Celebrating Independence Day in south Lincoln County

Kootenai Country Montana donates toward  Troy Chamber’s Old Fashioned 4th of July event. Photo courtesy of Shae Monroe.

 

By McKenzie Williams

 

This year the 4th of July falls on Thursday and there will be plenty to do in Kootenai Country Montana.

Each year, thousands of people from around northwest Montana flock to Troy for their Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration. The event includes a parade, car show, food vendors, craft vendors, live music all day long, and the largest fireworks display in the region. Troy’s celebration has been around for over 100 years and it is still going strong. The annual 4th of July celebration started even before Troy was incorporated as a city in 1915. Prior to Roosevelt Park being built, the celebration was held at the City’s ball fields.

These days you can listen to a variety of musicians performing throughout the day on a bandstand with the beautiful Kootenai River in the background and kids playing on the playground or in the splash pad at Roosevelt Park.

The Montanian spoke with Jody Peterson, President of the Troy Chamber of Commerce, and longtime organizer of the Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration. Peterson has around 16 years of experience under her belt and she was happy to talk about the highlights of this year’s event.

“There will be a 9 a.m. church service to honor all Veterans at the bleachers by the football field,” said Peterson.

Other highlights include the 11 a.m. parade and the Cruzers Car Show.

Some people plan unique floats and performances months in advance for the parade she said, but last minute additions are always welcome too. Line-up in downtown Troy at 10 a.m.

The Volunteer Fire Department will oversee what is sure to be a spectacular fireworks display again this year. Volunteer firefighters have completed safely training to manage the show and save money on hiring a third party to come in an do it. Less money on staffing the event means more fireworks for the community to enjoy.

Around 40 booths have registered to participate  this year. “There is really good food, ice cream, shaved ice, Thai food, and so much more,” said Peterson, and Crystal Denton, daughter of Bob Welch, will return to run the Chamber of Commerce cook shack which will serve a pancake breakfast at 9 a.m.

“Come over and support Troy’s 4th of July,” said Peterson. Admission is free and the event is 100% volunteer-run.

For a full schedule of events see page 7 or visit troymtchamber.org.

If you choose to spend the 4th in Libby, Ron Adamson’s 2nd annual Libby Chainsaw Event will be happening on the school grounds at the corner of Louisiana Ave. and Lincoln Blvd.

The event will last from July 4 until July 7 and it is not intended to be  competition. Locals are invited to bring lawn chairs, watch the carvers create works of art, learn, and share in the art of chainsaw carving. Live music and karaoke, quick carves, art auctions, vendors, and more will fill the weekend. To learn more visit ronadamson.com.

Don’t forget to check out The Farmers Market at Libby too. The market will be held on the 4th of July from 3 until 7 p.m. in the Libby Chamber of commerce parking lot.

If you chooses to purchase your own fireworks  please remember to keep a source of water nearby, light them away from residences, and make sure pets are in a safe location.

However you choose to spend the 4th of July, have fun and stay safe. If you need a ride to the festivities, the Libby Cab Company will be available on the 4th with van trips between Libby and Troy for groups of up to 8 people.

“Call in advance to make a reservation,” owner Keith Russell said.

Catch a ride, don’t drink and drive.