Help make the Fourth sparkle
SHAWN GUST/Press file From left, Aubrey Voorhees and Cate Storey, both 3, and Emmie Mail, 4, wave American flags during the 2013 Fourth of July parade along Sherman Avenue in Coeur d’Alene.
COEUR d'ALENE — With the Fourth of July just three weeks away, the countdown to the annual parade and fireworks show in Coeur d'Alene is underway.
But, if the community doesn't do its part assisting the festivities it will enjoy in celebration of Independence Day, the program will fizzle.
As in the past, the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce provides marketing opportunities with larger checks, and The Press will publish a photo acknowledging any donor's Fireworks Fund gift of $500 or more, affording the donor some well-deserved recognition when they contribute substantially to a fitting tribute to the patriotic day.
Contrary to rumors, the Hagadone Corp. does not foot the bill for the festivities.
The Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce pays the bills with support from corporate donors such as Numerica, Idaho Central Credit Union and Fightin’ Creek Smoke Shop and Market.
The chamber of commerce pays for the parade, nine hours of music and food in the park and fireworks. The day’s costs also include electricians, equipment, security, traffic control, permits and portable sanitation. Volunteers are needed and welcome.
Costs are expected to be about $60,000, paid in part by donations from local businesses and individuals.
"We call upon church groups, service clubs and other organizations to join the fun and pitch in whatever their budget might allow," a chamber of commerce press release states.
Donors giving $1,000 or more will also receive up to 10 tickets to watch the fireworks show from the chamber of commerce's private patio.
The fireworks start at 10 p.m.
The Payne-West vintage fire truck, working with the Snake Pit Derby Dames, will cruise Sherman Avenue, looking for donations just before the parade.
The parade starts at 10 a.m. this year — an hour earlier than usual — in hopes of beating the heat.
During the parade, Kerri Thoreson and her "wheeled wingman" Scott Hough will announce the entrants between Second and Third on Sherman.
The event will feature the Perfection-Nots, a rag-tag group of musicians. This marks the group's 40th year of performing.
The Blazen Divaz will also join the lineup along with cheerleaders, big trucks, veterans, church groups and politicians.
Following the parade, there will be free music at the bandshell in City Park. Vendors will sell food and products until dusk. That portion of the event is sponsored by the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort/Spa.
A recent cdapress.com poll showed more respondents favor Fourth of July in Cd'A than 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 festivities.
Contact Diane Higdem at the chamber of commerce at 292-1635 or diane@cdachamber.com for more information.