Across the country, our nation will be celebrating its 243rd birthday come July 4 with parades, barbecues, remembrance and, of course, lots of fireworks. It’s a time for the nation to come together in celebration, putting aside our differing opinions and beliefs so we can be thankful for the freedoms we are blessed with because of the sacrifices of so many. These liberties are the core of American identity and something that should be celebrated and cherished. With the fourth coming on a Thursday, many will take the opportunity for a nice four-day weekend to relieve some stress, have fun and enjoy the beautiful summer weather of the Inland Northwest. Communities all throughout the region host celebrations throughout the day and some extending into the weekend. If you’re looking for a new view of an explosive night sky, don’t be afraid to check out what some of your neighboring communities have to offer.
Harrison
Harrison might be home to only a few hundred people, but you would never know it after seeing the town’s annual celebration firsthand. Located right on the water, Harrison is extremely popular with boaters who enjoy the very southern end of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Many dock their boats and take the short walk uphill into town for food and drink, while kids can splash in the protected beach adjacent to the marina. There will be vendors and food available in the City Park from 2 to 6pm, and Jam Shack will be providing the live music. Bring your bikes and enjoy a ride along the lakeside Trail of the Coeur d’Alene’s before settling in at dusk for the show. Families enjoy the view from City Park while boaters line up outside the marina for an up-close view of the grand fireworks display.
Coeur d’Alene
One of the largest fireworks displays in the Panhandle can be viewed from Downtown Coeur d’Alene, but not before a whole day of fun in the sun. The Chamber of Commerce puts on a parade beginning at 10am. The route starts at 15th and Sherman and ends at Government Way. If you want to participate, registration is open until June 21. The Chamber is also taking donations to help keep the fireworks display big and bright. After the parade, make your way to City Park for an all-day festival with food and drink, live entertainment and plenty of playground space for the kiddos.
Sandpoint
The Sandpoint Lions Club, as it has for the last several decades, proudly sponsors the Fourth of July activities in Sandpoint, which include a children’s parade and the grand parade through the streets of Downtown Sandpoint. The children’s parade will begin at 9am followed by the Grand Parade at 10am. And it wouldn't be the Fourth of July without the fabulous fireworks show, which will take place at dusk on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille at City Beach. For those who purchased raffle tickets from one of the Lion's Club members in May and June, they can see if they are the winner of one of the five big prizes, which will be announced at City Beach after the parade. Stage performances will keep you entertained in the afternoon, and all the wonderful patios will be open for food and drink. During the day you can hang out at City Beach, go for a hike, go out on the water for a ride or enjoy a meal at one of the fabulous restaurants in and around Sandpoint.
Worley
If you want to get a little exercise on Independence Day and take in some incredible sights, head down to the Circling Raven Golf Course for a round. The Independence Day Shotgun Start begins at 2pm and tee times are just $75, plus, you’ll save $15 off your greens fees for wearing red, white and blue. Players also receive $15 in extra play cash at the casino. There will be food and drink specials across the property and a magnificent fireworks display at dusk.
Bayview
Bayview Daze was started by a group of ladies, BAB (Bayview, Athol, Belmont Ladies Group), to sell their crafts and bring people into Bayview several years ago. Bayview Daze is continued and sponsored by the Bayview Chamber of Commerce. Fireworks were added to the festivities, as well as a Street Parade. Donations for the display are provided by the local community, visitors to the area and local businesses. This year the celebration will be on July 6. Bayview starts the day with an old-fashioned “let's have fun” Street Parade at 11am, featuring Uncle Sam and his Bucket Brigade. At 9pm an informal Lighted Boat Parade starts their procession around Scenic Bay with fireworks to follow at 10pm. The weekend starts with the Chamber's Red, White and Blue Pancake Breakfast at the Bayview Community Center at 8am July 4. Bayview Marinas run the vendor portion of the event, the Street Fair starts on July 5 and runs through July 7.
Liberty Lake
Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, claim your spot and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in Pavilion Park before the sky lights up just after dusk. The Liberty Lake Kiwanis will be serving up snacks and treats all afternoon, so stop by and enjoy a cold soda and grilled burger or dog. Live music, courtesy of Friends of Pavilion Park, will begin at 6pm leading up to the big display. Fireworks are launched from the Diamonds baseball field, so even if you can’t snag a seat in the park, they are easily viewed throughout the city.
Avista Stadium, Spokane
If you are simply too eager to wait for the 4th of July or just looking for as many exploding mortars as you can, then get your tickets for the Spokane Indians on Wednesday, July 3. The Indians take on the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes with first pitch at 6:30pm. The game-day program will feature Independence Day themes throughout the game including special-edition hats fans can bid on. Proceeds from this auction go to the Fairchild Force Support Squadron. Fans will be treated to a fireworks display immediately following the game, win or lose!
Riverfront Park, Spokane
Spokane’s iconic park is still undergoing its full facelift, but that wo
n’t be stopping one of the largest 4th of July gatherings in the area. Much of the park is now reopened, and if you haven’t had a chance to see it up close, this is a great time. Live music gets going at noon and continues right up until it’s time to light up the sky. Group performers will also take the stage. A central area featuring crafts and food is available all day and local brewer No-Li will be hosting a beer garden for those 21 and older. The fireworks go off at 10pm over the Spokane River Gorge, which provides a great backdrop.
How will you celebrate Independence Day?