Parade, fireworks highlight Fourth of July celebration in Bonners Ferry

BONNERS FERRY — Bonners Ferry will again be filled with independence Day pride on July 4. The day will begin at noon in front of Mugsy’s Tavern and Grill with the seventh annual Firefighter Competition and Demonstration, showcasing fun with water during the hose competition. There will also be a new event added this year.

For those wanting to participate in the parade, there is no prior signup or fee required. They will stage at the Boundary County Fairgrounds at 4:30 p.m. The Fourth of July parade will begin at 5 p.m.

After the parade, people may join at the fairgrounds for an evening filled with fun events, including picnics and dinner. Family Night, presented by the Bonners Ferry Lions Club, will begin at 7 p.m. They will feature a 3-Leg race, Potato Sack Race, Water Balloon Toss, and Adison’s Potato Gun For Fun.

Opening ceremonies will begin at 7:45 p.m. with the Flag Presentation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, an Invocation, and the National Anthem. There will also be guest speakers at the event. There will be a raffle drawing at 9:30 p.m., followed by Boundary County Chaplain Len Pine performing “God Bless America.”

Fireworks will begin at 10 p.m., featuring music by “The Soundman.”

Gary Leonard, fundraiser and organizer of the Fourth of July celebration, reminds people to not bring their own fireworks to the show. He also warns that the mosquitoes may be out this year, so mosquito repellent is recommended.

“Getting to and from the fairgrounds is going to be creative,” warns Leonard about the road construction, asking people to also be patient when they leave the event.

This year promises to better than ever, but remain immersed in the Norman Rockwell, small-town celebration vibe.