Friday, January 23, 2026
14.0°F

Rathdrum celebrates 'Memories down Main Street'

HAILEY HILL | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 months, 1 week AGO
by HAILEY HILL
Staff Writer | July 20, 2025 1:06 AM

Kerri Thoreson believes that Rathdrum’s Main Street is a special place.

“It is what America used to look like,” Thoreson, the emcee of Saturday’s parade, told the crowds lining the street. “Yay for you, maintaining tradition on Main Street and Small Town USA.”

Thoreson’s sentiment was on par with this year’s theme, “Memories Down Main Street.” The community gathered by the hundreds along the city’s main drag to watch the procession roll by, a highlight of the yearly Rathdrum Days celebration.

The city of Rathdrum paid tribute to Main Street’s history in a unique way — a Jeep was covered in custom newspaper front pages, each featuring a local business and its story.

“These businesses are more than storefronts — they’re cornerstones of community,” Mayor Mike Hill wrote in a statement.

Hill also called Main Street “a living timeline of the people and passions that make Rathdrum special.”

Other parade entries included appearances from area first responders, floats showcasing local businesses and performances by local groups.

Some put on an especially eye-catching display: 9-year-old boys Sam and Charlie earned plenty of audience reaction as they took turns swinging through the air on Noble Tree Service’s parade entry.

By the time the truck cruised towards the end of the route, both were flushed from the mid-morning sun, but were still all smiles.

“We’re not dizzy yet,” they said with a laugh.

Other kids got their moment in the spotlight during a dance party that broke out on Main Street before the start of the parade.

Six-year-old Ace bravely joined a group of older girls as they line danced, earning him a shoutout from Thoreson.

“What do you have to tell the people?” Thoreson asked as she handed the boy her microphone.

“Thank you for letting me dance with you,” he said. 

    Albeni Falls Pipes and Drums of North Idaho brought Scottish flair to Saturday's parade in Rathdrum.
 
 
    Members of Abundant Life Christian Center were decked out in stars and stripes as they waved to paradegoers along Main Street in Rathdrum Saturday.
 
 
    Sam, 9, swings from the back of Noble Tree Service's truck during Saturday's parade in Rathdrum.
 
 
    Alara, 2, watches the procession along Main Street in Rathdrum atop her dad's shoulders on Saturday.
 
 
    Stella, 3, is delighted as she runs through water sprayed by Hauser Lake Fire and Rescue on Saturday.
 
 
    2025 Miss Gem State Stampede Amelie Johnson smiles and waves along the parade route in Rathdrum Saturday.
 
 
    Kerri Thoreson interviews Ace, 6, who impressed the crowd as he joined others in dancing on Main Street in Rathdrum before the start of parade Saturday.
 
 

ARTICLES BY HAILEY HILL

Hayden chamber marks 25 years
January 23, 2026 1:09 a.m.

Hayden chamber marks 25 years

Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn named Business of the Year

When Andrea Fulks talks about growing the Hayden Chamber of Commerce’s membership, she makes a point to avoid certain words. “I never say you should ‘join,’” the chamber president and CEO said. “I say that you belong in this family.”

NIBCA celebrates leadership, growth
January 22, 2026 1:09 a.m.

NIBCA celebrates leadership, growth

NIBCA celebrates leadership, growth

The first time Jessica Cargile attended a North Idaho Building Contractors Association meeting, she couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous. That feeling returned for only a moment before she was sworn in as NIBCA’s president for 2026.

Coeur d'Alene chamber grows to nearly 1,000 members as it continues to evolve
January 21, 2026 1:07 a.m.

Coeur d'Alene chamber grows to nearly 1,000 members as it continues to evolve

Coeur d'Alene chamber grows to nearly 1,000 members as it continues to evolve

A sepia-toned photograph of about 30 businessmen hangs in the office of Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber’s President and CEO, Linda Coppess. Though dressed in the fashion of decades past, the men gathered for a purpose that has endured: uplifting area businesses through the Chamber. The photo is a reminder of the Chamber’s 114 years of history, Coppess said in her address to nearly 200 attendees at Tuesday morning’s Breakfast Connect event.