As much as this Common Tater loves controversy, I see a simple solution to Coeur d’Alene Fourth of July parade flap involving Kootenai County veterans, the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce and developer Marshall Chesrown. The Pappy Boyington Detachment 966 of the Marine Corps League saw red when it learned the name of the annual Independence Day event: Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce’s Black Rock Fourth of July Festival. I would object because the name’s too long. But the local vets were angry that Chesrown bought naming rights for the festival for a contribution of $10,000. Said Dusty Rhoads, president of Vietnam Veterans Chapter 673: “Independence Day is not for sale.” Actually, Chesrown deserves a helping of Sweet Potatoes for stepping up with his checkbook when previous sponsor First Bank declined to underwrite the event again this year. Yes, last year’s parade was called in part: First Bank Fourth of July Festival. Seems some – many? – of the veterans didn’t know about past sponsors, including Tom Addis Dodge and D.A. Davidson. They have a legitimate beef about protecting the independence of this country’s most hallowed day. But here’s one time when negotiations woulda been better than a unilateral attack against a relative newcomer trying to be a good corporate citizen. The solution proposed by KGA morning man Dick Haugen in my Huckleberries Online blog this week? Simply rename the event, “The American Heroes Independence Day Festival sponsored by Black Rock.” Can’t we all just get along?

---

---