BONNERS FERRY — Local businesses on south Main Street are bringing back the old neighborhood block party this Fourth of July. 

For the first time, businesses on Lincoln and Main streets are organizing the 4th of July Freedom Festival, a free family gathering including games, bounce houses, live music, car and motorcycle show, beer garden and much more. 

Mike Kupper, owner of Simple Simon’s Pizza, said the event was inspired in part by past block parties he would organize with neighbors and to host the Iron Memories Motorcycle Show, an annual motorcycle show in Boundary County. 

At past neighborhood block parties, Kupper with his neighbor would shut down the street and have live music, games and food. This created fond memories of neighbors coming together. 

With those memories in mind, he approached neighboring businesses to join in on the block party while providing their parking lots space for the event. 

Elite Tire and Suspension jumped on board and Liberty Lanes Bar & Grill will be providing a beer garden. Burger Express will be offering its parking lot as additional space for the event. 

“It’s going to be a good old-fashioned, hometown block party,” Kupper said. “As the community post-COVID is coming back together. It’s a way to get newcomers introduced to small town living and honor our veterans.”

In the spirit of a block party, activities, such as balloon toss and dunk tank are free. Simple Simon’s will be passing out root beer floats throughout the day, while supplies last. 

Kupper said the goal is for families and kids to have a fun day and not need to open up their wallets. 

The Iron Memories Motorcycle Show will include a dyno tuner, for riders to check their motorcycles horsepower. The community is invited to bring their rides and enjoy door prizes, vest pins and other giveaways. 

Live music is being sought for the event. Those interested in performing should contact Mike Kupper at 208-771-6127. 

Those interested in sponsoring the event, setting up a booth or being a vendor should also contact Kupper for more information. 

The Freedom Festival starts at 11 a.m. on July 4, and is hosted by Simple Simon’s Pizza, Burger Express, Elite Tire and Suspension, Liberty Lanes Bar and Grill, VFW Post 3266, American Legion 44 and DAV Post 28.