Randi the Snodeo Clown cheers on six-year-old Sean O'Riordain from Missoula as he rounds the second snowman barrel on his reindeer. This was one of many events for children at the Ovando Old West Christmas Fest, Dec. 3 in Ovando.
Four generations of the Hooker family one-year-old Jacob with his father Matt, Cowboy Claus and great-grandfather Jack Hooker.
Billy Cyr and his father Bill with BC Horses out of Lincoln offered wagon rides around Ovando.
Four-month-old Tymber Theriault came from Helena to see Cowboy Claus with her sister Savannah and mother Krysta. Her shirt read "Dear Santa, I didn't know I couldn't do that."
Seeley Lake residents Myles Livingston and Delsin Tongen proudly show their gingerbread houses.
Seeley Lake's Sera Benton leans in close to Cowboy Claus so no one will hear what is on her Christmas wish list this year.
Too Tall Tom instructing Hannah McDermott of Helena on the art of ax throwing. Will Trimbath and his dog Gus wait their turn.
Bandi and Randi the Snodeo Clowns.
OVANDO – Ovando was bustling this past Saturday, Dec. 3 with people from all over western Montana. Some came just to see Cowboy Claus, while others took in the various activities held throughout town.
In keeping with tradition, children filed into the fire hall to make graham cracker gingerbread houses. Every child appeared to have a plan as they carefully choose the decorations for their house. The masterpieces, topped with dozens of different candies, sat on display as they dried.
Downtown activities included ax throwing. The Ovando wagon served burritos and hot cider. Homemade donuts and Trixi's chili were also available. Attendees visited the Blackfoot Commercial, The Stay Bullet and the Blackfoot Angler while waiting for the infamous Cowboy Claus to arrive at the Brand Bar Museum.
Attendees could catch a ride on the horse-drawn wagon to the Blackfoot Community Church. On the church lawn, Bandi and Randi the Snodeo clowns held barrel racing competitions around snowmen on stick reindeer. Inside activities included face painting, reindeer making and games.
Attendees voted for their favorite of six entrees in the Taste of Ovando Meatball Cook-off. Peggy Fly's meatballs, also known as #5, won the voters' choice award, giving her the yearly bragging rights and a $25 gift certificate for Diamond Bar Meats in Missoula from the Blackfoot Cattlewomen's Association.
One attendee said "I voted for #1 because I liked it the best but I liked the kick in #3."
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