Fireworks fuse is lit

| June 20, 2014 9:00 PM

This is the way the night ends

with a big bang, not a whimper.

T.S. Eliot's famous final stanza from "The Hollow Men" might never have been mangled more maliciously than this, but we wanted an unusual backdrop for our annual sales pitch.

North Idaho's beloved Independence Day celebration is a mere two weeks away. Unless we get busy pitching in pennies for the Fourth of July Fireworks Fund, a whimper might result.

While pennies will happily be accepted, $500 checks are better. As we have for years, The Press will publish a photo acknowledging any donor's Fireworks Fund gift of $500 or more. That way, the donor gets some well-deserved recognition while knowing she or he is contributing substantially to a fitting tribute to this most patriotic occasion.

Contrary to persistent rumors, Duane Hagadone and The Hagadone Corp. do not foot the bill for these festivities. The Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce does, paying the freight for the parade, nine hours of music in the park, and the icing on the July 4 birthday cake, those breathtaking booms and beautiful pyrotechnic blossoms over gorgeous Lake Coeur d'Alene.

Costs are expected to total about $50,000, with the majority of that coming from local businesses and individuals. We call upon church groups, service clubs and other organizations to join the fun and pitch in whatever your budget might allow.

Contact Diane Higdem at the chamber, 292-1635, or email [email protected]. Donors giving $1,000 or more will also receive up to 10 tickets to watch the fireworks show from the chamber's private patio.

A recent cdapress.com poll showed more respondents favor Fourth of July in Cd'A than do lovers of Car d'Alene and Ironman Coeur d'Alene combined. Each year, an estimated 30,000 people - visitors and locals alike - spread out throughout downtown to be part of the grand experience.

Please do your part. Wave that flag with pride, and pitch in what you can.