Clark Jubilee Parade

We were the number 10 entry in the Clark Jubilee Parade . . . surrounded by horses and flags, the general feel was positive with high energy. Red, white and blue running into the mountains, Uncle Sam guided the renewable energy bus, the smell of french fries billowing from the exhaust. Glitter clad horses and side saddlin' ladies waved at the young and old spectators. We passed out vitamins in our bright yellow biodiesel shirts, and much to our surprise, people loved it. The announcer on a flatbed was great with his dry sense of humor while introducing each entry. At one point he stated, "I could use some of that renewable energy". Members from Clark Resource Council joined us in the parade, carrying the Homegrown Prosperity Renewable Energy Bus Tour Banner.

After the second escapade down the parade strip we parked the bus at the community center and learned some really interesting things about the community. We realized that small scale biodiesel production has been on many minds. One farmer named Mark is getting ready to plant more Camolina than he knows what to do with, the Mt. Carmel boys ranch has ordered a biodiesel procesor to start making fuel for a couple of tractors, another community member named Jim has a couple of hot water heaters that aren't in use, (hot water heaters can be used as biodiesel procesors), and there are multiple horse and cattle ranchers that could benefit from the byproduct of the seed pressing. Before the summer is out, we would like to see Deb with the Clark Resource Council get a biodiesel meeting/discussion together with some resources and a plan.

Before filing into the rec center for a community potluck and chior concert, over 80 folks signed a petition to get recycling bins at the Clark landfill, and over 50 also signed to have a Clark's Fork Watershed Plan developed by the EPA. The Clark Community Choir displayed how people from all backgrounds can come together. The sound of their voices and the underlying feeling brought a tear to my eyes.

All in all, Clark is a great place on the cusp of community scale biodiesel production and is full of people with much interest in recycling and water issues.