COEUR d'ALENE - The Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce could use your help to pay for the community fireworks show on the Fourth of July over Lake Coeur d'Alene.

The chamber of commerce has raised $11,000 for Friday's show, but the bill for the fireworks, which is funded by donations, is $28,000, said Diane Higdem, chamber of commerce events coordinator.

"We are low on our donations this year," Higdem said.

That's why the "Backward Bucket Brigade" during Friday's Coeur d'Alene American Heroes Fourth of July Parade will be critical to the fireworks fundraising effort, Higdem said.

This year's brigade will be manned by the Snake Pit roller derby gals.

"The brigade is another way we collect funds for the fireworks," Higdem said. "It's our one last big push for donations.

"So when you see the girls zipping around with their T-shirts on roller blades during the parade, they're not collecting for themselves, but for the fireworks."

Higdem said if every parade attendee tosses just $1 into the bucket during the parade, it would easily fund the show. As many as an estimated 40,000 people have attended the parade during some years, Higdem said.

"We'd be able to put on a show like you wouldn't believe next year," Higdem said.

Higdem said the total cost for the festivities is nearly $60,000, which also covers traffic control, portable bathrooms and security.

Higdem said donations can also be made at the chamber office during business hours. Donations after the Fourth will also be accepted.

The show begins at dusk between 9:45 and 10 p.m. on the lake near Independence Point.

"We'll shoot for 9:45 p.m., but we want to make sure that it's dark enough for a nice show to enjoy them," Higdem said.

The parade starts at 11 a.m. on Sherman Avenue at 15th Street. The parade runs west on Sherman to Government Way. The parade generally has between 75 and 90 entries and that many are expected again.

There will be music and vendors at City Park from 1-9:30 p.m. There will also be a pie-eating contest at 3:30 p.m. and kids activities at the park.

For more information, contact Higdem at 292-1635 or [email protected].