Local Plans for the Country’s 250th Anniversary in the (Fire) Works

“I was approached by lifelong friend Dick Nichols, who asked me to put on a fireworks show for the 250^th celebration of the signing of the [Declaration of] Independence. I am not sure why he asked me, maybe because he knew I would not turn him down,” Matlock said. She continued, “After he left, I got to thinking that I needed to do more than shoot-off fireworks, as that can't happen until dark in July. So, it sent my little wheels to thinking of what should be included.”

Discussing how this event will compare to ones in the past, Matlock said, “When I took my management job in 2007, I was given the task to put on the 4^th of July fireworks. I did try to have a ‘day of events’ a couple times, but most people are out on the water enjoying the summer. This one will start about 4 p.m. in the afternoon, with no real ‘start,’ unless people want to be part of the opening ceremony and the speakers. The fireworks and/or drone show will go off at about 9:30 p.m.”

Matlock stated that she is a huge supporter of the military and those that protect and serve, and plans to include both military and law enforcement in the festivities. “I will be inviting all that have served in the military to come and be recognized, along with all those that protect and serve. I come from a background to serve. My dad is a retired World War II B-25 pilot, my oldest brother is a retired Lieutenant General, and my other brother is a retired county deputy and retired State Trooper. There were so many that fought and remain fighting for our freedom,” she said.

According to Matlock, some of the goals of the event are “to give people not only a history lesson, but to give people a sense of how we got here, and why it is important to do everything we can to remain free.” Encouraging unity, she said, “We don't have to agree, but we need to be able to reach across the table and work back-to-back to see everything that may take this away.” Matlock said she hopes this event can bring people together to create solid communities, saying, “You never know with an event, you just open the doors and welcome people in, and it takes on a life of its own.” 

As far as the specifics of the plans, she shared, “I have several thoughts – I applied to the City of Colville for funds to pay for fireworks and some celebratory events. I have reached out to the Boy Scouts to put on the retiring of the flags, as I don't think a lot of people understand how that ceremony takes place. We will also have the folding of the flag (demonstration) and (talk about) what that means. Again, I don't think a lot of the public knows why this is important. Dick Nichols will speak on the history of the signing of the declaration.”

Matlock confirmed that there will be a couple fellows parachuting in with the American Flag and she is working on a fly-by from Fairchild Airfare Base. She said that some people are putting together a barbershop quartet, and that the bell choir and the local orchestra are performing. “I have spoken to a few musicians that will be performing as well. Everything is preliminary of course, but the wheels are turning,” she related.

Matlock said she would like to have sponsorships to offset the food vendors’ costs to the public. “For example, if your hot dog is normally $5, I would hope to have it free or maybe at $1. I have several ideas on vendors. I will have kids games and some adult games as well, with the help of those I have not yet asked.” Old-fashioned events will be highlighted, including: a three-legged race, corn hole tournament, pie-eating contest, tug-a-war, “and anything out of the box,” she said.

Matlock said that she has reached out to Chewelah and Kettle Falls officials, and plans to get in touch with officials in Northport, Republic, and Pend Oreille County as well, about collaborating on a scavenger hunt between the towns. “I am hoping that people will get behind this event,” Matlock said. “I struggle with people taking advantage of thousands of people in town for the Rodeo or the Fair to put on sales or ‘Welcome to Town’ signs. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to put on a great face and coordinate.”

 For more information, contact Matlock at LMatlock@stevenscountywa.gov.