The Kalispell bee. [volume] (Kalispell, Mont.) 1900-192?, 1903-07-07

Kalispel's Fourth of July celebra- /
ton was all what it was advertised |
to be, and more, and served to bring
to Kalispell the largest crowd of peo-
city. With the exception of a brief
shower in the afternoon, the day was
all tha. could be desired, and elimi-
mated the only doubtful feature of the
occasion. Not an accident of any
kind marred the festivities and the
best of order was maintained through
out, no fights or brawls occurring,
and the police had little to do.
At an early hour the crash and
boom of firecrackers, big and little,
ushered in the glorious Fourth, and
soon the crowds began to gather, and
by II o'clock, when the first of the
days sports took place, the streets
were jammed and packed with mass
of good natured humanity, bent ON
having a good time, and willing to
suffer a little convenience to get it.
Weeds fife and drum corps was the
first musical organization to put in
an appearance, and on it's march
Gus places and rendered martial airs,
quickening the pulses Of the specta-
tors, and whetting the appetite for
what was to follow. Soon afterward,
H. Company of the Montana National
guard came swinging down the
street in command of Capt. A. w.
Swaney, and gave an exhibition drill.
They went through the manual of
arms in way that made a decided
hit with the crowds, and their work
was appreciated by all.
The next feature was a race be-
tween the members of the fire de-
partment One hose cart drawn by
members of the company was sta
toned just outside the fire hall. the
hook and ladder truck was stationed
near Sherman's undertaking room,
while the chemical wagon, with
horses unhitched, was at its station.
near the corner of Third street and
First avenue last. At the sounding
of the fire alarm, the race commenc-
ed. the objective point being huge
pile of boxes on the right Of way
near the National hotel The boxes
had been flooded with oil and were
set on fire. when the fire cong
sounded. The object of the race was
ito see which company would arrive
on the scene the quickest and get in
shape to work on the fianl2s. At the
first tap of the fire bell, the race was
on. and the terrific run down crowded
Main street was thrilling spectacle.
The hose company and hook and lad
der truck were almost to the scene
when the chemical wagon, drawn by
it's magnificent team OF bays came
dashing into Main street almost a.
the same moment From some cause
there was a hitch in the working OF
the chemical apparatus, and the W.
ter was soon turned off and streams
of water from the hydrant put out
the flames. The race was called
tie, and the SIS purse was divided
between the contestants.
The foot races followed the mems
100 yard dash, being won by Luther
Griffiths, with w. J. Brown second.
The city band first occupied the
band stand on Main and first streets,
where it rendered several selections
afterward marching.
The preliminary program was nm
ished about noon, and the croWds
gradually dispersed to eat their din
ners, and prepare themselves for the
events at the fair ground in the aft
ernoOn.
A GLORIOUS AFTERNOON.
The crowd at the fair grounds IN
the afternoon is variously estimated
at from four to five thousand, and
far exceeded the record day OF the
fair last fall. The grand stand was
filled to overflowing and the over
flow extended over the grounds ano
along the fence on each side. The
EXERCISES commenced with a bal
game between the Kalispell Blues anc
the Stars. a team of railroad men
th,e majority of whom We're from
Trov and managed by Charley Whit
field. This was won by the Blues b!
a score of 10 to Z, after nine inning:
of as good ball playing as was evel
witnessed in the county. From the
start, the game was interesting, ant