The Rathdrum Lions Club is seeking up to 120 volunteers to staff a parking program at the North Idaho State Fair, with all proceeds directed to assist victims of recent Spokane-area wildfires. The fair runs August 21–30 at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, and the club aims to maximize community support through coordinated volunteer efforts during the event’s peak attendance period.
How the Fundraiser Works
Volunteer shifts run four to five hours, with each participant expected to generate approximately $25 per hour—totaling roughly $100 per shift. Volunteers will fill multiple roles, including ticket sales, ticket checking at the rodeo grounds, and parking assistance. In exchange for their service, each volunteer receives one admission ticket to the fair and one parking pass per shift.
The Rathdrum Lions Club’s commitment to disaster relief reflects a broader tradition at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds. Last year, multiple nonprofit volunteer groups collectively raised nearly $300,000 for charitable causes through similar fair-week initiatives, demonstrating the fundraising potential of organized community participation across Kootenai County.
A Service Organization’s Mission
Joseph “Hippy Joe” Hume, chair of the Rathdrum Lions Club, emphasized the organization’s core purpose. “We are a service organization. Our mission is to serve,” Hume told the Coeur d’Alene Press, underscoring the club’s focus on addressing community needs.
Alexcia Jordan, general manager of the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, praised the Lions’ track record of stepping up during crises. “Lions are one of those groups who always seem to go above and beyond to help someone who needs it. I think they’ll do an exceptional job,” Jordan told the source.
Getting Involved
Residents interested in volunteering can contact Joseph “Hippy Joe” Hume directly at 208-269-5460 or via email at [email protected]. The club is actively recruiting to fill all 120 volunteer positions for the fair’s ten-day run.
The Spokane fire victims relief effort reflects the broader civic commitment evident in North Idaho communities, where organizations like the Lions Club routinely mobilize resources for those facing hardship. Community groups across Kootenai County have similarly mobilized around other local causes, demonstrating a pattern of grassroots support for neighbors in need.