Everyone loves a parade.

And the best parade of all may just be the Sandpoint Lions children's parade, held an hour before the local service organization holds its Grand Parade with everything from firetrucks and log trucks to community organizations and residents marching through the downtown to celebrate the Fourth of July.

The kids parade is just for the younger crowd — but attracts the community to equal numbers to its larger cousin.

Brightly ribboned bikes, youngsters pulling pets in wagons, and toddlers marching alongside their parents, shyly waving to the crowd. Red, white and blue outfits, headbands and sunglasses compete with stickers and face paint as dozens of youngsters turn out every year.

It's a chance for the youngsters to share their own pride in the nation and showcase their spirit.

This year, the theme for parades is "It Takes a Community" and the event will showcase the many local businesses which impacted by the pandemic, and celebrate the community and all residents, Lions Club officials said.

Applications are being accepted for the Grand Parade, and will be until the morning of the parade.

The children’s parade will start at 9 a.m., and the Grand Parade will begin at 10 a.m.

While the club has the funds to cover the costs of the parades, celebration, and fireworks show, they're looking to make them bigger and better than ever.

Among today's donations are a $200 donation via the Sandpoint Lions Club Facebook page, bringing donations to $2,800.

Those donating to the Independence Day celebration will be named in future columns. If you would like to be anonymous, please indicate that on your donation or let the Lions Club know.

Although overall fundraising for this year is limited due to the short turnaround time, Lions Club officials held a raffle in 2019 to pay for 2020 fireworks, which were then run by Sandpoint Independence Day, Inc. instead.

Those funds, in addition to community donations, will be used for the Fourth of July events.

Those who wish to contribute to the July 4 fundraising can do so by clicking the donation link on the Lion’s Facebook page or dropping off donations at the Daily Bee, 310 Church St.

Caroline Lobsinger can be reached by email at clobsinger@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @CarolDailyBee.