SANDPOINT — The loud, resounding clang rang across downtown Sandpoint on Monday as residents who braved the rain took their turn ringing the state's replica Liberty Bell.

"It kind of gives you some pride," one resident said with a big grin on her face after pulling the rope attached to the bell's clapper to send the sharp, rich sounds rolling across downtown.

Being able to ring the replica bell was an empowering experience, the woman said, a sentiment echoed by others who stopped by to be part of the event, part of the state's ongoing celebration of America's 250th anniversary.

The Idaho Liberty Bell is slated to make appearances in every Idaho county as part of the nation's 250th birthday celebration. 

“It’s a tangible way to bring history to Idahoans," said Idaho Treasurer Julie Ellsworth of the bell. "Idaho is taking history on the road, bringing the bell to all 44 counties so people can see it, hear it ring, and celebrate America250 in their own communities." 

The bell is one of more than 50 full-size replicas made by the Paccard Foundry of France in 1950 after carefully measuring each feature of the original Liberty Bell. The replicas are now housed at capitols and U.S. territories.

Seeing the replica Liberty Bell was as moving as seeing the original on a past trip to Philadelphia, said one resident who stopped by Jeff Jones Town Square during the bell's tour of North Idaho.

"It stands for liberty and justice," the woman said. "That representation, no matter how small, no matter how big, is important."

The woman met her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren during the Sandpoint stop.

The family said when they learned about the bell's brief stop in the community, as the replica bell had one-hour stops in a number of communities in Bonner and Boundary counties, they made it a point to head to the town square to be a part of history.

For other residents, the replica bell's visit is likely to be their only chance to see what the Liberty Bell looks like.

"It was nice to be able to see it because I probably won't ever get to Philadelphia," another woman said. "It's nice to have something close so I can see it."

The journey has taken Idaho Transportation Department employee Evan Snow from Boise to Bonners Ferry in a wandering route through the state, a trek of more than 4,000 miles and counting.

For a bit, he was able to work out of his home, but as the bell's journey took it to far-flung parts of the state, that hasn't been the case. As the bell's designated driver, Snow said the experience has been an interesting one, both on the roadways and at the various stops along the way.

"It's been pretty crazy because people do a double take as they drive past," Snow said, noting that he covers the bell for the longer distances. "But, yeah, it's been awesome because I've met a lot of great people."

The bell has attracted visitors of all ages, from young students to older residents, all of whom are offered a chance to ring the bell. Many are surprised, but delighted, when he asks them if they want to ring the bell before they leave.

"The surprised look on their face at how loud it sounds," Snow said. "They don't think that it'd be as big as it is. It has been really cool to watch them experience the bell."

Perhaps the most heartwarming are visits by veterans, who seem to spend a bit longer absorbing the experience.

"They really appreciate the meaning behind the symbol," Snow said.

Snow, who has worked for ITD for 32 years, said he was touched to be selected to accompany the bell, in part because of what the bell represents but also because his father is a veteran.

"It means a lot," he added. "It's been really cool."

The bell weighs an estimated 2,000 pounds, and the frame adds another 1,000 pounds or so, which can make pulling the trailer a little challenging at times, Snow said. But he is pleased he was picked to drive the bell and be a part of history.

"It's a little awkward; a little heavy when you're going around curves and stuff, but it's been fun," he said.