Rathdrum Prairie News: Fourth of July a day of celebration
Once again it’s time to celebrate our nation’s birthday with “bonfires and illuminations,” as John Adams suggested on July 3, 1776. Today, the bonfires and illuminations of 200 years ago have become community celebrations, parades, sparklers and fireworks – but the reason for celebrating remains the same.
The best description for why we should never stop lighting those sparklers on the Fourth of July was given by Thomas Jefferson in 1826. His words explain why communities all across America should never stop putting on fireworks displays or holding Independence Day celebrations.
He said the celebrations of the Fourth light the world with a signal that can move others to recognize the rights of man and should be a reminder to each of us of the blessings and security of self-government and the free right of reason and opinion. “For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.”
So, whether you attend Coeur d’Alene’s big fireworks display; march down Main Street as part of Spirit Lake’s Fourth of July Parade; head out to the Stateline Speedway Demolition Derby for a smashing good time; or choose to stay home to enjoy the spectacle of America’s grandest Independence Day concert on your TV, be sure you take a moment to tell your kids, or just remind yourself, why the Fourth of July is a day of celebration.
Spirit Lake festivities
The community of Spirit Lake is ready to show its patriotic spirit. An 11 a.m. parade will form behind the grade school and march six blocks to the city park, where fun, food, vendors and the music of Common Ground will entertain until 4 p.m. As usual, no registration is needed for the parade; just be in line by about 10:30 am. Fireworks will end the day’s celebration at the ball field on Jefferson at dusk. More information: 623-2275.
The Fireside Inn on Spirit Lake is also celebrating the Fourth with the music of local musicians, with special guest, Jack “Banjo Jack” Jeppson, according to Fireside owner and fellow musician Rod Erickson. Nationally recognized cowboy poet Rich Bellert will also entertain during the day which will end with fireworks over the water. More information: 623-2871.
July 3 demolition derby and fireworks
There are few things I enjoy watching more than a demolition derby. Maybe it’s because I get a vicarious thrill from watching someone else bash into all those cars – something I daydream about every time a NIP (North Idaho Pullouts – as my husband calls them) pulls onto the 60 mph highway right in front of me and then takes about 45 minutes to reach a speed of well, probably 45 mph.
Anyway, attending the Stateline Speedway demolition derby and the huge fireworks display that follows is a great way to start your Fourth of July festivities. Be sure to go early – the stands fill up fast.
‘A Capitol Fourth’
For those who stay home on the Fourth, the music of the nation’s finest Independence Day concert, “A Capitol Fourth,” offers an inspiring patriotic celebration. The performance by the National Symphony Orchestra and popular artists is broadcast live on PBS (KSPS from 7 to 8:30 p.m.) and by the American Forces Network to our armed forces and civilians in 176 countries and to more than 200 Navy ships at sea. A crowd of half a million people watch the concert on huge television monitors scattered throughout the West Lawn of the United States Capitol, and millions watch from their homes.
It has become tradition for the concert to end with Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” and as the thunder of live cannon fire during the overture fades and a stunning fireworks display over the Washington monument joins the thousands of similar displays across the nation, one knows John Adams and Thomas Jefferson would be proud of our “bonfires and illuminations.”