Most folks don't realize that the community's annual Fourth of July celebration isn't put on by the city of Sandpoint.

In recent memory, the parades, community activities and fireworks show have been hosted and funded by with the Sandpoint Lions Club or the Sandpoint Independence Day, Inc. taking the responsibility — and bearing the financial costs — for putting on celebrations that rival anything to be found in much larger cities.

• Parades that pack the streets and honor the community — with everyone from local heroes to community leaders honored as the grand marshal of the big hour-long Grand Parade? Check.

• A children's parade — dedicated to the community's youngsters participants, putting them at center stage and giving them a chance to shine and showcase their patriotic spirit? Check.

• A fireworks show that lights up the night sky that seems to last forever with each display seeming determined to outdo the one before? Check.

In past years, the Lions Club funded the celebrations with raffle tickets for an ATV (or two), thanks to the tireless work of club members showing up at local grocery stores and events to sell tickets as well as the generosity of Sandpoint Marine and Motorsports to give the Sandpoint Lions the best deal possible.

Even if you didn't win, it was fun to dream that "maybe this year" would be the year that you would win. Even though I was lucky enough to win one year, I made it a point to buy tickets because I know the money went to make the community Fourth of July celebration something pretty darn special.

So, my challenge to you, is if you bought tickets to the Lions Club raffle in the past, drop them a few dollars for this year's celebration.

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.

To date, the club has received total donations of $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 [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @CarolDailyBee.