4th of July Parade

Description

The 21st Annual Spearfish 4^th of July Parade will be held Sunday, July 4th at 12:00 p.m. with a B-1 Bomber Flyover shortly after the start of the parade.
The Parade committee is pleased to announce that the dedicated members of the Spearfish Honor Guard will be honored as the Parade Marshalls for the 21st Annual Spearfish 4^th of July Parade. The Spearfish Honor Guard currently has about 20 members who volunteer their time throughout the Northern Hills.
Th Honor Guard serve as the guard at Veteran funeral services in numerous communities and the BH National Cemetery, conduct multiple flag ceremonies, honor our fallen service men and women on Memorial Day, and host presentations at local schools for Veteran’s Day.
Dressed in uniform, they honor our fallen with the distinct honoring sound of taps played on bugles, as well as the firing of rifles signifying the fallen are properly cared for. At the end of the service, the Honor Guard remove the flag from the casket, carefully folding it, inserting a few of the rifle shells in the fold, and present it to the next of kin.
“I am currently the oldest member of the Spearfish Honor Guard at age 92,” commented Arnie Koski. “I have discharged over 3,000 rounds for ceremonies. It is my privilege to honor our Country and the men and women that served.” Arnie served in WWII and the Korean War. The Honor Guard is continually looking for Veterans to serve and join their cause.
Gene & Yvonne Ficek of Gene’s Lock Shop began the 4^th of July Parade in 2000 to bring the community together on this important day in American history. Countryside Church, the Spearfish Downtown Business Association, and the Spearfish Chamber of Commerce have joined forces to continue the tradition. Support is also given by the City of Spearfish and the Spearfish Police Department.
“The desire to continue on with the event Gene & Yvonne created so many years ago is truly a community effort,” commented Melissa Barth, Spearfish Chamber of Commerce.
The parade will line up in the high school parking lot  then head south on North Main Street through downtown Spearfish, disseminating at Grant Street. To register for the parade or for more information, contact the Chamber at 642-2626 or visit www.SpearfishChamber.org.