Community's help sought to ensure a fabulous Fourth

SANDPOINT — Kids on bikes. Flags decorate everything from wagons to floats to tricycles, adding a patriotic touch and joyful spirit. 

It doesn't get much better than the Fourth of July in Sandpoint.

"It just brings the community together," Janice Rader, Sandpoint Lions president, said. "It's the funnest community event we could even think of doing."

Kicked off by a pair of parades, the Sandpoint Lions help the community celebrate America's birth with family, friends, and tons of fun.

First up on the parade is the Kids Parade at 9:30 a.m. where area youngsters take center stage on bicycles, electric toy cars and skateboards — all decorated with everything from red, white, and blue crepe paper and ribbons to balloons and wind-mill toys.

Then at 10 a.m., it's time for the Grand Parade. Local law enforcement will lead off the parade, with a "whirp, whirp" of the sirens and flashing lights, followed by a color guard and floats paying tribute to the nation's servicemen and women.

Then come the floats — from local youth groups to fully loaded log trucks to service groups performing routines and the local animal alliance bringing along a few four-legged friends — this parade has it all.

After the parades, the community is invited to join the Lions at Sandpoint City Beach where plenty of fun awaits — and a host of food trucks for those looking for something to nosh on.

At dusk, instead of setting off fireworks at home, head on over to City Beach and watch the Sandpoint Lions' Fourth of July fireworks show.

"We're really looking forward to an amazing fireworks show and spending time with our family and friends at City Beach," Rader said. "We can't wait for our community to come celebrate the fourth with us."

The theme for the parade will be “Back to Our Roots,” remembering the hard workers who molded the community that Sandpoint knows today.

Additionally, the Lions Club announced its 2024 grand marshals — Shirley Stevens and Norma Laude.

The Lions are still accepting applications for those looking to participate in the parade. A fee of $45 is required to apply.

To apply, go online to bit.ly/3QBiDur.

This year's Fourth raffle features a sportsman's package including a $1,500 gift certificate to North 40 outdoor outfitters, where you can buy a brand-new rifle, a Badlands hunting pack, Leupold binoculars, a Razor guide pack knife set, and game bags.

The second-place prize is $1,000 cash.

Raffle tickets are $5 each or $20 for a book of five tickets. Proceeds go to fund Fourth of July activities and events.

The drawing will be held July 4. Tickets are available from Lions Club members or at the Bonner County Daily Bee and at the Sandpoint Lions fireworks booth at the Sandpoint Safeway.

The fireworks booth is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. with proceeds helping to fund Fourth activities.

The club is accepting donations to help fund the cost of the fireworks show at City Beach. 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.

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.

Donations to date include a $1,000 donation from Averill Hospitality.

Information: Sandpoint Lions, facebook.com/SandpointLionsClub

    A group of youngsters celebrate the Fourth as they ride a float in a past Fourth of July Grand Parade.
  

    Gina Gregory and Faith Brown wait for customers at the Sandpoint Lions' fireworks stand in 2023. Located in the northwestern corner of the Safeway parking lot, 702 N. Fifth Ave., the club is again hosting the booth with proceeds going toward the community fireworks show.