Clouds, Cool Can’T Make Spirits Flag Fourth Celebrated, While Tribal Rights Under Attack

Silver bracelets jangling, Bea Lackaff used a red marker to make a statement about freedom Tuesday in Riverfront Park.

Coloring in the words “Hands off tribal sovereignty” on a white placard, Lackaff said this week’s news that the Washington state Republican Party had passed a resolution supporting the abolishment of tribal governments was on her mind as Spokane celebrated the Fourth of July holiday.

“If they’re after tribal sovereignty, then who’s next?” she asked. “Leave the tribes alone, for God’s sake.”

Despite skies that threatened rain all day, Spokane residents crowded Riverfront Park for music, food and fireworks at the Spokane American Music Festival.

As Lackaff made her way down toward the stage, the band acknowledged her sign. Native American singer Jim Boyd led his band in a song aimed at the GOP’s proposal.

“This is a song about sovereignty,” said Boyd, a member of the Colville tribe. “That’s what the day is about.”

The festivities were punctuated by the sounds of “snap poppers” hitting the cement. The smell of popcorn wafted across the park. Revelers carried small American flags, tucked in their pockets or in their hats. Politicians came to stump for the upcoming election.

Relaxing in a lawn chair under a rainbow umbrella, Clark Houghton said he wasn’t taking any chances with the weather.

“We just prepared for it all,” he said.

His brother’s family brought a tarp they spread out underneath a blanket. Houghton patted another, smaller umbrella he brought “just in case.”

Nick and James Gordon had matching patriotic hairdos in honor of the holiday.

“My son got me,” James said, lifting his hat to reveal bright red hair and scalp. The Gordons have celebrated in Riverfront Park for the past four years.

Nick, who also sprayed his spiked hair red, said he got the idea for the style at Monday’s Uncle Sam Jam. His patriotism also was penned on his arm: “Freedom = the Fourth of July.”

By 9 p.m., the Klocks had backed their Lincoln Navigator into a parking space in the Sacred Heart Medical Center garage for a primo view of the fireworks. They discovered the spot overlooking the city lights about five years ago.

Inside the open back door of the Navigator, Marilyn Klock’s parents Harvey and Verna Stueckle were settled into lawn chairs, blankets covering their laps and tucked behind their heads. The Stueckles moved to Spokane about eight months ago and it was their first time watching from the parking garage.

The family laughed as they waited for the fireworks to start, recounting the effort to get the Stueckles boosted into their seats.

“I’m 80 years old,” Verna said. “I hope they can get me out of here. It’s funny how your body doesn’t bend and twist like it should.”

Spectators lined the parking garage by the time the fireworks started. They fell silent for a moment as the colorful explosions began, then erupted in appreciative “oohs” and “aahs.”

Spokane County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Dave Reagan said the holiday was fairly quiet. No serious accidents or crimes were reported by Tuesday evening.

“We’re not even particularly busy right now,” Reagan said.