Two hundred forty-six years ago, on July 4, 1776, the founding fathers of the United States of America declared independence and mutually pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor. Independence Day offers us a time to reflect on what it means to ensure the vision for liberty and equality that was issued and continues to guide our nation.

This year, local communities throughout Shoshone County have a multitude of events, markets, and live music to keep you celebrating all weekend.

In Wallace, July 3 will have their annual Wallace Statehood Day Parade inviting kids, pets, cars, boats, ATVs, UTVs, bands, lawn mowers, or just yourself for a real small-town Idaho event. The line-up for the parade begins at 12:30 p.m., with the parade beginning at 1:00 pm at Cedar and 5th in downtown Wallace. The parade will end at the Northern Pacific Railroad Depot Museum.

In Kellogg, Silver Mountain Resort is providing the fireworks display, beginning at 9:55. Gus Colburn, Marketing Manager for the mountain explained, “The best viewing areas are the grassy area in front of the gondola, the Silver Mountain parking lot, or in the gondola village.”

This year, the fireworks will be lit by Pyro Spectaculars with Silver Mountain and Dave Smith GMC collaborating on the budget.

Heading up the St. Joe River, the Prichard Tavern has a weekend line-up starting Saturday with Diana and the Lawless band at 8 p.m., and karaoke Sunday evening at 8 p.m. Monday’s Fourth of July celebration will begin with a BBQ beginning at 2:00 pm, with Tamarack Ridge Band, and fireworks display at 8 p.m.

The Sprag Pole in Murray, Idaho will celebrate on Saturday with Country musician Anthony Ray playing at 6 p.m. and fireworks sponsored by the Sprag Pole and Bedroom Gold Mine around 10 p.m.

In Calder, at the Calder Store, Restaurant, and Lounge, Saturday, June 2 will begin with games of horseshoes and cornhole, along with a BBQ will begin around 3 p.m. with open-mic karaoke music. Saturday will also feature the band Curly’s Last Resort, in the beer garden beginning at 7 p.m.

The Fourth of July parade will begin at 11:00 at the Calder Store, and most that attend will follow the parade to Avery where the parade will begin at 1:00 p.m.

The first year of the West Wallace Flea Market will take place in Wallace from July 2-4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy a small-town flea market and find treasure you didn’t know you could live without. Located at 60646 Silver Valley Road a.k.a. Taylor Town. For more information contact organizer Rich Asher at 208-752-1023.