Troy Fourth of July celebration features fireworks, food and fun

The Fourth of July events are sure to entertain patrons this week in Troy, where celebration plans are set for  parents and children alike. 

The celebration kicks off a day early with the Tender Loving Quilters’ quilt show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, in Troy.

Then, on America’s Independence Day, breakfast will be served from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Roosevelt Park, where community members can meet and enjoy company before the cherished Fourth of July parade, starting at 11 a.m. The parade will begin on St. Regis Haul Road, and continue along U.S. Highway 2.

The Cruzer’s Car Show will open at 12:30 p.m. at Roosevelt Park. Local automobile owners, as well as owners from across the Northwest and Canada, have submitted cars for display. Event Chairman Darren Coldwell reported the numbers of entries are nearing 100 cars.

Plays have been one of Troy’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July celebrations, and continue with this year’s edition of “Snow White,” performed by the Pitiful Players. A nearly 50-minute play, the program will show at 1 and 3 p.m. at the Lincoln Theatre. As with all Pitiful Player Productions, all showings will be free to the public. 

The cast is composed of local talent both young and old. Veteran performers may be recognized from past productions such as “The Curse of the Pitiful Pirates,” and “The Caveman of the Kootenai,” and “The Purloined Players.”

Also at one o’clock, the live music will commence with the rockin’-bluegrass string band quartet that is the Dodgy Mountain Men.

Following acts include local groups known as Alan Lane, the Pam, Crystal and Julie group, The Fractured and Area 56, each set for an hour of stage time. The band Shiner will top the night off as the main event at 8:00 p.m. Coldwell explained Shiner as a great cover band from the Spokane area, performing hits from the 50s to modern music.

Fireworks are scheduled for 11:00 p.m. to be lit off from the Roosevelt Park for all to enjoy.

“I’m especially excited for the fireworks show,” said Coldwell. “It’s going to be, once again, one of the best in the northwest. This year especially.” 

Local law enforcement will be adding extra patrol support over July 4 weekend in Libby and Troy. The department recognizes the celebration weekend as one of the deadliest of the year.

“Too many people die each year due to those who choose to drive impaired,” said Chief Robert McLeod, “so law enforcement will be out in full force this fourth of July, showing zero tolerance for impaired drivers. This is a time of year with many parties and celebrating, but there is nothing to celebrate if you get a DUI, crash your vehicle, injure or kill someone.”

Chief McLeod offered several key points to keep patrons safe during the holidays, such as designating a driver or arrange to be picked up. Seatbelts are always a legal requirement.

Those hosting a party should help coordinate rides for guests, or offer guests to spend the night. Crashing on a couch is an obvious scenario choice over crashing a car.

Bus services will be available after the parade. Recurring pick-up and drop-off will be held at Morrison Elementary, Troy High School, Troy Activity Center and Roosevelt Park.