Valier’s annual Homesteader Days celebration was full of tradition mixed with some new activities that proved to be fun for all ages. Homesteader Days Chairman Connor Bridge had a vision to bring family friendly fun to the weekend adding some additional entertainment to the tried and true schedule.
Connor was pleased with the turnout.
“People came looking to have a great day together and that’s what they found,” he said. “People worked really hard to make it go smoothly and then it did.”
The weekend kicked off Friday night with a poker ride sponsored by Janelle Nelson and WHOA Arena, the annual Valier softball tournament, and live music at Froggie’s Bar & Grill.
“The 15th year of the Homesteader Days Poker ride was the biggest year ever, with 75 poker hands and participants of all ages riding horses, riding in cars and ATVs,” Nelson said. “This year’s 50/50 drew the biggest pot that has been on a Friday night of Homesteaders. The community came to play and support the benefactor, Kenny Peterson and family.”
Regarding the softball tournament, Nichole Widhalm reported: “We had 11 teams this year. The tournament was a round-robin with the top four teams making it into the tournament. The winners were Redd’s from Shelby and second place was Fighting Hangovers from Cut Bank.”
Saturday dawned bright and crisp. Homesteader Hustle brought some fierce competitors from Cut Bank. Kenny Craig clocked the winning time of 23:17.24, followed closely by Rich Kiser with 25:09.59. Stacey O’Neal of Valier was the winning female competitor.
Irvin Derks and Sharon Briden served as grand marshals for the 2022 parade. Irvin and Sharon are both quiet servants who can often be found doing projects of their own accord that beautify and improve the community. These community minded individuals never seek recognition. They simply leave spaces better than they found them.
To read the complete article, pick up a copy of this week’s issue or subscribe to The Valierian, Browning Glacier Reporter, Cut Bank Pioneer Press and Shelby Promoter newspapers at http://www.cutbankpioneerpress.com/site/services/
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