POST FALLS - Chiefs Scot Haug and Warren Merritt are used to responding to emergencies, but not one quite like this.

Just a few months ago, no one had stepped forward to take over as lead organizer of the Post Falls Festival Parade, putting the popular annual event in jeopardy.

That's when Haug, the city's police chief, and Merritt, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue chief, came to the rescue.

The two decided to put on their civilian hats and volunteer to take over the lead role from Kerri and Bert Thoreson, who organized the show for 25 years.

"Warren talked me into it," Haug said with a laugh.

The parade starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday and runs from Frederick to Idaho Street on Seltice Way. Announcers Clay and James Ownbey will be broadcasting from the Community 1st Bank parking lot.

Former Mayor Clay Larkin, who was also this year's Post Falls Veteran of the Year and is a former firefighter, will be the parade grand marshal.

Merritt said he blinked after eight months went by and no one volunteered to be the parade's lead organizer.

"I thought that I would talk to Scot and see if we could take it on in our civilian roles and keep this great tradition going for the community," Merritt said. "It felt like the right thing to do as I certainly didn't want to see it go away."

With Kerri being their mentor and the addition of new parade committee members to relieve longtime volunteers, they've found the task to be enjoyable. Haug is aware of the parade logistics, having worked on the law enforcement side at the event for many years.

"I didn't know what to expect, but I think it will work out just fine," Haug said, adding that the two will likely help organize the parade again next year. "Warren and I work well together and it just fit."

Thoreson said she's thankful the two took the reins.

"They're very persuasive, convincing me to mentor their new committee this first year," she said. "Putting on a community parade isn't rocket science, but after years of doing it, we figured out what works ... . I've told Scot and Warren that none of the procedures of the past are carved in stone, but that in 25 years we've made just about every mistake possible and then worked to find ways to improve the experience."

Other parade committee members are: Suzanna Spencer, Jame Davis, John Bujosa, Pat Knight, Chris Pappas and Paula and Norm Rehrmann. The chamber of commerce has pitched in and Community 1st Bank, Ground Force Worldwide and Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty each donated $500 toward the parade to make it a reality.

Haug said Larkin was chosen as the parade grand marshal due to his service as a former mayor and council member, with veterans and community projects and the fire district.

"He has given so much to this community over 30-plus years," Haug said.

Larkin said the selection was unexpected.

"Being chosen to be the festival parade grand marshal is very humbling to say the least," he said. "I had no idea this was going to happen, but my family and I are grateful for my selection."

Post Falls Festival schedule

Event features mower races, music, parade

POST FALLS - The Post Falls Festival will offer fun for all ages tonight through Sunday.

"It's not supposed to be as hot as the previous two weekends, so that should make it nicer for attendees," said Dave Fair, director of the Post Falls Parks and Recreation Department, which is organizing some of the activities.

Here is the schedule of events:

TONIGHT

5:30 p.m. - city center fish art unveiling, Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center

6 p.m. - beach barbecue with live music at Red Lion Templin's Hotel, 414 E. First Ave.

6-9 p.m. - Thursday Thunder, Cruiser's bar, Stateline

FRIDAY

noon-8 p.m. - craft and food vendors, music, kids activities, beer garden, Q'emiln Park

5-11 p.m. - Lions Club haunted house, 502 E. Fourth Ave., $6

6 p.m. - Big Back-In lawnmower races, Fifth and William, next to chamber of commerce, free, bring a chair, concessions available

9 p.m. - Blue Dog RV presents "Paddington" movie, Q'emiln Park, free

SATURDAY

6:30-10 a.m. - breakfast at senior center, all welcome

10 a.m. - parade on Seltice Way between Frederick and Idaho

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - car show, Calvary Lutheran Church

11 a.m. to 8 p.m. - craft and food vendors, music, kids activities, beer garden, Q'emiln Park

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - fire station open house, Idaho Street

12:30 p.m. - McDonald's Big Wheel Race, Q'emiln Park, Grand Pavilion, on-site registration 11 a.m. to noon

5-11 p.m. - Lions Club haunted house, 502 E. Fourth Ave., $6

6 p.m. - stock car races, Stateline Speedway

SUNDAY

10 a.m. - community worship service, Q'emiln Park, Grand Pavilion

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. - craft and food vendors, music, kids activities, beer garden, Q'emiln Park

* A free bus shuttle service will run from Red Lion Templin's Hotel, 414, E. First Ave., and City Hall, 408 N. Spokane St., to Q'emiln Park every 20 minutes from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and from 9:40 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. For more information on the festival, call 773-0539 or visit www.postfallsidaho.org. For parade information, call 773-5016 or visit postfallsfestival.com or Post Falls Festival Parade on Facebook.