Clark Fork is proclaimed to be one of north Idaho's most beautiful getaways. Located on U.S. Highway 200, just 6 miles from the Montana border and 25 miles from Sandpoint, the Clark Fork River empties here into Lake Pend Oreille via a natural wildlife delta that is part of the Pacific corridor for migrating birds. It is surrounded by the Cabinet Range of the Rocky Mountains. Clark Fork still retains many vestiges of the old American West. Wildlife abounds in the Clark Fork Valley. The Clark Fork River is a major spawning tributary of many fish species.
With a population of about 350, the place is said to still have that small town charm, where the most hustle and bustle is the elk and deer playing in the meadows. However, on the Fourth of July every year, the population swells by at least 2,000 people for a memorable parade, with people coming from as far away as Alaska and Massachusetts. Trophies are awarded for the best floats, followed by foot races, food and raffles at Clark Fork Junior/Senior High School. Ice cream and snow cones are plentiful.
This year under near perfect blue skies, for the eighth time in 10 years, the Clark Fork Church float was a proud participant in the parade. Our float sported a white picket fence and summer garden, along with 15 church members, including seven musicians who played lively traditional patriotic hymns. Other members walked alongside, taking advantage of the occasion to pass out 600 GLOW (Giving Light to Our World) tracts to spread the gospel and inspire believers. Church participants enjoyed an Independence Day potluck lunch, welcoming holiday visitors for red, white, and blue fellowship. We celebrated liberty, praising the Lord for many blessings.
