They say that every time a bell rings, an angel earns its wings. 

Well, just over 100 angels earned their wings after dozens of residents and students took turns ringing the Idaho Liberty Bell during its stop in Spirit Lake City Park on Monday. 

Laetyn S., a local Girl Scout who came with her troop, said seeing the bell was “a once in a lifetime opportunity.” 

“It’s really cool,” she said. 

To commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, state officials removed the Idaho Liberty Bell from its permanent spot in the state capitol, attached it to a trailer and are touring it across the Gem State.

After visits in Plummer, Post Falls and Rathdrum, the bell made its way to Spirit Lake before visiting Priest River, Dover and Sandpoint.   

Besides visiting the bell, Laetyn’s troop has given time helping celebrate America250. As a part of their mission, each scout in Troop 2250 had to earn 250 hours of community service, many of which they spent at the Post Falls Veterans Home. 

“It’s probably one of my favorite things about scouts,” she said. 

Spirit Lake Mayor Charlene Phipps grinned as she pulled the cord and rang the bell. She said seeing so many people come out to see a piece of Idaho history was wonderful.

“What a great opportunity for these kids to see something of historic value,” Phipps said. 

Originally, Phipps said, the bell was not slated to stop in the quiet North Idaho community. However, Spirit Lake City Clerk and Treasurer Michelle Wharton campaigned and convinced bell tour officials to add Spirit Lake to the route. 

“It is a wonderful community, and it’s got a historic value that is unending, and we just need to kind of dive into that,” she said. 

Melissa Nelson excused her son, Noah, from school early so he could see the bell. Several years ago, Noah was given a small replica of Idaho’s Liberty Bell, and it’s sparked an interest in the artifact ever since. 

“I really wanted to see this piece of history,” Noah said. 

Melissa said when Noah learned of the Bell’s visit to Spirit Lake, he begged her to let him go. 

“He was like, ‘Mom I got to see it. You got to get me out of school,’” she said.

Noah said he enjoyed the experience. 

“It’s pretty cool just seeing a replica and just history itself,” he said. 

Spirit Lake City Councilman Terry Moore said the bell's visit to Spirit Lake was a “pretty special” opportunity. He said it's important for people to experience artifacts like the bell in person. 

“We love America so we want to be able to celebrate the best way we can,” he said. 

Moore said education around the Constitution and the American Revolution hasn’t been “promoted as much.” He said when he was in school, “everybody studied about the Constitution,” and so he thought it was “neat” to see the large crowd that showed up for the bell. 

“It’s pretty awesome,” he said. “Kids are getting a blast out of ringing the bell.” 

Today's Idaho Liberty Bell stops:

Bonners Ferry, Middle School, 8:30 to 9 a.m.; 

East Hope, 10:40 to 11:10.

Clark Fork - Jr./Sr. High School, 12:05 p.m. to 12:35 p.m.; 

Athol, Super 1 Foods, 2:20 to 2:50 p.m.

Coeur d’Alene, McEuen Park, 4 to 6 p.m.