FREEDOM TO FISH
Among Many Other Things
the locals do it big
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.. The heritage of West Yellowstone shines on the Fourth Of July... Our town was born from a pioneering entrepreneur's dream, (the family built the first store, produced the first licensed fishing guide in Yellowstone Park, and championed the first airport, and still lives here.)
.. OUR TOWN: - "Fostered by a stagecoach and railroad mentality. Tempered by a logging camp toughness. Goosed by tourism, avarice, goodwill and greed. Toughened by winters of record. 
Exhilarated by the frenzy of snowmobiles. Softened by the manners of cowboys. And, finally, gentled by the obsession to fish.".. Such a strange and wonderful little village.
.. Here there are more feather merchants
than churches. For that matter: there are more bars than feather merchants. And, there are more restaurants than bars. Indeed; even more motels than restaurants... Interesting observations about a town with a year-round population of just over 800, (despite the summer-time census figures.)
.. The personality of this little berg is flagrantly and unashamedly displayed during our celebration of Independence Day.
.. Special sales, of course,
are proffered by the merchants. Events such as a parade, a rodeo, (not on the 4th,) a hot dog eating contest, and a fireworks display are offered to the visitors and locals alike... BUT - not just any sales - there are free gifts. Not just any parade - everyone is welcome to join in - just show up. Not just any rodeo - locals often out-point the pros.
Not just any hot dog eating contest - world records can be set... And, not just any fireworks display - but two enormous conflagrations, (the largest fireworks stand in Montana, and the premier commercially licensed technician in Montana reside and do business here.)
.. The streets are crowded. The Dairy Queen is slammed with orders as late as midnight. Ketchup, mustard, soda, and soft serve ice cream dot the crowded sidewalks. It's a street party far grander than it's rustic surroundings.
.. Two playhouses offer riotous melodramas - please hiss and boo the villains!
.. Corvettes, street rods, real hot rods, giant trucks, Harleys, Ducattis,
vintage Fords and Lincolns, and local clunkers cruise through town - hubcap to hubcap, at a snails pace... All the cops are on call.
The sheriff sends extra help. The state patrol hangs out. and a good time is had by all... Visitors seem confused, amazed, and thrilled at the outsize celebration that occurs in the dinky berg of West Yellowstone.
.. It's a show and celebration of heroic proportions. We love it. We are free to fish. And oh, so many other things.
