No ‘Bayview Daze’ for first time in 3 decades

Chamber says it will be back; other North Idaho towns push ahead with Fourth of July plans

This year will mark the first time in 33 years without Bayview Daze.

The annual Fourth of July celebration, which includes a parade and fireworks, is one of the biggest sources of income for the community’s small businesses next to Lake Pend Oreille, so it is a loss felt by the whole town.

“Our top priority and the No. 1 reason (for canceling) is the health of our community,” said Will Stafford, president of the Bayview Chamber of Commerce. “Our community is a little bit different than most because we have a larger number of older residents that are more at risk and have compromised immune systems. They are also the majority of our volunteers that are normally involved with participating and running Bayview Daze.”

Besides COVID-19, the Bayview Chamber was concerned with obtaining insurance for a fireworks show and supplementing funding for the event.

Typically, the town holds pancake breakfasts at the Bayview Community Center to support Bayview Daze, but because of COVID, they have been canceled, as well.

The community as a whole was disappointed but overall supportive in looking forward to next year’s event being bigger and better, Stafford said.

“We anticipate a stronger bond between us all and good memories that last more than a lifetime,” he said.

Meanwhile, other towns are forging ahead with Fourth of July celebrations.

Harrison will be hosting its annual July 4 fun featuring live music by Jam Shack, rides on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, lake activities, food vendors, shopping, and a fireworks show overlooking the water at dusk.

Spirit Lake officials say the town will be celebrating the Fourth with a parade and vendors.

The Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce recently announced the yearly fireworks event over Lake Coeur d’Alene is canceled, a result of COVID-19’s requirement to practice social distancing. The parade and downtown festivities, however, will continue as planned.

The parade route on Sherman Avenue will be altered and the number of entries into this year’s parade will be limited.

Post Falls, Rathdrum, Hayden, and Athol are not planning Fourth of July celebrations but are gearing up for special weekends in July and August.

The Post Falls Festival is July 10-11, Rathdrum Days is July 17-18, Hayden Days is July 24-25, and Athol Daze is Aug. 8.