Arlee prepares for 113th Annual 4th of July Celebration
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ARLEE — The roar of F15 fighter jets will signal the start of Arlee’s annual 4th of July parade next Monday. This year’s parade, themed “Soaring to Freedom", is part of the overall festivities beginning June 30 that mark Arlee’s 113th annual July 4 Celebration.
The celebration kicks off with the Camper’s Day on June 30 where participants will start setting up camp for the coming weekend. The official start of the celebration is held with stick games following the memorial ceremonies that begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday. Friday is Old Style Day, which features dances like the scalp dance, war dance and canvas dance. Saturday kicks off the powwow and competition dancing with grand entry at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and again on Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The 4th of July parade on Monday will feature community floats and participants with a special emphasis on honoring veterans.
“It is important to honor the veterans because the 4th of July is about freedom,” Alvaretta Morin, parade chairwoman, said. Interested veterans can contact Morin by phone (406) 726-3167 so placards can be made with their names on them.
“They would honor us if they (veterans) rode on the veteran float,” float organizer Tracey Morin said. According to Tracey, in past years there has been a veteran float, but this year the committee wanted to especially highlight this part of the parade. So they came up with the idea to have F15 fighter jets from Great Falls Air National Guard fly over the parade. This is the first time the F15 jets have flown over the parade.
“It ties into this year especially since we are trying to get as many local veterans as possible to participate,” Tim Morin added. Tim, who is also on the parade committee, requested the flyover, which is a free service to interested communities and just requires paperwork. According to Tim, the jets are also expected to make an appearance at parades in Bigfork and Polson.
In addition to trying to get the word out to veterans, Morin said they are also looking for volunteers to help decorate floats and donate pickups and flatbeds.
The Jocko Valley Museum also opens on Monday for summer and features local history and people. Museum hours on July 4th will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. every Saturday after July 16.
“We have a little bit of everything,” Alvaretta said of the all the events occurring this weekend in Arlee.
