Piggy bank donation adds to fireworks show

SANDPOINT — The show is going on.

While fireworks bans are being imposed in the county — or are being considered, Sandpoint Lions Club members said they've been told their annual show can still be held because the show is held at City Beach and the fireworks are shot out over the lake.

This year, there is even more for which to be thankful. From our family and friends, to modern science helping defeat a microscopic foe and helping put an end to a global pandemic. From strangers saying hello as they hold the door open to a long-awaited hug from a friend during a chance meeting.

And among them, the Sandpoint Lions' Fourth of July celebration. From the Kids' Parade to the Grand (Daddy) Parade of them all, this celebration promises to be one for the memory books.

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.

And that's where you come in. Please consider donating to the show and make this a safe and memorable Fourth of July for everyone.

Today's generous donations were received from Bruce and Janie Johnson, $35; Gary and Carol Deaner, $20; Maurice and Linda Dunn, $25; Jake Hancock, who says Stella is his favorite run, raided his piggy bank to donate $10 to the Fourth celebration; Jake and Janice Debaun, $200; and Richard and Elizabeth Faletto, $25; and Patricia Clayburn, $25.

The donations bring the total amount received to date to $10,495 — almost halfway to the Lions hoped-for goal of $25,000.

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.

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.