Today marks the beginning of Rathdrum Days, an annual mid-July festival that stretches back to the 1950s. 

In the spirit of America’s 250th anniversary celebrated earlier this month, Ariel Reed, Rathdrum Area Chamber of Commerce executive director, said the theme is “All American Summer."

“Not only does it celebrate America’s 250th but it really celebrates the vibe of our town,” Reed said.

No parade is complete without a grand marshal.

This year’s grand marshal is Rathdrum Parks and Recreation Director Eric Singer, who is celebrating his 20th anniversary of working for the town. His tenure includes seven years as parks supervisor and another three years as the recreation supervisor.

Singer has worked as Rathdrum Parks and Recreation director for the past 10 years. 

“I feel honored and privileged,” Singer said of his selection. “I was born and raised in Rathdrum. It’s nice to be recognized as the grand marshal.”

Singer’s roots in the area date back to the early 1900s. Many locals recognize not only the Singer family but also the Singer Ranch subdivision on Highway 53. 

Singer, 47, graduated from Lakeland High School in 1996. There, he played varsity football and basketball. But baseball was the sport in which he truly excelled, as he’d go on to play for Cowley County Community College in Arkansas City, Kan., on a scholarship, according to a previous report by The Press.

Soon, however, Singer transferred to Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton, Ore., to be closer to his father, Ray, when he was diagnosed with cancer. By 2006, Singer went to work for Rathdrum.

Reed said Singer is the “go-to guy for so many people in our community.”

“His dedication to the community is just so prevalent,” she said. “If there’s ever an event in the community, Eric is there.”

Singer agreed that Rathdrum’s parks and recreation department is involved in every special event the town hosts, saying the team does a “fantastic job.”

“We just have a remarkable team,” he said. “It’s definitely not just me. Everybody has a hand in helping out with special events.”

When Singer isn’t working, he’s horseback riding and playing golf, he said. He also likes hunting, fishing, camping and traveling.

Singer lives with his wife Dana and her children, Mason and Kaden.

“I can’t say enough how much I love the Rathdrum community and working with the Rathdrum community and being able to meet new people every year,” Singer said.

Parade festivities begin with food, vendors and kids’ activities at Majestic Park at 5:30 p.m. Friday. At 6 p.m., the party gets jumpin’ via live performance by Idaho-based rock and blues artist Sammy Eubanks. A beer garden will complement the show.

Saturday marks the launch of the Rathdrum Days Community Parade. There are 42 floats registered for this year’s procession, which is slated for 10 a.m. and will run from Washington Avenue down to Coeur d’Alene Street. 

Among the various floats, visitors can expect to see Rathdrum American Legion Post 154, North Idaho Saddle Mule Club and Lakeland Jr. Tackle Football, which has about 40-50 kids set to walk down Main Street.

“We see anywhere from 500 to 750 people,” Reed said of an anticipated number of parade visitors. About 5,000 people are expected to attend Rathdrum Days this weekend. “Which, for our small town, is good.”

Following Saturday’s parade, visitors can expect an entire day’s worth of festivities taking place at Lakeland High School. This includes the car show, McDonald's Big Wheel races, a watermelon-eating contest, live music and more. Visitors can also enjoy 135 vendors as well as 19 food trucks.

Reed said parking for Saturday’s parade and festivities is limited. Visitors are encouraged to use the city lot by the Rathdrum/Westwood Historical Society on Second Street or side streets.

“Get there early,” Reed said. 

Rathdrum Days full schedule

Friday, July 17 (Majestic Nights, Majestic Park) 

- 5:30-9 p.m.: Food, vendors, and kids' activities

- 6-9:30 p.m.: Live music and beer garden

Saturday, July 18 (Lakeland High School and Main Street)

- 7:30-10:30 a.m.: Pickleball Tournament

- 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.: Vendor and Food Fair

- 10 a.m.: Community Parade (Main Street)

- 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Car Show (Lakeland High School)

- 10 a.m.-6 p.m.: Free Kid Zone Activities

- 2-3 p.m.: McDonald's Big Wheel Races

- 3-3:30 p.m.: Watermelon Eating Contest

- 3-4:30 p.m.: Doggie Dash

- 4-7 p.m.: Continuous live music