Nothing beats the Fourth of July in North Idaho

The best day of the summer is almost here.

I can picture it now: Fluffy white clouds lazily floating about in a deep blue sky, burgers sizzling on the grill, homemade potato salad and baked beans on the picnic table, oldies music on the radio, faces and hands sticky from cherry Popsicles and Bomb Pops, American flags waving in the breeze, red, white and blue buntings draped on white picket fences, perhaps a water ballon fight breaking out amid the barbecue merriment.

The fireworks begin days before the Fourth of July even arrives, reminding us that the big show is on its way. And the fireworks shows in North Idaho do not disappoint, from the fantastic displays over Lake Coeur d'Alene to the pyrotechnic spectacle that lights up Lake Pend Oreille as the excitement of Bayview Daze fades with the final sparkling embers of the night. Oh and don't forget the parades. North Idaho goes big when it comes to the Fourth of July parades.

I was lucky to grow up in Coeur d'Alene, with two sets of grandparents who lived on B and C streets. Many a Fourth of July celebration was spent in those neighborhoods, where the cool, plush green grass made the perfect seat to finish an ice cream cone or polish off an A&W root beer. My uncle always entertained us kids by shooting off fireworks long before dark, sending bottle rockets screaming into the sky just seconds before my grandmother would yell "Jim!" from the house, causing all of us — my uncle included — to laugh and scatter so no one caught Gramma's wrath. My grandpa, a World War II Army veteran, loved the Fourth of July and always made the best food and was always in a good mood celebrating the country he loved so much.

When I got to be a bit older, I would park my car at my grandparents' house, say my hellos to the family and take off on a grand adventure through the neighborhoods to my friends' houses across town, sometimes stopping to watch a fireworks pre-show with kids who just could not wait until dusk or even wander into a random barbecue to enjoy an ice cream bar or a drink at a total stranger's house. I'd make new friends, say thank you and be on my way.

Downtown Coeur d'Alene is always crazy on the Fourth, but it makes for some of the most fantastic people watching. Whether braving the crowds and finding a square foot of space on the Coeur d'Alene City Beach or hiking with a group of friends to find the perfect vantage point on Tubbs Hill, it was always an adventure filled with such wonderful moments I will always treasure.

One summer, my husband and I lived at my grandparents' old house to keep an eye on it for my uncle who was out of town. We had the biggest Fourth of July party — actually the biggest party in general — that I have ever hosted or attended. We had so many fireworks random people actually stopped and hung out at our house on their way to see the big Coeur d'Alene fireworks show. It was pretty cool.

We live in Post Falls now, and though I do miss being close to my beloved downtown, I'm pretty happy with the new traditions we have created with our Yellowstone Avenue Tribe. Some years we have a block party, where different houses have different dishes, drinks and entertainment. Other years we will converge on a neighbor's lawn (thank you for always being Yellowstone Central, Terri!) and gather 'round with cold beers and camping chairs and simply enjoy good food and company. At night, let's just say people in our area spend a lot of money on fireworks. We have no shortage of enjoyment as night falls.

While our Independence Day celebrates the birth of America and the freedom we are so incredibly fortunate to have, it is also a celebration of what makes our country and our communities so wonderful. It doesn't matter who voted for who or who said what on social media — when it's a hot July day we're all running through the sprinklers and playing lawn games together. It's about spending time with family and neighbors, making new friends and being thankful we live in such a great place.

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July this year. May your pets be safe, may your house and fingers be protected from harm and may your red Solo cup always be full.

    This homemade potato salad, famously made by my mom and my grandmother, tastes like summer and belongs at every Fourth of July celebration. I have finally mastered it!
  

    Reporter Devin Weeks, sopping wet while covering the 2022 American Heroes Fourth of July Parade in downtown Coeur d'Alene for The Press. It poured during the parade, but it was a beautiful sunset that night that made for the perfect backdrop for fireworks shows.
  

    There's my beautiful mama, Vicki Heilman, snapping a photo with me Fourth of July 2022. We had lots of friends over that day. Mom, the potato salad was a hit!