Organizers happy with Plains Day turnout

After a three-year hiatus, Plains Day returned this year, proving the successful event was missed by community members. "The event was spectacular," said Connie Foust, a Plains Day coordinator. "We worked hard on this and we received a lot of positive feedback from the community. Even Mineral County commented on how patriotic it was."

People filled the streets as they enjoyed a day full of activities that took place along the greenway on Railroad Street. Around 50 vendors were set up, ranging from local nonprofits to local artisans and several food booths.

The nonprofit organization "Free Americans" volunteered to host the event. "It went really well for our first shot at it," Foust said. "Even though we had a few booths drop out, we had more booths there than we've had in years."

Across the street from the greenway, the Plains Woman's Club opened the old log schoolhouse for tours and hosted a bake sale. Proceeds will support continued restoration of the schoolhouse and their scholarship program. Plains Day served as an addition to one of the many events the Plains Woman's Club participates in and according to club secretary Ellen Childress, the club tries to do an event every month. "From Shakespeare in the Park, Books for Babies and our involvement in Missoula's Children Theater, there's a whole list of community involvement," she said.

"We are trying to make the community a community," said Kathleen Hubka, Plains Woman's Club volunteer. "We're making plans, we're doing things and we're having fun." Childress added that, "after last year, we all really need it."

The "God Bless America," themed Plains Day Parade was the focal point of the day's events.

The "God Bless America"-themed Plains Day Parade was the focal point of the day's event with a cash prize going to the top winner.

"This year for Plains Day, Clearwater Montana Properties decided to do an agent-matching donation to the winner of the nonprofit float in the parade," said Mary Halling, committee member and parade coordinator. "The winner was the Plains Bible Chapel for their vacation bible school float." Local agents Lisa Wood, Jennifer Thrash, Mary Halling, Jeanette Carr-Smith, Dawn Krebs, Bransen Krebs, Trudy Berge and Charlie Scott raised $250, and the company matched that for a total of $500.

The first annual Tom Peterson Memorial Car Show was held Saturday. Attendees voted for the Best of Show trophy for first place. Richard and Mary Ullon of Plains took home first place with their 1950 Mercury Coupe. Second place was Charee Fielders of Plains with her 2006 Mustang.