Best Community Event

Fourth of July

More than 50 percent of our readers said the Fourth of July Celebrations in the valleys were the events they didn't want to miss. This year, voters did not specify which town hosts the best party. Seeley Lake, Condon and Ovando all host celebrations and they are all recognized this year.

The Celebration in Seeley Lake starts at 7 a.m. with the annual pancake breakfast at the Seeley Lake Fire Department. There is a free barbecue at Mission Bible Fellowship prior to the Seeley Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's parade through downtown Seeley Lake. Rubber Duck enthusiasts can then run down to the bridge over Wagon Wheel Way to cool off and see whose duck is the fastest in the annual Duck Races. Fireworks over the lake bring the celebration to a close.

Condon has an equally full schedule starting with a pancake breakfast followed by the parade through downtown on Highway 83. Attendees can enjoy a huckleberry ice cream as they check out the displays at the Swan Valley Museum, the Swan Valley Community Hall and the used book sale hosted by the Swan Valley Library. At 1 p.m. the annual O-MOK-SEE, an event where locals play games while on horseback, begins. Later, the fireworks show lights up the night over the arena.

Ovando's parade has forever maintained the theme "Everyone participates, No one Watches!" Anyone who chooses to watch is showered with water from one of the many participating fire fighting agencies. Following the parade, is an annual barbecue, put on by the Ovando Fire Departments. Last year was the inaugural pinewood derby classic adding another element of fun for all ages. Organizers anticipate it will be an every other year event.

Second place: Seeley Lake Pond Hockey

Third place: Bob Marshall Music Festival