Family Mellmann

For nearly 25 years we have attended parades in Vermont; sometimes the Memorial Day Parade in Essex Junction and sometimes the 4th of July Parade in Williston (and sometimes both).  Montana parades have a completely different flare.  Lots of local businesses decorate vehicles and strut their stuff.  Local politicians make an appearance - of course - including the Governor Greg Gianforte as the Parade Marshal.  There were even two pipe (bag pipe) bands!  Community services (from garbage trucks to septic tank pumpers to police and fire) decorated their trucks and tooted their horns.  And most of them brought candy, some brought other treats, one brought apples, and a few brought bottles of water.  The kids clearly understood how this was going to work because they came armed with empty bags for their candy and lined the edge of the street to be in the best catching position while parents sat comfortably in chairs behind them.  In Vermont, almost none of the parade participants brought ca

Each year during the week of July 4th, Livingston Montana is home to the Livingston Roundup; the oldest rodeo in Montana.  Started in 1924, this year marks the rodeo's 100th anniversary.  Always a festive event, this year was particularly well attended.  Tickets sold out early and when they added an extra day of rodeo events, those tickets sold out quickly too. Each night, when the day's rodeo activities have concluded, there is a brief fireworks display.  The big display will take place on July 4th, but these nightly light shows are a lovely way to end the evening.