by Christy Parrott
What began as an idea between Parshall Inn owner Marco Deandre, front-house manager Nancy Dulac, and The Dean Public House manager, John Harvey, to create an event that Parshall and Hot Sulphur could share developed into a clean-up day between the two towns, with a twist: a scavenger hunt, with prizes, live music, and games. “We tried to figure out how to pair up our towns and came up with the idea of a clean-up.” Harvey explains. “I always find something to pick up, and we thought a scavenger hunt would draw more people.”
The first annual Parshall Divide Rally is a scavenger hunt for outdoor enthusiasts who want to maintain the beauty of the local area. Jeeps, ATVs, and anything that can handle the trails are welcome to join the festivities, which start at the Parshall Inn, with registration beginning at noon, and end at The Dean Public House, around 4 p.m.
Maps will be provided during registration for participants to drive a trail between Parshall and Hot Sulphur and track down medallions placed along the route, which are redeemable for prizes. “We have lots of toys and donated gifts,” Dulac hints. (Rumor has it on Rockies tickets.) Weigh-ins will commence at 4:30, with prizes for the most beer cans or shotgun casings collected, for example. Charges for vehicle and driver are $15. Additional riders charged $5. Sack lunch and T-shirts will be available for purchase. “We have the best burgers in town,” Deandre reminds.
Along the path and offshoots, enjoy Old Carriage Road, which was the traveled route before Hwy 40 was placed, as well as Pioneer park and the disk golf course. “The Hill has so much 4-wheel access,” Deandre explains. “There are awesome overlooks, as well as the pet cemetery and National forest to enjoy,” Dulac assures. Afterward, while prizes are handed out everyone can listen to live music by Travel In- Kind at The Public Dean House while enjoying freshly brewed beer, courtesy of Grand Adventure Brewing, along with a cornhole tournament and Can Jam games. “We’re hoping for a large turnout and to make this an annual event,” Harvey explains. It’s certainly a great way to preserve the community while getting to know neighbors across the road or just one town over.”
