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The weather was perfect for three days of festivities that the Coyote Days at the Wild Coyote Saloon hosts annually. According to owner Karen Ferguson, there were around 700 people coming and going last Friday through Sunday who were entertained by the lawnmower races, duck races, horseshoe pit, plenty of vendors and an almost constant flow of live music. The vendors were set up behind the Wild Coyote and there was plenty of benches and tables set up to relax and just enjoy the evening. 

"Each year we continue to get bigger and bigger," Ferguson said, referencing the estimated 500 people at last year's Coyote Days. The camping spots and RV hookups at the Wild Coyote were full for the weekend.

Ferguson also noted plans for expansion that the Wild Coyote hopes to accomplish. The business is working to more than double the number of RV spots and they are planning for nine additional cabins to be built. A game room will be added to the Wild Coyote building with pool, darts and foosball.

"We hope to continue to grow. Maybe one day the Coyote Days will be as big as the fair," Ferguson said excitedly.

A family of moose showed up to join the fun, making their way, unbothered, through the camping area to take advantage of cold creek and escape the heat.

You could walk around the grounds and visit the eight vendors to find unique handmade items such as rustic wood creations, Harley-Davidson products and local arts and crafts. There were also a couple shade tents set up to escape the sun. The Wild Coyote was open for drinks, and special menu items were served by the kitchen staff. The Wild Coyote's kitchen is not big enough to handle the traffic of the weekend, so they set up grills outside. Hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, breakfast and lunch wraps and sirloin steak with a side of baked potato were served.

The lawn mower races always prove to be a favorite, with 15 racers showing up this year. At the start and end of the races a large replica cannon was set off, adding an exciting element. Kim Haynack was running the lawn mower races this year, getting the participants registered and waivers signed. 

"I worked with the Cardinals for 25 years. I know everything that goes into putting on a professional football game and that has helped me a lot with these races," Haynack said. She also mentioned that how the racing heats were structured was left up to what the racers wanted to do.

There were no official placings this year. All the racers were in agreement that they would ride to have fun and put on an entertaining event. This year, during the Sanders County Fair, the lawn mower races will be given a spot during the Demolition Derby. The lawn mower races will also be put on again in October.

Callie Jacobson

COYOTE DAYS - The crowd brought lawn chairs and gathered outside the Coyote to listen to Dave and Deb Oliver as they entertained during the festival.

Another fun event for all ages is the duck races. Rubber ducks are purchased for $5 with numbers on them and then released in a section of Prospect Creek behind the Wild Coyote. There is a finish line hung across the water to catch the ducks and volunteers behind the net to catch any that get through. A total of 158 ducks were purchased.

Prizes were given to the ducks in first, second and third place, as well as the last-place duck. First place went to Minnie's Montana Cafe's duck who received $390. Second place received $160 and third place received $105. The last-place duck was purchased by Cody Brown and he received $135. The last 30 minutes of the duck sales went in the pot for the duck that was last to cross the finish line.

"We had so many good responses at the lawn mower races and the other events that we are planning to have an end of summer party on September 28," Ferguson said. The party will feature another lawn mower race and music from the Wayne Brothers. The party is also open to vendors who would like to set up a booth. For more information, contact Ferguson at (406) 827-7867.