Good Old Days weather perfect for good old Americana fun

By B.L. Azure

The bungy-cord trampoline was a hair-raising experience for those who dared. (B.L. Azure photo)

ST. IGNATIUS — Another Good Old Days is in the books and it was a good one despite the low turnout. The skies were clear and the temperatures hovered around 80 degrees until the late afternoon. And with the majestic Mission Mountains serving as a backdrop it all added up to picture perfect postcard Americana.

Although the numbers were down the numerous activities remained. The Shodown band kicked off things Friday evening with a concert and dance at the Good Old Days amphitheater. Then on Saturday morning things got going with a bang with the Buffalo Run.

Flags and youngsters were prominent along Mission Main Street during the Good Old Days parade. (B.L. Azure photo)

At high noon the largest parade on the Flathead Reservation and Lake County shifted everyone into high gear. The omnipresent Mission Mountain Honor Guard following the lead of the St. Ignatius Police Department led the parade entrants.

Although the sidelines were packed with quite a few people, there wasn't quite as many as usual. The parade - as usual - didn't disappoint, it was large, colorful, new and varied. Pure eye-candy.

Following the parade the little ones partook in the various kids' games at Good Old Days field including the foot race. (B.L. Azure photo)

The numbers seemed to dwindle after the parade when the focus of activities switched to the Good Old Days field. Speculation centered on the Flathead Lake 3-on-3 basketball tournament in Polson. There were a few hoopsters at the parade who jetted down from Polson to watch the parade then hopped in their rigs to scoot back to Polson. If not for the tournament, they said they would not leave Mission that day.

Whatever the reason for the down numbers, it meant there was that much more fun for the rest of the Good Old Days hardy souls including some tasty food and beverages.

Sage Chief Stick puts distance between himself and the competition to win the 6- to 9-year-old BMX race. (B.L. Azure photo)

At the Good Old Days field, the youngsters had plenty of competitive activities to participate in. There were foot races, sack races, BMX races, water balloon tosses, egg races and for the owners of dogs there was the Fastest Dog in Mission competition.

They also had plenty of large inflatable slides, pools and likes to recreate in.

The BMX races provided excitement for the participants and spectators. The two divisions featured trial runs, then heats that whittled the final competition to three riders - boys and girls - in each division.

The water squirted from the Mission VFD fire engines brought both joy and tears to those who were doused. (B.L. Azure photo)

Sage Chief Stick of Ronan won his heat and kept his legs revved up enough to carry him to the championship of the 6- to 9-year-old BMX race.

Kyler Clinkenbeard from Arlee won the 10- to 12-year-old BMX race thanks in part to the chain breaking from his nearest competition.

For their winning efforts each won a BMX bike from Mission Cenex.

The quest for the Fastest Dog in Mission 2010 title included three categories of dog size. People just lover their animals especially their best friends, the dogs. Each year the pampered pets get to strut their stuff before the legions of dog lovers in St. Ignatius.

It is such a serious event that organizers pleaded with fans and photographers to stay clear of the track so the dogs wouldn't be too distracted. The plea generally fell on deaf ears.

Temporary tattoos adorned many a body part at the Good Old Days celebration. (B.L. Azure photo)

Let the pooch races begin.

Mia, owned by Isreal Lafromboise, won the Small Dog title with a time of 6.02 seconds; Sparkle, owned by Hayley Norton, placed second; and Suzie, owned by Darlene Bourdon placed third.

Kye, owned by Jamie Miller, won the Medium Dog title with a time of 4.2 seconds; Ceasar, owned by Dede Birthmark, placed second; and Brandy, owned by Jessie Melton, placed third.

Gypsy, owned by Tom McColley, won the Large Dog title with a time of 3.2 seconds; Geico, owned by Hunter Peterson, placed second; and Dex, owned by Wendy Witson, placed third.

There was plenty of candy to go along with the good times at the Good Old Days parade. (B.L. Azure photo)

By virtue of the fastest time in the three categories, Gypsy was crowned the Fastest Dog in Mission for 2010. All the placing dogs received ribbons as well as premium dog food prizes.

Although the sun set on this year's Good Old Days town celebration, the memories made there will not set soon.

See you next year in Mission for the Good Old Days.