The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1909-06-25
TOURNAMENT
BIG SUCCESS
South Dakota Firemen Here
in Great Numbers for
Entire Week
CITY WELL LIGHTED.
Crowds Taxed City's Accom-
modaticns, yet all Were
We'll Cared For.

With thousands upon thousands
of colored incandescent lights flash
ing effulgently, bands playing and
thousands of happy people present,
the 26th annual Tournament of the
South Dakota Firemen's Association
proved a great success during the
week. The weather was ideal, and
as this is the first time the tourna-
ment was held west Of the Missouri
river, there were hundreds who came
purely through curiosity to see the
Black Hills country of which they
lad heard so much and knew so lit
tie. The picturesque hills therefore
We'd with the festivities of the tourn-
ament in providing entertainment for
the visitors, and everyone enjoyed
the visit to the gateway city of the
Hills. They came in train loads
from all quarters of the state, and
vice in handling the crowds as we'll
as the paraphernalia carried by the
fire companies. So great was the
crowds during the week. that hotels,
restaurants and private homes
were drawn into service to care for
the people, and all were made to
feel welcome and enjoy the occasion.
AS a general thing the crowds were,
we'll behaved, and barring few out
bursts of pent up enthusiasm, there
was nothing to indicate a spirit of
running Wild" SO often the case in
cities on occasions of the kind.
Streets Well Lighted.
4 The city spared no expense to make
the business section attractive to vis-
tors Thousands of colored lights
were stretched across the streets
at intersections, and these with the
regular arc lights and the illumina-
tions OF the stores made city beau
tiful as soon as the mantle of dark
ness was drawn about. In addition
to the lighting of the streets the
business places We're decorated in
red, green and yellow, some of them
very handsome and elaborate. At
all intersections the streets were
decorated in colors from pinacles Of
buildings, and everything blended
harmoniously. Throughout the week
Rapid City endeavored to please and
her efforts were appreciated.
The Parade Proper.
Seldom was a parade pulled off as
nearly on time as was that of We'd
nesday, when the firemen's parade
took place. AS soon as the train
from Deadwood came in the line of
marcl began to form and was soon
started The parade took half an
hour to pass given point, and was
siy Elccks long. Following was the
order of march:
Marshal Eugene Bangs, accom-
panied by Thomas Hewett and Rob
ert Holcomb.
Sturgis Band.
Miller Hooks, champions Of the
state.
Pierre Department.
Parkston Band.
Parkston Department.
Wasta Fire Department, led by
an automobile in which was Chief
Hunt. With this company was its
pet, the chemical fire engine manu-
featured by the Northern Fire Ap
paratus company.
Fairburn Club Band.
Lead Department.
Deadwood Band.
Deadwood Department.
Huron Department.
Platte Department.
Tyndall Department.
Vermillion Department.
Rapid City Band.
Chief McElroy.
Hook and Ladder.
North Rapid Hose Company.
Sweeney Hose Company.
Gate City Hose Company
There were many interestin
features connected with the parad
which would take columns to enl
merate. The companies made fin
appearance, all being finely un
formed and well drilled. TIL
stolidity of the countenances of til
Wasta bunch was interesting whe
understood. There was a fine L
against anyone who recognized
friend among the onlookers.
The Prizes Awarded.
Following the parade the judg
met and decided upon the prize wi
ners. While there were no disput
it was no easy task for the judg
to arrive at their conclusion. e
the companies presented fine a
pearance. The summary OF t
Judges decision was as follows:
For best appearing department
Parker. !.
For best uniformed department
Huron.
For most men in lineDead wot
For department coming the lol