5 July 2016
Kalispell’s 2016 Independence Day parade
The weather was perfect. The parade was not, but it was good enough that the thousand or so citizens lining Kalispell’s main drag should not have felt cheated — unless, of course, they expected presidential level politics. Neither the Democrats nor the Republicans displayed even a single sign bearing the name of their party’s presumed nominee for president. For that, we must await the parade during the Flathead County Fair next month.
Grayer and slower, but still firm and focused.
This skirler played in the only marching band in the parade.
Yes: there are Democrats in the Flathead. And they’re equal to and for the parade.
She wore a very small "Feel the Bern" button.
Paige Rappleye, Democratic candidate for House District 8 (west Kalispell).
A strategically placed banner, camouflaged as an identification assist, prevents the crowd from being outraged by the sight of bare adult knees.
Only the Libertarians touted their presidential candidate.
A wagon full of Republicans is festooned with the signs of numerous candidates — except for Brother Orangehair, Donald Trump.
Local supporters of Greg Gianforte.
On the left, John Fuller. On the right, Rep. Ryan Zinke. Between them, dogs and Zinke’s team. Behind them, Zinke’s bus.
Ronalee Skees, promoting the HD-11 candidacy of her husband, Derek Skees.
Northwest Montana Patriots.
Probably the most self-indulgent entry in the parade.
Crowd control? What’s that?