Small town crowd
Homesteader Days celebrated in Hot Springs
Rob Zolman
The Grand Parade moves down Main Street on Sunday.
Rob Zolman
Homesteader parade
Rob Zolman
Cameron Brown rides a bronc in the rodeo
Rob Zolman
Cloe Barron-Hoove is having a flipping good time.
Rob Zolman
The American flag is displayed during the celebration
Rob Zolman
Candy is found at the parade.
Rob Zolman
Children enjoy the day.
Rob Zolman
Rob Zolman
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HOT SPRINGS – The population of Hot Springs usually stays around 550 until the second weekend in June, when the annual Homesteader Days brings in thousands of people -- as was the case last weekend.
“For a small town we sure put on a big three-day deal,” said Leslee Smith, Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and Homesteader Days committee president. “It was a pretty good turnout, considering it was blustery and cold.”
Homesteaders Days, in its 69th year, has been a not-to-be-missed celebration that continues to attract tourists and residents with great food, music, crafts and fun activities. Tantalizing smells coming from the food vendors along Main Street attract the senses with an array of foods ranging from street tacos to grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. Visitors were treated to a wide variety of live musical entertainment which included Shiloh Rising, Tom Clontz & Larry McCain, Jimni, Shameless Society, Aaron Jennings and Kathy Colton & the Reluctants. The Flathead V8’s rocked Fergie’s Pub on Friday night and during the Saturday night street dance.
Friday was a good day to walk along Main Street and enjoy the many arts and crafts booths. The Skunk Alley 3k and 10k run kicked off Saturday’s main activities followed by a horseshoe tournament, a kiddy parade, ducky races, a car show and a rodeo. The city park was filled with fun kid games and activities while the LaRue Hot Springs Museum offered historical exhibits.
On Sunday afternoon, a big crowd of people lined Main Street for the annual Grand Parade. The day culminated in a rodeo featuring mini bull riding, barrel racers, steer wrestling, saddle bronc, team roping, and bull riding performances.
