David Thompson Days Celebrates Community and America’s 250th Anniversary

Rain showers could not dampen the festivities during this past weekend's David Thompson Days celebration in Thompson Falls. The two-day event honored America's 250th anniversary while celebrating the legacy of the area's first non-Indigenous resident, David Thompson.

The weekend festivities began Friday evening with food vendors and activities at Ainsworth Park, followed by a classic car cruise and a free concert by Broken Mantle, a band based in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The group has a hometown connection through lead singer Eric Hensyel, a Thompson Falls High School graduate.

Thompson Falls Main Street Organization Secretary Annie Wooden said the weather did little to discourage attendance.

"The weather wasn't the best, but that didn't dampen spirits and we had a great turnout," Wooden said. "Broken Mantle had people dancing in the rain Friday night. They are so much fun, and we love that the concert has become a new tradition. It ends up being a mini Thompson Falls High School reunion, and it's great to see old friends."

Saturday's activities began with a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Thompson Falls Rural Fire Department. Approximately 140 people enjoyed a breakfast prepared by firefighters and their families before making their way to Main Street for the community parade.

Serving as this year's Grand Marshal was Rita Lundgren, who has played a key role in organizing numerous community events in Thompson Falls over the years. Leading the parade was Mayor Gussie O'Connor in an ATV, followed by fire engines, political candidates, local veterans, and a variety of community entries. A total of 22 floats participated in the parade.

One of the most popular attractions was the American Apple Pie Contest held in Rose Park. Attendees sampled each of the 10 pie entries before voting for their favorite.

Maria Fredrickson of Thompson Falls earned first place, receiving a $25 prize donated by Beagle's Bakery & Espresso. Cindy Ferguson also of Thompson Falls took second place, winning a piece of cooking stoneware donated by Doug's True Value Hardware.

Twenty-two vendors filled Ainsworth Park, offering handcrafted goods and locally made products. One exhibit that attracted both children and adults was the Fur Trade Camp, where mountain man reenactors Doug Spurlock and Dan Egleston displayed replica firearms from the early 1800s and demonstrated skills used by early frontiersmen.

Children especially enjoyed learning how to start a fire using only flint and steel. Spurlock spent much of the afternoon teaching youngsters the traditional fire-starting technique.

This year's car show featured 22 vehicles displayed along Main Street and was sponsored by Highlead Block Party. Winners were selected by public vote.

Marty Whitton of Thompson Falls captured three awards with his 1956 Chevrolet pickup, earning Best of Show, Veterans Choice, and Sponsors Choice honors. Ben Snyder received the Kids Choice Award for his 2016 Dodge Charger Hellcat, while Gary Backus won Best Project for his 1946 Dodge pickup.

As another successful David Thompson Days came to a close, Wooden reflected on the efforts of the volunteers who make the annual celebration possible.

"I'm proud of what our Thompson Falls Main Street group accomplishes throughout the year," she said. "From Beautification Days to the farmers market, David Thompson Days, Christmas on Main Street, and community projects in between, the board takes a lot of pride in supporting and promoting our community."

Next year's David Thompson Days is scheduled for June 25-26.

The David Thompson Days Parade Grand Marshal Rita Lundgren. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
Tracy Scott

Thompson Falls Mayor Gussie O’Connor leads the David Thompson Days parade. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
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Local veterans show their respect while the Clark Fork Valley Singers Choir performs the National Anthem. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
Tracy Scott

Mountain Man reenactor Dennis Spurlock from Plains explains how candles were made in the early 1800s. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
Tracy Scott

Nine-year-old Faramir Bennett helps out during the apple pie judging event. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
Tracy Scott

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