Thanksgiving a community affair

Since I spent only a little time hunting this fall, it was a bit of a shock to realize hunting season is almost over. As usual, Mark Heaphy shot a nice bull elk. He is famous for hiking into the backcountry to get his meat. As a result, he bones it out and he and wife Margaret pack it out on their backs. This year was a bit different as he shot his elk within a mile of the road, so it was easier. I and my elderly friends tend to hunt areas where we can get a pickup or ATV close to anything we shoot. Needless to say, Mark’s success rate is much better than ours.

All told, it has been a pretty normal hunting season, even though there is less snow than usual. Deer are pretty easy to find and elk are elusive. That is what makes the hunt fun – getting outdoors, snappy mornings, brisk days and terrific scenery.

Over a hundred folks, many of the North Forkers, attended John Fraley’s book signing at Kalispell’s Central School Museum. In addition, 40 more were turned away due to overcrowding. No doubt this is because John doesn’t conduct a normal book signing. There is the usual table stacked with books and the author is there to sign books with a personal note, but there is also much more.

John has a big TV, a marvelous Powerpoint show featuring photos that appear in the book and an entertaining narrative that lasts about an hour. His research has filled in the gaps of often-told stories, brought to light stories that had been mostly forgotten, and informs us of at least some of the fantastic “rangers, trappers and trailblazers” that came to the Flathead in the early days of the twentieth century. These early pioneers and their wives, in many cases, were strong, determines folks that overcame the challenges of a tough environment, made homes for themselves and led the way for those who came after them.

John was sorry people had to be turned away and promised more presentations in the near future.

This week is Thanksgiving. As usual, Steve Berg and his corps of volunteers will host this major event at Sondreson Hall. Doors will open at 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day and food will be served at 4 p.m.

The North Fork Landowners Association and the Bergs will provide the turkey, ham and mashed potatoes and the community members will bring pot-luck side dishes.

Usually, about 80 people attend and the food is plentiful and tasty and everyone has a great time. The food is better than good and more than plentiful, but the best of the day are the people.

Like the first Thanksgiving hosted by the Pilgrims, this North Fork celebration is truly a community affair. Republicans, Democrats, people of all faiths – or no faith – gather together to give thanks for the place we live, the freedom we have and our hopes of a better future. I hope to see you all there. The things we have in common far outweigh any differences we may have.

What do you think?

Larry Wilson’s North fork Views appears weekly in the Hungry Horse News.