The Outsiders

RONAN — In an era in which kids are resorting to time-wasters for entertainment such as television, video games and movies, Tom Fieber and many other Mission Valley community members are doing their best to ensure that kids have the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors.

For the second straight year, Fieber helped host the Youth Outdoor Fair at the Ronan Community Center in an effort to get children out of the house and into the wilderness with family and friends.

“It’s about getting kids involved in outdoor activities,” Fieber said.

Western Montana has so much to offer in the way of outdoor recreation but sometimes, kids don’t have the chance to experience it, for one reason or another. Through the outdoor fair, Fieber is aiming to change that.

“A lot of these kids never get this opportunity,” Fieber said.

On Saturday, children shot bows, dart rifles and air rifles, identified fish and wildlife and worked on their fishing skills to win prizes. At the end of the night, drawings were held for more prizes, including a mountain bike.

Youths also had the chance to learn, with CSKT providing a booth to teach children about fisheries and water habitat. The fair, which hosted roughly 15 exhibitors, also offered field trips and events kids can partake in to pique their interests.

“It’s not just things for (Saturday),” Fieber said.

Fieber said that through last year’s fair, children got to do things they might not normally do. He’s hoping that this year, and subsequent years, will be able to have the same result.

“It was pretty successful last year,” Fieber said.

Among the activities for kids to get involved in beyond the fair include, but aren’t limited to, a 3D archery shoot, a steak ride and a hike searching for shed antlers.

Proceeds from the event, via ticket and food sales, went to the local Boy Scouts and the Lake County 4-H Shooting Program.

The field trips and events will be great chances for kids to get out and enjoy the best of what Montana has to offer. Because of the Youth Outdoor Fair, more kids are able to enjoy the hidden treasures of the Treasure State.