Here I am Again. Ready to expound upon the excitement of Miles City's 4th of July People Parade! So-named because this is a yearly opportunity for YOU to step out of the sidelines and onto the streets and IN a parade yourself!! It becomes more exciting each year as YOUR parade continues to grow through your own imagination.

This year we, the committee, are encouraging you to try the fun of making your own personal or family float for showing-off to your friends and neighbors. Even as simple as a few flowers (real or artificial), maybe a few red-white-and-blue streamers, etc., in a wagon, wheelborrow.....whatever, as YOUR expression of our Day of Independence!

A lot of us single folks also love to dress up a bit for the occasion and get a kick out of just walking, strutting or springing along in the parade and smiling/waving to those on the sidelines who thought WE would be the last person they'd see in a PARADE!

Whatever you decide to do as a participant this year....walk, ride, run or zip on over to GREAT GRAINS HEALTH FOODS, 21 South 9th Street, Miles City, for your FREE ENTRY FORM! (The forms are to be returned by June 29th). Start thinking!!

More details to come for our FOURTH OF JULY PEOPLE PARADE AND THE FESTIVITIES IN RIVERSIDE PARK! Stay tuned!!

Once again Gene's lead-ins to the parade are almost as much fun as the parade itself.

Thanks, Art....(he's just trying to make me feel good, and he DID)!

We had a fine meeting today, reviewing the thousands of elements it takes to make something so exciting look simple. Every one of these fine volunteers work miracles all over town to make every PEOPLE PARADE and the associated festivities memorable each year.
That is, everyone but me. All those details just set me into
"space" mode with just enough brain synapse activity to pick up a pencil and take notes! (WHEW!) And this is why I volunteered to walk at the END of the parade with a sign bouncing off my rear, encouraging you to follow the parade to Riverside Park for a trip back in time. A time when singles and families of folks enjoy a community of shared entertainment, activities, sweets, and culinary delights.

The focal point of the Parade this year is to encourage you, should you wish to participate, in making a FLOAT of your own to enhance this year's procession. (I suggested to the committee that it would be neat to include a CHOCOLATE FLOAT, but they just looked at me strangely for a moment and pressed-on). Actually, though, it was decided to BANK on awarding 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes for the best floats respectively. And sure enough, Stockman Bank, First Interstate Bank, and US Bank came forward the award those prizes! Thank you!!

Now, the criteria for the floats are: Originality, Amount of Actual Construction, plus Quality and Arrangement. (TIP: Floats built from scratch using materials like chicken wire and tissue paper, due to the difficulty, will rank higher than those using prefabricated materials that just rest atop a flatbed trailer). There's not much time left, but we know you can do it!! So, hustle your bustle and show us your stuff! To register, call Scott at 234-5811 or Mary Elizabeth Iron at 234-1900. NO REGISTRATION FEE!

There's so much more to come, so keep your sight on this site!

Later.

P.S.
Do you realize this marks our NINETH YEAR in making this YOUR Parade?

OOPS! I MEANT to say....."Stockman Bank, First Interstate Bank and US Bank came forward TO award these prizes!" Sorry, BRAIN FREEZE!

Greetings once again, 4th of July Festivities fans! Are you making plans or have you begun working on a float for the People's Parade yet? (Remember, it's not really supposed to FLOAT, because THEN people would have to watch the parade in BOATS and we don't want any of that). Think of something very festive that would make the onlookers automatically lock-in on you as you pass by! Get out the chicken wire, staple guns, duct tape (it comes in all colors!), use some whirlgigs, have Aunt Minnie make some red-white-and-blue doilies to string around your masterpiece! Just an idea. But do SOMETHING! We can hardly wait to see what you can do. First, second and third place awards are being provided by Stockman Bank, US Bank and First Interstate Bank for this catagory.

Then there's the Best-of-Bike Contest with no theme, no age limit, and NO FEE! (Gramps could compete with Sunny Boy)! Just think of all the ways you can spiff-up your two-wheeler and generate all those whistles, claps and yahoos! GET PUMPED UP! First place award will be given by Pedal Power Sports. Second place from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. Third place award by Discovery Pond.

And for you motorheads, don't overlook the abbreviated Car Show competition at Riverside Park AFTER the Parade. Each Participant will park his or her car north of the water tower and will receive a number there. REV IT UP! Fourth of July activities attendees will be able to select their favorite vehicles by casting "People's Choice" votes. NAPA Auto Parts sponsors the first place prize, Carquest Auto Parts provides the second place prize and O'Reilly Auto Parts donates the third place award, for this event.


FREE registration forms for all the Parade events are now available at Great Grains Health Foods, 21 South Ninth Street or Pedal Power Sports, 502 Main Street in Miles City.

Lots more information to come! Questions? Call Scott Elder at 234-5811 or Mary Elizabeth Irion at 234-1900. MARCH ON!

Gene, old toot, It sounds like an exciting year. I sure miss being part of this celebration of community. I wish you all the best and I know that with people like you at the helm it will be smooth sailing. The start of the parade is always organized chaos but it always turns out to be great fun and a wonderful day for young and old.

Give my regards to all of the organizers and let them know that I think of them fondly.

Tucker:

Thank you, younger Toot! We all miss you over here and I've taken your place at the end of the parade. (Just keeping my end of it!) Giving my best to you and your tribe, come see us some time!!

To the End.
G

As the "People Parade" draws nearer I'd like to digress, in this installment, from the many other exciting activities involved in this yearly celebration. I think it's important that you know WHO makes these events possible year after year, even though they prefer to work incognito behind the frenzy of getting everything together to make each event successful.

The chief coordinator who moves through town yearly (beginning almost at the END of each celebration) gathering sponsors, non-profit organizations and volunteers is Mary Elizabeth Irion. If you'd think it was a dust devil or whirlwind passing through town on some days....it's HER! Getting permission for Riverside Park far in advance, and nearly uncountable other details that would fry most peoples' brains. Then when WE are "volunteered" into the action, she shows up at the meetings carrying a BACKPACK of statistics that keep our eyeballs rolling until everything is actually underway! (Thankfully, she's left her WHIP at home....so far)!

Scott Elder, of Great grains Health foods, holds up his part in the action at doing such projects as contacting the Montana Highway Officials for permission to use Main Street for your parade, see that signage is posted to clear the route, handle the entry forms, and several other details. MOST importantly, he's the official POOP SCOOP ENGINEER and keeps us, in the following Parade, from stepping in the stuff we generally have to step in the rest of the year!

If you happen to get the Miles City Star, in tonight's edition you'd have seen two names that are all-important in rounding up entertainment at the Riverside Park Gazebo! Kay Weischedel has been doing this for as long as I can remember. And it's not an easy job, what with people cancelling at the last minute or not even showing up. But somehow she manages to get things up and running. She also does a lot of other needed jobs before, during and after the events.

Lynne Weischedel helps greatly, along with her mom, to coordinate Parade participants to get things moving at the startup area. She also directs activities concerning the Food Bank at the park, and, I'm sure, many other details that make each festivity successful. She can be reached at 852-0540.

Jack Larson is also one who gets the entertainment up and running, he gets out his lariat and ropes "them whut has" a musical instrument, either by hand or vocal chord! And is sure that all the needed power equipment is there. GREAT GUY! (Now don't come an' hog-tie me, Jack)!

Art Jacobsen offers lots of great ideas (while I sit next to him with a blank cartoon balloon over my head to match my blank stare). He's helped with getting and handing out flags to you spectators and has gotten people in their respective line-up positions as well. I know he's done other duties, too. His wife Margie helps with signage and other duties. But, alas, this is the last year the Jacobsens will be assisting us, they are moving away to be with family and we'll miss them greatly!! Thanks, Folks!

Thanks to PETE, who has become a part of our team and provides the Main Street Grind for our meetings! And he helps to make other businesses to be aware of our goals. (Come join us each Wednesday until the 4th, at 4:00pm, if you'd like to see us in action or have some suggestions for us). And THANKS AGAIN, PETE!!


I know there are other people who help and have helped along the way and let me take this opportunity to thank you! And let us not forget TUCKER AND GLENNA, who were instrumental in STARTING this great tradition of having YOUR PEOPLES' PARADE!! Right up to the last couple of years when they, too, moved to be closer to family.

BLESS YOU ALL who give so much of your valuable time to make these THE anticipated events each Independence Day!!

(Please forgive me if I've forgotten someone, probably an IMPORTANT someone. And if you have to put my head on the block, please use a RUBBER ax)!

If you'd like to show your talent to the community this 4th of july,
give Kay Weischedel a call at 234-0688 or 853-0975, OR Jack Larson at 951-2556.

For any other questions or suggestions, call Mary Elizabeth Irion at
234-1900. Or Scott Elder at 234-5811, at Great Grains Health Foods where you can pick up your Parade Entries....GET THEM IN EARLY!

'Bye for now.

Bump to the top

WOWZER-DOWZER, only about a half-month to go before YOUR People Parade and activities ARE HERE! Why not get that FLOAT made (but NOT with ICE CREAM)!! Remember, not only will you be having fun producing your very own float, but you COULD win a first, second or third PRIZE for your creation....provided by Stockman Bank, US Bank and First Interstate Bank! WAGONS HO! Or whatever.

Not only are there more catagories in this year's Parade, but more PRIZES as well! The Best-of-Bike Contest has become one of the favorites and does not have any restrictions for decorating. And also not restricted to kids....this contest is for all ages! But the ony basic rule is they MUST be PEOPLE-POWERED! Attendees at our Riverside Park activities will view your entrees at the bicycle corral in the park and vote for first, second and third place awards for this contest as well. Awardees are: FIRST-Pedal Power Sports, SECOND-VFW Auxliary and THIRD-Discovery Pond. Pedal Power Sports also has registration forms for this event.

Remember, Folks, all the events in our Parade are FEE-FREE, it costs NOTHING for you to enter any activities, but pick up your entry forms at GREAT GRAINS HEALTH FOODS, 21 South Ninth street, Miles City. Please get them as soon as possible, the deadline for their return is June 29th!

For any questions concerning the 4th of July activities, or for more information, call Mary Elizabeth Irion at 234-1900 or Scott Elder at 234-5811. Thank You.

A new category has been added to your PEOPLE PARADE this year, more on that and other happenings are still ahead!

[This message has been edited by Gene Larson (6/15/2012)]

Here I am again, as this thread sinks slowly into the abyss of quicksand, being churned by milescity.com activists! Time once again to raise my red, white and blue head to keep you aware of the
ever-nearing Miles City 4th of July celebrations.

As I continue to gather fascinating facts of this year's growing and colorful activities, I thought it would be interesting to reflect on this great community's get-together in its very beginning.

How things have grown, matured and risen from a seed nine years ago to today's full flowering ahead! The very first parade consisted of a few wonderful community-minded patriotic souls, each nearly giving their lives as they marched around parked cars and dodged on-coming ones. It was at once hilarious and frightening to see all the elements, each seemingly detatched from one-another, one walking a dog, another riding a horse, someone walking backwards, someone else high in the air aboard a unicycle, etc. There was very little concern, other than being there and doing SOMETHING to entertain on that glorious 4th of July morning. Those BRAVE INDIVIDUALS WHO SPURRED US ON!!

There were very few details on how this first venture would unfold, but was a very important beginning that instilled a lot of people to build upon a great local tradition. Each succeeding year brought out the enthusiasm of the general public and more details began falling into place. Surprisingly, the main committee was comprised of very few people and hasn't changed a whole lot since then, as far as numbers are concerned. As committee members came and went, it became basically even in number of men and women. Things became a bit more serious as the details that drive these events loomed from a few to HUNDREDS!

Great ideas continue to evolve, among a bit of hissing, snarling, laughing, and "the look," all of us escaping successfully at each meeting's end. Of course I'm exaggerating a bit here, since I'm the most complacent one who usually stares into space and lets the clouds roll by. (I feign my existence by doing a radio spot or two and doing these write-ups to promote what everyone else comes up with).

Indeed, the Miles City Peoples Parade and Activities have come a long, long way since those first brave days and those adventurous folks who first made this possible! And a huge thanks to all of the businesses, non-profit organizations, and volunteers who have made, and continue to make, these annual festivities all that they are.

Colorful details just ahead!

[This message has been edited by Gene Larson (6/18/2012)]

[This message has been edited by Lilly klunder (6/19/2012)]

Once again, the First Baptist Church will be providing a free BBQ in the park after the parade. We will be serving hamburgers, hot dogs and brauts - or is it brats? I never know.....Anyway, we're excited to be a part of the celebration again this year. We are also excited to say we are partnering with Wake Up and Lace Up and are looking forward to working with them. In the past, we've split all proceeds between the VFW and Relay For Life, but are happy to be able to help Wake Up and Lace Up this year! As always, the BBQ is free, but of course we accept donations to go toward importants causes in our community. Thank you in advance for allowing us to be a part of this event, and thanks too for your support of all of the groups who will be represented. Looking forward to a wonderful day!!!

THANK YOU, Cori!! We deeply appreciate all you folks do to help make these and other festivities and community drives the continous successes they are!

See you soon!

G

HOLE-EE DONUT! Time is rolling FAST toward FUNTIMES AHEAD!! As of Wednesday's meeting there were over 29 entries registered for the PEOPLES PARADE and I've just heard of a float-like object being entered recently. And was wondering if someone could actually come up with one that actually FLOATS(?)! Well, at least we know that you can PULL one but I haven't heard of anyone PUSHING a float, other than an ice cream shop. If you do have one under construction, we hope you're doing well with it and BRAVO! Can hardly wait to see how many of you we've excited into making your very own unique unit....press on!!

At least 16 booths have been lined up for the park activities thus far and just think of the possibilities for the variety of treats for your annual "gorge-fest!" Just close your eyes and consider what you'd like to start with first as your thought-provoking images and olfactory nerves come into play: COTTON CANDY....SNOW CONES....OTTER POPS....ICE CREAM....ROOT BEER FLOATS (in red SOLO cups!)....STICKY BUNS....BROWNIES....COOKIES....HOME-MADE PIES....ICE-COLD WATERMELON SLICES....an assortment of drinks....and who knows WHAT else!! Salivating, tummy rumbling yet? GREAT! It's all a part of our Independence Day park-arama, folowing what will be the greatest local PEOPLES PARADE ever!

Have you ever been curious about HAM RADIO and how it works? The Southeastern Montana Amateur Radio Club (SEMARC) member(s) will be at the park following the Parade to give demonstrations. It's exciting! (If you see a strange-looking character standing around in red-white-and blue garb, it'll probably be me). I'm also a member and run a weekly ham radio local net. Come say "Hello!"

Kids will also have plenty of activites including a bounce-house, seeing how much cotton candy they can eat, and fun activites at the south side of the playground, set up by the Custer County Art and Heritage Center, and a chance to have pictures taken with SMOKEY THE BEAR, to name a few.

The 5th Infantry will be at the south end of Riverside Park with historic vehicles and memorabilia, with larger units on the south end of the Oasis.

There'll be plenty of entertainment at the Gazebo and Lions Shelter.
More details forthcoming. And, of course, I'm sure I can add to your entertainment by just walking around the Park....I like to people-watch, too! (Heh-Heh)!

Rmember the scintillating BICYCLE CONTEST and the PEOPLES PARADE CAR CONTEST, both with great prizes! And YOU will be the judge!

More on these events as further information unfolds. It's exciting!
Bye for now!

Gene, if you see Bart, be sure and tell him for me "The tuba and triangle, marching band, reunion tour is off."

These are hard times and I have been forced to sell my triangle case to buy a guitar pick. I know that you would not want me to expose that gleaming, crystalline, harbinger of Um pa pa to the elements.

Oh sure, I will miss playing triangle alongside Bart's, beatific, basso, brass, beat but I will think fondly of each and every one of the "Peoples Parade" participants, proudly, prancing down Historic, Main Street.

Regards from Denver to our second home. "Long may you run."

Tucker and Glenna

Tucker:

And I'M still running! (From WHAT I don't know)! I believe Bart is feeling the weight of the UM-PA-PA these days, besides totally missing your accompanied ethereal triangular enrichments of the "Rear Aggregational Ensemble" which parted in years past. (Whimper)!

What a letdown as the current Parade Mascot, sporting a flag and a whirlygig, trundles along at Parade's end carrying a sign saying: "FOLLOW ME TO THE PARK!" SO MUCH is lost to Time!

We hereby offer our condolences to your loss of that celestial
instrument. (May the ringing in your ears replace its memory)!

WE MISS YOU FOLKS!!

[This message has been edited by Gene Larson (6/25/2012)]

As we proceed toward our annual PEOPLES PARADE and RIVERSIDE PARK ACTIVITIES, let us keep in mind the basic reason we are all able to enjoy these wonderful functions....INDEPENDENCE! Of the realm no other country on earth enjoys! And Miles City's very own privilege includes remembering all who have made, and are continuing to make, our unique festivities an annual possibility. Ninety soldiers from our Montana Army National Guard 260th Engineer Company have been deployed to serve in Afghanistan. Let us be honored by the presence of their families as we continue our celebrations on this 4th of July.

While your entries continue to accumulate, we have around SIXTY so far, the possibilities of the enormity of these coming events become more exciting each day! OUR LITTLE TOWN....THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE IT!!!

Mary Elizabeth Iron, our coordinator, accumulates "fifty-hundred facts" concerning our activities each year. "The Little Whirlwind," I calls her! She states that The Living Way Church youth group will be handing out large flags to the first 200 of you folks who arrive on Main Street to view the Parade. Each year the flags are donated by Steadman's Ace Hardware. And you folks IN the Parade are to begin lining up at 10:00am at the Ursuline Convent on Leighton Boulevard. The Parade will begin at 11:00am.

All the events involved in our 4th of July happenings are rife with exciting elements that would flatten most people. But our "Little Whirlwind" will dazzle you with the large number of events taking place, in tonight's edition of the MILES CITY STAR. Please remember, also, that it takes an unbelievable amount of people to amass and contribute to all the elements it takes for these events to happen. To all those who freely give their time, space and products....and the Committee that labors through the year to make this possible....THANK YOU!!

I'm not through yet, I'll bug you later! KEEP COOL!

Any prizes for horses or horse groups? Doesn't matter cause we like to participate anyway.

Just pop down to Great Grains at 21 S 9Th and sign up. Scott will be happy to fill you in.

Thanks once again, Tucker! Yes, indeed, Scott can answer whatever questions you have about the details of the upcoming 4th of July Peoples Parade and Festivities. His phone number is 234-5811 and May Elizabeth Irion can also answer your questions at 234-1900.

Scott is one of our founding members of the Fourth of July Committee
and I'll quote Scott's quote that Mary Elizabeth Irion quoted: "I always enjoy the townspeople reconnecting with friends they haven't seen for awhile." And THAT, friend, is the main thrill of it all!

TONIGHT'S MILES CITY STAR has just about every detail you'd ever want to know and as I've said before, the amount of details/activities are stunning! And even MORE details were flashing around yesterday's meeting table at supersonic speeds!! (So if you ever want high-energy brain stimulation, join our committee and experience some smokin' brain matter.....or like me, go into complete brain shutdown and stare into space until someone taps you on the shoulder to leave the premises!

Our Grand Marshal for this year's Parade will be Jim Michels! All horses will lead the Parade, fronted by the mounted Honor Guards Stan Taylor and Jim Barnes again this year. Followed by the military, the spacing of floats, the Peoples cars, motorized kids' cars, decorated bicycles, other vehicles including tractors, then whoever walks, crawls or unicycles along the route. (The contest entries such as vehicles, bicycles, and floats must get to the Park and in place so they can sign up and get their numbers assigned for their Peoples votes).

I think I've pretty-much said it all about Miles City's great Independence Day Parade and Festivities this coming Wednesday. Our Parade begins its lineup at the Ursuline Convent on Leighton
Boulevard at 10:00am and starts moving up north Montana Avenue at approximately 11:00am to Main Street and then to Riverside Park for the festivities.

If you haven't done so yet, please get your FREE Parade entry at Great Grains Health Foods, 21 South Ninth Street, Miles City. And PLEASE try to have them back to Scott by tomorrow, June 29th. Again, Scott's number at Great Grains is 234-5811 or contact Mary Elizabeth Irion at 234-1900. HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!

[This message has been edited by Gene Larson (6/28/2012)]

Gene,

Thanks for reminding and informing about the parade and 4th activities.

And for posting the bio on Jim Michels, our parade marshall this year.

Jim is the kind of People the parade is all about.

It may be hot, but the parade is not real long so the young'uns won't wilt before it's time to head to the shade of Riverside Park. And the playground in the park is always popular with the kiddos as well as all the 4th goings on.

See you all there or be square!

And thank YOU, Art, well said! There'll be a wonderful time for all!! It WILL be hot so please dress and prepare for your safety and comfort.

As we celebrate these 4th of July festivities, let us keep those touched by the awful fires and other tragedies of this year in our prayers. And be deeply thankful for all the independence we have ....and by whose souls it is driven.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY 4TH!

Gene,

What time does the parade start?

Thanks!

The Parade starts at 11:00am.

The fireworks at Riverside is a go right? I've heard both yea and nay.

Thank you Gene!

All you procrastinators get those last minute entries in to Scotty at Great Grains Health Foods. You can't imagine how much it helps the organizers get the parade off to a good start.

Thanks to all of the organizers for their hard work. Glenna and I will be thinking of you all. Have a great time as you embrace the spirit of community. Miles City Rocks!

4th of July RIVERSIDE PARK REMINDERS:

Under Sec. 4-36 of the Code of Ordinances, NO DOGS are allowed in any City Park or Athletic Field.

Please bring donations to the Kinsey 4H Booth in the Park to support TROOP CARE PACKAGES containing jerky, hard candy, and/or "On the Go"
water bottle flavor packets.

The Food Bank is asking for donations of non-perishable foods, canned meat, peanut butter, sugar-free foods and powdered milk. They also will have a booth in the park for a donation drop-off.

Remember to BRING YOUR LAWN CHAIRS! Thank you!

For further questions, you may call Mary Elizabeth Irion at 234-1900.

Well, it's 10:40 AM. I sit at my computer, in Denver and imagine the scene at the convent.

The color guard and mounted riders vying for shade. They arrive early because they traditionally kick off the festivities. The residents of Montana Avenue sitting in lawn chairs and watching the military vehicles line up. The car club getting arranged on Leighton and the later arrivals threading their way around Triangle Park, frantically trying to find their spot. Ancient, farm equipment pop pop popping in the convent parking lot. The organizers deciding where to fit those procrastinators in that woke up this morning and decided to be a part of this great celebration. The police escort showing up to lead the whole kit and kaboodle on to Main Street.

I can imagine the crowd on Main. The early birds lined up in the shade and the children hugging the curb. The kindly donated flags, waving. The anticipation of friends and favored machines or groups that will soon be coming around the corner and headed towards Riverside Park where clubs and civic organizations are working to set up and prepare food, music and fun for participants and spectators alike.

I can hear the patriotic music playing over the donated PA, set up around the gazebo and anticipate friends playing music. Many of those I have enjoyed hours of shared music with. Some that are gone, I remember fondly but their music remains. Friends waving to one another across the crowd sharing smiles and conversation over ice cream. I can smell the smoke from the burgers and dogs being cooked over by the Lions pavilion.

What a great day. What's that you say? There are fireworks by the lake? It's free? What a beautiful example of community at its finest. What a fine community.

The Parade was nice.

Thanks to all who made it happen.

Tucker and Glenna,

Miss you guys. Distance doesn't diminish your fondness for this celebration and your recollections are right on. It was a fine day. So proud to be a small part. That's the secret...lots of small parts make a great whole.

Art

Tucker, Glenna:

What Art said! It was perfect weather, had the biggest turnout ever for both the spectators and the park festivities. Everytime we go forth each year you two are greatly missed. Thank you for keeping in touch!

Matt:

We're happy you enjoyed the day!

what time do the fireworks start tonight and where?

A BIG THANK YOU to the VFW and their crew for the GREAT fire works show!!!!

Yes, RA! Bless the VFW Crew and all who contributed and made this a successful 4th of July!!