Sugarbeet Festival Draws Large Crowd

By Bob Feist

BCJ News

Warmer weather brought out the crowds for the 19th annual Sugarbeet Festival. Many activities marked the event throughout the day starting with the Blaine County Health Department Suicide Awareness Walk/Run. According to Valerie Beck, Public Health Nurse, September is Suicide Awareness Month, and the goal of the run/walk was to bring more awareness and resources to people in the county.

"There have been too many suicides in Blaine County lately and we wanted to promote the 988 number," said Beck. The 988 number is a suicide prevention hot line, but not just for suicide. "It can be used for several crises'," added Lead Health Educator, Deb Anderson.

Yard signs informing people of the hotline have been put up around town as well as Harlem, Turner, Fort Belknap and Hays. 988 day was recently observed appropriately on Sept. 8, to bring awareness also.

This was the first run for this cause, but Beck hopes it will become an annual event. According to administrative assistant Laura Feltz, a little over 50 people participated not including strollers and babies. Gift bags were handed out to all participants, which included chapstick, stickers, and bracelets as well as information on mental health awareness and business cards for contacts.

Another event was the scarecrow contest sponsored by the First Bank of Montana. According to organizer Chelsie Fox, there weren't as many entries as last year. "We were a little late getting information out this year," said Fox. Winners were Karla Buck in the adult category and Ivey Lenz for the youth.

Through out the day people could take the Blaine County Museum's historical walking tour. Eleven posters around town told the history of several businesses or buildings such as Dan's Auto Parts, formerly J. C. Penneys and Chinook Pharmacy, formerly Herda Drug. People could pick up punch cards and take them from store to store for a chance to win gift cards. "We had 40 people who finished the tour, but several more participated," said Museum Curator Samantha French.

The chamber sponsored the event and Jenna Fox produced the historical posters. Winners were Curtis R. Pursley, who won $100 gift card from Chinook Ace, Pepper Harwood, $100 from Shores Floral, and Laurie Rigg, $100 from Prairie Pieces.

Throughout the day people could also visit the past by viewing the antique tractors and the car show sponsored by the Chinook Chamber and Dan's Auto Parts. "We had a fantastic turnout," said Laine Jorgenson spokesperson for the Chamber. The show had 32 entries. Trophies and gift cards from Dan's Auto Parts were awarded to the top entrants. First place went to Beau Elias and his 1955 CJ5 Willys Jeep. Ross Ceynar and his 1969 Camaro took second and third went to Tom Anderson and his 1969 Dodge Super Bee.

In the afternoon, people could take part in the Dog Dress Up contest, the PacMan competition, or the Pie Eating Contest sponsored by Chinook Pharmacy. According to Angie Billmayer, 10 people participated in the eating event which featured chocolate pudding pies prepared by Betty Billmayer. Top Prize went to Wayde Eggleston, and John Wayne Flynn came in second. This was the third year for the competition.

Nostalgia surfaced at the PacMan tournament sponsored by Finley's Food Farm. Jeff Finley said 50 pacmaniacs competed through out the day. Each contestant was allowed to play 3 times. The top score of 25,320 went to Roger Olson.

Another afternoon event was the Dog Costume Contest. Tomi Simenson, owner of Shore's Floral and sponsor said it was a fun time. "The winner was a three legged dog dressed up like a pirate," said Simenson. Entrants paid $25 and all money went to PAWS. "We raised $275," said Simenson. Shores provided prizes which were treats and dog toys from North 40. Mischelle Fisher was the top winner. Brittany Niederegger and her pooch dressed up like ET took second place honors while Chloe Beck and her hula dancing pup were third.

Pippi the Clown entertained the children in the afternoon, and the day concluded with the annual parade.