Pioneer Days events kick off Friday
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RONAN – Pioneer Days starts on Friday and the fun lasts until Sunday with so many activities that trying to fit them all into one weekend might be a challenge.
This year, parking along the parade route is prohibited due to a new city ordinance created to protect children. Ronan Police Chief Ken Weaver said it will be easier to spot kids darting out to collect candy without the parked cars. It will also be easier to provide emergency service in an emergency along the parade route.
The kids’ category is back in the parade and children are encouraged to use their creative skills to dress-up and be part of the parade.
“We want to get more kids involved,” said Michelle Marengo, parade coordinator.
Folks can sign up for the parade the morning of the Sunday event. The parade starts at 12:30 p.m. with judging an hour beforehand.
Farmer Olympics is another new event this year during the Kiddie/City Slicker Rodeo on Saturday at noon. Kids can participate in an assortment of games from chicken catching to sheep riding.
Many other events will go on during the weekend including sports tournaments in basketball, volleyball, softball, and golf. This is the 36th year for the Mission Mountain Classic 5K and 10K run. Dancing, fishing, and singing are among the other activities.
Pioneer Days started several decades ago.
“It started years and years ago,” said Kim Aipperspach, president of the Ronan Pioneer Days Company. It was once called the Days of 49 but he can’t remember why. In the late 1950s, it was changed to Pioneer Days. A couple different groups managed the event until the Ronan Pioneer Days Company took over.
“We are a nonprofit group of community members working to keep it going,” he said.
One of the highlights of the weekend includes several people volunteering to ride bison.
“At one time I had the record for getting bucked off the fastest,” Aipperspach said. “The idea is to hang on the longest.”
People can also get into an arena with a bull and see how long they can last.
“Five guys get into the arena and a bull is turned loose,” he said. “Whoever stays in the longest wins.”
Black is the color for the event this year. “Every year we pick a color for the posters and things,” he said.
Tickets are also available during the weekend for a 50/50 drawing.
Half of the proceeds go toward local educational scholarships.
Schedule of events
(activities are held at the Ronan Fair Grounds unless noted)
Friday, Aug. 5 – 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Kids Fishing Derby at Ronan City Park – 5 p.m. – Concessions by the Ronan Wrestling Club –5-7 p.m. – Happy Hour with Pioneer Days Company – 7:30 p.m. – Ronan Pioneer Days Bulls and Broncs – 9 p.m. – Street dance with local saloons (ID required)
Saturday, Aug. 6 – 7 a.m. – VFW Pancake Breakfast – 8 a.m. – 3-on-3 Basketball “Jam”boree at middle school courts – 8 a.m. – Golf Scramble at Mission Mountain Golf Course – 8 a.m. – Annual Mission Mountain Classic Run starting at Glacier Bank – 9 a.m. – Co-ed Softball Tourney at the softball fields – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Car show south of Glacier Bank – 11 a.m. Kiddie Slicker Rodeo sign-up – 12 p.m. Kiddie Slicker Rodeo featuring Farm Olympics – 7:30 p.m. Ronan Pioneer Days Open Rodeo – 9:30 p.m. Second night for the Street Dance
Sunday, Aug. 7 – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Volleyball Tourney at Ronan City Park, registration starts at 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Big Parade registration starts at Round Butte Mini Storage – 12:30 p.m. – Big Parade 3 p.m. – Open Rodeo with wild buffalo riding competition – 6:30 p.m. – Family Karaoke Night at Valley Club, all ages
