Thousands gather to celebrate the Fourth

   Troy was the place to be in Lincoln County on Monday as thousands from Montana, Idaho and beyond gathered in town as the population swelled to numerous times its normal census.

   It was a day to celebrate the country’s 235th and Troy’s 120th birthdays.

   “We’re visiting family in Coeur d’Alene, and we decided to come here for the Fourth,” said Theresa Ovesen of Elizabethton, Ky.

  “I absolutely love it here, the mountains. I went for a run this morning, and it was just terrific.”

   Oveson was with her husband, son, parents and a cast of family members numbering 18 from all over the country, including Providence, Rhode Island, Indiana as well as Idaho.

  The Ovesons were watching the parade while their son collected candy.

  The parade featured fire engines, classic cars, motorcycles and even a logging truck to commemorate the area’s rich logging heritage.

   There was a live theater presentation of “Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves” at the Lincoln Theatre and plenty of food, a car show, vendors, games and entertainment at Roosevelt Park.