BONNERS FERRY — Boundary County residents looked to the future by remembering the past as they gathered July 8 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the first reading of the Declaration of Independence. 

Dozens of residents gathered on the Boundary County Courthouse lawn July 8 to participate in "Sharing the Spirit of America" by reading the document, much like the nation’s founding fathers did in 1776.Boundary County joined communities across all 50 states, five U.S. territories, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories in a coordinated reading of the Declaration of Independence. Participants nationwide began reading the historic document at the same designated time, adjusted for local time zones, recreating a shared moment in history 250 years after the Declaration was first read publicly in Philadelphia. 

The observance commemorated the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 1776. As part of the America250 initiative, communities across the nation, and around the world, participated in synchronized readings of the nation's founding document. Organizers reported that 1,133 locations took part, including sites in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., U.S. territories and locations on all seven continents. 

The local program began with a flag ceremony conducted by the American Legion and VFW Color Guard. Attendees recited the Pledge of Allegiance and enjoyed musical selections performed by members of the Bonners Ferry High School band before the reading commenced. A U.S. flag flown over the United States Capitol on Jan. 2, 2026, in honor of Boundary County was recognized during the opening ceremony. 

At precisely 3 p.m., elected officials and community leaders took turns reading portions of the Declaration of Independence from the courthouse steps. The reading coincided with similar ceremonies taking place across the nation as part of the America250 initiative. 

Following the reading, members of the Bonners Ferry City Council reflected on the community's history and future while acknowledging the longstanding presence of the Kootenai people in the region. Speakers noted that the area was the homeland of the Kootenai Tribe long before the establishment of Bonners Ferry or the United States and highlighted ongoing partnerships focused on conservation and stewardship of the Kootenai River watershed. 

The presentation also celebrated the community's achievements, including strong educational outcomes, investments in local infrastructure and the area's tradition of neighbors supporting one another during times of need. Speakers encouraged residents to honor the past while continuing to build a strong future for generations to come. 

The observance was accompanied by a community sidewalk chalk art contest held July 6-8. The contest attracted 35 participants, creating patriotic artwork around the courthouse grounds in celebration of America's upcoming 250th anniversary. 

While heavy rain on the morning of July 8 erased many of the entries, organizers had photographed the artwork beforehand, allowing judging to continue, and 12 winners were selected across multiple age divisions. 

Prizes of $25 for first place and $10 for second place in each category were awarded through Hidden Sweets and Treats. Funding from an America250 grant awarded through the state of Idaho helped support the contest, goodie bags, refreshments and other event supplies. 

Glenda Poston, Boundary County clerk and one of the event organizers, said she was proud to see the community come together for the occasion. 

"I was very proud to be able to participate in this event," Poston said. "It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime event for many of us." 

Poston said she was especially pleased with the turnout, the participation of local elected officials and the presentation of historic flags by local veterans. 

"I was very happy to see all of the people who attended and the presentation of the different flags from the veterans' group," she said. 

As the program concluded, attendees gathered for refreshments and fellowship while reflecting on the significance of the day. 

"I hope all enjoyed this reading of the Declaration of Independence," Poston said. "Just imagine it was being read all across the entire United States at the very same time." 

The event was one of several local activities organized as part of America's upcoming 250th anniversary celebration in 2026, connecting Boundary County residents to communities nationwide through a shared reading of one of the nation's founding documents.

    Community members take part in Boundary County's America 250 celebration July 8 at the Boundary County Museum.

   A chalk art entry displayed during Boundary County's America 250 observance.
 

    A chalk art entry displayed during Boundary County's America 250 observance.
  

    Community members gather during Boundary County's America 250 observance.