The little things make big memories
Another Fourth of July celebration in Coeur d’Alene is in the books and the mild weather was a bonus.
The American Heroes parade was again remarkable in that even though the city has grown it’s still such a small town event. Sometimes we bemoan how our communities have changed and reminisce about the old days but I love that the sense of country, community and family is on full display on the Fourth of July.
This year, Faith Mitchell, who answered my last-minute call on Saturday, performed a rousing rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" as a plane did a fly-over on Sherman Avenue to kick things off. When the gorgeous vintage 1953 Buick Skylark convertible carrying dignitaries from the Daughters of the American Revolution contingent vapor locked just three blocks after the parade start at Sherman and 15th, spectators came off the sidewalk to push. Every block or so new volunteers would replace them and that scene repeated all the way past First Street when the car was moved into the median near parade’s end.
The parade featured several real American heroes from World War II’s Greatest Generation, including grand marshal Ray Garland, 92 and honored guest Earl Hyde, Jr., 98. Also present were Tom DePew, a submariner who trained for duty at Farragut Naval Station, Al Mumford who retired as an ironworker after his World War II service and “east ender” Jim Shepperd, 89, a World War II Navy veteran riding with VFW 889.
The crowd favorite Perfection-Nots marching band made its 39th consecutive appearance in the Fourth of July parade and the Calam Shriners go-carts and locomotive that were marking their 49th consecutive year delighting the spectators.
No parade would be complete without a rodeo queen and Miss Gem State Stampede, Cassi Ripatti, rode the route on her beautiful red, white, blue bedecked horse. Coeur d’Alene’s own Kylee Solberg, Miss Idaho, delighted the crowd with her 1,000 watt smile and sparkly crown.
Unseen and unnoticed by many was one of my personal favorite sweet moments of the morning. Coke Hough, 87, was attending her first Fourth of July parade since the passing of her husband and local icon, Bob Hough earlier this year. She was seated next to the announcing booth with her children, Wendy, Bruce and John, while Scott Hough made his debut with me for emcee duties.
Pre-parade music was playing while the little kids danced in the street. Coke danced a turn with Scott and then with her grandson to "Rockin’ in the USA." It was fun to watch and realize it was just a grandmother and grandson, missing a husband and grandfather but finding joy in the moment and comfort in family. Derek Hough is a renowned and award-winning dancer, choreographer and actor with millions of adoring fans but on the Fourth of July in his family’s hometown he was simply a loving grandson bringing a smile to his grandmother’s face.
Norman Rockwell would be pleased.
• • •
This weekend more hometown celebration will happen in Post Falls with the community’s festival on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Live music and vendors at Q’emiln Park, lawn mower drag races Friday evening on Fifth Avenue near city hall, the Lions Club Haunted House open Friday and Saturday nights and the grand parade starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning on Seltice Way.
Kinetic Fest on Sunday at noon at McEuen Park with Gizmo-CdA, car show, raffles and family day at Rathdrum’s Majestic park, 10 a.m. Sunday to benefit Don and Barbara Adams. They were both critically injured in a car crash that claimed the life of their 10-year-old daughter Amber. Matt’s Place Foundation annual charity golf tournament on Sunday at 1 p.m. Highlands Golf Course.
• • •
While it’s been five years since the families of Nick Newby and Nate Beyers received the worst of all news ... that their sons and brothers had been killed in combat in Iraq, I’m sure to them July 7, 2011 seems like it was just moments ago. We must never forget Nick, Nate and every other soldier, sailor, airman and Marine who gave the last full measure on devotion on the battlefield in service to our country.
• • •
Happy Birthday today to Alivia Lickfold, Barb McCarley, Bill Brooks, Wade Jacklin and Robin Ducote.
Marking birthdays on 7/7 are Becky Lee, Susie Jameson, Tim Adams and Susie Sullivan.
Friday Taryn Thompson, Peter Finney, Bev Hammond, Dawson Brown, Ron Jacaban, Beverly Knapp and Carrie Erickson celebrate. Madison King, Jenny Seaman, Brooke Bowers, Loren Mitchell, Brooke Hell, Jenny Joyner and Renee Christensen blow out the candles on Saturday.
July 10 is the anniversary of birth for Jason Faulkner, Collin Coles, Jim Hail, Sr., Amber Blanchette, Gene Gertson, Jan Ryan, Mike Stevens, Heather Wichman, Darren Olson, Pat Fuller and Michael Garrett.
Taking another trip around the sun on Monday are Betty Ann Henderson, Richard Jurvelin, Jeri Lee, Bill Graves, Scott Mote, Larry Wendt and Maxine Nelson. July 12 birthdays belong to BeBe Fletcher (92!), Cheri Burila, Emily Hodgson and Jim Welborn.
• • •
Kerri Rankin Thoreson is a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and the former publisher of the Post Falls Tribune. Main Street appears every Wednesday in The Press and Kerri can be contacted on Facebook or via email mainstreet@cdapress.com. Follow her on Twitter @kerrithoreson.