The Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce had the opportunity to
receive input from hundreds of Rexburg residents through a petition brought to
the board at one of its regular scheduled meetings. The request from those listed on the petition
was to change the name of the 4th of July celebration from Whoopee
Days to Independence Day.
After much discussion, the board voted to make the
change. A very patriotic presentation of
our country’s history, founding fathers, and freedom was the determining
factor.
“In the end, the board felt that in view of all those who
have sacrificed so much for our country, that showing respect for them was the
most important point to be made at this particular time of year while at the
same time preserving some of the history and heritage of our community,” stated
Brad Wolf, Chamber President.
There will; however, be two events that will retain the
Whoopee Days reference and that is the rodeo and the golf tournament. The theme for the parade this year will be “Education-
the Foundation of Freedom.” The grand
marshal will be “Teachers”, those who provide our youth with the education
which is the foundation of freedom.
“It was a very emotional and heated discussion,” stated
Donna Benfield, Executive Director of the Rexburg Area Chamber of
Commerce. “There were several who felt
strongly that we should keep the longstanding tradition.”
I like to thank all the signers of the petition and those
who helped me with this project. Thank
you, Chamber of Commerce for honoring the petition.
Now, our next goal should be to make the parade a truly
patriotic event, one which honors those who fought so hard to give us FREEDOM!!
Niny Christensen
Rexburg, Idaho
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