City with spirit

SPIRIT LAKE – Spirit Lake has, well … spirit. If we were fiction writers, (Ed note: You aren’t?) describing a small town parade in say, 19th century Kansas, that would fit. If it weren’t for the lack of John Philip Souza, your reporter would have thought a time transference had occurred.

Kicking off the Fourth of July Parade in this growing city was a color guard made up of Athol Legion Post 149, plus one member of the Spirit Lake VFW. This parade stretched more than a mile in length. One impressionable young lady pogoed all the way around the course, much of which was uphill, and was still going strong at the end.

One of the participants had to drop out at the top of the hill, as heat exhaustion felled him. The remainder of the color guard closed ranks and finished the course. Fortunately, the very capable EMT crews of the Spirit Lake Fire Department were quickly on hand to assist. With the temperature already climbing past 85 degrees, even before noon, weather became a problem. Fortunately, the parade ended at a shadowy park, where the street fair held forth.

Hundreds turned out to watch the event from all over the area. We found folks from Rathdrum, Bayview, Athol, Coeur d’Alene and even Sandpoint attending. It was worthwhile. Just about every type of entry one could imagine was there, and some you couldn’t. Llamas, a ‘49 Dodge Power Wagon, many ORV’s as well as floats. There were tractors, bikes, lawnmowers, some of which we suspect haven’t seen a lawn in a while, but might possibly keep up with freeway traffic. Churches, DARE, antique cars and kids sitting on their dad’s shoulders for a better look.

Following the parade, most of the spectators adjourned to the city park where food lines became very long. An ice cream booth scurried to keep ahead of the demand, and the inevitable melting that would soon occur. Bratwursts were in demand as more than 30 people lined up patiently. A makeshift band was tuning up in the gazebo, ready to swing into tunes of today. As we left, we noticed that everyone had smiles on their faces, (or ice cream).

Jo’s Hole, The White Horse and Linger Longer were doing a turn-away business, the three being century-old bars from the days when timber was king. Curtains still decorate the upper stories, where other related activities were available in that long ago time. All in all, a great day for a parade. Sunburns will, of course, prevail. Fireworks were scheduled for evening hours, starting after 9 p.m.