on Church Street, by a friend's business on First Avenue, along the prime intersections on Cedar Street.

While some wait until the last minute, the many, many fans of the parade plan ahead. They pick their spot, dispatch a family member and get "their spot" all set so come the Fourth of July, they can head out, kick back and celebrate the community, the Fourth and all that each stands for.

Among the folks who loved the parade was Joyce Smith, whose love for the community event was remembered by Lawrence Smith with a donation to the Sandpoint Lions' festivities.

Today's donations include $100 from Lawrence Smith in memory of Joyce Smith, who always loved the Sandpoint Lions Fourth of July parades.

Total donations received to date total $4,900. 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.

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.

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.