Fourth of July fun in the time of coronavirus
Save for the first couple of months, nothing about 2020 has been normal. And though coronavirus is still disrupting the lives of people around the world, cities in the Inland Northwest are trying to bring a little familiarity to quarantine through reworked Fourth of July celebrations.
Here’s a quick guide to where you can see fireworks this Fourth of July. Social distancing is, of course, still encouraged. All events are Saturday unless otherwise noted.
Coeur d’Alene
If you don’t want to bust out your own barbecue this year, stop by Calypso Coffee Roasters, 116 E. Lakeside Ave., Coeur d’Alene, for a Fourth of July Vegan BBQ. Calypso will close its side of the parking lot and grill Beyond Burgers, veggie dogs, gluten-free and vegan macaroni salad and other summertime classics. There also will be cornhole, a fire pit and cold, sober beverages at this family-friendly event.
Harrison
Stop by Harrison City Park to play yard games, hear live music from the Renaldos and Whack a Mole, shop at vendor booths, play in Lake Coeur d’Alene or ride the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes before the fireworks show at dusk. Harrison City Park, 251 Harrison St., Harrison, Idaho.
Kellogg
Due to social distancing rules, the Silver Valley Fourth of July Parade and Dance will not be in Kellogg City Park this year, but Silver Mountain Resort will still provide a fireworks show. As per the resort’s website, it will be launching the fireworks from the back of the gravel parking lot when it gets dark. Silver Mountain Resort, 610 Bunker Ave., Kellogg.
Liberty Lake
Don’t go to Pavillion Park this year, as there will not be any Fourth of July events taking place. There will, however, be fireworks launched from the Diamonds baseball outfields, which can be seen from throughout the city. It’s recommended that residents watch the show from their home or vehicle.
Post Falls
Stop by the Stateline Speedway on Friday for the Wreck Fest and Fireworks Extravaganza. Gates open at 4 p.m., giving patrons plenty of time to stop by the concession stands and beer windows (no outside food or drink is allowed except for unopened bottles of water), gift shop and souvenir booths before the opening ceremony at 7 p.m. Then it’s time for the main events: Team Demo Derby, Compact Demo Derby and the Motorhome Demo Derby. After the final checkered flag, enjoy a 40-minute firework show. Tickets are $17-$20 and $65 for a family of five and are available through market.myracepass.com/store/tickets/?i=1201581&store=20183&rkey=0. Stateline Speedway, 1349 N. Beck Road, Post Falls.
Priest River
While encouraging social distancing, the city of Priest River invites residents to attend the Priest River City Docks for a fireworks show after dusk. Bonner Park West, 500 Railroad Ave., Priest River.
Pullman
This year marks Pullman’s 45th annual Fourth of July Celebration, and the city isn’t letting coronavirus break the streak. Pullman is, however, canceling all Fourth of July activities except for the fireworks display. The fireworks will be launched from an undisclosed, highly visible location to prevent crowds from gathering.
Spokane/Spokane Valley
Spokane and Spokane Valley residents will have four opportunities to view fireworks via a Fourth of July Drive-In Fireworks celebration. Drive-in locations are Avista Stadium, 602 N. Havana St., Spokane Valley; Ferris High School, 3020 E. 37th Ave.; Merkel Sports Complex, 5701 N. Assembly St.; and Plantes Ferry Sports Stadium, 12320 E. Upriver Drive. Parking lots open at 9 p.m., and fireworks begin at 10 p.m. SWX also will broadcast the fireworks live for those who want to watch from home. 93.7 the Mountain will air patriotic music beginning at 9:30 p.m.
There will be COVID-19 protocols in place for those who decide to go to one of the four drive-in locations. Vehicles will be parked every other space to ensure safe distancing, guests must remain in their vehicles except when going to the restroom, and guests must wear a face mask when leaving their vehicles. The number of guests in line for the restroom at one time will be limited to encourage social distancing.
Security personnel will distribute one hand sanitizer per vehicle and place a flier under each vehicle’s windshield wiper, facing inward, which outlines event-specific safety procedures. Each parking location will be staffed with six to 15 licensed security personnel and two police officers all wearing masks and gloves to help direct traffic, position vehicles and ensure the safety and security of all attendees.