By Jessica Malone, Powder River Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture
“United We Stand” is the 2024 theme for the 4th of July celebrations in Broadus. With political and social divides creating ever-increasing rifts within our nation, it feels more important than ever to come together to celebrate what unites us as a community. We may have differing opinions, but I’ve seen this community unite in truly inspiring ways to help each other in times of need.
With this in mind, we’re pleased to honor Dave & Pat and Tyler & Kelli Gardner representing the Broadus Cancer Fund as Grand Marshals of our 2024 parade. When you consider the common causes that unite our community, seemingly no other organization has touched as many lives as the Broadus Cancer Fund. Operated by local volunteers and funded by donations, fundraisers and memorials, this group provides solace in times of great turmoil through support and monetary gifts to those battling cancer. Whether or not you are financially burdened by a cancer diagnosis, this group provides comfort in the knowledge that you are not alone in your fight. As we unite in the fight against cancer, we want to thank Dave, Pat, Tyler and Kelli Gardner for their years of commitment to both this organization and community through their work with the Cancer Fund. Please help us celebrate them and the many other volunteers that have contributed time, energy and funding to this amazing organization.
The common causes, organizations and goals that unite us are what make our community special – and they are worth celebrating. So take some time to enjoy, appreciate and celebrate the activities this Independence Day in Broadus, MT. Here’s what’s happening this year…
The festivities begin early on Thursday for Independence Day with the Freedom Run/Walk/Bike sponsored by SCDC and hosted by the Powder River Trails Club. Exciting changes this year include a bike option for the 3 and 5 mile course. Meet at Cottonwood Park for the 5 mile option starting at 7am, the 3 mile starting at 7:30am or the 1 mile starting at 8am. Visit powderrivertrails.com to register in advance, view maps or to find out more details.
After the run, grab some breakfast at the Broadus Bumblebee Daycare Pancake Feed fundraiser. Pancakes and topping buffet for $5 per person will be available from 8:00-10:30am at the Senior Center.
The Annual Pat Gardner Memorial Dessert Auction on behalf of the local Cancer Fund will include both a silent and live auction. Please drop any baked good donations off before the parade on the morning of the 4th at the Senior Center between 8:30-10:30am. Silent auction bids will be taken at the Senior Center, concluding at 12:30pm. The live auction will then begin under the tent in front of the Big Sky at 1:00pm.
The traditional 4th of July parade, sponsored by the Chamber will circle Courthouse Square beginning at 10:30am. Anyone interested in participating in the parade, please show up for line up at 10am in front of the high school – no pre-registration required.
Immediately following the parade, parade goers are encouraged to step into the street for the “Community United” aerial photo op of our downtown square. The Powder River Area Economic Development Council was recently involved in an application that awarded Broadus as an affiliate community in the Montana Main Street program. As part of this program, Broadus was awarded a grant to produce a Downtown Master Plan, which will help determine a process to preserve and revitalize our main street community assets. As a celebration of our community vitality, we ask you to step into the streets surrounding the courthouse as Clint Pedersen navigates his drone for an aerial photo. Special thanks to CM Thermal & Fire for sponsoring the drone photo.
Starting at noon, the Broadus Volunteer Fire Department will begin their celebrations in front of the fire hall. Stop by and support the BVFD for $10 per plate at their annual BBQ Lunch Fundraiser. Bring the whole family and don’t forget your raffle ticket for the Pit Boss Ultimate Gas Griddle, Smith & Wesson M&P15 and many other prizes in support of the BVFD. The winners will be drawn at the event. The Art & Soul Club is sponsoring a kid’s Patriotic Art Contest and their artwork will be on display at the firehall during the BBQ. Contact Art & Soul members for more information on the art contest.
During the afternoon lull, check out the free Quilt Show at Faith Bible Church between 11-3pm hosted by the Stitch & Chatter Quilt Club. Anyone is welcome to display a quilt and may contact Pat Ridenour for details.
Join us in the Stockman’s Club parking lot from 3pm onwards for a doubles Cornhole Tournament. Multiple tournament brackets hosted by Powder River Chamber of Commerce at $20 per team with prizes sponsored by Stockman’s Club. Grab a cold drink and get in on the action or just come root on your favorite players.
We’ll round out our Independence Day celebrations on Thursday night with the fireworks show on B-Hill at 9:30pm executed by Kurt Copps, Zach Worman and the Broadus Volunteer Fire Department. Enjoy the show thanks to our fireworks sponsors : Chamber of Commerce, Olivarez Honey Bees, WW Drilling, Stockman Bank, Range, Sagebrush Inn & Suites and Red’s Fireworks.
After the 4th, stick around town for a whole weekend of additional events
On Friday, July 5th Stockman’s Club is celebrating their one year of business anniversary with a Parking Lot Party and live music. The party starts sometime between 5:30-8 pm. The exact time will depend on the band and the crowd but plan on the Barstool Cowboys to be playing from around 7 pm-11 pm.
Get in on some softball action over the weekend at the Chamber of Commerce co-ed Softball Tournament. Brackets run all day on Saturday and Sunday July 6th-7th at Stanley Damm Field. Concessions are available for purchase from D'Z Foods and spectators are always welcome. Thank you to Grant’s Hardware for being a tournament prize sponsor.
Also, don’t forget the Franklin Memorial Rope N Stroke starting at 10am on Saturday, July 6th. To enter or for more information contact Jason or Hattie Arithson.
A Community Church Service will be held at 9am on Sunday, July 7th in Cottonwood Park hosted by Faith Bible, Our Savior’s Lutheran and Broadus Assembly of God churches. Please bring your own chair.
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