...So there I was.Staff writer/Layout Editor for the Retort, on a mission to capture a unique story about the Olympic torch relay that was traveling through Billings before continuing on its trip to the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.
I was nervous, excited, and very hyper. I wasn't alone either, my former roomate Erin joined me on my action packed adventure to capture the Olympic flame story. Armed with a note pad, pen, a camera, film, disposable camera, coats, gloves, and hats, we sought the flame in my trusty Ford Explorer which doubled as transportation AND shelter.
Erin and I had no idea where we were going or what we would do once we got there. Finally on the corner of W. 24th Street and Central on the West end of Billings.....we found our place.
After spending over 45 min in the car waiting for the torch to come by, we talked with local people and listened to the chanting of young children. Some sang the national anthem, some made up songs about the runner they were waiting for. Olympic/American spirit warmed the freezing air.
Let's talk about this weather. The day before the torch came to town it was 50 degrees and sunny...then out of the blue it DUMPED snow on us. This particular day was cold with freezing wind and the streets were covered in fresh snow. What a good impression for the folks that think Montana is always the artic Tundra. Three whole months of dry warm weather and the day the world's eyes are upon Montana...it snows. So it goes.
Anyway back to the story. So Erin and I valently chased the torch through the crowded streets of Billings. At one point we even got locked out of my car and had to call a locksmith...that was pretty harsh! We also met up with other friends, collected signs, banners, flags and Coke products while watching the passing of the flame on the West end...on Grand...on Poly...and again on Rimrock. We were froze...we were starved...we were exhausted. Finally we followed the torch to the MetraPark Fair grounds for the torch ceremony. PEOPLE WERE EVERYWHERE. Not just people from the state of Montana, these people came from all over just to follow the relay race, some selling merchandise along the way. There were people from Jamaica, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Atalanta, and California...EVERYWHERE. At the fair grounds there were huge bandstands set up, ski jumps and snowboarding trick jumps set up. Jumbo screens were there displaying Olympic ads and the main stage area where the torch would arrive to light the Olympic cauldron for a nights rest was all set up. IT WAS AMAZING! Olympic spirit and the hopes and dreams of all races and creeds were in the air. The evening closed with fireworks and the lighting of the torch by Skyview senior Alison Fischer and Montana Governor Judy Martz.
This day ranks at one of the best of my life, and I will never forget the day that the Olympic Torch came to dinky Billings, Montana! |
