Final plans and schedule for Bou

Final plans and schedule for Boundary County
Fourth of July events

June 24, 2015

Thanks to generous donations from Boundary County businesses, organizations, and individuals, and the still-ongoing raffle for a Kimber Pro Tactical II .45 ACP pistol (check the official poster for this fundraising raffle by clicking here), the group organizing Boundary County's Independence Day Fireworks Celebration has met and exceeded the amount they needed to raise. That guarantees that this year's show will be another fantastic display put on by Gary Leonard and his fireworks group.

The County Commisioners were able to add some funding that will, according to Mr. Leonard, "add some extra special touches to the show and display honoring the Boundary County Centennial."

Mr. Leonard promises that the fireworks finale will be a great one.

Here is how the Fourth of July celebration will unfold.

First, don't forget the always-fun Fourth of July parade at Eastport. The Grand Marshall for this year's parade is Audrey Howe. Those participating in the parade can assemble beginning at 12:00 noon at the inspection site on the main highway just south of Eastport.

Once the parade is over at Eastport, the folks from that community are inviting everyone to a community barbecue at the Fire Hall on the Moyie River road just off the highway at Good Grief. No charge for the barbecue, but organizers ask that those who attend please bring a potluck side dish. That's not all—there will be unique entertainment at the community barbecue: a Quick Draw contest (yes, like the Old West quick draw).

The Independence Day spotlight then turns to Bonners Ferry, where the evening-long celebration begins at 5:00 p.m. with young a capella singers performing harmonized versions of songs about America.

Then, the parade begins, with a World War II veteran, Jack Leonard, serving as parade Grand Marshall.

Following the parade, the action moves to the Fairgrounds. Boundary County Parks and Recreation will have food concessions available, or you can bring your own picnic, but food, visiting, and meeting people will be the agenda.

At 6:30 p.m., the Official Opening Ceremony for the Fairgrounds activities for the evening will begin with the Boy Scouts presenting flags and leading everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. An invocation will be offered, then Rebecca Huseby will sing our National Anthem.

After that, look out---next will be 100 salutes to celebrate 100 years of Boundary County. "Be ready," says Mr. Leonard, "it will be LOUD!"

The remainder of the evening will proceed according to the following schedule:

• 7:00 p.m.: The 4th Annual Fire Fighter Hose Lay Competition

• 7:30 p.m.: Family Night, presented by the Bonners Ferry Lions Club. This will feature
          -Three-legged race
          -Potato sack race
          -Water balloon toss

• 8:30 p.m.: Musical concert presented by Rebecca Huseby. Mr. Leonard thinks everyone will appreciate Ms. Huseby's performance. "Rebecca is a fantastic entertainer and her passion for our country is undeniable in her words and music."

• 9:15 p.m.: Piano solo performance by Jeff Hunsaker. According to Mr. Leonard, "Jeff Hunsaker will perfrom a very special rendition of The Stars and Stripes Forever on piano. Do not miss this. Jeff is an incredible artist."

• 9:30 p.m.: Raffle drawing for the Kimber Pro Tactical II .45 ACP pistol. The winner will be announced.

• 9:45 p.m.: Pastor Len Pine will sing God Bless America. "We have our tradition of Pastor Len Pine singing God Bless America," said Mr. Leonard. "I urge you all to try and sing along. I cannot sing with Len, not because I cannot sing, I just get too choked up."

• 10:00 p.m.: The Fireworks show begins.

And, just like our parents taught us, it's not really finished until the cleanup is done. "If anyone wants to help with cleanup, we will probably be at the fairgrounds after Church and breakfast around 10:00 a.m. on Sunday." Any help will be appreciated.

It looks to be a fantastic Fourth of July for Boundary County. "Please come down and experience the Fourth of July the way it should be: family, friends, and fun," said Mr. Leonard.