We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
By Kody Farmer
BCJ News
The 12th Annual Sugarbeet Festival has been a popular event throughout the community since its inception. Over the years the Chinook Chamber of Commerce has recognized industries that are vital to or have been vital in the continuing success and growth of the community.
With each year the industry being featured has added a variety of new events for festival go’ers to partake in.
From the get go, there have been a few events that have been a part of the celebration each year and will again on Saturday, September 24th.
Dan’s Napa has held its customer appreciation breakfast during each Festival. For the first few years they held the feed on Main Street in the empty lot net to the old L&L building.
Following a brutally cold Festival in a few years back, owners Dan and Lynn Friede decided to move the location to the Senior Center so that those early risers can enjoy their meal in a comfortable environment.
Also part of the activities is the annual Fun Run/Walk. In the beginning the event was sponsored by Tom McClain and State Farm Insurance.
Last fall Craig Lowham of First Bank of Montana and the committee in charge of the Run /Walk took over organization the mid-morning activity.
Participants have two choices, they can either take part in the 1-mile Fun Run/Walk at 10 a.m. or elect to run/walk in the 3-mile challenge at 11 a.m. Both challenges are meant to be a fun activity to include any participant willing to make the trek.
For the most part the 3-Mile Run is a bit more competitive with those at the top looking to secure victory with a fast time. Awards we had given to the top three places from both events.
There are two divisions, youth and adult. Winners have generally received a free Fun Run/Walk t-shirt and Chamber Bucks that can be spent at participating local businesses.
Lowham explains the event as “It’s a healthy activity to get people to enjoy a fun afternoon with friends.” The committee is contemplating making slight changes to the Run/Walk in hopes of attracting more participants.
Music has always been a part of the Saturday Festival schedule and again will be among the Day’s activities that those in attendance will enjoy throughout the day.
Set to perform on a Main Street stage will be: The Stone Broke Band, Sax Cadillac along with Other Brothers and Sistas.Latigo will perform with special guest Mark and Julia Hofer. In between sets Jamie Sharples will play as well.
