Wild Coyote Days celebrates a decade of fun

With a head count of around 500 attendees at its peak, Wild Coyote Days at Wild Coyote Saloon went off without a hitch, according to owner Karen Ferguson.

"We had a great crowd, no drama and plenty of fun," shared Ferguson, who noted that this was the tenth year of the three-day event.

Throughout the decade of Wild Coyote Days, entertainment and events have changed over time from "gun fighter" re-enactments to Jell-O wrestling, "We do our best to keep it interesting," shared Ferguson, "and as the property grows, events will grow and change as well."

With 24 camping spots filled, seven RV's and the rented cabin, there were plenty onsite to enjoy the newly offered breakfast menu at Wild Coyote, which is available from 8 a.m. until noon Wednesday through Sunday. The Coyote's normal menu was pared down to a simpler offering in order to keep up with the hungry crowds. The bloody mary bar Sunday morning helped renew lost vitamins from imbibing and hot temperatures. Six vendors were set up in the backyard with the first-ever beer garden, offering their unique products and watching the fun.

The big hype for the last three years has been the lawn mower races, but some old standbys continue to be crowd pleasers.

"We love supporting local music and always find other artists in the region to perform," said Ferguson, who enlisted Sanders County's Fire Creek Band for the Friday evening kick-off. Dave and Deb Oliver were joined by traditional country musician Bob Sink on fiddle and mandolin. Although the lawn mower races began and ended during their music set, they enjoyed a steady crowd where they had set up in the shade near the Wild Coyote's entrance. Rock and rollers from Kalispell, Rosie and the Riveters kept people dancing long into the night near the bonfire that was utilized each evening in the backyard.

Ten teams signed up for the horse shoe tournament, where winner Aaron Quinn took home the pot. The annual rubber duck races prize pot was raised due to high participation. An Idaho woman who opted not to be identified had the winning duck that crossed the finish line first, winning $300. Wild Coyote employee Jennifer Thompson's daughter, Serenity, landed the second place spot for $200, and Alysha Franck won the $75 third place prize.

New developments are in the works to expand the Wild Coyote's ability to host more overnight guests in the future. Surveying and FEMA requirements have been met to start planning, plotting and constructing nine more cabins and creation of 12-17 RV hookup spots. "We're very excited for the future of this property and what it could mean for guests," said Ferguson, who has always gone the extra mile to make sure people are safe by finding volunteer designated drivers for events or having overnight stays as an option. Of course, she is also considering what the larger capacity could mean for Wild Coyote Days in the future.

"It has become a big and popular event. We are so appreciative of our guests and how well things go," shared Ferguson, "any bigger town or venue would hire private security for something like this, but we have been very blessed to have a good crowd here who just want to be festive and have fun. We couldn't ask for more."

For more information about new developments and specials at Wild Coyote call 827-7867.