Where To Go

There will be thousands of people in the Inland Northwest with stiff necks on Monday as people recover from peering into the night sky to watch the annual Independence Day fireworks shows.

The celebration of the nation’s 223rd birthday falls on Sunday, and there are several good places to go to catch a show.

As usual, large numbers of fireworks will be set off over Lake Coeur d’Alene and Riverfront Park in Spokane. But there are several smaller events also planned throughout the region.

Just remember, arrive early and think creatively when searching for a viewing spot.

Coeur d’Alene

The Fourth of July celebration begins with a parade down Sherman Avenue at 11 a.m. on Sunday. The fireworks will be launched from a barge on Lake Coeur d’Alene at dusk Sunday. The best viewing sites are at Coeur d’Alene City Park, City Beach, and the front lawn of the Coeur d’Alene Resort.

Sandpoint

Sandpoint’s Fourth of July Festival begins with a kids parade at 9 a.m. today followed by a grand parade at 10 a.m. On Sunday afternoon there will be a variety show, kids events, and music by Slow Motion Walter at the City Beach. The fireworks begin at dusk over Lake Pend Oreille near the beach.

Worley

The Coeur d’Alene Tribal Bingo Casino will put on a fireworks show at dusk Sunday.

Spokane

The American Music Festival is already under way in Riverfront Park. The rockets’ red glare starts at 10:10 p.m. Sunday, preceded by performances by The Drifters and the Spokane Jazz Orchestra.

Liberty Lake

You can watch the Liberty Lake fireworks from Liberty Lake County Park, but be aware the park is difficult to find. Take the Liberty Lake exit off I-90 and head east on Appleway Avenue for eight-tenths of a mile to Molter Road. Turn right and drive 1.1 miles south to Valleyway. Turn left, drive between two golf courses until Valleyway turns south and becomes Lakeside Road. The park sign will be on your right, directing you down Zephyr Road to the park entrance.

Just remember to stay off private property and enjoy the show, which begins at dusk Sunday.

Clarkston/Lewiston

The people of Clarkston are once again inviting their neighbors across the river in Lewiston to their annual Fourth of July bash. All events are at the Clarkston High School’s Adams Field. The festivities begin at 7 p.m. Sunday with several musical groups. The fireworks will go off at 10 p.m. over the Snake River.

Grand Coulee Dam

The dam will host its annual Fourth of July Festival today and Sunday. Events run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily at the park below the dam’s Visitor Arrival Center. There will be arts and crafts, an international food fair, and children’s games.

A laser light show will close each evening with a fireworks display shot off after Sunday’s show. Best viewing is from the Visitor Arrival Center.