The cancellation of the 2020 Sanders County Fair and Rodeo, along with the always popular demolition derby, left a big hole in entertainment options for area residents suffering from COVID-19 fatigue frustrations.

The Horse Plains VFW is doing what it can to step up and fill the void.

Along with the Fair cancellation, the yearly parade through downtown Plains also became a victim of the dreaded virus.

But the parade, albeit in altered form, will go on.

Leadership of the Plains VFW have come up with a parade of their own, featuring a procession down Montana 200 at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5. A growing number of others have expressed interest in being part of the festivities.

“With the fair activities cancelled, we still wanted to be able to do something for and with the community,” said VFW Quartermaster Heather Allen. “And with Plains Days also cancelled we had to do something.”

The planned parade initially called for a ride through town in pickup trucks by VFW members and families. Since then, local first responders have indicated they would like to take part in some form.

There is a good possibility they will be joined by members of the Patriot Guard, a veteran advocate motorcycle riders group known for honor guard displays for veterans’ funerals and at other patriotic events.

Allen said others who would like to take part in the parade are welcome to join in the procession.

The parade is scheduled to begin at the Circle Drive-In restaurant and travel down Montana 200, then turn west on Hubbard Street before heading back up Lynch Street where it will culminate at the VFW.

Allen said the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office along with Plains Mayor Dan Rowan are on board with the event.

“We want to do something nice for the community,” Allen said. “We also plan to hand out American flags and copies of the U.S. Constitution along the way.”

The parade will also coincide with the Plains Gun Show, held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the VFW.