A decade ago, Havre brothers Vince and Woody Woodwick thought it would be a good idea to have a community Fourth of July celebration.
The pair convinced a couple of bands to perform in Pepin Park. They got a few coolers and barbecue grills. And a couple of hundred people showed up to celebrate Independence Day.
Vince Woodwick recalls trying to convince businesses to show support.
"They kept asking me who was sponsoring the event," he recalled.
"Me, my brother and maybe you, if you give me some money," he said was his response.
Over the last 10 years, the event has caught on with the Havre community.
This year, Woodwick didn't have to convince anybody that the celebration was for real.
Last year, more than 1,200 people showed up.
"We're ready for that many again this year," he said.
The celebration will begin at noon with the presentation of the flag by Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and area veterans, and Donna Tilleman singing the national anthem.
"As soon as Donna is done singing, we will bring out the food," Woodwick said.
"We have tons of hamburger, tons of hot dogs, watermelon, beans, soda and water," he said.
"If we run out of food, I can go out and buy some more," he said.
There will be plenty to keep families busy, he said. Faces will be painted, people will be making balloon animals and local businesses and service groups will provide games for young people.
Money raised by dessert sales will go toward the proposed homeless shelter for downtown Havre.
Branded by Fire Ministries is planning to open a shelter and training center for people who have no place to stay, and volunteers will be raising money by selling homemade desserts.
There will be a raffle table with more than 50 prizes donated by local businesses.
Tools, beach balls, clothes and pizza dinners will be just a few of the prizes, Woodwick said.
Throughout the day, area bands, including Blind Luck, Milk River Band, Electric Ranch, Plowed Under and Habitual Offenders, will perform.
The Woodwicks have plenty of cooks to prepare the food, but they aren't certain if there will be enough kitchen help and servers.
"If anyone wants to help out, just show up," he said. Last year, so many people volunteered, they had to turn some away, he said.
"But we never know if we will have enough."
