Kazooists’ ‘chase’ re-enacts history
Tom Westbrook handed out about 30 pieces of cardboard, each containing a few lines from the Declaration of Independence. The crowd was ready for the main event – a communal reading of the 232-year-old statement – at the 45th annual Freedom at the Arboretum at Finch Arboretum in Spokane on Friday.
Westbrook took the microphone: “As we’re doing this, be mindful that it took a lot of courage,” he said. “Some of us occasionally write a letter to the editor and get nasty phone calls. But these people really put something on the line.”
It was one of many ways – picnics and parades, music and fireworks – Inland Northwest residents celebrated the Fourth of July with family and friends.
Westbrook, one of the founders of Freedom at the Arboretum, takes pride in an Independence Day gathering with special meaning. He led the singing of “Rally Around the Flag.” And in a quick rendition of the Revolutionary War, Westbrook – playing “Yankee Doodle Dandy” on kazoo – led a group of children to overthrow a wimpy, tax-hungry King George III.
“It’s a community-building event,” said Luisa Orellana, Westbrook’s daughter-in-law. “We just get together and get to know new people and make connections.”
Robert Gilles first attended the event in the late 1960s as a Gonzaga University student, when much of the focus was anti-war. “Now you’ll see Republicans and Democrats,” Gilles said. “The emphasis is on the ideal.”
Among those who lined up to read a part of the Declaration of Independence were Spokane County Treasurer Skip Chilberg, county commission candidate Dr. Kim Thorburn and former Spokane City Councilman Brad Stark.
Music, produce in Cheney
In Cheney, the farmers market was in full swing Friday with extra activities for kids and live music.
Bobbi Ciferri and her children – Ashley, 8, Nycholaus, 5, and Angela, 1 – were driving through town when they spotted the market and stopped to enjoy the festivities. Along with other family members, they are camping at Clear Lake for the weekend, for the third Fourth of July in a row.
“It’s the kids’ favorite spot,” Ciferri said.
The Spokane Valley family has been trying to stay close to home because of the price of gasoline. After the farmers market, the family planned to barbecue, swim and rent paddle boats.
Fireworks in Medical Lake
Much of the holiday’s focus was on fireworks in Medical Lake, where fireworks are legal to buy and discharge – on private property and during appointed hours. The line was long at the fireworks stand on LeFevre Street, and Pam Hofer walked away carrying a full bag and a box of fireworks.
“We’re going to go explode something,” Hofer exclaimed.
She and her daughter, Katrina, spent most of the day decorating their house red, white and blue. They planned to join neighbors for a barbecue, Hofer said.
A station for younger children allowed them to run around with sparklers and throw poppers on the ground. Across the street, older kids set off bigger fireworks.
Hofer said she and neighbors watered their lawns well the previous night and would keep hoses nearby if any sparks get away from them.
The Medical Lake City Council has been considering a ban on the sale and use of fireworks. Hofer said she hopes that doesn’t happen.
“It would make me sad,” she said.
“It’s diabolical,” her daughter exclaimed.
Parades in North Idaho
In Spirit Lake, Idaho, the town celebrated its 100th birthday with a parade.
A float from the local First Lutheran Church, which will turn 100 next year, featured girls in prairie dresses and sun bonnets. In contrast, a local tavern’s float featured gamblers and cigar-smoking women.
Parade director Joy Porter handed out ribbons – first, second and grand champions – as parade entries went past. Winners were decided in seconds.
Ashley Kinzer rode an ATV towing one of the “sled decks” – a trailer for pulling snowmobiles – her father sells. It wasn’t the first time the 16-year-old participated in the six-block parade. Every time, she said, the feeling is the same.
“I love it,” Kinzer said. “It makes you feel like home. You know everyone.”
Crowds holding small American flags lined the route of Coeur d’Alene’s parade and clapped to the beat of the Perfection-Nots marching band playing “God Bless America.”
City resident Mary Wagner said she loves the parade because it puts the focus on folks living in the area, rather than events like Ironman that draw so many people from elsewhere.
“It’s one of those small-town events,” Wagner said.