$2,600 raised for Boys and Girls Clubs

RONAN — The sweet sound of the fiddle mixed with the twang of the banjo in the Ronan City Park last week, raising more than $2,600 for charity.  

The Bus Driver Tour band played a free concert surrounded by American flags and the stunning backdrop of a Montana sunset for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ronan and Polson.  

John Schnase, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club, said they held the event last year and the public liked it so much they did it again.

“It’s a good family night, a good family activity,” he said.

The fundraising came from sales of burgers from a homemade grill. All of the funds went directly to the club, Janette Rosman said. Rosman ran the event and said donations from sponsors covered the cost of the band.

“It was a perfect night,” she said. “I prayed for hot weather.”

The grill was made and manned by Jerry Smith of Charlo. Smith owns and operates Steel Dreams Mobile Welding and Repair.  He created his barbecue, that doubles as a smoker, out of an old propane tank.  Smith said Rosman asked if he would cook for the concert and Smith agreed to support the cause free of charge.

After dinner, the crowd settled in to listen to the music on lawn chairs and blankets spread throughout the park.  While children played, so did the band.

Rosman said when she contacted the band via email they told her they would be here in five weeks.  The band travels around the state playing shows in small Montana towns, and was slated to play in Big Timber the following night.

Craig and Dayna McClure of Polson were two of several in attendance who danced to the band’s country sound.  They said they heard about the event from a friend and were glad to attend.

“It’s a good cause and we want to support it. This is the least we can do,” Craig said.

Rosman said there are around 120 kids participating in programs at the Ronan club and around 50 involved with the Polson club who would benefit from the money raised from last week’s event.

If you missed out on the concert, but still want to support the Boys & Girls Club, there’s still time to register for the Polson Mud Run at the Polson Fairgrounds.

To register or for more information contact 883-5623 or 676-5437.