'Tis the season to get excited

What goes "boom!" followed by a long and satisfying "ahhhh"?

No, not a lieutenant governor's executive order followed by a smackdown from the governor.

Fireworks over Lake Coeur d'Alene is the answer we're looking for here.

And fireworks there shall be.

Although it seems like years since the last glorious Fourth of July parade and on-the-lake blast fest, we actually skipped it only once. But the deceptive depth of the gap indicates how important this tradition is to the locals. Our parade and pyrotechnic propensities o'er the pond are as much a part of North Idaho summers as barbecues and ice-cold brews.

Thus it is with unfettered fervor that we welcome the Coeur d'Alene Area Chamber of Commerce's re-entry to Independence Day center stage with open arms.

This year, for the first time, the festivities will cover two days. On Saturday, July 3, food vendors, carnival rides and entertainment will all be available at City Park in downtown Coeur d'Alene from noon to 7 p.m. But that's just the opening act.

At 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 4, thousands will line Sherman Avenue from 15th Street to Government Way for the American Heroes Parade. Then when Mother Nature's light goes down at dusk, the night skies will light up with a spectacular fireworks display.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because donors — local businesses, appreciative parents and grandparents, citizens of all stripes and stars — show their appreciation by contributing to the cause.

Let's forget our differences over Independence Day weekend and enjoy the opportunities presented by our local Chamber. To donate, go to cdachamber.com or to the Coeur d’Alene Visitors Center, 105 N. First St.

As Chamber CEO Derrell Hartwick notes, the more donations, the bigger the boom!