Hot Springs hosts annual Homesteaders Days
Brad Pride in his 1926 Star Coupe. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
Trisha Johnson and Julie White at Homesteaders Days in Hot Springs. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
Tomas Bras is the 2-year-old winner of Homesteader Category in the kiddie parade at Homesteader Days in Hot Springs. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
Domick Faber takes first place in 3K. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
Josie Uski and dog Bandit in 3K race. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
32 runners start the 3K race at Homesteader Days in Hot Springs. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
The Father Son and Holy Ghost perform at Homesteaders Days. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
Last weekend was the 73rd annual Homesteaders Days in Hot Springs. The small town proved once again that they sure know how to put on a good show. Under the threat of rain, the three day event was well attended, starting out Friday with vendors and food booths setting up along main street.
Runners were up early Saturday morning for the skunk alley 3K and 13K run, with 32 entries for the 3K and only one for the 13K. Andrew Leichtnam was the organizer for the run with Lenny Page as the master of ceremonies.
First across the finish line was Domick Faber with a wide margin and a very impressive final push for the last few hundred yards. Several minutes behind Faber, Josie Uski, with her dog Bandit in tow, crossed the finish line.
Several vehicles lined up along Main Street for the car show with one very rare 1926 Star Coupe. One of only 12 ever registered in the U.S. and the only one in Montana. The owner, Brad Pride, found it in running condition in Corvallis a few years ago.
Live music throughout the weekend was supplied by several bands. Friday evening the Outlaws & Lawmen shared their music on the main stage. Saturday the bands The Father, Son and the Holy Ghost, Jesse Brother Music, Graig Barton, Free Wheelin and during the street dance The Tommy Edwards Band entertained the crowds.
The kiddie parade took place at noon along Main Street with Smokey the Bear leading the parade. Judges awarded prizes for several categories.
Homesteaders 1st Place: Tomas Bras, Fairy Tale 1st Place: Leah Redfern, Miscellaneous 1st Place: August Ward, Pets 1st Place: Canyon D., Wheels 1st Place: Eden Davis.
Pony rides were supplied by Jessie and Heather McFadden from Wee Pony Express out of Arlee and was a big success with the young crowd.
Saturday evening brought a large crowd to the Rodeo, with festivities continuing through Sunday evening, ending with the Rodeo and live music by The Barber Shop and Jesse Brother Music and the Montana Bar.
