NEWS FLASH: Fourth in reverse

This July 4, Coeur d’Alene will be riding a new wave that is sweeping the nation by storm by staging the annual American Heroes as a “Reverse Parade.”

Devised as a way to combat growing obesity nationwide, a Reverse Parade features the parade entries performing in place while the spectators walk the parade route to view the many entries. Several aid stations will be available along the route to offer the walking viewers a glass of water and a bit of shade.

Disabled viewers, with handicapped placards, will be able to drive the route after the last walker has crossed the line, somewhere around 11 p.m. At that time, the aid stations will switch to offering cold ones of a different variety and a street party will ensue.

Pattie Strub, member of the Reverse Parade Organizing committee, welcomes this innovative change to the Hometown Heroes Parade.

“Performing stationary enables performers to incorporate props previously unavailable in a parade setting,” said Strub, of Coeur d’Alene. “For example, the cheerleaders will bring a trampoline and perform sky-high stunts to distract the viewers from their aching feet.”

Strub said that the first Coeur d’Alene Reverse Parade is working with The Guinness Book of World Records and Doughboy Pools to create the world’s largest above-ground swimming pool on Sherman between Second and Fourth Streets.

PATTIE STRUB

Coeur d’Alene