They are all around us and often taken for granted: dedicated men and women who make a difference in our community by helping others. On June 6, the community will hold a Day of Heroes event at Coeur d’Alene City Park to recognize local individuals who have made a meaningful contribution to the community through their hard work, acts of service, or acts of heroism.

“Countless people in our community make a difference every day—from the police officer who assists a citizen in need to the 911 dispatcher who calmly handles an emergency call to the paramedic who saves a life,” said Coeur d’Alene Mayor Steve Widmyer. “The goal is to honor these individuals for the services they selflessly fulfill.”

Other categories include staff of the departments who are members of special response teams such as search and rescue, hazmat, and local dive teams.

“Since this is a day of honoring these local heroes, we are encouraging the community to dress up as their favorite super hero,” said Matt Rowe of The Gateway Fellowship, which is hosting the event in cooperation with the cities of Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, Post Falls, and Rathdrum.

Day of Heroes will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at City Park and will include games and activities for the whole family. Attendees may bring a picnic or take advantage of local food vendors. The free event will also include live music, family obstacle courses, bouncing castles, super hero face painting, a “dunk the mayors” dunk tank and much more.

Do you know somebody who exemplifies these characteristics? This is your chance to nominate them for a Local Hero Award. There are several ways to nominate a local hero through May 25:

• Online at www.dayofheroes.org

• Any Mountain West Bank, Idaho Independent Bank, or Inland Northwest Bank located in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Rathdrum, or Hayden

• Any Super One store located in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Hayden, or Rathdrum

• Any of the City Halls in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Hayden, or Rathdrum

• In person or by mail at The Gateway Fellowship, 1165 W. Ironwood Drive, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83814.

For more information, contact Matt Rowe at (208) 651-2698 or email him at [email protected].