Print Version

Home   News   Sports   Social   Obituaries   Events   Letters
Gearing up for an All American Small Town Celebration
May 24, 2017
Each year, hundreds of people gather on the Boundary County Fairgrounds lawn as the sun begins to set on the Fourth of July, set out their lawn chair or spread their blankets, and admonish the kids, "don't stray too far, it's about to start!"

Typically, this comes after an already bustling day of old-fashioned fun; a picnic, a parade, games, entertainment, a car show ... all the many things that go into the memories made at Old Fashioned All American Small Town Celebrations ... which is, in fact, the theme of this year's Bonners Ferry Independence Day celebration July 4.

Once again, Gary Leonard has stepped up to the plate to organize the day's festivities, the sixth year he's put the celebration together, but this year, instead of anxiously awaiting someone, typically a civic-minded local business, to step in at just the moment everyone involved fears that this year, we might not reach our fundraising goal for the fireworks that will light up the night sky, he's making it easier than ever for everyone to give well in advance, so that organizers can focus on the celebrations instead of worry about the funds.

While the cost of fireworks, like seemingly everything else in our world, continues to go up, Gary knows that once again, for the show our community has come to appreciate, he'll need around $6,500, about the same as last year.

To get the best price, the order has to be placed in mid-June, so Gary has opened the 2017 Bonners Ferry July Fourth account on GoFundMe, where anyone anywhere can, with just a few mouse clicks, give a little or give a lot.

While he hopes the site will make it easier to raise the firework fund without the last minute worry, organizers are not forgetting or forgoing those businesses and organizations who are proud to sponsor our community's Fourth of July celebration; indeed, sponsorships are still essential and very much appreciated.

Those interested in becoming a sponsor can call Gary at (208) 946-9579 or visit www.july-fourth.us.
 Questions or comments about this article? Click here to e-mail!