Editor,

I would like to commend Debb McNary, and all the people of Trout Creek, for the 2018 Huckleberry Festival, as I feel from all I saw and heard from all whom attended, nothing but praise for the extremely clean grounds and operation from beginning to end was a very welcome and enjoyed by all attending – many comments were heard from guests about the great family atmosphere presented.

Many praises for the extremely clean grounds as a whole, no clutter, beer cans, cigarette smoke or such present. I noticed the largest crowd ever of elders and total families in this year’s festival and all remarks were so positive. This was a first for Sanders County with this kind of open assembly. Extremely clean, all comments so positive. I will try to explain some of my observations, as I am just a volunteer helper to the very dedicated Noxon VFW, leaders of the parade, and the work they do.

As I always hand out small American flags to guests after the parade, I was totally underprepared for the “2018” size of the crowd, as my normal of 100-150 flags as expected, my “218” on hand was not enough and I apologize for the shortage, as the amazing crowd was so family sized and were so great.

As I have “big ears,” I heard many comments, all very great for the 2018 festival. I will relate a couple. First case, a young lady with a new baby in arms had endured the parade and asked for a flag for her new baby. I was overwhelmed by her spirit of patriotism. Next spectacle, a small group of young ladies were talking about the clean grounds and wondered how this could be. I asked them where they were from. They replied Seattle and said they always had to wade through “beer cans, smoke, trash, and drunks,” and were so happy to be in Trout Creek, Montana. Then replied they had heard some other people in the restaurant talking about the Huckleberry Festival and they decided to take five days off and come and see. The great comments for the Huck Festival continued to praise all concerned.

At the end of the parade, the Honor Guard elected to walk back to the beginning – we were all overwhelmed at the thanks, handshakes, and hugs from the ladies. As I was out of flags, I returned to the VFW booth and gave away several hundred of their “Buddy Poppies” to kids and all.

My end remarks are simple – the “lady in charge,” Debb McNary, and her staff had just taken the small town of Trout Creek to a great level of international recognition for their great approach to a very enjoyable – clean, family festival as visitors from six foreign countries, visiting for whatever reason, were all amazed – Germany, England, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, and France,with all very positive comments.

This lady and board need to be honored at public level recognition as this was a first for this county. Maybe an honor board or something at Trout Creek.

Al McGuigan,

Thompson Falls

Sanders County President, Informational

Exchange Club