Sweet Grass Fest

This is rodeo weekend in Big Timber, Montana and yesterday was Sweet Grass Fest complete with a car show, vendors, a run/walk, and a parade. Mike was kind of hesitant to go but I talked him into it and off we went early yesterday morning.

First stop was a couple of garage sales where I purchased a bunch of wine glasses. Then it was off to Women of the Wild West store. This store is owned by a very talented woman who designs and makes high end women's western clothing such as split riding skirts made from butter soft leather. The store was having its first ever sale and was even selling some of the fabrics used in making the clothing. I purchased 12 yards of beautiful fabric for an unbelievable price.

I joined up with Michael who was cruising the rows of antique restored cars. A high school friend of Mike's who lives near Denver happened to be in town for the weekend and we joined Sarge and another friend, John for lunch. After lunch we walked through the antique cars again and then found a parade watching spot.

It was a beautiful day and there were a lot of people in town for the parade. I hope my photos convey how beautiful and small townish our little piece of Montana really is.

Smokey the Bear on top of one of the many firetrucks.

This little guy stole the show, notice his faithful little dog companion riding along.

These horses led the parade--they belong to a local ranch.

Big Timber, MT and the parade route.

Several of the graduating classes from Sweet Grass High School were having class reunions. The people riding in these vintage Yellowstone Park tour buses graduated in 1952.

The Color Guard presenting the Flags, to the right of the US flag is a woman in a dark skirt, she is singing the national anthem with no music--it was beautiful--by day her regular job is as a massage therapist (mine).

I think this was Michael's favorite car.

We all enjoyed the parade immensely and then headed out to the home of friends Jill and Terry for a cookout. Mom and her friend Chuck were also here for the weekend and came with us for the cookout. It was another fun gathering with great food and great friends.

Then it was home where one little black Schnauzer was glad to see us. We collapsed for the evening.

Today Nat joined us for a wonderful lunch out on the deck. Pork tenderloin, twice baked potatoes, salad with lettuce from my garden and angel food cake with strawberries.

Mom and Chuck left after lunch and this evening Michael has gone back into town to visit with his friend Sarge and I practiced quilting.