A good time was had by all

The Columbia Falls 2004 Concert Series concluded with musical entertainment well attended at Marantette Park, perfect weather, and "surprise ending."

Lion Don Lawrence promised "a surprise" at the final concert. This was provided by Emmette Atkins, Columbia Falls student. He piped his way around the Amphitheater, surprising musicians and concert-goers, when the Brass Werks and Three Roses and a Thorn paused briefly between selections.

Emmette's bagpipe solo provided the final musical selection for the season. He's a member of Montana Highlanders and, judging from applause, they would be welcome for the 2005 season.

Dorothy Quick, retired longtime School District 6 secretary, won the grand prize drawing, an overnight in the presidential suite, awarded by the White Oak Grand Hotel. Columbia Falls Lions Club chipped in with $50 cash to buy meals during the mini-vacation.

Dorothy has attended virtually every concert since the Lions started sponsoring them. Her daughter, Roberta Struck, is active in several Flathead bands and orchestras.

Victor St. Martin, Kalispell, received the two-day passes given by Blacktail Mountain Ski Area.

Prize winners in the Recap Matchup contest were Mike Valler, Lois Smith, Linda Beeker, Barbara Lawrence, Evelyn Laber and Jim Senger. They were from Whitefish, Kalispell and Columbia Falls.

Ken Schrock, Las Vegas, received the $10 gift certificate given by Sunrise Bakery. Church Women United also donated lap robes this year.

There were two "double headers" during the summer, which resulted in 10 participants for the eight concerts. Contributions from corporate sponsors are mainly responsible for financing expenditures to musicians.

Donors were Big Mountain Resort, Church Women United, Columbia Mortuary, Columbia Falls Aluminum Co., Columbia Falls Realty, Flathead Electric Cooperative, Glacier Bank, Glacier Campground, Dr. Robert Hager, J.C.C.S. CPAs, P.C., Kaplan and Chisholm, LLP, Mike's Conoco, Nite Owl, Dr. Roger Newman, Frank Talley and Whitefish Credit Union.

Donations of $3 from individuals and $5 family rate were appreciated by the Lions Club. Any funds not required to finance concert costs are used for community projects sponsored by the Lions.

The attractive wooden collection boxes were made and donated by Leo Renfrow. They replaced coffee cans used in previous years.

Cooperation from news media, Meadow Lake Resort and the Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce for publicizing concerts was great.

Lions also appreciated extra efforts by park employees for taking care of the reader board and the Marantette Park lawn throughout the season.

Mark L. Johnson and Don Lawrence were concert committee members for the Lions Club. Ed Smollack is club president.

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