Parade made successful by volunteers
There is a lot of behind the scenes activity in providing our community a safe and fun Independence Day parade.
It takes a committee with people like Chelsea Sellers of Keller Williams Realty, John Howard of Payne West Insurance, Karin Henion of Flathead Bank, Professional Painter Bryant Bach and PTA member Joni Isaman working together with Chamber director Heather Burnham to create a parade that runs smoothly. Along side us are people like Ryan and Brad at the Bigfork UPS Store who have gone above and beyond our expectations by supporting this event with their printing expertise and assistance with our judges’ station.
In the spirit of volunteerism, Scoutmaster Brian Sugden and his boys from Troop 1923, along with K.C. Isaman and Graham Sellers, pitched in with decorating help in the early morning hours. Thanks boys!
In case you didn’t know, the Bigfork 4th of July parade is a total volunteer event. This is why we are so thankful when businesses like Celebrate Events and Party Rentals so generously loan us tents. And Marina Cay lends a golf cart so we can be where we need to in a short time. Our parade draws thousands of people from all over the valley. It is nothing short of wonderful to have the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office as well as the Sheriff Posse assist us with traffic. Their presence helps the day run much smoother. And, our village was much cleaner after the parade thanks to Bryant Bach, George Wilcoxen, and our Washington D.C.-bound elementary students for stepping up to the plate to help with a task that no one else wanted to do. Hats off to all of you.
It was fun to start the day with our National Anthem at 10 a.m. Thank you, Tonja King for sharing your day with us. Another highlight for me on parade day is having The Community Band play during the parade. The 4th just wouldn’t be the same with out them. When the VFW presented the “Colors” and we were twice blessed with amazing singing as Robin Gough sang a medley ending in the Star Spangled Banner. Thank you, Robin. There is such talent in Bigfork. When you see these fine folk, be sure and tell them thank you.
Judging so many entries is a momentous task for our judges. Last week I introduced you to our military veteran judges. In addition to those fine men we are thankful to have members from the Bigfork PTA, Joni Isaman, Kristen Broughton and Jen Bach, as well as Michelle Hellwig and Rebecca Denning from Bigfork Family Practice, Bigfork High School art teacher Sarah Taylor, Professional Painter Bryant Bach and Ann Lamm from Montana Cad. Talent spots talent. Thank you judges for a job well done. Yes I know, you want to know who won the gorgeous red white and blue rosette ribbons.
The winners are: GRAND PRIZE
Chamber Award, Swan River Gardens.
ARTISTRY
First Place, the Montana Highlanders Bagpipers
Second Place, Flathead Bank of Bigfork
Third Place, Rocky Mountain Bank
ENTERTAINMENT
First Place, Flathead Lake Lodge
Second Place, the Montana Highlanders Bagpipers
Third Place, Bigfork/Whitefish Dance
CREATIVITY
First Place, Rocky Mountain Bank
Second Place, National Park Realty
Third Place, Bigfork Aces
PATRIOTISM
First Place, Bigfork Summer Playhouse
Second Place, Flathead Bank of Bigfork
Third Place, Giddy up Uncle Sam
Awards will be presented July 10 at the Chamber Sundowner. All winners should contact the Bigfork Chamber of Commerce for directions to the event. Each year we have a parade theme and guidelines to follow. Make a note to visit www.bigfork.org to plan for our 2015 celebration.
To close out the parade, many people topped off the parade by enjoying a barbecue lunch hosted by our very own fire department. This was a simply delicious way to end the parade. Memorabilia tee-shirts are still available, so stop by the Fire Hall and pick one up for your collection. Thank you, Chief Wayne Loeffler, and all your crew for your support in a variety of ways during this parade. We appreciate each of you for all the things you do for our community. And to our beloved public, YOU make the parade fun. Thank you for taking part in all your patriotic ways. Until next year, I invite each of you to consider how you might participate in the biggest and best 4th of July parade in Montana.
— Kim Jones organizes the Bigfork Independence Day Parade