Small Town USA

Although the weather didn’t cooperate for most of the day, it was still a spectacular small town USA celebration in Big Timber today.  It’s late June and it’s rodeo weekend—friends and family from near and far turn out to celebrate our small town-ness making it hard to maneuver the streets and sidewalks without stopping to greet a friend and catch a hug or two. 

Jill admiring our friend Dava’s car—it belonged to her late dad.

I felt sorry for the street vendors selling goods and food—they were all having a hard time hanging onto their tents in the wind—with most of them packing up and leaving when the rain started just after noon.  But by the time the parade started at 2pm, the wind was still blowing but the sun was out and we found a prime spot for watching.

The little children standing next to us began to shout, “it’s coming, it’s coming!!” and here the parade came led by our friend Stuart carrying the United States flag down the main street of our little town packed with people.  I love watching as off come the many cowboy hats and hands fold across our hearts in respect for the flag.

The volunteer fire department of Sweet Grass County, MT has a lot of equipment—it was all spiffed up for this parade and the fundraiser breakfast the firemen held early this morning. 

I love this photo—the kid was looking right at my camera, he was tickled pink to be driving this old John Deere.

Our friend JoJo and her team of horses.

Even the dogs got to ride in the parade!!

And, not only is it rodeo weekend but our Carnegie Library is celebrating its centennial birthday—100 years.  A few years ago our library underwent an extensive remodel and is very nice and modern inside—the outside still retains its old time character.

On days like today, I am so glad we live in a small town!