Community marches to fund Fourth festivities
CAROLINE LOBSINGER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years, 2 months AGO
A group of youngsters celebrate the Fourth of July as they ride a float down First Avenue in the 2019 Grand Parade.
(Daily Bee file photo/CAROLINE LOBSINGER)
I grew up in the Tri-Cities, Wash., and have always loved to write. I attended the University of Washington, where I earned a double major in journalism and political science, with an area of emphasis in history. I am the fifth out of six kids — don't believe any of the stories that my siblings tell. To be able to tell others stories and take photos for a living is a dream come true — and I considered myself blessed to be a community journalist. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hiking and spending time outdoors, genealogy, reading, and watching the UW Huskies and the Seattle Seahawks. I am a servant to my cat, Frankie, who yes, will eat anything and everything in sight … even wedding cookies. | June 24, 2021 1:00 AM
SANDPOINT — Boom, chacka, lacka.
If you've ever been to the Sandpoint Lions' Grand Parade held on the Fourth of July, you can't miss the Sandpoint Rotary Club. Holding a huge four- or five-person wide banner with the Rotary named emblazoned on the front, the Rotary members smile and wave as they march down the parade route. Every so often — to the crowd's delight — they stop, chant "Boom, chacka, lacka" (or words to that effect) as they do a small choreographed routine as they hold onto the banner, turning, twisting and turning as they chant the entire time.
Each time, the crowd bursts into applause. And as they march in the parade, the Rotary can't go more than a step or two without folks just a short distance away demanding the Rotary drill team entertain them as well.
Today's donations add up to $2,755 with generous donations from James and Rose Marie Thompson, $100; Julie Smith, $500; Ruth Wimberley, $30; David Mandell, $100; Pat Satchwell, $25; and Thomas Schoonover, $2,000.
Total donations received to date total $7,655. 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.
This year, the theme for Fourth of July 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.
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.
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