Historic float joins Coeur d'Alene's Fourth parade

Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber’s American Heroes Parade today on Sherman Avenue will have about 75 entries. While they are all special, one in particular stands out. 

It was designed and crafted by the women of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Lt. George Farragut Chapter.

"It's like we are bringing the East Coast to North Idaho," said Regent Michelle Fansler. 

The float will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the First Continental Congress, a pivotal moment in American history, Fansler said.

The First Continental Congress was held from Sept. 5 to Oct. 26, 1774, at Carpenter's Hall in Philadelphia, Pa. Fifty-six delegates from 12 colonies, excluding Georgia, gathered to create a unified response to Great Britain’s Intolerable Acts. These acts included the closure of the port of Boston following the Boston Tea Party protest on Dec. 16, 1773.

Patrick Henry, one of the delegates, declared on the first day, "I am not a Virginian, but an American," highlighting the growing sense of American identity.

The float will feature facts about Carpenter's Hall and its significance during the Congress, providing an educational and engaging experience for parade attendees, Fansler said.

The American Heroes Parade presented by Idaho Central Credit Union is scheduled to begin at 10 this morning and run about two hours as entrants go from 15th Street to downtown Coeur d'Alene on Sherman Avenue.

Jon Hippler is the grand marshal and Len Crosby is the Military Hero of the Year for the parade.

    The Fourth of July Coeur d'Alene parade entry by the Daughters of the American Revolution, Lt. George Farragut Chapter, takes shape.