The power of community is a pretty amazing thing.

Take, as an example, the Sandpoint Lions' Fourth of July celebration. From a pair of parades to ice cream at City Beach to a fireworks show that seemed to go on forever.

The events are both a tribute to the community its members are dedicated to serving and made possible by those same people.

The grand marshal of this year's Grand Parade was the community — doctors, nurses, truck drivers and other first responders either rode on the float or were portrayed by youngsters in the community. Also recognized were grocery store workers, emergency responders, and more. (And in a nod to the toilet paper shortages were several Costco packs of toilet paper carried in red wagons with signs marking them as "really essential" as well as a thank you message to the nation's truck drivers for keeping the supply chain flowing during the pandemic.

Parade entries also paid tribute to the community and to community groups. Angels Over Sandpoint members were there — using big plastic tubs and drumsticks to pound out a message of celebration as other group members marched behind and waved to friends, family and community members.

Boy Scout Troop 111 climbed aboard a sweet ride (a big yellow bus) as the local scouts kept cool while showing off their patriotic spirit.

A vintage Golden Age 1920 Allan Herschell carousel organ played a festive tune as the nonprofit Carousel of Smiles showed off a few of the carousel horses under renovation.

Members of local soccer teams, the Sandpoint High School football team, local Girl Scouts, Better Together Animal Alliance, Community Assistance League and more also took part. The Bonner County Rodeo queen was there as was Ali Terry, Bonner County's Distinguished Young Woman 2021, and Idaho's Distinguished Young Woman, Camille Neuder.

Panhandle Antique Tractor & Engine Club members took part as did local church groups, animal groups, county officials and political parties and the local LGBTQ+ group. There were local businesses, the Sandpoint Rotary's drill team, logging and timber companies made their way along the parade route.

Every type of community group. Every age group. A true snapshot of the community — gathered to celebrate after more than a year of restrictions and hardship.

Community residents grabbed any spot of available shade and sat back to join in the celebration.

And it's to everyone — both those in the parade and those lining the route to cheer during the hour-long parade — that the Lions want to thank.

While the club had the funds to cover the costs of the celebration saved, they sought donations and sold T-shirts to help make the celebration even bigger and better and to set the stage for next year's celebration.

Final generous donations totaled $850, bringing the final amount of donations were given by Juliette Johnson and family, $100; Shirley Parker, $100, anonymous, $100; Carroll and Richard Ensminger, $50; and Ben Stein, $500.

To all who donated, thank you. To everyone who turned out to be in the parade, thank you. To everyone who stood or sat along the parade route, thank you. You are all part of what makes this community so special — and why the Lions dedicated themselves to celebrate each of you.