American spirit
DEVIN WEEKS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 6 months AGO
Jackie Streeter of Coeur d'Alene bounces her 3-year-old daughter Kenzie on her knees as they wave to people in the American Heroes Parade in downtown Coeur d'Alene on Monday.
DEVIN WEEKS/Press
Coeur d'Alene grandma Sandra Harris wears red, white and blue from head to toe with granddaughter Audrina Campos, 9, as they watch the American Heroes Parade with Harris' daughter/Audrina's mom, Ellie Hall, right.
American Heroes Parade Grand Marshal Mikki Stevens strikes a pose as she rolls along the parade route on the Fourth of July.
Lots of smiles and waves are seen from the Filipino American Northwest Association float during the American Heroes Parade on Sherman Avenue.
Members of the Coeur d'Alene High School Dance Team shake off the rain as they perform in the American Heroes Parade on the Fourth of July.
Celebrating 44 years, members of the the colorfully costumed Perfection-Nots perform in the American Heroes Parade on Monday.
Devin Weeks is a third-generation North Idaho resident. She holds an associate degree in journalism from North Idaho College and a bachelor's in communication arts from Lewis-Clark State College Coeur d'Alene. Devin embarked on her journalism career at the Coeur d'Alene Press in 2013. She worked weekends for several years, covering a wide variety of events and issues throughout Kootenai County. Devin now mainly covers K-12 education and the city of Post Falls. She enjoys delivering daily chuckles through the Ghastly Groaner and loves highlighting local people in the Fast Five segment that runs in CoeurVoice. Devin lives in Post Falls with her husband and their three eccentric and very needy cats. | July 5, 2022 1:09 AM
COEUR d'ALENE — Big rigs, big applause, big performances and a big show of American spirit.
Thousands of spectators attended the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chambers's annual American Heroes Parade on Monday to celebrate America's 245th birthday.
This year's theme, "Spirit of America," could be seen and felt throughout the parade route, from star-spangled floats to families decked out in festive Fourth of July gear.
That American spirit was not dampened by the rainstorm that swept over the parade. People cheered and waved from beneath trees, pop-up canopies and umbrellas.
"I wish it wasn’t raining, but I’m still all smiles," said Ellie Hall of Coeur d'Alene, who viewed the parade by the old 1210 Tavern.
"We won’t let it ruin our parade,” said her mom, Sandra Harris. Harris and 9-year-old granddaughter Audrina Campos rocked red, white and blue from head to toe.
"It’s fun! I’m happy," Audrina said with a thumbs up.
A Coeur d'Alene Police motorcycle squad commenced the parade, followed by members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 889 dutifully carrying the flags of Idaho and America.
The parade featured local schools, civics groups, political organizations, businesses and more.
Bleachers were set up at multiple sites to give people enhanced viewing experiences free of obstructions.
Carrie Martz, whose kids live in Coeur d'Alene, enjoyed the festivities from the bleachers at the Blackwell Hotel.
"This is like a little slice of America," she said. "We don't have this anymore. To have the opportunity for our little kids to enjoy a real parade, and for just one day not worry and be a little American, is a thrill."
Jackie Streeter of Coeur d'Alene bounced her 3-year-old daughter, Kenzie, on her knee as they waved to people in the parade near 11th Street.
Streeter, who grew up in Coeur d'Alene, has only missed a few Fourth of July parades.
"I love it, I look forward to it every year," she said. "It's kind of our family tradition to come down here every year and celebrate the Fourth of July with family and friends."
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