Whats Happening on the 4th in Council?
The City of Council was founded in 1903, and it’s likely that residents, like the residents of all small rural towns, celebrated the Fourth of July once they were incorporated.
But what drew people from all over Idaho and from other states is probably the famous porcupine race which was started in 1971. And the crowds have been growing ever since.
Council Chamber of Commerce President Katie Church said that at least a thousand people come from out of the area to celebrate the Fourth of July with local residents. And this year, because the holiday is on Friday, they have expanded the celebration to include Saturday as well.
The events start Friday morning with a flag ceremony at dawn at the downtown park and a breakfast held at the Council Community Church from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. The breakfast costs $8 for adults. There is no charge for children under 8.
The parade starts at 11:00 a.m. at the Nazarene Church. This year‘s Grand Marshall is recently retired Council High School Shop Teacher Ron Corbett. There is no parking on the parade route until after the parade is over.
After the parade, there will be a car show on Galena.
Vendors will be set up in the park by the Ace Saloon. This year porcupine t-shirts, mugs and earrings will be for sale, but in years past they have sold out, so if you want to make a purchase ahead of time you can do so at Huptye or the Farmer’s Market on June 20th. Adult t-shirts cost $25 and kid t-shirts cost $20.
After the parade, the porcupine race takes place at the school.
A saw contest will take place after the porcupine race in the alley behind the Ace Saloon. This year, the group has become their own 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and they will be providing cooling tents and fans for spectators.
There are five competitions. Large and medium chain saws (winners of these two competitions will receive new Stihl Chain Saws) a Jack and Jill Competition, which must include one woman, and a youth splitting contest. All events are timed. There are monetary rewards for the three other competitions. The new nonprofit website is councilloggersjubilee.com.
There will be a kid game area set up at the park by the library. The cost is $10 per child; but kids under 4 can play for free.
A local band will play outside the Ace Saloon from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and fireworks will take place at the school at dusk.
On the 5th, there will be a porcupine scramble golf tournament. Teams of four may play for $160. It’s best to pre-register if you want a golf cart. Proceeds go to support the Council High School Golf Team. Golfing begins at 9:00 a.m..
This year the chamber is excited to introduce a new event-a soap box derby race which starts at 1:00 p.m. on Galena, also on the 5th.
Anyone interested in learning how to make a soap box may attend a workshop at Economy Roofing on June 21st, at 9:30 to learn how to do so.
That evening a street dance will be held near the Ace Saloon at the park from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Live music will be provided by Soul Patch.
