Troy homecoming bonfire plans re-ignited

By GWEN ALBERS Western News Reporter

Troy Public Schools will not extinguish tradition.

School officials said Monday they now will have the annual homecoming bonfire at dusk Wednesday, Sept. 20.

"I made the decision to go ahead with it," said high school principal Rodney Smith, who also made the earlier decision to cancel it. "It isn't anything the school board directed. If we can control the situation as far as the fire, the length and duration, and get a lot of parent volunteers (to chaperone) . . ."

Many of the 45 people who attended the Sept. 13 school board meeting wanted to know why a shaving cream and Silly String battle would replace the bonfire.

Smith said he chose to cancel the bonfire out of concern for students' safety. Students last year got too close to the bonfire and tossed aerosol shaving cream cans into it.

He was more than willing to let a parent group take it over, which frees the school district of the liability.

At the time, Montana officials also had banned outdoor burning statewide, so it seemed like a moot point. That ban has since been lifted.

The bonfire will be held between the softball field and W.J. Morrison Elementary School, Smith said.

He understands the city of Troy's liability insurance would provide coverage.

"The city would be responsible," said district superintendent Brady Selle. "The principal and I met, and just kind of talked about the pros and cons. He felt that we could make some adjustments."

It's hoped that Troy Trojan Booster Club and the parents of senior students will chaperone the bonfire.

"We're just asking them to be there, and we will control the size of the fire and limit the number of pickup loads of wood," Selle said.

Smith also spoke with Chapel Cedar in Troy. The company donates the wood for the bonfire.

"They will control the amount of wood given and will give us barricades," Smith said.

"I give Mr. Smith the credit," Selle added. "He was willing to look at the situation. The intent was not to take fun from the kids, but to make it a safe environment."

The bonfire will begin after the annual homecoming games, which include tug-of-war, class competitions, Frisbee and more.

Troy will have its homecoming football game on Friday, Sept. 22, against Arlee.