For many years, the community has rallied each year around this time to shake off the dust and drabness of winter, spruce up the community and get ready for the glories of spring and summer.

The sun has finally broken out and sunshine reigns supreme all over the region. Now it's time for some fun, time to get out, kick off our shoes and hit the beach - or dig our hiking boots out of the closet and hit the open trails.

It's time to put some spring in our step and get ready for all the fun this area promises — and there's plenty of that to be had in Bonner and Boundary counties.

The relative calm of Memorial Day has folks heading out for some early season camping. With dozens of official campgrounds in Bonner and Boundary counties - and any number of spots where folks can head for some day-time fun, it's a good time to get out and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us.

But camping is just the tip of the mountain — Bonner and Boundary counties truly are a four-season destination with year-round recreation, including boating, fishing, RV-ing, hiking, biking, golfing, snow sports, shopping, festivals and events.

Water sports abound and there are plenty of places to canoe, kayak and fish. In addition, there are trails galore to explore and the fun to be had up at Schweitzer — from zip lining to mountain bike trails to a whole host of outdoor fun and adventure.

And then there are the events and festivals which pack the summer, making for a nonstop season of fun and celebration.

Among them are the annual Fourth of July celebration. The children's parade kicks things off and all kids are welcome to join the fun - and every child who enters receives a prize and lots of applause from the thousands of spectators who line the parade route. Next comes the Grand Parade, which starts at 10 a.m. and usually lasts a couple of hours.

Folks come from all over our region to see this small town Independence Day parade. Then at dusk, the community puts on a spectacular fireworks show at Sandpoint City Beach to cap off this special day's celebration.

Also there's Jacey's Race, held in July; the Long Bridge Swim in August; the Summer Sampler, held in June; the Classic Boat Festival, held in early July ... and that's just a taste of what's going on. There are the many activities and fun to be had on Priest Lake and on the Kootenai River in Boundary County.

Come and join the fun.

The various events, whether is is the recent cleanup of the creek and City Beach area, or a fundraiser at the Panida Theater to light the marquee, or the fun of a small town Fourth of July, all boil down to one thing — community and a care for each other. The area all about the people, the businesses, and the various activities which exemplify why the community is so special.

Neighbors truly care about neighbors, if someone needs something, the question is "how can I help?" and not "what's in it for me?"

As beautiful as the community is, it is people who are its true beauty

Caroline Lobsinger, managing editor

208-263-9534, ext. 259

clobsinger@bonnercountydailybee.com