First C-Falls O-Mok-See was held at ball park

First O-Mok-See and horse show sponsored by Rocky Mountain Riders Saddle Club in Columbia Falls took place Aug. 27, 1950. It is a certainty that some of those ambitious club members are still here today. If not, family members have their memories.

Dancing was to the music of the Hans Enerson orchestra at the Cozy Corner on Saturday night. O-Mok-See was held at the town ball park near the railroad tracks.

The name O-Mok-See was traced to Browning Blackfeet Indians and means "riding big." It was first adopted by Helena Saddle Club in 1944. State Saddle Club Association voted in favor of the designation for all saddle club events instead of more general term "gymkana."

A parade with Kalispell Elks Drum and Bugle Corps leading 125 horses and riders started Sunday events. It was estimated between 1,000 and 1,500 persons attended the O-Mok-See. There were 35 contestants from saddle clubs in Columbia Falls, Kalispell, Jocko Valley and Hot Springs. Merchant awards and ribbons were awarded winners in events for men, women and children.

Special features were Western pleasure and Western gaited categories, with accent on performance and appearance of horses. Entertainment was provided by George Butzlaff and his trained mule, along with Leonard Gray and his trained Shetland pony. Cal Crouch announced events using Bill Nadeau's P.A. system. Frank Lundstrom won the steer give-away. Darrel Caley and E. J. Lundstrom were in charge of the new chuck wagon, with Ray Ellman and crew assisting.

Other saddle club committees included Mrs. Vi Greene, Mrs. Toni Burke and Mrs. Mamie Weaver, registration; Mrs. Marge Wilson, steer ticket drawing; Gary Bergan, refreshments; and Don Doane and Henry Larkin, parade. Art Weaver was Rocky Mountain Riders Saddle Club president. Tom Wilson was president of the Western Division of Montana Saddle Clubs. Entertainment committee for the next club meeting were Mr. and Mrs. Jim Ellman, Wilma Thacker, Delores Brunette and Mrs. Joyce Steele.

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