Fourth of July Parade still in need of volunteers

Like many events in Bigfork, the annual Fourth of July Parade runs on volunteerism, but as of Monday, June 28, the Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce reported just half the number of volunteers needed had signed up to donate their time.

“Volunteers are desperately needed still,” chamber executive director Rebekah King said. The parade, which draws upwards of 3,000 attendees each year, relies on a team of at least 45 helpers to make the event a success. But less than a week before the parade, only 23 people had signed up.

The commitment is between one and two hours, King said, and duties range from driving the parade’s grand marshals in a convertible or directing traffic at the Bigfork Rodeo Grounds to cleaning up after the event. If a local church or organization takes on clean-up duties, King said the entity will receive a donation from the chamber and Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork.

Nowhere does the saying “it takes a village” apply quite like it does to the small lakefront town of Bigfork. But King said finding volunteers for this year’s parade has proved challenging.

“There’s no paid staff to organize this event — it really does rely on the community to do it,” she noted.

To get involved, contact the chamber at 837-5888.

Forty-five floats have registered for the parade, which will focus on the theme of “Essential Workers – the Heart of Bigfork.” The chamber solicited nominations from the community and ultimately gave the nod to three local essential workers to serve as grand marshals.

Harvest Foods employee Tina Lawler was chosen for her enthusiasm, work ethic and good attitude throughout the pandemic, while El Topo owner Ken Degitz was recognized for following COVID-19 guidelines and doing everything he could to protect his guests and employees, King said. Finally, fifth grade teacher Jen Gustavson was selected as the third grand marshal for her ability to balance both online and in-person teaching while “being her bubbly self” and focusing on her students.

“We are so happy with all the nominations,” King said. “The community took the time to really share their unsung heroes.”

The parade will kick off at noon, Sunday, July 4 on Electric Avenue, but attendees are encouraged to arrive much earlier, due to the large crowds that are anticipated for the event. There will be no traffic permitted downtown and a road closure will be in effect beginning at 6 a.m. which will include Grand Drive from National Parks Realty to Bigfork Inn, all of Electric Avenue and Bridge Street from Lake Baked to Payne West Insurance. Any vehicle parked in these areas will be towed. Those who live or work downtown must request a parking pass from the chamber, however this does not guarantee that a space will be available.

Instead, guests can park at the Bigfork Rodeo Grounds, located at the intersection of Montana 35 and 82, where shuttles will transport them to the Bigfork Fire Department, from which they’ll walk about half a mile to downtown Bigfork. Shuttles will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Political apparel and signs are to be left at home and King also recommends visitors refrain from bringing their dogs to the event as temperatures, which are expected to be in the 90s, will make the asphalt especially hot.

“It’s a community parade,” she said. “Leave the hustle and bustle and everything else behind and come and have fun.”

BEFORE THE PARADE

Celebrate America by taking part in the 10th annual Grateful Nation Montana Freedom 5k. Proceeds from the race help fun higher education for children of fallen Montana servicemen. To sign up as a participant or volunteer or to make a contribution to Grateful Nation Montana, visit www.gratefulnationmontana.com. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. on July 4 at Lake Baked, located at 191 Mill Street. The run starts at 9 a.m. and follows the Swan River Nature Trail.

After the parade

Stick around town after the Bigfork Fourth of July Parade for the Bucks for Ducks Whitewater Race at 4 p.m. Watch the action from the Bridge Street one-lane bridge as a fleet of rubber ducks floats down the Swan River. The first duck to pass beneath the bridge wins $200. Ducks are available for $5 each or six for $25 at Electric Avenue Gifts, Eva Gates Preserves, The Bigfork Liquor Barn and the chamber office. Proceeds from the event will help fund the Bigfork High School Scholarship Program.