blackfoot-valley

this course, groups of up to twenty shooters at a time are invited to partici- pate at events held each season, of which, Dick says, about fifteen usually show up. In addition, the facility hosts four registered tournaments during the season. The first Meyer Invitational Tournament was held on the newly built course on May 25, 1996. The regular shooting season closes at the be- ginning of October. Sometimes, it’s extended to goose season in January. A quite different kind of “shooting” event for spectators that seems on the way to becoming a valley tradition is the fireworks display on the Fourth of July. It started modestly in 1997, when the Ranch business manager bought some sky rockets, fire fountains, and similar items from a fireworks stand in Missoula and set them off at the “Hotel” grounds for Ranch employ- ees. It blossomed in succeeding years into the engagement of a professional fireworks company who brought in a full display. In 2000, after a gala out- door dinner under tent for several dozen guests, a truly spectacular millen- nium show was launched. A number of folks came from Helmville, although the fireworks could be seen from town. For 2001, the dinner guest list grew to around 100 people. Many came from California and the crowd included Ranch employees and their families. The entertainment also expanded with a live band and games and prizes for the younger set. It was a rare hot day for the Nevada Valley with tempera- tures over 90 degrees. As the sun lowered in the west and temperatures started to cool, a steady stream of cars materialized with the people of Helm- ville and surrounding areas coming to enjoy the party. After all was said and done, the group on the Ranch numbered around 200. The fireworks crew that year outdid the previous years’ show with a number of innovations. This writers’ reaction was that this display was even more impressive than the annual Independence Day display held at the fair- grounds in Missoula. Added to this is the sheer immediacy of the event, its sights and sounds unfolding almost directly above one’s head so that the best viewing position is lying on your back in the cool grass. One can’t help but wonder in this age of political correctness when rhetoric is tailored not to offend any group except the presumed politically incorrect - whether or not the magnificence of such a display still stirs anyone as more than entertainment of the moment. Does it provoke thoughts of this country’s birth by fire; of what it stood for then and now, and of the direction in which it may be heading? Is true patriotism dead, or dying? My impres- sion for whatever it may be worth, is that in this valley, at least, it is not. 166