Santa comes to Ovando, Montana

ANNUAL OVANDO OLD WEST CHRISTMAS FEST
By Kathy Schoendoerfer
Ovando Organizer of Frivolous Affairs

OVANDO  --  A reliable source has reported that they have spotted and even spoke with the elusive Cowboy Claus last week.  This source reports that Cowboy Claus is indeed on his way to the Blackfoot Valley hamlet of Ovando, Montana.

Meteorologists along with astrophysicists have gotten together with area Outfitters to determine that the arrival time for Cowboy Claus into Ovando, Montana is predicted to be around 1 pm on Saturday December 3^rd.  And the town will be ready to greet him.
Cowboy Claus, a cousin of Santa Claus, arrives every year to the rural ranch town of Ovando, Montana, aboard his trusty horse Nick.  Being that ranch kids have different wishes than urban kids, Cowboy Claus is better to talk to them about what they want for Christmas; and he then reports directly to Santa Claus.  To celebrate the arrival of Cowboy Claus, one day a year the town of Ovando steps back 150 years to the Old West, with horse drawn wagon rides through town, axe throwing contests with Too Tall Tom, Gingerbread House making in the Fire Hall, Cook-Off Competitions, and Kids Snowdeo [think Snow Rodeo: kids ride stick reindeer and barrel race around candy canes.] along with face painting and holiday crafts will be offered up at the Blackfoot Community Church.

Upon arriving to Ovando via Highway 200, Cowboy Claus will meet with the kids inside the town’s Museum where they will sit on his antique saddle and give him their list of wishes, wants and needs.  Prior to his arrival the Blackfoot Cattlewomen will be hosting the Annual Bite of Ovando Cook Off and a judging of the best Meat Balls made by local culinary hotshots.  [If you have the Best Meat Ball your mother ever had feel free to enter it for the Cook Off.  Winner receives our undying gratitude and envy.] 

And if Meat Balls won’t curb that hunger; Burritos will be served from the Sheep Wagon, Indian fry bread from the Outfitter tent, Ray’s Famous Chili will be served by Trixi’s in the Ole Hoosecow, The Stray Bullet will be open for breakfast and lunch, the Blackfoot Commercial Company will have nachos, ice cream ad holiday specialty coffees, and the holiday special luxury chocolates will once again be for sale at the Blackfoot Angler.
What better way to welcome back Cowboy Claus for the 15^th year in a row.  Don’t let your kids miss it; or those that are kids at heart.  Ovando Old West Christmas Fest is Saturday December 3^rd from 10 am to 3 pm.  For questions contact Kathy at 793-0018.