Come together at Athol Daze

By DEVIN WEEKS

Staff Writer

ATHOL — Athol is about to get groovy.

In its 109th year, the Athol Daze celebration will have a colorfully retro spin with the theme of "Come Together," a song made famous by the Beatles and a phrase that represents this tight-knit community.

"I love the song," said Lori Yarbrough, Athol city clerk and treasurer. "The words 'come together' make it fun and refreshing. We'll have peace signs for the kids, hippie-type font on our shirts this year."

Yarbrough said this Athol Daze is going to be one of the biggest yet.

"It's something neat," she said. "We're really taking up two full city blocks this year."

The Athol Daze fun will start with a parade at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11. The route begins at Athol Elementary, 6333 E. Menser Ave., proceeds north on old Highway 95, west on Highway 54, down Third Street and will return to Athol City Park.

The Athol/Spirit Lake Grandmothers Club will hold a drawing for parade kids to win Silverwood Theme Park tickets, so the more the merrier. Yarbrough said youths can simply dress up their bikes and ride along to wave at the spectators.

"Senior citizens of the area have wanted to see an increase of kids," Yarbrough said. "We encourage more people in the parade."

The Victory Auto Part Classic Car Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It's expanding this year into the baseball field near Athol City Park.

Athol Daze will also feature a variety of family-friendly activities and contests, including money in the straw, a bounce house, dunk tank, waterslides, games, food and craft vendors, the crowning of Little Miss Athol and announcement of the citizen of the year.

"I'm excited for who is the citizen of the year," Yarbrough said. "It's someone very deserving."

The Grandmothers Club Cake Walk is at 11:30 a.m., the live auction will be at the south stage at 1 p.m., the Athol Chamber of Commerce 50/50 raffle will be at 1 p.m. and Big Back-In Lawnmower races begin at 4 p.m. with time trials at 3 p.m.

The ABC Farmers Market, Kootenai Electric bucket truck rides, Kootenai County Sheriff ID-a-Kid and library book walk will also add to the festivities. Musical performances by Nolan Foster will take place throughout the day.

Church in the park organized by Real Life and Athol Baptist Church will take place Sunday at 9 a.m.

Prizes for the auction and raffle will include gift certificates and packages from area restaurants and businesses, but donations are still being accepted. Volunteers are also needed to help with setup, booth management and other tasks.

"I just like to see the community getting together in a fun atmosphere and chatting and really coming together, getting to know each other a little bit more," Yarbrough said. "It's that good, old-fashioned fun."

Parade and vendor applications can be found online at www.cityofathol.us. Applications are recommended to be submitted by midweek.

To volunteer or donate prizes, call 208-683-2101 or email [email protected].