The physical work it takes to clean-up after Meeker’s annual Range Call never changes. The preparations for next year’s Fourth of July festivities begin soon after our Fourth of July extravaganza. Judging from the large number of people in attendance, as well as the positive comments from them as well, it seems as if it was another highly successful event.
When the Range Call board members and other interested community members are able to find the time to talk get together to take a closer look at their efforts, there are usually two simple questions that need to be answered. “Which events worked smoothly? “ and “Which events encountered some glitches?”
The numbers from the ticket sales seem to offer a better understanding of the big picture. Meeker’s Range Call tradition stretches back more than one hundred and twenty-five years. It is no easy trick to continue to honor those traditions, blending both the new and old. So many folks from the local organizations pitch in to make sure that it goes forward, and the struggle to find enough volunteers make it even more challenging.
“Where do those big bright yellow footsteps go?” a young visitor asked. I was so glad to learn that the Rio Blanco Historical Society’s had added them to enable people follow the path of the outlaws who made the deadly choice to test the mettle of our local citizens. The historic reenactment of the bank robbery is popular and well-attended, so it seemed to be a perfect fit.
Making history come alive continues to be so important for all ages. Walking in the footsteps of those who came before for even a few minutes is one way to do it.
By DOLLY VISCARDI – Special to the Herald Times
