Fourth volunteers have the most fun of all

There were long lines of people on Pepin Park’s east side Thursday.

Folks were laughing, chatting and having a good time, waiting to be served hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans and watermelon by volunteers at what has become a Havre Fourth of July tradition. No one was in a hurry.

In the background, Allen “Woody” Woodwick was singing Gordon Lightfoot and Kingston Trio tunes at the gazebo with his 6-year-old grandson Ben, stage name Ben “Jammin,’” accompanying him on his guitar.

Kids were playing with an oversized ball on the lawn. Families sat together on lawn chairs and blankets on the ground.

Crimestoppers was raffling off a bicycle to raise funds for the National Night Out Celebration.

“I think this is awesome,” said Pam Long, who was dishing out food on the serving line. “This is community.”

She knew many of the people going through the line, but she also chatted with those she didn’t know. There were newcomers, veterans and candidates running for election.

It was all part of the Fourth of July Festival put on annually by Woody and Vince Woodwick. It looked like the largest crowd in the 12-year history, as the nice weather prompted people to flock to the park,

The event sort of typified Havre’s spirit, Long said.

“Last year my sister was here and she helped out,” she said. “She hasn't lived here in 30 years.”

“It’s like the fair — you see people you haven’t seen in years,” she said.

Carrie Linie dished out food, chatting with everyone.

“I’m here serving the community,” she said.

“Love God and love his people,” she said. “When you love his people you are loving God,” she said.

The gang that was cooking the meat know each other well. They have been working as a team for many years.

Last year, they prepared more than 2,000 burgers and more than 500 hot dogs.

“This is one of the best events in Havre,” said Rick Linie, who volunteers at other programs as well and has been cooking on the Fourth of July for at least a decade.

Everybody is treated the same at the community picnic, he said.

He pointed over to the serving line where Mayor Tim Solomon was serving watermelon to the hungry.

“Where else can you see the mayor serving food to the drunk who wandered into the park looking for a place to sleep?” he asked.