Fourth parade brings back memories

The Fourth of July always brings back memories of times past, and this year in particular, said Mary Pandrea.

“I’m reminded of a Fourth of July long past — 50 years ago to be exact —when my kids were 8 and 10,” Pandrea said. “We were living on Upper Pack River, 20 miles from town.”

Her 10-year-old daughter, Debbie, had an American saddle pony and the youth had become quite an accomplished rider and wanted to be in the Fourth of July parade. When they realized they had no way of transporting the little horse to town, Pandrea’s cousin, Maurice Griggs, agreed to build a rack in the bed of his pickup truck and the little horse was easily loaded and transported.

“Up until then Debbie was a bareback rider; so, we bought a saddle for the occasion from Roshalt’s Leather Shop,” she said. “Of course, you couldn’t be in the Fourth of July parade without the proper attire; and so, we began creating a cowgirl outfit from simulated leather, complete with western-style fringe on the skirt and vest.”

A pair of cowgirl boots and hat topped off the outfit, and the youth — and her pony, Babe — met with all the other riders in the field near Dub’s.

“[A] happy girl to be riding in such an important event,” Pandrea said.

Seeing his sister’s excitement, her 8-year-old son, John, also wanted to join in the festivities and decided that “Uncle Sam” on stilts would be the best way to go.

As with her daughter, the family set about creating the stilts and a costume worthy of such an event.

“The foot-rests on the stilts could not include any kind of a strap that would hinder his getting off and on, and that allowed him to jump off easily to walk from time to time because of the lengthy parade route,” Pandrea said.

The “Uncle Sam” outfit was created at home also. The red-and-white stripped pants and the navy-blue vest, complete with gold buttons, were made from fabric purchased at a local fabric store. Red stars were painted red stars on the sleeves of a white shirt, and red-and-white shoes were found.

“But, what to do for a proper ‘Uncle Sam’ hat?,” Pandrea said. “Marie Garvey solved the problem when she suggested that I use a restaurant-sized plastic mayonnaise jar from the Edgewater Lodge where we both worked. Upside down and with a little adjusting, some paint, a cardboard rim and a couple of big red and white shoe laces affixed for a chin strap and John was on his way.”

The Kids’ Parade participants gathered on Second Avenue near the Sandpoint Building Supply. Participants then headed to First Avenue where the parade was to begin.

“By the time the other kids started down First Avenue, John was already falling behind,” Pandrea said. “And so, the kids parade proceeded down First Avenue without him. With heroic effort he kept going, stopping to jump off and walk from time to time. For all practical purposes the Kids’ Parade was over; and then suddenly here was this little boy in his ‘Uncle Sam’ outfit walking on stilts all by himself down First Avenue. Needless to say, the crowd went wild cheering and hand-clapping.”

The youth won first place for his efforts — and his picture on the front page of the Daily Bee. He still remembers the $5 first prize presented to him, along with a free pass to the rodeo, said Pandrea, who still has her children’s costumes.

“What wonderful memories,” she said. "Thank you, Sandpoint. You will always be my hometown.”