Clark Fork offers traditional run of 4th fun

CLARK FORK — From a fun run and turtle races, to a parade and fireworks, no one celebrates the Fourth of July quite like Clark Fork.

“There are not a lot of small towns that put on such a family-oriented event for the Fourth of July like this little town does, so it is kind of a special thing,” said Jeff Emmer with the Filling Station Youth Center in Clark Fork.

The day kicks off by getting people moving with the Freedom 5k Fun Run — formerly known as Haden’s Heart. Hosted by the Filling Station Youth Center, the route changed along with the name last year, and offers more scenic views of Lightning Creek and the valley surrounding it. Emmer said while the course presents a challenging run — the second mile is a bit of a climb — it is a “fantastic” walk for families. Where the elevation goes up, he said, is where the best views are.

The family-oriented event starts at the youth center at First and Main at 7 a.m., where it winds up the scenic Lightning Creek valley. It is a one-way route as participants will be shuttled back to the Filling Station, where refreshments and showers will be available. As always, a custom T-shirt and “plenty of smiles” are included, he said. Discounts for students, and family members participating with students, are available to encourage families to run/walk together. Register early at fillingstationyouth.com to guarantee T-shirt availability. Registration is also available at the youth center before the race.

The fun run generates college scholarships for Clark Fork High School graduates as well as funds to operate the youth center.

Whether running or walking, a 3.1-mile trek can build up an appetite. The Clark Fork Fire Station is there to help satisfy that hunger with its annual pancake breakfast from 7:30-9 a.m.

The rest of the day’s events are put on by the Clark Fork Rod & Gun Club starting with the surprisingly large small-town parade at 9:30 a.m., with trophies for the best floats. The events at the school continue with foot races, food and raffles. Enter the drawings for a chance to win a wood splitter, kayak, chainsaw and much more.

At 1 p.m., the action moves up to Memorial Field at Tenth Street, where an airplane will drop coupons for snacks at the local businesses and maybe even some cash. This will be followed by the traditional turtle races — bring a turtle or one will be provided — as well as a watermelon eating contest, and other games for youngsters. Lumberjack competitions, including pole climbing, fastest cutting chainsaw, axe throwing, and cross-cut saw contests will be held for the older crowd.

And of course, what Fourth of July celebration would be complete without a fireworks show? The annual fireworks show will begin at dusk, closing out the day’s events.

“The little town of Clark Fork celebrates the holiday like no place else,” Emmer said in a statement. “Come join us and see for yourselves.”

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.