Celebrate a small town, All-American holiday

BONNERS FERRY — Celebrate Fourth of July with family, friends and neighbors at several events throughout the county. With the heat wave this week, don’t forget to pack sunscreen and plenty of water.

The first July Fourth Kickball Tournament at the fairgrounds begins in the morning around 10 a.m.

Eastport

The tenth annual Eastport Fourth of July parade begins at 1 p.m. and parade line-up begins at noon. Everyone is encouraged to participate or be a spectator. Grand Marshals are Punk and Joyce Johnson.

A potluck will follow at the Hall Mountain Fire Department No. 3 behind Good Grief.

Hamburgers, lemonade and water will be provided. Bring a side dish or dessert to share.

Bonners Ferry

The parade in downtown Bonners Ferry begins at 5 p.m. and includes the most patriotic bicycle contest for kids. Parade line-up is at 4 p.m. at the fairgrounds, including kids 12 and under participating in the bicycle contest.

After the parade, an opening ceremony will be held at Boundary County Fairgrounds, with a local scout troop doing the flag presentation. Markayle Acord will sing the national anthem. Jim Greenslitt of Mountain Springs Church will give the invocation and Len Pine will sing “God Bless America. “

Activities for the entire family are on tap. All times are tentative.

Train rides will be 6:30-9:30 p.m. and the second Fire Fighter Hose Lay Competition between volunteer fire departments begins about 7 p.m.

Family games, including a three-legged race, potato sack race and an egg-water balloon toss, hosted by the Lion’s Club begin at 7:15 p.m.

The BFHS cheerleaders will perform at 7 p.m. and the dance team is performing at 7:15 p.m.

The dance team is offering free face painting from 7:30-9 p.m.

Quartermoon will perform from 7:45 to 9 p.m. and Dave the Magic Man will perform in the crowd and possibly on stage then.

Fireworks begin at 10 p.m. and will last for nearly an hour. Gary Leonard ordered 200 more rockets than last year.

Boundary Parks and Recreation has organized food vendors for the evening, including Mario’s, elephant ears and doughnuts by Just Doughnuts, and the Parks and Rec concession stand. Or bring a picnic dinner to enjoy.

The community has been generous in raising money for this year’s celebration. However, $500 is still needed to reach the goal. To donate, stop by the Bonners Ferry City Hall with a donation or mail checks made payable to Fireworks City of Bonners Ferry to July-Fourth PO Box 1714 Bonners Ferry, ID 83805.