I can’t think of a better place to celebrate the patriotic spirit of the men and women serving in our military than Spirit Lake, Idaho. And celebrating is exactly what will be happening at the Armed Forces Day Festival and Parade, Saturday, May 19th. This event is a benefit for the Spirit Lake Troop Support, a committee of the Roy Racy VFW Post 1473. This is a non-profit organization, symbiotic with the local VFW, and has been sending Military care packages since 2006.
Festivities start with the Patriotic Parade at noon. Beginning on 3rd street, the parade travels down the Friendliest Street in North Idaho and ends at the park for the National Anthem. Be sure to wave to Henry, our 1923 Model-T. He loves the attention!
This is just the beginning of the fun. There will something for everyone at this family friendly event including a bike rodeo, an open house for the Spirit Lake Police Department, hours of free live music, food trucks and a beer garden at the Booze and Brews Fest. Featured here are spirits from Mill Town and Up North Distilleries, hard cider from North Idaho Cider, and craft beers from Bombastic, Radio Brewing and Mad Bomber. Food vendors include Big Daddy BBQ (veteran owned), Messy’s Burgers, The Wurst Man in Town, and Mi Pueblo Mexican restaurant. Within a block, there is even more food at local eateries, cafes and bars.
There will be auctions, raffles, and corn hole/bean bag tournaments, all helping to raise funds for the Spirit Lake Troop Support. Organizers say “Bikers are welcome! We are hoping for Veteran’s groups and supporters to come just enjoy their day, to relax, celebrate music and family time. Most of all, come show your support for our Military and Veterans!”
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and frisbees and enjoy the park and ball field. There is a playground for the kiddos and plenty of room for a game of baseball or soccer. Bring your addresses (OPSEC followed) for loved ones and friends serving over seas and drop them at our booth. We will make sure they get set-up for a care package. If you can’t make it to the celebration, email or Facebook message me their addresses and I’ll make sure to get them added to the list.
The Festival is a rain or shine event, so be prepared for North Idaho weather. The bands will be rockin no matter if its raining and there will be some great music! Starting with Christie Lee and The Broken Rosary Whiskey Thieves and followed by the Last Chance Band, J.W Hardin, Caddywampass and Muddy Frog Watters. There is also talk about a possible All-Star Jam. And, although there is no cover charge, donations are appreciated and a great way to give back to the community.
Spirit Lake is a small town with a big heart and a perfect place to spend the day with the family supporting a great charity and enjoying the amazing spirits, brews, music and food they have to offer. Put it on your calendar and be sure to stop by and see us!
For more info or to get ahold of organizer Carla Street, text or phone 208-661-0953 and leave a message. Her email is crlstrt5@msn.com or find them on Facebook here. The Festival is located at the Spirit Lake, Idaho City Park at Washington Street and Highway 41.
