Donations sought for Fourth of July celebration

BONNERS FERRY — What better way to rebound from the shutdown surrounding the COVID-19 crisis than with a good, old fashioned, Fourth of July celebration?

One local man has been working hard at getting donations and trying to find a suitable venue to host the event.

“There will never be a better time to reconnect as a community,” said Gary Leonard, who is organizing the fundraising and logistics needed to get the celebration off the ground.

Leonard leads the Bonners Ferry July Fourth organization that was established in 2012 after a disappointing 2011 with no Fourth of July celebration. The 501(c)3 non-profit group came together in order to raise funds, organize and implement the celebration for the community.

“2012 was my first event,” said Leonard. “It was at that time, I said this is never going to happen again in Bonners Ferry as long as I am around.”

As of Tuesday, May 5, the Facebook donation ticker shows a total of $3,325 raised out of a $5,000 goal. Leonard explained that the total goal of needed funds for the event is $7,500, which includes other sources outside of the Facebook fundraiser page.

Far North Outfitters have a raffle they are hosting for the Fourth of July event, which should bring in the majority of the rest of the money needed.

There may be other routes to finding funds for the celebration outside of personal donations.

“I am going to put in for a grant, up to $10,000, to help the community recover,” said Leonard.

The organization also needs to find a suitable venue to hold the event.

“I sent an inquiry this morning to the city administration that said I need a commitment that we will be allowed to use the park on July Fourth; I haven’t heard back yet,” said Leonard.

Leonard explained that if Bonners Ferry city officials do not want to commit to allowing the celebration a venue within the city, he has other private property land owners who are willing to host the event.

In the past, the celebration has been conducted at the Fairgrounds.

Some of the activities that will happen during this year’s celebration include; a community parade, a picnic near to the site of the planned fireworks show, family fun night events, fireworks, and live orchestral music by the Bonners Ferry Orchestra.

“Glenda Novinger, of the orchestra, said she needs a place for the orchestra to practice,” said Leonard. “If anyone can help find a place for them to practice, please contact Glenda at Novinger Music, or me.”

All donations to the nonprofit group are tax deductible.

To help fund the Bonners Ferry Fourth of July celebration, people may visit the donation page on Facebook at 2020 Bonners Ferry July Fourth; or send donations by check (made out to Gary Leonard or Bonners Ferry July Fourth) to P.O. Box 1714, Bonners Ferry, Idaho 83805. People may also make deposits to the Bonners Ferry July Fourth account located at Mountain West Bank.

For more information call or text Gary Leonard at 208-946-9579.