For more than 50 years, the Sandpoint Lions Club has put on the Independence Day celebration in Sandpoint.

Why?

Community.

While they may not be the biggest club in town, Lions members dedicate countless hours and endless energy to making the community has the best Fourth of July celebration to be had.

Why?

Their friends and neighbors deserve nothing but the best, Lions Club members say. They want them to be able to be a enjoy a parade that features everyone from the very youngest to the oldest, from those marching to those on floats. They want a children's parade that allows the community's youngest members to have their own special event.

And they want a fireworks show that lights up the night sky — for as long as they can.

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.

And that's where you come in.

Today's generous donations were received from Waterfront Property Management, $1000; Mountain West Bank, $1,000; and Pierce Automotive, $500. The donations bring the total amount received to date to $10,155 — almost halfway to the Lions hoped-for goal of $25,000.

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.

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.