"United We Stand" was the 2024 theme for the 4th of July celebrations in Broadus. The theme was fitting, as a large crowd of community members gathered for the events on the 4th and throughout the weekend.
The grand marshals for the parade on the 4th were Dave & Pat (posthumously) and Tyler & Kelli Gardner, representing the Broadus Cancer Fund. The Grand Marshals were driven by Chantz Lambert in a 1972 Chevelle convertible, greeting the crowd as the car traversed the route.
Winning first place in the float contest was Swede Creek Goat Soap, otherwise known as the "GOAT of floats" with Kristina Ryan's patriotically outfitted goats riding along on the float. Second place went to the Montana Bar.
The Color Guard for VFW Post 1595 led the parade, with Russ Kinzer carrying the American flag, Keith Myers carrying the VFW flag, and attended by Post Commander Devin Boman, and Guards Marty Drane, Brad Stoddard and Matt Zellers.
The VFW Ladies Auxiliary was next in line with their float.
A variety of cars and pickups were in the parade, including: Ernie & Nancy Stillman in their 1969 Chevelle, Scott Torgerson in his 2011 SS Camaro, Robin Reames driving his 1992 Jaguar XJSV12, Mary Alice Mangen's 1955 Panel Wagon, driven by Jiggs Bilbrey, Jason & Hattie Arithson in their 1966 Chevelle, Broadus Feed & Supply 1969 Chevrolet C10 driven by Ben Zimmerman, Jacob Bird & Pat Ridenour in a 1986 Camaro, Dennis Lyda in his 1939 Chevy, John Barbero driving a 1970 Volkswagen, Ed Schaffer in his 1963 ½ Ford Galaxy, Wayne & Louise Talcott in their 2003 Thunderbird, Dan and Gloria Rosencranz in a 1978 T-Bird, Floyd Rosencranz in a 1961 F-100, Trish & BJ Playle in their 1953 Ford, and Dale Copelan in a 1967 Chevy ½ ton old work pickup.
Broadus Volunteer Fire Department took 3rd place with a large number of firetrucks; their drivers and vehicle identifiers were as follows: Clint Hahn F30, Tele Harmon 2186, Kaydin Trent 17, Dawson Fruit 8, DJ Wilson side by side, Chase Talcott War Wagon, Marlin Miller 1978, John Herman LMTV, also driving were Donna Wilson and Wes Hinman.
Kenny Greslin drove a 1940 Chevy Fire Truck, and the Powder River County EMS Ambulance #22 took to the streets for the parade.
Kacyn Hinman drove his lawnmower to help represent his mowing business.
The Daisy Patch owned by Chad & Michelle Wilson also wound their way around the courthouse.
Powder River County Transit had several vehicles, including a 2018 Toyota, 2020 Honda, and 2023 Ford Transit.
Other entries included: Otter Creek Dirt Work, Stitch & Chatter Quilt Club, Fleming & Long Insurance, Tongue River Electric with a bucket truck, Alderman's Quikstop, Skyler Anders in a Z-Mill Inc. Deutz tractor, as well as another tractor restored and driven by Warren Wash which was originally owned by Harlan Jones. The Broadus FFA Chapter, featuring a theme of "We Put the Ag in SWAG" was also in attendance.
The Class of 1984 40th Year Reunion featured a large number of classmates on their float, along with pictures lining the sides of the float of the class members as they appeared as seniors in high school.
Cody, Bo, & Hazel Kinzer rode horseback in the parade, and last in line was the Powder River Area Economic Development Council and their theme of "Celebrating a Community United".
Following the parade, folks took to the streets around the courthouse, waving to a passing set of drones for a video. The video was made as a kickoff to the Downtown Master Plan, through a grant received from the Montana Mainstreet Project which could go to rejuvenating the downtown area. The drones were piloted by Clint Pedersen and Myles Gardner.
Winners of the PR Chamber's Cornhole Tournament included: Brandon Schuetzle & Matt Zellers, Kirk Askin & Darron Alderman, and Kyle Queer & Devin Boman. Cornhole bracket winners each received $50 gift certificates from Stockman's Club.
The baked goods silent auction at the senior center featured 52 silent auction items, while the live auction just outside featured 42 live auction items. Between those auctions and visor sales, $16,996 was raised for the Broadus Cancer Fund, with that money going back to help folks in our community being treated for cancer.
The Broadus Volunteer Firefighters held their annual 4th of July barbecue. An estimated 350-400 people were fed during the meal, which consumed 120 lbs of hamburger. During the meal, Broadus youth tested their aim on a "dunk tank" apparatus which involved chucking a ball at high speed towards a target. Those who found their mark were rewarded with a bucket of water dumped on the head of a firefighter who sat in anticipation. Firefighters assuming the duty of having cold water dropped on their heads were Dawson Fruit, Kaydin Trent, Tele Harmon, and Kelly Ostendorf. The firefighter's raffle winners were: Les Thompson for the griddle, and Chad Herman for the AR rifle.
A quilt show on the 4th displayed a number of beautifully handcrafted quilts by the talented quilters of the community.
The night of the 4th, a fireworks show from B-Hill lit up the town, while numerous private fireworks displays kept residents up until the wee hours of the morning.
Other competitions held throughout the weekend are pictured or depicted throughout this issue, please see the photo gallery for additional pics.
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