BELLE FOURCHE—Thursday, August 6, brought the final summer evening of live music and visiting with friendly neighbors by the river. All summer long the community gathered together every Thursday evening to enjoy the familiar combination at Hometown Thursdays.
The last Hometown Thursdays evening of the summer brought beautiful weather to enjoy one last Thursday outside to soak in the summer breeze before the days start to get shorter and the weather turns colder.
JJ Kent with Aces & 8s took the stage to entertain the crowd with country music favorites. The dance floor was busy as couples took to the open space to move to the music. The band was sponsored by Joe Dirt Septic & Drain, LLC, Kevin Fuhrer Construction, Highmark Credit Union, and Wells Plumbing & Farm Supply.
The Belle Fourche Out of the Darkness Walk was on hand to sell 50/50 tickets for a fundraiser. The ticket sales raised $560 with $280 going to the lucky winner and $280 to the fundraising efforts. “I just want to holler out because you guys are amazing! You guys stepped up and you bought so many tickets,” said Sonia Ribordy, Belle Fourche Out of the Darkness Walk director. “I just wanted to promote the walk—the walk happens September 19 and it’s a free walk to attend. The walk is for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, bringing hope to those whose lives have been affected by suicide—have those conversations and check on your people, that’s what it takes.”
The only food truck on site was PooterQ BBQ, and they ran out of buns for their BBQ sandwiches halfway through the evening. Visitors could still choose from Brain Freeze, Crazee Cow Ice Cream, Pearson Block Candy Shop and Kernels & Kandies for a sweet treat.
The Tri-State Museum offered a variety of activities for the youth. The bouncy house was a popular option. This was only the second time during the summer series that the blow-up house was outside. Rain and heat kept the house inside the museum for the comfort and safety of the kids.
An activity center was set up for the kids to create a story wheel, color and play with Play-Doh if they wanted. Chalk was out along the sidewalk for anyone feeling creative, and lawn games were also available for play. The weather was perfect for a train ride around the park along the river and many kids took advantage of the fun ride.
Hometown Thursdays have been bringing a series of musicians to the public since 2013. The event brings friends, neighbors and families together to enjoy an evening of visiting, live music and delicious food. There is also a variety of vendors and a beer garden for adults.
It takes a community effort to pull off Hometown Thursdays each summer. Chip Conner, President of Hometown Thursdays, addressed the crowd and said, “Thank you JJ Kent and his whole crew. Thank you Hometown Thursdays crew, thank you everyone that shows up all season to make this a community event. Also, thank you sponsors—thank you everybody!”
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