Dust flies as Josh Skunkcap chases a calf through the arena, the rope in the air and then around the calf's neck. Quickly he’s off his horse and down on the ground tying its legs.  

Pioneer Days was a packed weekend with a fishing derby, live music, classic cars and two open rodeos, plus Bulls and Broncs on Friday. Jamie Buhr, a member of the Pioneer Days group, said it’s been a good year with all activities being well attended. 

“The events have been great. The softball, basketball, all that, it’s been well attended, Buhr said while grilling burgers behind the grandstands. “We’re really happy this year.”  

Sunday’s Big Parade was a hit, featuring local business floats, first responder rigs and a line of classic cars.  

The kids ran from the sidewalk to the edge of the street catching and collecting candy while parents and grandparents enjoyed the shade along Main Street. Lennie and Lisa Hales from Ronan brought their grandkids to the parade, the first event they had attended throughout the weekend.   

“We miss the old days when Pioneer Days was the same week as the fair. We missed those days because you could do everything and go see the animals,” Lisa said while grabbing ice cream with her grandkids at Dairy Queen.  

The Big Parade Winners 

Best Class Reunion:  Ronan Class ‘75 

Best Antique Tractor: Randy Melton 

Best Stock Car: Don Webster “Nimrick Racing” 

Best Community Float: Mission Valley Thunder 

Commercial Floats: 1. Valley Bank, 2. Access Montana 3. The Pheasant Lounge 

Best Horse Mount: Pistol Creek 

Best Native American Dressed: Gracie McDonald 

People’s Choice: VFW Ladies Auxiliary 

Best Overall Theme: Little Lambs Preschool 

Antique Autos: 1. Chris Adler, 2. Karl Kaphammer, 3. Bob & Penny Starkel 

Classic Autos: Larry and Ky Bartels, 1953 Corvette, 2. Rick Dennis, 1967 AC Cobra; 3. Donna Collins, 1956 Chevy BelAir 

Pioneer Days Rodeo Results  

Pioneer Days also offered three nights of rodeo with Bulls & Broncs Friday night and two open rodeos over the rest of the weekend. Between the barrels and breakaway, the rodeos had 275 constants. 

On the back of a massive bull, Tahj Wells took first place at 82 points in the bull-riding event. Bucking through the first event of Sunday’s rodeo, Kane McAllister and Kordell Walker tied for first place at 73 points on saddle broncs. Gaining another 73 points during the afternoon was Jeremy McGreevey on a ranch bronc.  

In the calf-roping section on Sunday afternoon, Shawn Dunagan tied the calf's legs in just 10.9 seconds – the fastest time recorded. Trapper McAllister followed at 14.34 seconds for second place and Talun Champ took third at 23.03 seconds.  

In junior breakaway, Rainey Wilcox captured his calf the quickest at 3.93 seconds. In second place, Cain Wilcox threw less than a minute behind him at 4.47 seconds. For third place Keslin Hanwood chased his calf down with a 12.26 second catch.  

For the fastest and quickest throw of the afternoon, Abby Knight took first place in ladies' breakaway at 2.76 seconds. Zoey Bruyer threw 2.89 seconds, achieving second place. For third place Nichelle Marmon caught her calf at 3.50 seconds 

In team roping, Willy and Jesse Lytton took first with a 6.51-second catch. Will Powell and Riley Bailey roped their calf at 6.71 seconds and Madison Harris and her roping partner, Shonka Matt, took third at 8.25 seconds.  

On the backs of some tough steers, Brander Christianson held on tight to take first place with 69 points. Following him was Hunter Boggs at 68 points and Jackson Hutchinson with a 66-point score.  

Volleyball Tournament 

Dulci Skunkcap, Jalen Croff, Shanelle Croff and Sherman Ted Tomahawk took the win at Pioneer Days Volleyball Tournament. A 5k run, co-ed softball, a golf scramble and 3-on-3 Jamboree were also part of festivities. 

    Kids run into the street grabbing candy as the classic cars drive by in that parade at Pioneer Days on Aug 3. (Emily Messer/Leader)

    Kids play in the water as the Ronan Volunteer Fire sprayed the street at Pioneer Days on Aug 3. (Emily Messer/Leader)      A crowd dances on the 2nd Chance Saloon float in the Pioneer Days Parade on Aug 3. (Emily Messer/Leader)
  

    Harrison Walker walks back to drop off his candy during the parade at Pioneer Days on Aug 3. (Emily Messer/Leader)
  

    Kane McAllister from Ronan, takes off on a bronc in the Saddle Bronc division during Pioneer Days on Aug. 3. (Emily Messer/Leader)

    Ryle Lytle from Ronan, takes off after the calf in the calf roping event at Pioneer Days on Aug 3. (Emily Messer/Leader)
  

    Jackson Hutchinson from Eureka, holds on as the steer bucks under him at Pioneer Days on Aug. 3. (Emily Messer/Leader)

    Winners of the Ronan Pioneer Days Volleyball Tournament were Dulci Skunkcap, Jalen Croff, Shanelle Croff and Sherman Ted Tomahawk. (Susan Lake Photo)