In spite of some recent moisture the Montana drought continues to be a problem for the communities of Pondera County. The latest victim is the "Ride For Your Life" Rendezvous planned to begin this year in Valier, Montana. The event, aimed at recognizing the areas involvement in the Lewis and Clark Expedition, was set to have run from June 30th through the 4th of July this year and would have brought reinactors and tourists to the Lake Frances area.

According to the event coordinator, Jack Smith, there were several factors, which affected the decision to postpone the event until next year, but all were drought related.

Original plans had been to hold the event alongside the lake itself, but the shoreline has receded almost a quarter of a mile from the site. It has also revealed a great deal of flammable fuel previously covered by the lake. There is also the threat that Pondera County could be under a "no burn" order by the time of the Rendezvous. Presently the county allows open burning only from 6 AM to 10 AM. Since the Rendezvous participants recreate the lives of the men and women of the period of Lewis and Clark, open fires for warmth and cooking were definitely to have been a part of the Rendezvous.

Smith says that lengthy discussions with all Pondera County authorities were supportive of the event, but that they could offer no firm commitment that they might not have to shut the event down if conditions do not improve.

There were other factors including increasing costs of insurance for the event, which were affected by the designation of the state as a drought area by the federal government.

"All and all it just seemed prudent to hold off one more year, rather than having to tell all those people they have to go home when the showed up at the gathering", says Smith. "We want to tie in with the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial, and we want people to have fun when they come to our Rendezvous. Since the Bicentennial actually kicks off next year we felt that we should hold off one more year and make sure that we do it right by everybody."

Homesteader Days, and the annual 4th of July Fireworks display over the lake will continue as planned for the weekend of the 30th and the 4th of July. The Rendezvous had been timed to coincide with these events. Other events such as an annual parade, community crafts fair in the park, and food events will also take place as scheduled. In addition, this year Homesteader Days will feature a dance Saturday night and a multi-year class reunion for Valier High School.

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Lewis and Clark Botanical Art

“The Flowers of Lewis and Clark™”

The Lewis and Clark Expedition was to search for the best route to the Pacific Ocean from St. Louis, as commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson. The Corps of Discovery, as the group came to be referred to, searched for and found their way to the Pacific, and in the process of their discoveries, captured the hearts of America. They were the mapmakers for a new country.

Another important function of the Expedition was to identify flora and fauna. On the Expedition, over 120 plants were identified. Numerous new flowers were pressed, identified, and named. In consideration of the important role that botanicals played in the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Botanical Artist, Cherie Moss of Joplin, Montana creates “The Flowers of Lewis and Clark™” featuring plant life identified in the Lewis and Clark Journals. The Journal entry dates for the various botanicals are indicated, and spellings are written exactly as they appear in the journals. Each piece of art is a true original. Cherie “creates with nature” by growing, pressing and the creating unique arrangements of pressed flowers. Through a meticulously designed procedure, Cherie creates her botanical art using acid-free and UV retardant materials to help preserve the natural beauty of the flora. Below are just a few samples of Cherie's work. Email us for complete information and prices.

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Lewis and Clark Botanical Art

“The Flowers of Lewis and Clark™”