Idahoans marked the Fourth of July, still swelled with pride from the "Celebration of the Century" spectacular that drew tens of thousands to the capital city for a statehood centennial party.
An estimated 35,000 people jammed Boise streets for a host of Idaho Centennial observances marking President Benjamin Harrison's July 3, 1890, signing of legislation making Idaho the nation's 43rd state.Events continued Wednesday, but those aimed at bringing Idaho's yearlong centennial celebration to a crescendo were reserved for Statehood Day. Twelve hours of the birthday bash were televised statewide via satellite.
"The spirit of the centennial will regenerate itself in time," Idaho Centennial Commission Chairman Harry Magnuson, a northern Idaho mining executive, said during a sometimes emotional 90-minute Statehouse ceremony.
"It is a spirit that is constructive and productive. It bridges political party lines, spans the interests of all ages, transcends geographical barriers, reaches our hearts and instills good will."
The statehood ceremony, featuring dignitaries from throughout the state and region, as well as a number of foreign countries, went off without a hitch and right on schedule. It was capped by a 43-cannon salute and a flyover of four Idaho National Guard jets. Those attending then were invited to share in an 800-pound birthday cake in the shape of Idaho.
"Today is a gift to all of us, a gift that we will remember and enjoy long after this day has ended," Gov. Cecil Andrus told the crowd.
"There are many wonderful things about this celebration, but I do believe the very best thing is that more than any event in our history, this centennial has brought Idahoans together as a people," the governor said.
It was a sunny and calm day with temperatures in the high 70s, which was a relief to members of the sponsoring Idaho Centennial Commission. Just a day earlier, it was rainy, cold and windy, leaving commission members worried that five years of planning would go down the drain.
Tuesday's events began with the arrival at the Union Pacific Depot of a historic, steam-driven train that has been making a cross-state centennial trek. Andrus and other officials were taken from the train in antique automobiles for the Statehouse ceremony. Many were dressed in top hats, tails and elegant gowns typical of the 1890s.
"We're stronger than we've ever been," the governor said, repeating a theme from his campaign for an unprecedented fourth term. "We have every reason to pause and celebrate and show the pride that we have in our state and in one another."
Tuesday evening, Marla Payne of Blackfoot won the $100,000 top prize in the Idaho Lottery Commission's $240,000 Centennial Celebration drawing. Nine other prizes from $50,000 to $5,000 also were awarded. Later, the 20,000-seat Bronco Stadium was sold out for the "Celebrate Idaho Centennial Show." It included a dancing and music extravaganza and a lavish fireworks display, as well as a naturalization ceremony for 26 new U.S. citizens.
At the Statehouse ceremony, Salmon native Richard Shoup, a former Montana congressman and mayor of Missoula and great-grandson of Idaho's first governor, George L. Shoup, read portions of a letter from his ancestor, written shortly after Idaho became a state.
But Magnuson seemed to best sum up the centennial theme in his remarks, calling the observances a chance to "celebrate a historically rich past, a present time burgeoning with cultural potential and a future bright with renewed spirit and conviction."
"There is a genuine pride to be a native Idahoan. The sense of identity it offers is much stronger than in other states. Idaho offers tremendous satisfaction to those who have become Idahoans by choice," Magnuson said.
"Idaho's challenging geographical barriers have often been cited as one of the unfortunate drawbacks of living in Idaho," he said.
"Yet we love this state, not in spite of its geography but because of it," he added.