Plains Day activities shaping up

“Plains Day 2021 is shaping up to be an amazing event,” said Mary Halling, one of the coordinators on the planning committee that’s setting up activities throughout the day Saturday, June 5.

Though the committee hasn’t locked down specific times for many of the events, committee member Connie Foust said they’ll be starting with the Mason Pancake Breakfast at the VFW from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

One of the most popular activities of years past is returning to Plains this year, courtesy of VFW Post 3596. It’s the crosscut competition, which will take place sometime in the afternoon in the space across the street from the post. They won’t be including the chainsaw contest, but they might be doing an axe or hatchet toss, said post member Bill Beck, who’s on the crosscut committee. The crosscut competition was last done in 2011 and had a big turnout of participants and spectators.

“It’s going to be a busy day and there’s going to be something for everyone,” said Foust, who said “Free Americans,” the nonprofit organization that stepped up to do the festival, paid for the necessary insurance through Behring Insurance Agency in Plains. The insurance company also donated money to help pay for prizes, according to Terry Caldwell, the Paradise resident who came up with the idea of doing Plains Day this year. The theme for the day-long festival is “In God We Trust.”  

Plains Day started in 1962 as Donkey Derby Days as a way for local businesses to show their appreciation to local customers, said Alvin Amundson, one of the creators of the annual festival. It was originally run by the Plains Chamber of Commerce and later changed to Plains Day. When the chamber folded, the Plains Business Association took over, but that entity shut down three years ago. “I think it’s great that a local group stepped up and is organizing Plains Day,” said Plains Mayor Dan Rowan. “If not for their efforts, Plains Day would not happen this year,” he said.

This year’s Plains Day will also honor former Plains resident Tom Peterson, who passed away last year. Peterson, who had owned Ripples Ice Cream Parlor, was a vintage car enthusiast and used to put on an annual car show. “The pride of the day just might be the launch of the First Annual Tom Peterson Memorial Car Show,” said Halling. “A familiar face all around Plains, Tom always had a laugh, a story and made everyone feel especially welcome while whipping up some original ice cream creation,” she added. 

The car show will take place along the greenway. Amy Dishaw, one of the committee members, said local residents will cast their votes for the Best of Show trophy for first place. A smaller trophy for second, and ribbons for places will also be handed out. Dishaw is also working on a Plains Day Facebook page that will eventually show times for the events.

She also noted that they already have 50 vendors signed up for Plains Day with an assortment of goods, such as art, food, drinks, crafts, gunsmith, businesses, and nonprofit groups. A big draw for vendors this year is the free space. Dishaw said there is no charge for vendors, but they can make a donation to Plains Day if they choose. An account called “Friends of Plains Day” has been set up at First Security Bank for those who would like to donate. 

Halling is coordinating this year’s parade, which will have prizes for different categories, such as “Best Dressed Pet,” businesses, nonprofit organizations and a category for ATVs and UTVs. The theme for this year’s parade is “God Bless America.” People interested in being in the parade should line up at 10 a.m. in the parking lot behind Plains High School. The parade begins at 11 a.m.

“Businesses and nonprofits are encouraged to enter floats promoting their entity, and there’s plenty of room for anyone to just jump aboard with any special talent to add flair and win a chance for an award, ribbon or cash prize,” said Halling in a press release last week. Pete Richardson of Plains plans to put together a group called “Vets on Bikes” for the parade. Richardson, an Air Force and a Montana National Guard veteran, believes there are veterans interested in participating, but he doesn’t have firm numbers. Richardson plans to don his former armored tanker uniform for the parade.

In addition to Rocky Mountain Bank’s Ice Cream Social and Turtle Races, there will be inflatable bouncing houses for kids on the lawn at the MT West Dentist and at Fred Young Park, where Plains Bible Church will have children’s games. A dunk tank will be set up along the greenway. Halling said they are looking for volunteers to get dunked. Foust has been trying to get Rowan to volunteer for the dunk tank, but so far, he has declined.

Halling said there will be local musicians playing throughout the day, including electronic dance music and light show run by Plains resident Fame Lopez at the E.L. Johnson Memorial Park at dusk. While it hasn’t been confirmed, Caldwell said he hopes that the Ryan Family will once again put on a community dance at the community park.

“After a long, hard year, it’s time to get out and celebrate our great community,” said Halling. “Plains has long held the tradition of Plains Day as a time to honor our heritage in the valley, the terrific people who live here and the many businesses and nonprofits which call this place home.”