Whole lotta shakin' planned for the Fourth

Everyone in the community is invited to a two-day Fourth of July celebration at the Boundary County Fairgrounds to benefit Panhandle Health's Senior Companion Program, and organizer's promise a whole lotta “Leg Shakin' n'Fire!”

After returning to Boundary County, Senior Companion program coordinator Larry Hare noticed that all the fun events he remembered here seemed to have fallen by the wayside, so he began looking for ways to reverse that trend.

Last year, he organized a youth event that turned out to be a success, so he's expanded the range of activities to provide something for people of all ages.

Events begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, when Norm Aldridge will be spinning records and teaching the tricks of line dancing, and the Kootenai Cloggers will be kicking up their heels throughout the evening.

At 8 p.m., the Copper Mountain Band will take the stage and get everyone's feet moving until 11 p.m.

The Badger Boosters will be on-hand throughout the evening to dish up their outstanding Texas-style chili.

On Independence Day, the “Praise and Salute” begins at 2 p.m. when the Cleaves perform the national anthems of both Canada and the United States, then Pastor Henshaw will deliver a Fourth of July sermon.

The Creston Community Orchestra will take the stage next, and then “Youth in Action” will show off their talents with a variety skits, music and more. Beginning at 6 p.m., “Anonymous” takes the stage, followed by David Montgomery … and then Spokane's Tobiana Rhythms, an outstanding Christian rock band, will keep the dancing happening right up until it's time for the fireworks show.

Also Sunday evening, someone will win a 2000 Oldsmobile Allero donated by Riverside Auto, which will be given away in a raffle that you don't have to be present to win, though your presence will certainly be appreciated.

The car is on display at Far North Outfitters, and tickets are $5 each or five for $20, available at Panhandle Health, the Moyie Store, the Naples Store and at the Elmira Store.

In addition to all the entertainment and good food, there'll be bouncies and water slides set up, and a whole lot more.

Proceeds from the event, sponsored by Panhandle Health, Riverside Auto and the Flatlander, will benefit the Boundary County Senior Companion Program.

To find out more, call Panhandle Health at 267-5558.