Powder River Examiner -

A large crowd was on hand for the 4th of July activities last week in Broadus. Perhaps the wet, cool weather allowed more ranchers to attend the event; regardless of reasoning, moods were high as folks commented on the nice weather and rains of late. The weather for the 4th was cool, with temps in the upper 50s to around 60 throughout the day.

The Freedom Run featured a group of runners and walkers. Details may be found in a separate article by the Powder River Extension Office.

Broadus Bumblee Daycare hosted a pancake breakfast, with attendees commenting on the delectable nature of the pancakes.

The parade entries included the following:

The honor detail consisted of Russ Kinzer, Marty Drane, Brad Stoddard, and Devin Boman. The VFW Auxiliary followed up, with Pat Ridenour, Annie Brimmer, Pat Hanlan, and Bev Rightnour. Parade Grand Marshal Doug Gardner, along with his granddaughter Harper rode their horses in the parade, waving greetings with big smiles to the crowd.

The Broadus Volunteer Fire Department had a number of parade entries. Raymond Ragsdale drove the rescue truck. Casey Slovek drove Fire 7. Cody Stuchlik and Wrye Williams, Lee Turnbough, Clint Pedersen, John Herman, Clint Hahn, Wes Hinman, Donna Wilson, Dauson Fruit, Kyle Queer, Kaydin Trent, and Colton Biesheuvel also drove trucks.

A number of old cars drove in the parade, including Ernie Stillman with his 69 Malibu, Kenny Greslin in a 63 Oldsmobile, Donna Giacometto in a 76 Cadillac, Tom Giacometto in a 77 Lincoln, Ray Randall in a 66 Impala, Floyd Rosencranz in a 61 F100, Dan Rosencranz in a 78 T-Bird, and Robert & Tracy Smith in a 71 Cougar Convertible.

Several golf carts and ATV entries zoomed through the parade, including the Town Mayor, Chad Gatlin, along with Aria Gatlin and Anna Hagedorn. Rolling Hills Golf Course had an entry, as did Faith Bible Church, featuring Frankie & Abbie Schoonover. Bella Si Salon also had an ATV in the parade. Darold and Sylvia Zimmer drove their Jeep Wrangler.

Several other businesses with floats included Fleming & Long Insurance, Dave Smith Realty, and Grant's Hardware.

The Powder River Congregational Church's float featured a pet chicken which rode triumphantly around the courthouse on the float, and Z Mill Inc's 6155 Deutz tractor brought up the rear of the parade.

Members of the Stitch & Chatter Quilt Club are pictured below at the quilt show, including Randy Sullivan, Beverly Green, Cathy Ruland, Kay Brost, Marge Mader, Elaine George, and Pat Ridenour.

A fundraiser bbq put on by the Broadus Volunteer Fire Department drew a substantial crowd. Pat Ruland won the fire department's grill raffle.

The patriotic youth art show winners included Jesse Barnhart, William Smith, and Joe Smith. Each received a cash prize from the Art & Soul local art group.

A quilt show put on by the Stitch and Chatter Quilt Club displayed the artistic stylings of local quilters, while a bake sale and auction put on by the local cancer fund drew those with a sweet tooth to try to outbid the competition. One dessert brought $625.

The first two of three cornhole tournaments were won by Brandon Schuetzle and Lee Turnbough; Kyle Queer and Barry (unknown last name) won the third.

Later in the day, Stockman's Club hosted a get together featuring "The Barstool Cowboys" band, which played in the parking lot during the late afternoon and evening, with people packing the parking lot for the event.