Regional Industry & News

COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — Coeur d'Alene is getting ready to host the region's largest Fourth of July celebration.

This year's American heroes' parade and 4th of July celebration mean a little bit more this year as America celebrates its 250th birthday.

"This is North Idaho's largest celebration every year," Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber CEO Linda Coppess said, "it's amazing to see all of the people that come out in red, white and blue excited to celebrate the men and women that serve to give us our freedom."

Each year, the parade features military members and veterans as well as local law enforcement and firefighters.

And the Coeur d'Alene Chamber said there will be a special twist.

"Just after 10:00, we'll have two national anthems at the chamber and also at the skybox," Parade Director Brianna Azevedo said, "then at 10:05, we'll have two A-10's flying over Sherman Avenue. It will rattle the skies and get people's attention; we're really excited about it."

This parade will stretch from first to 15th street along Sherman Avenue, with local clubs, bands and cheer squads performing.

The streets will close at 9 a.m. on Saturday, so the chamber of commerce recommends getting there early.

Several downtown parking lots will have all day parking for $20.

But no Fourth of July would be complete without fireworks, and the Coeur d'Alene Resort will have a show out on the lake that you'll be able to see from Independence Point.

"Anywhere where you don't have an obstructed view from trees is a good spot, they go pretty high up in the air," Azevedo said, "it should last for about 15 minutes."

That fireworks show will get underway after 9 p.m. Saturday.