Anticipation builds for another great Fourth parade
Oh, Say Can You See!
The talented Tonja King will begin our Independence Day celebration by singing our National Anthem at 10 a.m. on Electric Avenue.
What a treat for parade early birds. And, don’t you just love how festive our village looks with American flags posted on shops, buntings hanging from balconies - red, white and blue flowers decorating the streets. At the printing of this article Montana’s biggest and best 4th of July parade will be just 10 days away. Our parade theme “Celebrating Americas Heroes” is surely a fitting theme; after all, our heroes are responsible for the making of this great nation.
I ask you to consider, how you will portray this year’s theme either as a parade participant or even as a spectator? Everyone young and old is encouraged to get involved. I look forward to seeing a sea of RED, WHITE and BLUE all over Bigfork on the 4th. Flags flying high and thankful hearts for what this great nation is and can continue to be.
And speaking of heroes, in addition to our wonderful PTA, Educators and community members, we have several veterans acting as parade judges this year. Our military heroes are United States Air Force: Sergeant Noah Martinez served four years (1968-1972) as a fire man rescue man. He had the privilege of being assigned to Air Force One (Nixon/Johnson administration) while stationed at Andrews Air Force base out of Washington, D.C. Noah served during the Korean and Vietnam wars. He is a member of the Patriot Guard. United States Army National Guard: Colonel Doug McBride served 26 years. He was the state dental surgeon for the Oklahoma National Guard. United States Army Reserve: Sergeant E6 Steven Bryan MOS Demolitions - Special Forces Reserve out of Fort Bragg. Steven was deployed to Okinawa. He served our nation from 1967-1973 and is the recipient of the Medal of Valor. United States Marine Corp: PVT William Fratt Sr. Bill will be celebrating his 90th birthday this July.
This Marine enlisted in the Corps January 1942 at the age of 17. He served in 2nd division, 8th Marines, E company, 1st platoon. PVT Fratt participated in 4 campaigns in the South Pacific, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan and Tinian. He is the recipient of three Purple Hearts. Bill Sr. discharged from the Marine Corps in February 1946. He is also the proud father of a Marine son, Lance Corporal William Fratt Jr.
Bill Jr. enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in November 1987 at the age of 19. He served with the Marine Strike Fighter Squadron VMFA-314, 3rd Marine Air Wing, El Toro, CA. He participated in Desert Shield and Desert Storm from August 1990 to March 1991. Bill was discharged from the Marine Corps November 1991. We salute these fine men and thank them for their sacrifice and service to our country. They truly are some of America’s finest heroes.
This year we have Grand Marshalls sharing the honor: Halden Curtiss and the Bigfork High School boys basketball team.
Very few people do not know Hal. We thank you Hal for being an anchor in our community. And, our boys made us proud when they brought home the state trophy. They have waited a long time for this fire truck ride. We are honored to have both Hal and the team as our Grand Marshalls.
What’s a parade with out prize ribbons? Beautiful red, white and blue rosette ribbons will be awarded to first, second and third place winners in the each of four categories; Artistry, Entertainment Value, Creativity and Patriotism. The Grand Prize Chamber Award will be awarded to the best overall entry. Parade participants are invited to pause briefly at the judging station in front of the UPS complex across from Bigfork Bay. Everyone is invited to the Fire Department barbecue after the parade, which begins at 11:30 a.m. Awards will be presented approximately at 2 p.m.
In addition to the 10 a.m. pre-parade music presentation on Electric Avenue, the Community Band will be stationed outside the Bigfork Inn. It is such a treat to have them share in our celebration each year. To kick off the parade, the VFW will present the Colors - at which time another of our own song birds, Robin Gough will sing our national anthem. We are thrilled to have Robin share her talent with us again this year.
Be on the look out for Mrs. Bonner’s 2014-2015 Washington D.C. students. These civic minded kids will be perusing the Grand and Electric avenues before the parade begins. Your trash will be their treasure. Trash has always been a problem on parade day so these D.C.-bound kids are stepping up to help keep our village clean. You too can help by giving your trash to them or depositing it in the trash receptacles that businesses will have available.
Together we can make a difference. Please help us keep our streets litter free.
Parade participants are encouraged to read this year’s parade rules (www.bigfork.org, go to the events calendar - choose July 4th) to ensure a wonderful time for all. All registrations will be done at lineup. Staff will be on hand to direct participants upon their arrival. Please note there will be no throwing of candy or anything else during the parade. Candy and treats may be handed to bystanders. We hope you and your families enjoy the parade and look forward to your presentation next year.
Happy Birthday America!