Patriotism on display

Spirit Lake Independence Day parade all about red, white and blue

SPIRIT LAKE — David Owens is a Marine veteran. Saturday, he carried Old Glory as he led the Spirit Lake Fourth of July parade.

He was proud, he said, as he carried it for all of America and for all people. And to see the patriotism on display all around as he walked up Maine Street, to be joined by other veterans, was an honor.

“We as Americans are founded on being great civilians and great veterans,” Owens said. “I’m very proud to be part of this nation. I know we have differences and problems, but I don’t see it today. I see us more indivisible than anything else.”

So did hundreds of others who lined the four-block parade route that ended at City Park, where a festival of food, music and crafts went on into the afternoon.

Flags fluttered from all around on a sunny morning and red, white and blue seemed to be everywhere. Dresses, shirts, shorts, hats and even overalls sported a patriotic theme.

Grandparents, moms and dads and kids stood on sidewalks and sat on curbs as they cheered the passing parade of decorated ATVs, tractors, trucks, wagons and bikes.

Children smiled and yelled for joy as they chased lots and lots of candy tossed their way.

Cory Yalowicki came over from Seattle to be part of the parade and said he looks forward to it all year. He wore a colorful outfit with a blue tie with white stars and a flag-themed cowboy hat.

“The patriotic spirit of Idaho, I find, exceeds anything I find in the Seattle area,” he said. “I love just being here. American patriotism, I’m all about.”

While many Fourth of July parades were canceled around the country, Spirit Lake took a stand.

This wasn’t an event where there was much to be said for social distancing, hand washing or masks to guard against the coronavirus. This was about pride, laughs, smiles, and a whole lot of fun.

Lisa Clausen sat with her daughter, Claire, 3, who was decked out in red, white and blue and holding small flags.

The family usually attends the Coeur d’Alene Fourth parade, but when that was a no-go, they headed north to Spirit Lake and were not disappointed.

“She’s having a good time,” Lisa Clausen said of Claire.

Closer to the park, Martha Stafford and son Alex of Spirit Lake stood together as they cheered and waved.

“We love our Fourth of July parade here every year,” she said.

Jim “Ski” Wilkuski and wife Joyce of Bayview watched from a corner.

“We’re so happy they didn’t cancel this,” she said. “It’s Independence Day. They’re trying to take all our freedoms away, I just hate it.”

“This is what it’s all about, patriotism,” Jim said, “and you can see it all over the place. We love it.”

Jeneva Stubbs of Spirit Lake Visions, which organized the parade, smiled and waved as she steered an ATV pretty much covered with flags and banners and tinsel. She said it was an awesome day.

“It’s one of my favorite events of the whole year,” she said.

Craig and Cheryl Hunter of Coeur d’Alene rode their ATV decorated with flags on every corner.

“This is great,” Cheryl said as they passed by. “It’s all about patriotism.”

“It’s great to be an American,” Craig said.

Katrina Davis of Spirit Lake wore a flag-themed hat with the peace sign. Her uncle, David Owens, carried the flag and she was proud of him.

“It was pretty sweet,” she said.

Davis was glad to see so many people come out for the event and loved the sense of country.

“I think you should keep one nation under God and the Pledge of Allegiance in our schools,” she said.

When the parade ended, and most had gathered at City Park for the festivities, Terry Shepherd, owners of Terry’s Cafe on Maine Street, and friend Gloria Robinson stood together chatting. The street, crowded just minutes earlier, was now empty.

Asked for their thoughts about the Fourth of July, the parade and what it means to them, Shepherd spoke of freedom.

Robinson, with American Legion Post 149, had these words:

“I love America. I served it and I love it.”

Craig Hunter, after the parade, had this to say:

“If you were going to have a commercial about hometown America, it would be what you just saw.”