And the winner is

by Gladys Shay
| August 4, 2004 11:00 PM

We enjoy attending a variety of events sponsored by organizations and others throughout the year. They are usually free or inexpensive.

I attended the first Space Day 2003 in Kalispell last year. Highlight for me was riding in Breezy Bob's aircraft. We had fun looking at the various aircraft on display, listening to the LeftOver Biscuits, and meeting new and old friends.

We went to Space Day again this year. Special feature was flyover by F-16s from Malmstrom Air Base, Great Falls. As usual, I bought tickets to help with Cadet programs for Flathead Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol-U.S. Air Force Auxiliary. I don't expect to be a winner, but donate.

I had just returned home from a vacation when the telephone rang. It was 2nd Lt. Kevin Kasperson, education officer for the Flathead Composite Squadron of the C.A.P. Kevin said he had the name of the winner of an hour's airplane ride and the special quilt. I had him wait while I grabbed my pen and paper. Kevin started out by saying, "Winner was Gladys Shay." It was exciting and unexpected.

The beautiful quilted wall hanging "Freedom of Flight" was presented to me during the Junior C.A.P. meeting. It was made by Louise Horner-Moon, Whitefish, with inscription "Made for the Civil Air Patrol of Kalispell, Montana, for Space Day May 1, 2004."

She gave "special thanks to the Mooney Aircraft Co. Inc. for the use of their 1965 logo." It's centered with a Mooney airplane and logo is in the bottom corner The airplane ride will be with Scott Richardson, Kalispell, in his Mooney airplane. He's president of the Kalispell Airport advisory board.

Mooney Aircraft Corp. was founded in 1929 in Wichita, Kan. Incidentally, that's the year Kalispell Airport was dedicated.

Another family adventure is attending the annual Amish auction in the Yaak near Eureka. Quilts, wall hangings, rag rugs, cabins, gazebos, log furniture and more are auctioned. A variety of items are available at other handicrafter booths. We enjoyed visiting with Arlene and Wayne Hulford.

Standing Arrow Powwow at Elmo is favorite event for our family get-togethers. I went with Gail, Brynn and Aaron this year. Impressive grand entry at one o'clock (on time) includes color guard with Native American servicemen and veterans, shawl, jingle and other dancers of all ages. First event was drumming competition. Then we went to the stick games and, as usual, didn't understand them. Games are fun to watch.

Next family event was attending the annual Skydiving Boogie at Lost Prairie. It's an international week-long event. It was exciting to watch Joel Atkinson make his 409th and 410th skydives. Gail introduced us to Matt, young Alaskan skydiver who lives north of Fairbanks. Joel and Matt met when skydiving at Wasilla, Alaska, and Matt wanted to skydive at Lost Prairie.

I was unable to attend the Sunset Dive during the blue moon, July 31. It's concluding event for the annual Skydiving Boogie. We're looking forward to the horse races and the Fair this month.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.