A Celebration of Community

Whenever anyone attempts to bring an age-old tradition back to life, there is always the chance that it will never be as good as it was before. Last year the Bonners Ferry Chamber of Commerce and a group of tireless volunteers did just that. They revived the Kootenai River Days celebration, and the community responded. Beginning early in the morning with a pancake breakfast at the airport and followed up closely by a run through the Wildlife Refuge, the event last year got off to a flying start. All throughout the event, which lasted three days, there were many interesting and fun things for the entire family to enjoy. This year the event will be held July 4 through July 12.

Months of planning goes into any event of this magnitude, and the amazing volunteers are back at it again. “Each year the event will gain more momentum and have more events,” according to spokesperson Wendy Hawks. There were many events in the past that the group would like to bring back and hopefully will. Insurance regulations and liability issues, however, may hinder the process for certain events that are on the “risky” side.

Life was simpler when this fun-filled event started back in the 1960s, and the events could be done for the sake of fun and excitement. Today, however, lawsuits and liability govern most of the activities many would deem, “fun and exciting,” such as the race down the Kootenai River on inner tubes and some of the other logging games that involve both chainsaws and axes! But the volunteers and planners, along with the Chamber of Commerce, are working hard to come up with a full schedule and proper venues that will leave every Boundary County resident and any visitor glad they came out with their family.

Speaking with Hawks last year, I asked about becoming a volunteer, and she expressed the need and availability for more helpers. This year will be no different and the planning meetings are ongoing at Mugsy's Tavern and Grill located at 7161 Main Street in downtown Bonners Ferry. The planning meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm until the event draws near, then the meetings will be more often. You can call Mugsy's at 208.267.8059 to confirm the times.

Another special memento that is being introduced this year is the 100 Year Anniversary Coins minted by the Sunshine Mines. The Chamber has reserved 200 coins at the special price of $25 per coin. Orders can be placed and dropped off at Riverside Auto Center at 6471 Bonner Street near downtown. The coin features a beautiful scene of Boundary County with trees, pine cones and a large four or five point buck on one side, and a ferry being propelled across the Kootenai on the other.

The events this year promise to be something special and will feature a large parade through the downtown area, a wonderful fireworks display at the fairgrounds, the PRCA Pro Rodeo, a three-day Pow Wow put on by the Kootenai Tribe and live music performed by Miah Kohal. There will also be many different kids’ events and games, a car show, an old-time farm equipment show, a history walk and arm wrestling! Then add a giant BBQ, the celebration of Boundary County's oldest residents, a Wednesday Wine Walk and the famous Pancake Breakfast and you have a multi-day event fit for a king.

One of the nice things about an event so large is the fact that there will be something for everyone. Each day will feature something for all ages and interest levels and as the time draws nearer for the start of the massive celebration, you can go to Facebook to the Kootenai River Days group to get up-to-the-minute details and scheduling.

Remember that volunteers and vendors are still needed, and now that the event is close, the planning for the event is tightening up. Vendors are still needed and should make haste to contact the group in order to get the space you need. With any event of this nature, it is the volunteers who deserve the accolades. So often this group of hard working individuals do what they do and no one knows they are even there. This writer will take this opportunity to say, “Thank you!” on behalf of the residents and visitors who will attend the event and have fun with their families. And if last year, the first year back after a twelve year hiatus, you didn't get recognition, we as a community say it again — “Thank you for your dedication, sacrifice and hard work!”

So, with plenty of time to mark the calendars, set aside some time each day for a trip downtown (or wherever the events are held) and get ready during the week of July 4 to 12 for a community celebration that folks will talk about for the rest of the year.

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