Free concert turned ‘ugly’
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Editor,
The Bop-a-Dips again had their free concert on Saturday, Aug. 11. This was not as happy of an event as in the past, as I am a fan of their music.
This year, it turned into an ugly event. I would suggest that the sponsors and Polson businesses take a closer look at where their money is spent.
There are several street dances that are provided during the summer on the Flathead Reservation, but they are all sponsored by liquor bars. And it is just no fun dancing with drunken fools. The Bop-a-Dips event is turning into a bacchanal celebration. The day was filled with beautiful cars and artistic material at the Lake County Courthouse, but then the day ended with a concert that is not a family event.
At the break, the band encouraged everyone to please get their adult drinks for the second half of the venue. It appears many folks believe liquor is the only way to have a good time. This concert has changed for the worse in only one year. There was inappropriate and suggestive conversation from the lead singer that need not be given to the audience, especially to our kids and young people, or even to some of us older folks.
The Confederated Salish, Kootenai and Pend d’Oreille have long realized that liquor is not a wanted item at both the Arlee and Elmo powwows as well as other tribal events. Now I wish that most of the Lake County residents would ban liquor at this free concert.
I would suggest that the community sponsors start looking for another band for the Cruisen by the Bay event. I have enjoyed the event for about six or seven years, but this year may be my last. it appears the band is like a bright shining red apple, but the core is filled up with ugliness that is not much fun to their fans.
Again, I would ask the community sponsors to review their contract for next year’s event, and maybe be like the Flathead Tribal Council and ban liquor from major celebrations that involve many members of our community. Nowadays, there are very few events in Lake County that are liquor-free.
Eugene Mark Felsman
Ronan
