Festivals, a triathlon and Chauna

A few thoughts about this and that on a sunny July day.

One down, two to go. With a highly successful Mustang Days in the rear-view mirror, the second of three major summer festivals in North Big Horn County takes place next Friday and Saturday, July 12-13 -- Byron Days. Cowley Pioneer Day follows on July 20.

Mustang Days was a humdinger with huge crowds at nearly every event, notably the Drag Main event, cornhole tournament, Follies, Family Fun Night, volleyball tournament, rodeo and the fireworks display.

The fun run may have set a record for entries, with 140 runners and walkers participating, and the parade was long and interesting.

Thanks and hats off to Darece Grant and her Mustang Days Committee, to Tianne Samson and crew for the long hours of planning and prep work for what was an excellent Follies and to all other event chairmen. We well know lots of stress and even some worry comes with running an event, especially when it comes to finding volunteer helpers, but there were so many smiling faces this year from event to event, it was well worth it.

*    *    *

Byron Days looks to be extra special this year, perhaps the biggest event ever, with several new offerings including a food truck war, family dance, classic car show, battle of the bands and a tug-of-war. Traditional events return, as well, including the famous Byron fireworks presented by Caleb and Joshua Sanders.

*    *    *

It’s wonderful to see the Big Horn Canyon Triathlon return. Ben Zeller ran the event for many years with the help of his family, but the last time it was conducted at the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area was 2018.

Lovell Rec did a good job holding the triathlon in town, but Big Horn Canyon is a spectacular place to hold the event, and when it was formerly held there, triathletes came from all over the West to participate.

Thank you to Lovell Rec for sponsoring the triathlon and moving it to the canyon once again.

*    *    *

Chauna. The mention of that name brings a smile to the face of almost anyone who attended Lovell Elementary School over the last 25 years.

Chauna Bischoff retired following the 2023-24 school year after leading the Lovell Elementary School music program for 2-1/2 decades.

It’s hard to imagine a grade school program without Chauna at the helm conducting, gesturing, singing along and encouraging. Her students have always been well prepared and inspired to excellence. For many years this editor has sat next to Chauna at many a concert or program, amazed by her energy, talent and love for her students, who clearly loved her back.

Chauna made music fun, and she taught so many facets of music performance beyond singing including dance, guitar, recorders and more – all carefully choreographed.

Chauna is also intensely patriotic and has not only shared her great love of her country with her students but has served the community at countless programs on Memorial Day, Veterans Day and others, leading students in song.

Something tells us that one of the reasons Chauna taught past the normal retirement age is that she worried that the school district might cut the program in the name of budget savings and return music to classroom teachers.

Here’s hoping District Two will keep music education at the forefront for many years to come. Music is a lifelong joy and passion for millions, especially when an excellent foundation and love is established by teachers like Chauna. Emilie Asay follows, and we know she will do a great job, though she has big shoes to fill.

Enjoy your retirement, Chauna. It is well earned, and we will miss you.

— David Peck