Community marches to fund Fourth festivities

SANDPOINT — Boom, chacka, lacka.

If you've ever been to the Sandpoint Lions' Grand Parade held on the Fourth of July, you can't miss the Sandpoint Rotary Club. Holding a huge four- or five-person wide banner with the Rotary named emblazoned on the front, the Rotary members smile and wave as they march down the parade route. Every so often — to the crowd's delight — they stop, chant "Boom, chacka, lacka" (or words to that effect) as they do a small choreographed routine as they hold onto the banner, turning, twisting and turning as they chant the entire time.

Each time, the crowd bursts into applause. And as they march in the parade, the Rotary can't go more than a step or two without folks just a short distance away demanding the Rotary drill team entertain them as well.

Today's donations add up to $2,755 with generous donations from James and Rose Marie Thompson, $100; Julie Smith, $500; Ruth Wimberley, $30; David Mandell, $100; Pat Satchwell, $25; and Thomas Schoonover, $2,000.

Total donations received to date total $7,655. Those donating to the Independence Day celebration will be named in future columns. If you would like to be anonymous, please indicate that on your donation or let the Lions Club know.

This year, the theme for Fourth of July parades is "It Takes a Community" and the event will showcase the many local businesses which impacted by the pandemic, and celebrate the community and all residents, Lions Club officials said.

Applications are being accepted for the Grand Parade, and will be until the morning of the parade.

The children’s parade will start at 9 a.m., and the Grand Parade will begin at 10 a.m.

While the club has the funds to cover the costs of the parades, celebration, and fireworks show, they're looking to make them bigger and better than ever.

Although overall fundraising for this year is limited due to the short turnaround time, Lions Club officials held a raffle in 2019 to pay for 2020 fireworks, which were then run by Sandpoint Independence Day, Inc. instead.

Those funds, in addition to community donations, will be used for the Fourth of July events.

Those who wish to contribute to the July 4 fundraising can do so by clicking the donation link on the Lion’s Facebook page or dropping off donations at the Daily Bee, 310 Church St.