The red, white and blue will be on full display on July 4 as the community gathers to celebrate America's 250th anniversary with an Independence Day full of patriotic festivities, live entertainment, family fun and fireworks. 

The annual Fourth of July celebration returns Saturday, July 4, with a community parade, food and craft vendors, family activities, live entertainment and a fireworks show featuring larger shells, new effects and an extended run time. 

Organizer John Becker said this year's celebration is shaping up to be the largest since he became involved six years ago, with more vendors, more performers and more activities planned throughout the day. 

Starting things off is the community parade at 3 p.m., with staging starting at 1:30 p.m. Becker said participation is expected to be larger than usual, with additional prizes and the return of groups that have not appeared in recent years. 

Activities at the Boundary County Fairgrounds will include food vendors, bounce houses, face painting, caricature artists, volleyball, cornhole, craft tables and other family-friendly activities. Live entertainment begins at 4 p.m. with performances by Scott Stover, The Herndon Girls, the Bonners Ferry Community Orchestra and national recording artist Brenn Hill. 

An authentic 1841 Mountain Howitzer cannon will be featured during the celebration, with members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars conducting demonstration firings throughout the afternoon and evening. The presentations will conclude with a ceremonial shot recognizing the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.  

The evening will conclude with a fireworks display that Becker said will be larger and longer than in previous years. 

Organizers increased the fireworks budget by about 50 percent this year, allowing for larger shells, new special effects and a show expected to last between 25 and 30 minutes, about 10 minutes longer than in past years.  

Among the additions are 10-inch shells, specialty mine effects and large fireball displays that will be making their first appearance at Bonners Ferry's Independence Day celebration. 

As communities across the country prepare to mark America's 250th anniversary in 2026, Becker said events like Bonners Ferry's Fourth of July celebration offer an opportunity for people to come together despite their differences. 

"I think it's good for us to take our minds off all the hubbub in the world," Becker said. "You get people of all flavors and colors and political beliefs together in one group united for a common cause." 

The celebration is funded entirely through donations from local businesses, organizations and community members. Becker said organizers were approximately $1,800 shy of their $24,000 fundraising goal heading into the final days before the event. 

Those who are looking for another way to celebrate can also attend the Hall Mountain Volunteer Fire Department's Fourth of July celebration in Eastport. Parade participants should line up at noon in the Trading Company parking lot, with the parade beginning at 1 p.m. A community potluck barbecue will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Hall Mountain Fire Hall No. 3 behind Good Grief Cafe. Hamburgers, hot dogs, condiments, and soda will be provided, and attendees are encouraged to bring a side dish or dessert to share. 

The Boundary County Sheriff's Office is also reminding residents to celebrate responsibly. Under Idaho law, only approved nonaerial common fireworks, such as sparklers, fountains, smoke devices and ground spinners, are legal for consumer use. Boundary County Sheriff's Office officials are reminding residents to follow local laws and fire restrictions, keep fireworks away from dry vegetation, supervise children, have water readily available, and properly dispose of used fireworks. 

"Our deputies and first responders want you to enjoy this Fourth of July, so have fun, be responsible, and make sure the only thing making noise this holiday is the celebration, not sirens," BCSO officials said in a Facebook post.