Kellogg planning big event for Fourth of July

Historic downtown Kellogg celebrates its first Fourth of July event, starting off with a parade, music, art, horseshoe tournament and lots of activities for kids.

The celebration used to be held at the KOA campground in Pinehurst, but the property recently was sold and a group of volunteers from each of the valley communities organized the new Independence Day celebration that is being overseen by the Kellogg Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s a real grassroots event,” said Valarie Atwell, the chamber’s office manager.

Besides planning and organizing the activities, the committee is in charge of raising $10,000 through business sponsorships and donation cans set up at local stores.

Festivities begin Tuesday at noon with a Sparkling Star Community Parade, featuring classic cars, floats, bicycles, children and local businesses. The parade will start at Division and Main, march along McKinley then head down Hill Street, ending at Kellogg City Park.

All day in the park there will be live music, craft vendors and children’s activities such as face-painting, three-legged races and games.

A horseshoe tournament in the park will start at 1 p.m., sponsored by Joel and Betsy Perron, owners of the Veranda Restaurant. The winner will receive $100.

The Kelly Hughes Band will perform from 6 to 9:30 p.m. in Teeter’s Field. .

A fireworks display at the elementary school will cap the evening festivities. The pyrotechnics can also be viewed from City Park and the Silver Mountain parking lot

“This is going to be a great venture, and it’s only going to grow,” says Atwell.

To reserve a vendor booth, to donate, or for more information, call the Historic Silver Valley Chamber of Commerce at (208) 784-0821.