Plenty of 4th of July events planned
Mission and Jocko Valley communities are gearing up for the Fourth of July holiday. Here's the rundown of planned events:
POLSON
The Hellroaring Detachment of the Marine Corps League has announced the Polson parade theme is "American Pastimes."
Registration starts at 8 a.m. on July 4 at the Linderman Gym. All entries are welcome — they'll include vintage and classic cars, drill formations, farm machinery, livestock, floats, bands, horses and riders, horse drawn buggies/wagons, etc. Prizes will be awarded in several categories.
The parade will form on Sixth Ave. E. and start down Main Street at 12 noon, turning east on Third Ave. and south again at First St. E.
The fireworks show starts about 10:45 p.m. A cooperative effort between the League, Wholesale Fireworks Store, and many private donors, the fireworks will be set off by Jack Cross' team from the Flathead River at the old regatta grounds.
For more information, call James Raymond, 883-5511.
BIG ARM
The Big Arm Association (BAA) will host the First Annual Boat Parade, Tuesday, July 4, at 7:30 p.m. The parade will begin at the Elmo state fishing access, pass Meadowlark Point, past La Riviera and Sunny Shores, then to Melita Island and back to Sunny Shores, parade endpoint.
Captain Charlie Becker will attend the helm. Interested parties may call 849-6628 or 849-5636 to register or for more information.
RONAN
The Ronan Independence Day parade starts at 6 p.m. Line up at Hospital, 7th Ave. and Main Street at 5:30. Parade Route: Around the nursing home and hospital, down Main Street to First, First to Round Butte Road, Round Butte to Third, and Third Ave. to the fairgrounds.
At the Ronan city park from 2 to 5 p.m., boat rides, kids' art and face painting, kids' nail painting, fishing derby, tug o' war, popcorn and soda pop, karaoke for kids, and much more.
Starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Fairgrounds there will be hometown carnival games, a greased pole climb, dump seat, electric cars, cake walk, kiddie train, golf chipping, kids' spider ride, pony rides, beer garden, hot dogs, hamburgers, soft drinks, sno-cones, cotton candy, barbecued sandwiches and more.
Fireworks take place later at night.
ST. IGNATIUS
The Scott Family of St. Ignatius invites everyone to their 20th annual barbecue/potluck and fireworks display on July 4. Activities begin at 7 p.m. No alcohol please. Bring your own utensils. Barbecued pork is provided.
If your name begins with one of the corresponding letters, A-Z, please bring the corresponding potluck dishes: A-C, vegetable tray; D-F, fruit tray; G-P, salads; Q-S, desserts; T-Z, hot dishes.
Fireworks start at dusk.
The event is at 61574 Hillside Rd., St. Ignatius. Go two miles East on Airport Rod; second intersection, turn right (south); go one-half mile to a green mail ox. Look for signs. Questions? Call 745-3218 or 544—3433.
CHARLO
Charlo's downtown excitement includes booths, food, raffles and fun for all. Its fireworks show starts at dusk on Monday, July 3, in the ball park across from the railroad tracks.
Then on July 4, the big parade on Main street starts at noon. Sponsors urge folks to make this a special holiday, America's favorite day for freedom. Sponsors say "We give a special tribute to the community of Charlo and all he fine folks for their contributions to make the Fourth a memorable holiday. Kudos to all for their donations and in-kind services to collecting cans for recycling and cash gifts.
ARLEE
The 108th annual Arlee Powwow gets under way today, June 29, with Indian dancing, drumming, stick games and more , and runs through July 4. The public is welcome.
There will be a Fire Department auction on Saturday, July 1, at 10 a.m.
Activities on July 4 start with a Fire Department pancake breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m., followed by the parade at noon, and the 24th annual rodeo.
In these sometimes controversial military days, it is always good and appropriate to express the most heartfelt gratitude to United States veterans for their work and dedication in preserving everyone's freedom. The theme for the 47th annual 4th of July Parade is just that — "Thank a Veteran." To show your appreciation to all veterans, put a float in the parade.
The parade starts at high noon in front of the Arlee High School gym. Register between 9 and 11:45 a.m. Categories include Commercial; Clubs and Organizations; Indian Outfit (adult, group, youth); Western Outfit (adult, group, youth); Novelty/Humorous (adult, youth, group, child); Best Use of Theme, and Patriotic. Cash prizes and trophies are awarded after the parade at the Arlee/Jocko Valley Museum.
For pre-registration or information call Alvaretta Morin at 726-3167.
The Arlee/Jocko Valley Museum extends its Western hospitality to the East as the museum celebrates its season opening with a display entitled "East meets West." The display features colorful artifacts from China, that came here with the flood of Chinese immigrants in the 1800s.
The Chinese population in the Arlee/Jocko Valley hit an all-time high in the late 1800s. At that time Arlee boasted a Chinese laundry and a Chinese theater. Many of the Chinese came for mining opportunities via Butte and to work on the railroad.
The display explores the lives of the Chinese who came to Montana, the customs that they brought with them, how they contributed to the communities and why they left. The museum will open Tuesday July 4, at 9:30 a.m.