The worrywarts can stop worrying about whether or not we will have a severe fire season. It is now almost a certainty. Not only have we had a very dry June, normally one of the wettest months, we are experiencing hot drying weather not usually seen until late July and August. Today (Friday) is expected to reach into the 90s and we may have 100 degrees on Saturday and Sunday. Never before has Flathead County had 100 degrees in June.

Of course, a notoriously fickle Mother Nature could still fool us and shower us with June rains in July. That is something we will hope for and not worry about. In the meantime I hope we will be very, very careful with fire.

Open burning is already closed. Campfires are still allowed so everyone needs to make sure they are dead out before leaving them. Best way is to put plenty of water on the ashes and then stir them until they look like wet oatmeal. Final insurance is to then stir the ashes with your bare hands. If you are worried about burning your hands, pour more water on the ashes.

As things dry out more and more, it takes less to start a fire. Smoke inside, do not drive in dry grass-mufflers are hot and can start a fire. Be really careful out there.

Already it is almost the Fourth of July and many North Forkers are making plans to celebrate the 101st birthday of the Polebridge Mercantile as well as the nation's birthday.

The Polebridge Parade has grown from a few folks carrying American flags to a monster parade which attracts over 3,000 spectators.

A relatively new tradition started by Ray Brown involves veterans reading the Declaration of Independence before the parade starts. Any veteran is welcome to take part. See Ray Brown for a script. Ray has assured me that the loudspeaker, which broke down during last year's parade, has been repaired.

The reading will take place right in front of the Mercantile. Again, veterans of all branches of our military are invited to participate. In the past, World War II veterans, as well as veterans of every period since, have taken part and are urged to participate again.

In the meantime, river floating is great although the water is dropping, hiking trails are open and Gary McDonough is leading the bear sighting contest 11 to 4.