SANDPOINT — There's nothing better than the small-town charm of Sandpoint's Fourth of July celebration.

Starting with a pair of parades — first the Kids Parade and then the Grand Parade — the celebration keeps the focus on families, community and celebrating America.

But the hometown celebration could be coming to an end if the Sandpoint Lions aren't able to raise enough money to cover the cost of the annual celebration.

Low ticket sales and minimal donations in recent years have forced the Lions to dip into the club's savings in order to cover the costs of the parade, raffle and fireworks. If the Lions aren't able to raise enough to cover those costs, club members have already voted to cease holding its Fourth of July celebration.

"The most important thing for us is to make sure we maintain our Toys for Tots program," Rader said. "That is something that our community desperately needs. While the Fourth of July has been a historical event held by the Lions Club, we feel we can't sacrifice one program to keep it going."

The fireworks and parade — which cost about $31,000 to put on, including a $375 parade permit charged by the city of Sandpoint — are funded through the Lions annual raffle and by a fireworks stand located at the Sandpoint Safeway. The stand is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day and is slated to be open through July 6.

While the parade generates roughly $4,500 if 100 people sign up to participate, all of those funds go toward traffic control and parade permits.

"It's pretty much a wash," Janice Rader, Sandpoint Lions president, said. "We don't make any money on the parade. All the money that we raise for the fireworks comes from the raffle sales, the fireworks stand and donations from our community."

The Lions are hoping that community support will rally behind the Fourth of July celebration, keeping the community event going into the future.

To cover the cost of the raffle, the Lions need to sell a minimum of 300 books of tickets. Any tickets sold above that amount go toward the cost of putting on the fireworks show.

"The last couple of years, our sales have been down," Rader said. "I don't think we even covered the cost of the raffle."

To entice ticket buyers, this year the top raffle prize is a $5,000 shopping spree in Bonner County and the second place prize is $1,000 in cash.

Tickets can be purchased online by going to the Sandpoint Lions website at bit.ly/SandpointLions, selecting "4th of July," clicking on "read more" under the 2025 box and then selecting "click me" and following the prompts. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Lions fireworks stand in the Safeway parking lot or by contacting a Lions Club member.

If purchased online, tickets will be entered into the drum and the stubs will be available to pick up at the fireworks booth.

"The biggest ticket sale day is probably on the Fourth of July but we're hoping people will beat the rush and either buy them online or come by the fireworks booth," Rader said.

For individuals and groups that would like to participate in the parade, they can go to the Lions website, select "4th of July" in the top menu bar and scroll down to "All Things Parade" and follow the prompts. There is no need to register for the Kids Parade; all youngsters need to do is show up at Fifth and Church, where the parade is slated to start, by 9:30 a.m.

The parade then goes down Church Street to First Avenue before ending at the Bonner General Health parking lot at Third and Cedar where all young parade participants will receive a goodie bag.

The Grand Parade begins a half-hour later at 10 a.m. and starts at the same location at Fifth and Church. From Church Street, the parade goes east toward First Avenue, down First Avenue and then ends at Fifth and Cedar.

This year's parade marshal is Dale Coffelt, selected because of his many contributions in the community and his support of the Lions Club.

From running Coffelt Funeral Services and Pinecrest Cemetery, Coffelt's list of achievements also includes terms as president of the Idaho Funeral Service Association and Sandpoint Rotary Club. Yet Rader said the longtime funeral director told them that his most cherished memories are moments spent comforting families.

"It’s this personal connection and unwavering dedication that truly sets Dale Coffelt apart, and why we're so proud to have him lead our parade this year," she said. 

New to the Fourth lineup this year is a beer garden on the lawn area of the Edgewater Resort near City Beach. Sponsored by Eichardt's Pub and MickDuff's Brewing, the Lions are hoping the addition will help cover the costs of the fireworks show.

To help feed the hungry crowds, nine food vendors will be set up at the beach. A list of the vendors can be found on the Lions social media pages.

While it's a lot of hard work, Rader said the Lions love putting on the Fourth of July festivities.

"It's a labor of love," she added. "If it wasn't for that, it wouldn't be happening. I'm scared to see what the future holds for this parade and our Fourth of July celebration."

Information: bit.ly/SandpointLions