"Founder's Day, or any sort of community celebration, is just what the town needs," Emeline agreed, "and Barnabas and I will do whatever we can to help, and I look forward to the opportunity to show off my horses." She'd have to really take a good look at her animals and choose a couple that she wanted to show off. She was certain that they would make a splash, and perhaps she could get interest in the foals this Spring.
"What needs to be done? Maybe we should arrange a meeting with the organizers to, well, organize?" She wasn't sure how to go about that, but she did have some ideas. "We'd need to decide on activities, any sort of rewards...how long do we have?"
"A meeting, yes! I know that Speed has set up a bank account to receive donations to help fund the circus and the fireworks display." She explained, Addy, Mister McVay, Tully Nevada, and Sarah Thonton-Carlton are working on Miss Nevada's idea." Alice told her, "She saw something about a circus in Helena, or somewhere, and that got the ball rolling on this idea. I guess it was over coffee at the newspaper office this week or last, Sorry, I just know for sure that Speed wired the circus operator and got them for July fourth, our Independence Day. So, this should be one whale of a good time and could go on, well, for days!"
There was a pause. "There was talk of cowboys from the ranches showing off their skills riding bucking horses, and things like that, and showing off their prized stock, horses, cattle, plus all the baked goods, things of that sort, like a county fair. Oh, it's going to be so much fun! And dancing! Every night!
"Of course we'll donate," Emeline agreed. "And it sounds like they have a good deal of activities set up already. What about competitions for children? Sack race, ring toss, bean bag toss, foot races...and we'd have to have fun prizes for them."
Kids loved competitions, and even more, they liked good prizes.
"It could be something as simple as a half dollar...I think we could afford that." She grinned. "Nothing as good as having your own coin to spend...or to save and cherish."
"Talk with Barnabas, see how he feels about this. I mean, I know you said you would donate, and I'm sure he would, but maybe he'll have some things we hadn't thought of." Alice suggested, "Maybe corral him into the next meeting whenever that is. Soon, I'm thinking, time is marching on."
"I agree on the things for the kids to do, and yes, the idea of prizes is a good one. I'm sure that getting all those games set up will be easy enough, and maybe MIss Bowen up at the school would be willing to help out with that." She continued, "This will be so much fun! The hotel and the boarding house will be packed if either has any room left."
"I'm sure it will work out," Emeline commented, "the people of Kalispell are resourceful, I'm sure we'll have what we need when the time comes."
She would, indeed, run this by Barnabas, not that she thought he'd object. In fact, he might have some ideas, and maybe the old brewery building would be big enough to host the indoor activities.
"See, now, this would be a good use for the pigeons...when you are notified of a meeting, you could just send Henrietta to inform me!" She really was curious about the process, so they'd have to start working on that soon, too.
"Oh yes, I think everyone would be looking forward to something this excitimh., I mean a real circus, right here in Kalispell. I know Speed is waiting on a reply from San Francisco about the fireworks, which we should get fairly soon." Alice reiterated, "And a meeting with the organizers would be easy to get done. I'll just tell Speed, and that should do it. I mean, I'm not sure who's running this, but Phin was the one with Tully that got the idea started."
So many good ideas had been discussed between the two women, especially the pigeon project of theirs. That would be so helpful for the community and the outlying areas.
"I really should be getting back, but my gosh, this has been fun, and it means we need to do this more often!?" Alice declared. "I can't wait to get back to town and talk to Speed about the pigeon idea we have. And the Founders Day plans, of course."
"You are welcome here any time," Emeline assured her friend unnecessarily as she placed Wheeler into his crib. "There's always time for you, and if you do interrupt something, I'll just put you to work!"
Laughing, Emeline led the way to the porch, where Nattie looked up at her and wagged his tail. "Oh, and I recommend getting a dog once you're settled. No particular reason, but if Speed asks why, you can say a good source recommended it!" Nattie seemed to agree and hopped up, his tail wagging as he mooched for pets!
"Yes, I'd like us to get one. I mean, there are plenty out on the ranches around us, shouldn't be too hard to find one." She answered. "I'll not stay away so long, well, there was the winter after all, and that shouldn't count." She reached the door. "When next you give me a shout, I'm at Speed's mining office most days. So, until then, this has been great fun."
She opened the door and stepped outside, "Looking into pigeons right away! I promise. That will be too good! Bye! Bye Wheeler!"With that, she skipped down the steps to the hitch rail, untied her horse, swung into the saddle, and rode away, only the settling dust to mark her passing.