FAST FIVE Briana Francis is piecing together the perfect Fourth of July Parade

Introducing Briana Francis, a dynamic 26-year-old who is rapidly advancing in her role as program coordinator at the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber. This nonprofit organization benefits from Briana's fresh perspective and enthusiasm as she plans and manages all of the chamber's events. She ensures that each event is engaging, valuable and relevant for attendees, taking great pride in contributing to a larger mission. The chamber’s strong emphasis on education, collaboration and community connection has provided Briana with opportunities to learn from top executives and business leaders. She feels deeply supported by her colleagues, CEOs, business owners and other influential figures. Briana’s innate curiosity drives her to challenge the status quo while absorbing insights from the experienced senior leadership around her. Her involvement in the business community has allowed her to gain valuable knowledge from a diverse range of industries and leaders, enriching her role at the chamber.

Originally from San Jose, Calif., Briana sought a slower-paced, community-oriented environment beyond the bustling Silicon Valley. She discovered Coeur d'Alene after a visit to see her grandma and great aunt in the fall of 2017, a trip that also led her to meet her fiancé, Tyler, thanks to her grandma's matchmaking skills. Inspired by her experiences and new connections, Briana moved to Coeur d'Alene the following fall, chasing her instincts and the cute boy who lived across the street from Grandma.

1) How many times have you been the director of Coeur d'Alene's Fourth of July Parade and how much does the job entail?

Last year was my first experience with the planning process, but this year marks my debut as parade director. You would think planning a parade is straightforward, but it's like working on an elaborate puzzle without border pieces, making it hard to know where to start. Sometimes, it even feels like there are pieces from a different puzzle mixed in. When it’s all said and done, there is sometimes a missing piece. Last year, the missing piece turned out to be the porta-potties! My goal this year is to create a beautiful "puzzle" where no one misses the missing pieces, but instead focuses on the wonderful picture and memories the parade creates.

As it's my first year coordinating this event, the planning process has been underway since Jan. 1. There's no manual to simply open and follow, so I've relied on the experiences shared by my team and the records from previous years. My efforts are not only directed toward this year's parade but also toward creating a "How To" handbook to streamline next year's planning. This has involved countless hours of evaluation, deliberation and decision-making, and I am incredibly grateful for my supportive and helpful team.

2) What are you enjoying most about being in charge of one of the biggest events of the year — the American Heroes Parade?

I feel truly honored to be part of the planning process for such a cherished event. Is it a lot of hard work? Absolutely. But the chance to create lifelong memories for over 70,000 visitors who come to our area for the holiday is priceless. I am thoroughly enjoying the collaborations with the city of Coeur d'Alene, sponsors, volunteers and other organizations that are contributing to the event's success in various ways.

3) When was your first Fourth of July in Coeur d'Alene, and what do you love about this day?

My first Fourth of July experience was in 2019, and it wasn’t as a spectator. I walked in the parade with my then-boyfriend, his mom and her company, which had a parade entry. I remember the excitement and gratitude I felt being part of such a large event. It quickly became my favorite parade, and I participated a few more times in the following years. Never did I imagine that one day, I would be the one planning it!

4) What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

Originally, my dream was to become a veterinarian due to my love for animals. When that didn’t work out, I pursued a degree in interior design, a strong interest of mine that still remains. After working in the industry for a couple of years, I realized I wanted to engage more with people and build long-term relationships. This led me to my current role as program coordinator at the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber. Despite initially knowing little about what a chamber does, I embraced the role and absorbed as much information as possible. Being part of this organization and its business members has been a true gift.

One of my unique interests is obtaining a private pilot’s license. Through my connections within the chamber community, I have met people in the aviation industry who can help me achieve this dream someday.

5) What are a few of the biggest highlights of this year's parade, and what tips do you have for parade-goers?

This year, we are thrilled to engage spectators more in the celebration with our “Backwards Parade,” featuring giveaways of T-shirts, candy, water and stickers! We're grateful to our volunteers for making this possible. From 9 to 10 a.m., a group of volunteers will walk along Sherman Avenue from First Street to 15th Street, distributing goodies to the eagerly awaiting spectators. This leads up to the start of our American Heroes Parade at 10 a.m. We hope everyone, especially the early risers who secured the perfect family spot, is excited to see this idea come to life!

Another highlight that many might not know about is our commentator stations. Amy Bartoo and Scott Hough will be stationed at the Rotary pocket park between Third and Fourth streets, while Parker Drechsel will commentate from the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber patio. Both locations offer fantastic spots to fully experience the parade!

Lastly, our team has worked hard to create a special event that unites our community with one goal: Celebrating the men and women who have served and continue to serve in our armed forces. It is because of them that we enjoy our freedoms, and we owe it to them to show our honor on this special day. With 80 parade entries, including floats, marching bands and dance and cheer teams, we are prepared to pay tribute to our great American heroes. We encourage parade-goers to get creative and wear fun red, white and blue outfits to show your spirit and help us honor our great nation together! For parking, we recommend using one of the larger lots available for $20 all-day parking. A list of these lots can be found on our website, cdachamber.com, under the “4TH OF JULY” tab. We can't wait to celebrate with everyone on this special day!