Fourth fun carries cost

COEUR d’ALENE — The Fourth of July is a blast in Coeur d’Alene, highlighted by a parade to start the day and a fireworks display to end it.

While the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber takes pride in organizing both events, which attract many thousands, financial responsibilities present a lit-firecracker challenge.

The chamber must raise about $64,000 to pay for the “Vintage America: The Magic of Our Youth” parade and the fireworks show above Lake Coeur d’Alene.

So far, through sponsorships and donations, about $18,000 is in, leaving roughly $46,000 to go.

“That’s still quite a big gap for us to make up,” said Linda Coppess, chamber president and CEO.

The council recently approved a memorandum of understanding with the chamber for the parade and fireworks shows, similar to the MOU signed with the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association for Car d’Lane next weekend.

The MOU clarifies the roles and responsibilities of each entity to ensure there are no questions the day of the event.

The city’s costs associated with last year’s Fourth of July totaled nearly $112,000, with more than half of that for police.

Chamber costs, including the value of volunteer hours, are nearly $75,000.

Coppess is confident it will be a great day.

"Our annual 4th of July celebration is a time to honor the men and women who have served in our military and to rejoice in all things that unite us as Americans," she wrote. "We are excited to do just that this year, and our celebration will far exceed its reputation as the region’s most patriotic event."

A substantial cost in years past has been for certificated flaggers, totaling roughly $15,000.

This year, the city’s Streets and Engineering Department worked with the chamber to provide flagger certification training for volunteers. It also negotiated private traffic control numbers to half the cost of last year’s expenses for the chamber, not to exceed $8,000.

The parade, presented by Idaho Central Credit Union, is set to begin at 10 a.m. at 15th and Sherman and proceed downtown, ending near Government Way.

The chamber’s Backward Parade Bucket Brigade will walk the route on Sherman Avenue to collect donations.

"It's a way for the community to help fund our fireworks," Coppess said.

The parade, in years past, has started at 11 a.m., but this year has been moved up to 10 a.m. to keep kids and animals from getting caught on hot pavement in the heat of the day.

About 75 entries including bands, costumed characters and decorated trucks, are expected.

Coppess said the event could still use a few more floats, civic and kids groups and dance clubs.

"We really want to bring back the magic of our youth," she said.

The chamber needs more traffic control volunteers and help with cleanup after the parade.

"Once the celebration is over, we want our downtown to look as pretty as it did before," Coppess said.

To raise funds, the chamber is also selling tickets to VIP parties, where people can have a great views of the parade and fireworks.

People can also support the chamber and the winner of its art contest by pre-ordering Fourth of July American Heroes parade T-shirt.

Pyro Spectaculars is again in charge of the fireworks show that is funded by the chamber and several Hagadone Corporation companies.

Despite the challenges of putting on Fourth events, Coppess said the chamber is delighted to do it.

"We are so thankful to be a part of this great country and we can’t wait to celebrate with you," she wrote.

Info: cdachamber.com