Distinctly Montana Magazine

31 w w w. d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m the Blue Ribbon and saw where the ignominious leg wrestling match occurred. The linoleum appeared to be the same. Leaving the bar, I walked down the street to the offices of the Carbon County News. With their help, I found the original news story of the Red Lodge 4th of July eruption of 1975. It was filed away in a hefty, leather-bound book that smelled like a sweaty gym sock. In stark black and white, the news story read: 26 Nabbed During Disorders Billings Lawmen Help Smoke bombs, tear gas and billie clubs dispersed holiday revel- ers early July 5 after window-smashing occurred on Main Street downtown. Local law enforcement squads were aided by personnel from the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office and riot control specialists from the SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team from the Bill- ings city force. The story continued with details of the ruckus. It ended on a positive note: Red Lodge merchants scored big. Over 10,000 vis- itors hit town over the holiday. Folks herded through stores and at least one bar closed early July 4th after selling out. Red Lodge wasn't the only unlawful place that night. Over in Bridger, a safecracking occurred at City Hall. And two miles north of Red Lodge, the Round Barn was broken into. Thieves made off with a microwave and 100 pounds of meat, as reported in the Carbon County News. In short, it was a long, wild birthday blowout that 4th of July night a half century ago. Time rides on. Looking back, it seems like such an innocent time then, com- pared to now. A birthday celebration flew out of hand, tempers flared, young and old yelled at each other, fought each other, and went over the edge — then paused, opened their eyes and ears, and joined together to clean up after the party. After the "riot" that night, I walked into the Blue Ribbon, won- dering if I'd find the old fart who'd leg-whipped me like a dog. I was ready for a rematch. He wasn't there. Probably home in bed, resting up for the next whippersnapper sucker to come along. He missed a helluva brouhaha that night. As for me, I never leg wrestled again. Too hard on the back. Time always wins. Lkg back, IT SEEMS LIKE SUCH AN INNOCENT TIME THEN, COMPARED TO NOW. BOTH EVENTS ORGANIZED BY THE CARBON COUNTY ARTS GUILD & DEPOT GALLERY MISSION: The Carbon County Arts Guild & Depot Gallery provides access to art, supports artistic expression, and encourages creative experiences for the enrichment of our communities. ART IN THE BEARTOOTHS SILENT AUCTION June 27 - July 14 QUICK DRAW AND LIVE AUCTION July 12 4-8pm LABOR DAY ARTS FAIR September 1 • 9am - 4pm • Outdoor Art Fair 80 art and fine craft booths • • Live entertainment • Art demos • Food trucks • • Free and great for families • • 20 artists • Food • Music • Drinks • Live Auction • CarbonCountyDepotGallery.org www.facebook.com/ccag.dg/ www.instagram.com/carboncountyartsguild/ 11 West 8th Lions Park in Red Lodge 406.446.1370

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