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It is a celebration of Hot Springs history and a festival of fun and food. Hot Springs Homesteader Days was held last weekend, giving the town a temporary boost in population and businesses a chance to share their uniqueness with visitors.

Games, relays and activities kept youth and families busy – with a chance to win cash prizes, such as the Rubber Ducky Race that landed one youth $100. The downtime between larger events was filled with music from regional musicians, including the blues driven rock of the Flathead V8's (who also entertained for the annual evening street dance) and the contemporary acoustic duo Jim-n-I. Trout and gouda barbecued pizza, gourmet tacos, snow cones and ice cream were just a few of the tasty treats available for hungry homesteaders Pancake breakfasts and other food events that raised monies for causes such as the local library.

While the bouncy house and games in the park were reserved just for kids, the young at heart were invited to take a leap on the bungee jumper or take the gyroscope for a spin. The benches outside of the local watering holes are a favorite location for locals to relax throughout the year, and that seating got some extra mileage from the admirers of the entrants in the annual car show that were parked up and down Main Street with doors and hoods open for a peek inside the rods and classics. The cars were the perfect backdrop for the anticipated kiddy parade.

A different kind of parade was the caravan of horse trailers making their way to the arena just outside of town where the Pistol Creek Rodeo hosted the annual Homesteaders Rodeo. Vehicles passing by slowed to see what was kicking up so much dust just off the highway, trying to catch a glimpse of riders and ropers through the crowded bleachers.

With the street dance and venues that tout entertaining activities for grownups, the warm evenings did not settle down but gained momentum as Hot Springs regular nightlife was intensified with dancers, soakers, and beverage imbibers. True to Hot Springs atmosphere, differing backgrounds, politics, and lifestyles came together in celebratory moods to enjoy the town's yearly three-day party. One was just as likely to strike up a cheerful conversation with dreadlocks as a cowboy hat.

Homesteader Results

From Pistol Creek Rodeo

Bareback: 1, Baily Kinard; 2, Dustin Morigeau

Saddle Bronc: 1, Charlie Lytle; 2, Alan Gobert; 3, Brett Door

Bull Riding: No Qualified Rides

Calf Roping: 1, Cody Sheridan; 2, Colt Stonehocker; 3, Jack McAllister; 4, Alonzo Skunkcap

Steer Wrestling: 1, Collin Johnson; 2, Levi Guenzler; 3, Karsten Peterson

Team Roping: 1, Dallas VonHeeder and John Vermedahl; 2. Ty St. Goddard and Jay Runningfisher; 3, Dustin Datisman and Manny Boggs; 4, Jessie Johnston and Mike Williams

Ladies Barrel Race: 1, Effie Clairmont; 2, Emily Kamura; 3, Judy Myllymaki; 4, Jessie Wilcox

Johanna Clark

Ladies Breakaway: Katelin Conway

Junior Barrels: 1, Ruby Ray; 2, Cadence Schweigert; 3, Greyson O'Connor; 4, Madyson Wills

Mini Bulls: 1, Caden Fitzpatrick; 2, Wynn Well; 3, Brander Christianson; 4, Jesse White

Junior Breakaway: 1, Nick McAllister; 2, Kelsey Gillian

Homesteader Car Show Winners: 1, Tony Grant, 1970 Plymouth Duster; 2, Mellow Donenfeld, 1956 Chevy Wagon/1960 camper; 3, Bryan Tobert, 1947 Chevy Delivery Sedan

Dave Fisher Memorial (picked by Dave's wife and kids): Larry & Louis Eslick, 1972 Buick Skylark

BUCKING BRONC - Pistol Creek Rodeo hosted the annual Homesteaders Rodeo in Hot Springs.

Photo by Johanna Clark