Despite challenging low-snow conditions, the Sweet Grass County Recreation Association successfully held its annual Family Fun Day. Based in Big Timber and incorporated in 1973, the Association has celebrated its 50th anniversary and continues to thrive.

The Family Fun Day event has a longstanding tradition spanning over three decades. Historically, the event has never been cancelled. However, as of February 16—just twelve days before the scheduled date—snow conditions were not favorable.

In response, the Association developed an alternative plan to replicate the mountain event within the community. Local businesses volunteered to host card stations, ensuring that a parallel activity would take place in both the town and the Boulder River Valley even if the traditional mountain event proceeded. This contingency – named the Boulder Ambler Poker Leisure Run – was designed to ensure the continuation of Family Fun Day.

Ultimately, due to inadequate snow in the valley, the board of directors on February 23 cancelled the snowmobile run. Nevertheless, Family Fun Day proceeded as planned on Saturday, February 28.

Typically, Camp on the Boulder sponsors breakfast for riders at their lodge, located 38 miles south of Big Timber, and provides parking for trucks and trailers. With the ride cancelled, the hosts transported breakfast into Big Timber where they served the food and opening registration began at 9 AM. Two local businesses were available to sell poker hands at noon, and five additional establishments hosted card stations throughout the afternoon.

The day concluded with a dinner, auction, raffle, and door prize drawings starting at 5 PM. Attendance exceeded expectations: over the past five seasons, the average participation included 160 poker hands sold, 800 raffle tickets, and meals served to 80–90 attendees. This year, those numbers increased significantly, with 250 hands sold, 1,500 raffle tickets issued, and over 120 individuals served at the meal.

The Association is deeply grateful for the strong support demonstrated by the community and over 50 businesses donated prizes or made cash contributions.