The Village Behind the Fourth of July
One of the greatest privileges of my job is getting to see what most people never do.
While tens of thousands of families gather along Sherman Avenue, fill City Park, and watch fireworks light up the sky over Lake Coeur d’Alene, I have the opportunity to witness something equally inspiring.
I get to watch hundreds of people quietly serving.
Long before the first parade entry rolled onto Sherman Avenue and long after the last firework faded over the lake, volunteers, sponsors, public safety personnel, city streets & engineering staff, nonprofit organizations, local businesses, and Chamber staff were hard at work. Months of planning, countless meetings, fundraising, logistics, traffic planning, sponsorships, permits, volunteer recruitment, staging, and cleanup all happen long before anyone unfolds a lawn chair or waves an American flag.
Most people never get to experience that part of the story.
And that’s okay, as the village of people behind this celebration aren’t looking for recognition. They simply care deeply about this community and want to create an experience that brings people together.
As President and CEO of the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber, I have the privilege of watching those efforts come together each year, and I am continually humbled by what can be accomplished when so many people choose to contribute their time, talent, and resources toward a common goal.
Honoring Those Who Made It Possible
To our active-duty service members, veterans, and military families, thank you for your courage, your sacrifice, and your unwavering commitment to protecting the freedoms we celebrate today.
To our presenting sponsor, Idaho Central Credit Union, fireworks partners, Hagadone Marine Group & The Coeur d’Alene Resort & Spa, family day in the park partner, Koep Concerts, thank you for partnering on this day to create wonderful experiences for our community.
To the City of Coeur d’Alene, the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, the streets & engineering team, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Kootenai County Sheriff Volunteer Search & Rescue, and the many agencies working behind the scenes, thank you for the professionalism, preparation, and care that allowed our community to celebrate safely.
To every business and organization that invested financially in this year’s celebration and/or through in-kind donations, thank you for fueling this tradition and believing in our community.
To the Rotary Club of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Panhandle Kiwanis, Scouting America, North Idaho Building Contractors Association all our volunteers, parade participants, vendors, entertainers, and every organization that played a role—you made this celebration possible and brought it to life.
I also want to thank our residents.
Every year I hear from people who say they can’t wait until the holiday weekend is over because of the traffic, crowded sidewalks, and difficulty finding parking. Truthfully, I understand. Those inconveniences are real, and they come with welcoming over 75,000 people into our community over the holiday.
Welcoming Visitors Strengthens Our Community
But there is another side of that story.
Those visitors are staying in our hotels. They’re dining in our restaurants. They’re shopping in our stores, fueling up at local gas stations, booking recreation, and supporting hundreds of local businesses. Tourism is one of Idaho’s largest industries, and in Northern Idaho alone, visitor spending generates more than $1.25 billion annually while supporting thousands of local jobs. Events like the Fourth of July Celebration, Ironman, and Car d’Lane are more than wonderful traditions—they are significant economic drivers that help strengthen the businesses, jobs, and quality of life we all value.
For one weekend, our community becomes North Idaho’s front porch.
The way we welcome visitors matters. It reflects who we are, and it creates an experience that keeps families returning year after year. Many of today’s visitors become tomorrow’s homeowners, business investors, employees, and ambassadors for our region.
A Celebration Built on Gratitude
As I reflect on this year’s record crowds and incredible Independence Day, one word comes to mind: gratitude. Celebrations like this don’t happen because of one organization—they happen because an entire community chooses to invest its time, talents, and resources to create something truly special.
Thank you for helping make America’s 250th birthday a celebration worthy of this remarkable community. I couldn’t be prouder to call Coeur d’Alene home.
Want to get involved?
Whether you’d like to volunteer, sponsor a Chamber event, or become a member, we’d love to partner with you in strengthening our community.
👉 Learn more at www.cdachamber.com
