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News you can use
July 4 brewfest overlaps the event
Press release
Two overlapping events are set to celebrate Independence Day in Chinook, the Friends of the Pool and Park Brewfest Fundraiser to help with the project to repair and upgrade the Chinook Pool and Ensign Sweet Memorial Park, and the Chinook High School All Class Reunion.
“The Chinook High School All-Class Reunion happens every five years in beautiful Chinook, Montana, and, like many organizations, the All-Class Reunion Committee has been struggling to find volunteers to host the event,” a release said. “Thankfully, a local group in Chinook decided to take on the labor-intensive task of organizing and operating this event.”
It said The Friends of the Pool and Park Foundation, a nonprofit group working toward the fundraising efforts of rehabilitating the pool and park in Chinook, have planned the reunion. All proceeds from the event will go toward the Chinook Pool and Park Rehabilitation Project, with the exception of the local groups that are hosting specific events, which funds will go toward their own nonprofit entity.
July 4, registration begins at 9 a.m. and runs to noon in the Chinook High auditorium. Registration fees are $35 per person, which helps cover the cost to run the event including insurance, mailers, live music, and so on. People who can’t make it to registration during the allotted time or need to register late are asked to call 406-531-2332.
During registration, the high school will be open for folks to tour and reminisce of old times. At 10 am, the Science Wing will be dedicated in memory of former science teacher Gail Swant, who died away in 2022
At 11 a.m., group photos will commence for the classes of 1940 to 1989 at Chinook High School on the lawn in front of the CHS sign. Like previous reunions, the organization has hired a professional photographer and will provide the photographs online for free on their Facebook Page. People who would like a print can order when they register online or at the time of the event. Photographs will be printed by our professional photographer, Heather Parker, and mailed out after the reunion. They are $20 each for an 8×10 photo.
At 11 a.m., Chinook’s Veterans of Foreign Wars post is hosting the Fourth of July Kids races at the Meadowlark School.
Vendors will line Main Street from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the release said, showcasing their wares and food items for sale.
At 12 p.m. on Thursday, July 4th, the famed Sugarbeet Factory Smokestack will be lit, be sure to keep an eye out for the smokestack as it billows Red, White and Blue Smoke for Independence Day!
From 12 to 3 pm, there will be a Volleyball Tournament at Chinook High School. You can register for the tournament online at chsallclassreunion.com .
Class photographs for the grades of 1990 to 2024 will be held at the Sweet Park from 3pm to 4pm in front of the entrance to the Chinook Pool.
Back by popular demand, the Sweet Park Brewfest will be held July 4 starting at 4 p.m. at Sweet Memorial Park. As part of the Friends of the Pool’s fundraising efforts, they are challenging the CHS Alumni to help fundraise for this event. The Friends of Pool and Park agreed to give free beer to the class that raises the most money between now and July 4.
“Be watching our social media pages as the leader of the classes have been posted regularly,” the release said. “The Brewfest was extremely well-attended last reunion, and the group is planning a great time with many different craft beers, seltzers, wines and non-alcoholic beverages. There will also be several kids giveaways compliments of Jean Kokkeler, as well.”
The Brewfest will feature many different craft beers, ciders, wine and will also have a Root Beer Float Bar for those that do not wish to drink alcoholic beverages. Food vendors and live music by the Stonebroke String Band, a Silent Auction, Kids Drawings and so much more will be at the event! Everyone including non-drinkers is welcome to attend, even non-drinkers.
On tap, there will be dozens of craft beers from names like Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Company, Lewis and Clark Brewing, Phillipsburg Brewing, Kettlehouse Brewing, Triple Dog
Brewing and more.
For those not in the winning class, a mug and two drink rickets are $25; a mug and unlimited drink tickets is $35 and individual drink tickets are $3 each for beer, ciders, wine and root beer floats.
For anyone who needs a ride home, the Blaine County DUI Task Force is offering free rides again this year.
Jean Kokkeler also donated a couple strider bikes, a hoverboard, tricycle, and two three-wheel motorcyles as a giveaway at this year’s event.
“We would also like to extend huge thank you to all our amazing sponsors, without them we could not have an event of this magnitude,” the release said. “We also have the best volunteers, and we are so
very grateful for everyone who has donated their precious time to our event in the past. If you would like to volunteer at the upcoming event, Brewfest Volunteers will receive a free mug and drinks. If you are interested in volunteering, text us at 406-531-4411 or email us at
Events continue after the brewfest, At dark, the Chinook Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Fireworks Display at the Blaine County Airport.
The reunion continues through the weekend. Chinook Lion’s Club will be hosting the Friday morning Breakfast, and it will be held at the Blaine County Fairgrounds in Chinook. Breakfast starts at 7:30 am and ends at 10 am. The menu is sausage, eggs and pancakes with coffee, water, and juice. This is a fundraiser for the Chinook Lion’s Club, and it will help bring a Skatepark to the community of Chinook.
There will be a Golf Tournament Fundraiser for the Chinook Lion’s Swim Team starting at 9 am on Friday, July 5,h at the Chinook Golf Course. Registration is $80 per person (4 persons per team). Pre-registration is required, be sure to register online at http://www.chsallclassreunion.com. There is a limited number of clubs available to rent as well, for questions contact Thomas Tilleman at (406) 899-2663.
Continuing Friday, vendors will again line the streets from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Starting at noon Friday, the Blaine County Library is hosting a Yearbook Display, showcasing many yearbooks from Chinook High School through the years.
“Be sure to go check out your old school annual and reminisce through the photographs of years gone by,” the release said.
Carrying on into the afternoon, the Pastime Lounge in Chinook is hosting a Cornhole
Tournament July 5t 1 p.m. on Main Street. Entree fees are $10 per person and proceeds will go toward prize money. Cornhole is a fun activity that can be enjoyed by anyone of all ages.
From 1-5 p.m., the City of Chinook is sponsoring a Free Swim Day at the Chinook Pool.
“Head on down to the Pool and enjoy an afternoon in the sun, compliments of the City as a way of saying thank you to all the donors to the Pool and Park project,” the release said.
For those looking for an indoor activity, the Chinook Senior Center will be hosting Bingo at 2 p.m. This sure-to-please event is a crowd favorite and the crew at the Senior Center will make it a fun and enjoyable experience.
There will be two professionally catered dinners at the reunion, one Friday and one Saturday.
Friday, July 5, at 5 p.m, dinner will be in the alley behind the Chinook Eagles Club. On the menu is: Pulled Pork, Western Baked Beans, Old Fashioned Potato Salad, Fresh Fruit Medley, a Topping Bar, and Fresh Baked Buns. An Ice Cream Sundae Bar dessert and a beverage station with Ice Water, Iced Tea, Lemonade.
At 7pm., the Blaine County High School Rodeo Club is hosting a Ranch Rodeo Event at the Blaine County Fairgrounds. There will be Ranch Broncs, Saddle Broncs, Mutton Bustin’, Steer Dressin’, Iron Woman, Jr. Ironman and a Mad Dash for Cash! Go check out one of Montana’s favorite pastimes; Cowboys and Cowgirls in their element!
There will be a Street Dance during the 2024 All-Class Reunion Friday, July 5, starting at 9 p.m. on Main Street. Break out those dancing shoes and come enjoy some live music in Chinook. The Band “Three Eyed Jack” will be performing live on Main Street; their music is a mix of many different genres and styles and they are coming to us from Helena, Montana.
Saturday, July 6,, will have e a professionally catered breakfast from 7:30-10 a.m .in the alley behind the Chinook Eagles Club. On the menu is Texas Size French Toast with Strawberries and Whipped Cream, Grilled Ham Steak, Cheesy Egg Scramble, Breakfast Potatoes, Fresh Fruit Medley, and a beverage station of Hot Brewed Coffee and Orange Juice.
Covered seating will be available at all these events.
“If cars are your pastime, you are in luck,” the release added. “The Blaine County Cruisers will be hosting a car show on Main Street at 9 a.m. and will showcase a myriad of different vintage automobiles from every generation! Be sure to check them all out.”
The Jesse James Memorial Color Run will be held Saturday, July 6. at 10 a.m. on Main Street. This event is organized by the Jesse James Memorial Foundation. Jesse was tragically killed in a car accident and his family is continuing his legacy through their foundation.
“Join in all the fun at this Color Run; you can walk or run your way through the course getting colored chalk on your race shirt,” the release said. “Bring your friends and family for the fun run! Registration includes a T-shirt, sunglasses and a water bottle. Plans are to meet at the corner of Indiana and Fourth Street to begin the run.
Vendors will again line the streets from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A Pie and Ice Cream Social will be held at the Chinook Senior Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. also on Saturday. People can come check out various pies and ice cream and enjoy the cool air inside the Senior Center. This will be a fundraiser for the Friends of the Pool and Park Foundation.
The CHS All Class Reunion Parade will be held Saturday, July 6. Lineup will be at 2 p.m. at Meadowlark Elementary School and the Parade commences at 3 p.m.
“Should you wish to participate in the Parade, please fill out a form from our website and bring it with you at lineup; we will have forms available there as well,” the release said, adding, “There will also be a Marching Band during the Parade. Instruments will be available to use compliments of Chinook High School. You will be required to check out the instruments and return them back to the band room upon commencement of the parade. Simply show up at the High School at 2 p.m., and an instrument will be checked out to you.”
At 4 p.m. there will be a Jam Session on Main Street.
“If you would like to join in on the music, be there before 4 p.m. and jam out to some fun music,” the release said.
Saturday, July 6, there will be a professionally catered evening meal at 5pm in the alley behind the Chinook Eagles Club. On the menu is a Charbroiled New York Strip Steak, Chicken Strips, Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions, Baked Potato Bar, Fresh Garden Salad with Dressings, Penne Pasta Salad, Corn Dogs, Fresh Baked Dinner Rolls, Cheesecake Squares with Cherry Topping and Coffee, Iced Tea and Lemonade.
The Blaine County Fairboard is hosting a concert Saturday night as well. Copper Mountain will be performing, in concert, at the Blaine County Fairgrounds (Grandstands) and doors open at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 6.
“This up-and-coming group is sure to be a crowd pleaser,” the release said.
Sunday, July 7, the Chinook Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting a Pancake Breakfast from 7:30-10 a.m. at the Blaine County Fairgrounds in the Commercial Building. This is a fundraiser for the Fire Department everyone is encouraged to attend and support the organization.
“We welcome all vendors to attend the CHS All Class Reunion as well,” the release said. “This event has been known to bring in 1,000 to 1,500 visitors and would be very worthwhile for a Vendor to attend. Vendors will be located primarily on Main Street in Chinook but are also welcome to join in on the fun at the Brewfest on July 4th at Sweet Park (800 New York Street) from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.. If you would like to become a Vendor, contact Kaissia at 406-390-3987.”
The Chinook High School All-Class Reunion Committee is not affiliated with Chinook High School. It is a separate organization of volunteers that plan the All-Class Reunion event.
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