Dirt Road Pray Parade
The Pray Parade, otherwise known as the Dirt Road Parade, will be held on Friday, July 4th at 3 pm. Spearheaded by Lorna Marchington, the parade is organized and hosted by the community of Pray, including Ted and Susan Miller, Amos and Alandra Knight, Cara and Tim Price (who travel each year from Illinois to participate), and several others as a collaborative effort between neighbors to celebrate community and commemorate American emancipation.
According to Marchington, the event began during COVID in response to social distancing regulations and has grown tremendously, initially comprising only 15 participants, since exploding into a self-sufficient destination parade for locals and tourists alike to champion American ideals of liberty and independence, as well as the Pray community, in camaraderie.
“It was important for us to host this parade to feel a sense of community during the pandemic,” says Marchington.
This year the parade will commence eastwards from the Pray post office, located at 8 Pray Road, and traverse two miles before circling back for a second appearance. Stacey Nevin Boucher and Lynette Clark Pinkerton will lead the procession presenting the nations colors.
Beginning at the Pray post office, spectators form a line down Pray Road to view the parade, which will include original members like Paradise Valley Fire Department and D&D Greenhouse, as well as military veterans, the Park County Motor Vehicle Club, members of the Crow Nation (dressed in full regalia), and others from the Livingston and Bozeman communities. Vintage trucks, motorcycles, buggies, floats, farming equipment, horses and other spectacles will also be on display.
Festivities continue following the parade with live music, cold refreshments, food available for purchase from Miss Lucy’s Chuck Wagon, and various artisan vendors selling crafts, décor, jewelry and other merchandise—all located just east of the triple cabins and along Pray Road. Attendees, including tourists, are encouraged to stick around and socialize in celebration of fellowship.
The parade is also accepting new participants at this time, though, organizers ask that anyone partaking dress appropriately and behave politely with consideration for families and children. Staging begins at 1 pm behind the Pray post office.
Please join the Pray community in celebrating our nation’s independence by attending the parade on July 4th. Questions may be directed via email or phone to Lorna Marchington at Lornadune62.lm@gmail.com or 406-223-1559.