Celebrating Independence Day Havre-style

Drawn by live music, free food and the chance to mingle with old friends, people from Havre and beyond came out to Pepin Park Monday for the 15th annual Havre Fourth of July Festival.

At 11 a.m, before the first musician took to the stage or the first hamburger was served, people were already on the scene. Some were early arrivals, many either carried babies in their arms or mounted on their shoulders. Many sat in foldable lawns chairs in the shade of the park’s trees.

Scores of volunteers were hard at work preparing for the festivities, adorning trees with American flags or the park’s gazebo with star-spangled ribbons and bunting or preparing food as smoke billowed from large grills at the far end of the park near the horseshoe pit

Allen “Woody” Woodwick was setting up the sound system as others around him unloaded instruments and sound equipment from vehicles.

In 2001, Woody and Vince Woodwick, his brother, started the Havre Fourth of July Festival.

Woody Woodwick said that back then, people complained that there were no community activities to mark Independence Day in Havre.

In response, the two brothers, their families and some others in the community organized a picnic. Vince Woodwick was in charge of food, while Woody Woodwick sought out local musicians.

In subsequent years, individuals and businesses around town have donated food, time and other items.

“And then it has just been growing ever since,” Woody Woodwick said.

In recent years, Vince Woodwick gave up his role, which this year was taken over by Sherri Simonson, though Woody Woodwick still brings in the musicians and provides some of the entertainment himself.

Many at the park, such as Art Musson of Havre, regularly attend. Musson, who wore an American flag baseball cap, said he comes to the festival every Fourth of July that he is in town.

“What a beautiful day. This is gonna be great” Musson said, commenting on the clear skies and sunshine.

Musson, who helped serve food, said he thinks the peaceful event shows the strength of the Havre community where people can get together regardless of differences.

At noon, Woodwick took to the stage as Boy Scouts lined up around the gazebo.

Emerie Ridgway, 17, president of Venture Crew 2406, posted the flag.

Boy Scout Myles Steinmetz led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance and Donna Tilleman sang the national anthem.

Several musical acts followed. This year, the lineup included the ROC Band, the Milk River Band and Near Sighted Creek. Woodwick said Near Sighted Creek was a joint effort between some members of the Milk River Band and Blind Luck, a band for which Woodwick plays bass guitar.

“They’re kind of part of Blind Luck and kind of part of Milk River,” Woodwick said. “Not quite blind and not quite a river.”

Woodwick also played guitar alongside his grandson Benjamin Woodwick in a separate act.

As the music started, the crowds grew and people began lining up for food. The line at one point stretched halfway around the park.

Among the volunteers was Lynette Cline of Havre, who came with her daughter, three grandchildren and a football player for the Montana State University-Northern Lights from Washington who is staying with Cline while he takes summer courses.

Cline, who helped distribute small bags of potato chips, said she tries to come to the festival every year.

“It is a great atmosphere,” Cline said. “I think it is a great thing they do for the community.”

This year is the first year that Simonson chaired the event. She said that this year the committee in charge of coordinating the fair was grilling some 200 hot dogs and 1,500 hamburgers and slicing up 28 watermelons. Potato chips, baked beans, pistachio salad, brownies and soda were also provided.

In all, Simonson estimated that about 10 volunteers served food at two tables, while 10 others grilled or brought food over to the tables. Many of those who did the cooking, she said, were Lions Club members.

The festival had its share of entertainment for children.

Some youngsters tossed and tackled large inflatable beach balls, while others had their faces painted or received balloon animals.

Catalina Carlon, owner of Hi-Line Dance, was in charge of games and activities for children. She has taken part in it for three years but said the number of activities this year was more than usual.

A small obstacle course, coloring and games that included beach blanket volleyball and fishing for marbles, were among the activities.

A raffle was held for 16 items including gift baskets, fireworks and two outdoor tables. The prizes were donated from Havre area businesses including Independence Bank, Triple Dog Brewery and Havre Ford.

Simonson said proceeds from the tickets purchased go toward covering expenses for next year’s festival.