Space still available for Fourth of July Parade

Those looking to take part in this year’s Fourth of July Parade and Festival in the Park have one more week to turn in their applications.

The Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce announced the deadline for submitting applications for both float entries and vendors is June 18, giving people until Thursday to submit their entries. Chamber CEO Derrell Hartwick said he hopes this year’s theme for the event — “Reunited Coeur d’Alene” — will live up to its promise.

“Obviously, it’s been a unique experience this year,” Hartwick said. “Going through the (COVID-19) guidelines, we’ve had to ask ourselves, ‘What’s going to be best for businesses?’ But obviously, for safety reasons, we need to consider how we can best protect everyone through social distancing and the proper protocols.”

The coronavirus pandemic forced Hartwick in May to cancel the annual Independence Day fireworks show, but he said this year’s parade and festivities in the park will strive to bring a sense of renewed unity to a community in need of it.

Hartwick said the chamber has received 60 float applications so far. The parade route will be the same, but floats will be spread out farther to help with social distancing. As for the park festivities, Hartwick said the layout would look slightly different than years past, in an effort for people to enjoy the carnival, the music and the food vendors.

“We’re just changing things up a little,” he said. “We’re just having it evenly spread out, so that everyone can practice social distancing.”

If you would like to enter a float or apply as a vendor this year, log on to www.cdachamber.com.