ANSELMO–American Pride is the theme for this year’s Big Sky Jubilee in Anselmo. The annual fun-filled weekend will be taking place Friday, June 25 through Sunday, June 27.
Long time event volunteer Pam Gilligan has been involved with Big Sky for about 20 years. The first Big Sky Jubilee was first held in 1967 and Gilligan said keeping the celebration going is essential to keeping Anselmo alive.
“I keep coming back because they say through the history if a town loses its celebration, it loses its town. It’s just a time for everybody to get together you know, and enjoy each other’s company mainly. I’ve read old posters and things that have made that comment: you got to keep your town celebrations going if you want to keep your town,” Gilligan told KCNI/KBBN.
It is Family Fun Night at the softball field on Friday, the “American Pride” parade at 11 a.m. on Saturday, and Sunday will conclude with the sand volleyball tournament and Ranch Rodeo.
Gilligan said she is excited for the brand new BBQ event at the Haupt residence across from the ball field at 6 p.m. on Friday night. Another newer event is a scavenger hunt event geared for older kids on Saturday afternoon. Gilligan also said she appreciates the Anselmo-Merna school board for serving the “best pancakes and sausage ever!” on Saturday morning.
Friday, June 25
Free Sloppy Jo Feed, Playground and Blow Ups, Kick Ball, Corn Hole, Miniature Golf, Pitmaster BBQ Challenge at 6 p.m.
Saturday, June 26
Free Pancake Feed at the Fire Hall 8-10 a.m., “American Pride” Parade at 11 a.m., Lunch at the Library 12 p.m., Miniature Golf, Coed Softball & Concessions, Historical Marker Dedication at 12 p.m., Horseshoes, Kids’ Races/Games, Scavenger Hunt at 3 p.m., Hoosier Valley School Sign Dedication 3 p.m., Turtle Races 4:30 p.m., Fireman BBQ & Watermelon Feed at 6 p.m., Street Dance 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., Breakfast at 2 a.m.
“That’s what we try to do: keep the kids busy and keep the adults busy too. We like to have things for the older people to do also,” Gilligan said. “I’m hoping where we didn’t have a celebration last year, I think people are really gung-ho to get out there this year is what we’re hoping.”
Sunday, June 27
Sand Volleyball Tournament, Ranch Rodeo, Lunch Served at 1 p.m. with proceeds donated to the newly dedicated Anselmo Veteran’s Memorial Wall on Main Street.
