Rathdrum Days pushes forward

Despite changes, celebration will continue

The Rathdrum Chamber of Commerce is pushing forward with Rathdrum Days on Saturday, July 18, at Lakeland High School.

While originally a two-day event, permits were pulled for Friday and Saturday night restricting the chamber from planning its annual parade and Friday night activities.

“Rathdrum Area Chamber of Commerce appreciates that our current situations prevent us from hosting the wide variety of activities that Rathdrum Days is famous for: North Idaho’s Strongest Competition, Doggie Dash, Friday Night Beer Garden and Dance, and our Main Street parade,” a chamber press release said Friday. “We are very sorry that we are not able to host these events but look forward to a better 2021.”

Vendor booths will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. with entertainment on the main stage running all day with a variety of artists and a magician. The McDonald’s Big Wheel Race will still be held at 1 p.m. in the parking lot.

The chamber is encouraging attendees to practice social distancing measures and take advantage of the additional sanitation methods.

“We fully trust the people of Rathdrum to practice safe social distancing during Rathdrum Days,” said Kurt Schwab, chamber president. “We are excited to still be going through with this, and we know we can trust our people.”