Butte, EVEL2017 KNIEVEL DAYS

mtstandard.com/ 2 • Thursday, July 27, 2017 Evel Knievel Days

Evel Knievel Days runs Thursday through Saturday, July 27-29, in Uptown Butte. TABLE OF CONTENTS

3 Evel goes to Washington 4 16th EKD kicks off 8 Boxing at Original 9 Roadster raffle 10 Vintage Evel Knievel 12 Schedule of events 14 All in the family

Photos at left and on the cover by Walter Hinick, The Montana Standard

25 W. Granite Butte, MT 59701 406-496-5500 Evel Knievel Days Thursday, July 27, 2017 • 3

Montana Standard file photos Above: Evel Knievel, far left, is pictured with President John F. Kennedy’s administrative assistant, Mike Mantos. On the far right is Rep. , D-Montana, who also happened to be from Butte. Directly behind Olsen was his aide, Mickey Boryan of Anaconda. Below: Knievel poses in Butte in the winter of 1961 with his elk antlers shortly before he started his long trek to Washington, D.C. Mr. Knievel goes to Washington

MONTANA STANDARD Washington, D.C., to plead his case to the powers that In December of 1961, be. Besides his backpack, he Robert “Evel’ Knievel was a carried a pair of elk antlers. man on a mission. No, it had Well, as you can see nothing to do with jumping from the photographs, he over numerous buses. Nor did, indeed, make it to the was he attempting to clear nation’s capital, with antlers the 141-foot fountain at Cae- in tow. sars Palace in . According to The Montana Instead, he was about to Standard of Dec. 15, 1961, take on the federal govern- Knievel’s trip was a success. ment. The Butte stuntman was also Upset by the slaughter of able to convince the Interior Yellowstone National Park’s Department to trap the elk rangeless elk, the 23-year-old and transport them in Mon- hitchhiked across country to tana, Wyoming and Idaho. 4 • Thursday, July 27, 2017 Evel Knievel Days EVEL KNIEVEL DAYS back for 16th year July 27-29

MONTANA STANDARD STAFF Evel Knievel began his pro- the festival in 2002 and it is Kid Knievel Area will take fessional motorcycle stunt still going strong, drawing over most of the Original Evel Knievel Days is back performance career in Indio, thousands of visitors each Mine Yard and will include a for its 16th time in Butte July California,” Stephen Coe, a year even after Evel’s death in return of the BASE Jumpers. 27-29, keeping its distinc- top organizer, told commis- 2007. In 2015, Gregg Godfrey There also will be a track for tion as the city’s longest- sioners in a letter detailing set a world record by jump- kids to ride bikes, scooters running festival and by far the upcoming event. ing a semi 166 feet and Bryan and skateboards, Coe has its zaniest. It is free and open Knievel was born and Spangler set the mark for a told commissioners. to everyone. raised in Butte, launch- backwards jump, launching For the first time, Seattle- This year, it will focus on ing into worldwide fame in off a ramp in reverse and based Skate Like A Girl honoring military veterans. the 1960s and 1970s with traveling 126 feet. Foundation plans to create an For example, the annual Fri- breathtaking motorcycle Last year, Jesse McCloud immersive educational expe- day night motorcycle parade jumps, some flawless and honored his grandfather rience for kids — both boys will be led the National some ending with spectacu- Evel by sailing a motorcycle and girls — by teaching them American Legion Riders. lar crashes. over two pickups to replicate to skateboard with safety and Chive On is raising money He survived them all Knievel’s first professional self-confidence. There will for a van to drive veterans to but still holds the Guin- jump 50 years ago. also be fly-fishing demon- medical appointments. ness World Record for most This year promises more strations and science exhibits “It also marks the 51st broken bones in a lifetime extreme stunts (to be by the Clark Fork Watershed anniversary of the year in — 443. announced) and events to Education Program. which our late namesake, the Knievel and longtime increase family attendance world’s greatest daredevil friend Bill Rundle founded and community-giving. The PLEASE SEE 16TH YEAR, Page 5

WELCOME TO

HAVE FUN BE SAFE PLEASE DON’T DRINK & DRIVE Walter Hinick, The Montana Standard The KaMaKaZie Kid bursts through burning walls in a previous show at Evel Knievel Days. He returns July 27-29, 2017. Evel Knievel Days Thursday, July 27, 2017 • 5 16th year

From 4

Making their second appearance at Evel Knievel Days are the exciting drift trike Races, starting near the Mountain Con mine and ending on Broad- way Street. Local Favorite Levi Renz will join Fitz’s Army to round out the Freestyle Show. Among the attractions at this year’s event: Butte’s own Levi Renz does tricks while REAL KAMAKAZIE KID jumping a snowmobile during a freestyle Wyoming’s only DaRe- motocross jumping event during Evel DeViL, Levi “KaMaKaZiE Knievel Days in 2015. KiD” Troutman has been doing stunts such as breath- Walter Hinick, The Montana Standard ing fire, body burns and suicide car explosions for six years now. He has appeared on American Daredevils on History Channel, Nitro Cir- entertaining fans came cus, , later. The first organiza- and the CBS Sunday Morn- tional meeting took place in ing News, KCWY News 13 January 1938 with a group of Casper, Wyo., K2 ABC News Seattle racers, riders, delivery Casper, Wyo. personnel, business men, During his 2015 appear- and other interested folks. By ance at Evel Knievel Days in April they had a formal orga- Butte, the KaMaKaZie Kid nization and a set of by-laws ran through 10 burning walls, that included “to entertain breaking his own world and promote the positive record set in 2012 when he image of motorcycling” (the ran through three fire walls. emphasis on Promoting rider R Y safety came later) but what E A L T SEATTLE COSSACKS to call themselves? Rus- Wherever the Seattle Cos- sia’s cavalry members, the Proudly servicing the Butte, Bozeman, sacks ride, people watch Cossacks, were known the Helena and surrounding Area and wonder in fascination, world over for their mas- waiting for the next man terful horsemanship, and to climb higher. No ropes, bikes were often called “Iron Receive a no props, no skyhooks, no Horses” in those days. Thus, YETI gimmicks. How can they do the name “Seattle Cossacks” for every referral that on motorcycles? The was coined. upon closing! stunts, motorcycles (and the Formal practices began applause) have been going on and by the end of 1938 the for more than 75 years. group was well-known in the Cell: 406-465-0500 Ryan It began in the 30s with Seattle area. They disbanded 202 W.Park, Butte a group of racers and hill temporarily during World [email protected] UnderwoodUnderw climbers who developed War II, since many members stunts to entertain them- selves between events; PLEASE SEE 16TH YEAR, Page 7 6 • Thursday, July 27, 2017 Evel Knievel Days CRUISE DOWNTOWN AND VISIT THESE LOCAL BUSINESSES!

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to the Cossacks; four oth- ers have over 30 years each 16th year and the remainder have 1 to 26 years of experience. From 5 Current members are from 27 to 74 years old, and were young men who went the roster has included to serve their country, and brothers, as well as fathers reorganized in the spring and sons. of 1946. We still ride vintage AERIAL ASSAULT TEAM Harleys of the 30s and Aerial Assault Team of 40s. The oldest is a 1930 Logan, Utah, is a tour- VL and the newest a 1949 ing theatrical trampoline 45 CI. There are 74” and show. We tell the story of 80” VL’s, UL’s, and 45’s, three very unlikely friends: and 61” and 74” Knuckle- Captain No Beard, Slayer heads. All bikes are stock the Ski Bum, and Mr. except for the handle- Good-looking. These three bars, which are late-50s professional athletes will Flanders, these great old fly as high as 25 feet above bikes are sturdy and stable the ground performing enough to bear the weight single, double, and even of multiple riders. triple flips with twists! Experience on the cur- Skis, snowboards, and rent team is extensive and other fun freestyle acts are impressive, and contrib- all part of the show. utes much to the group’s Visit: trampshow.net. cohesiveness. One mem- Remember: “LOUDER The Aerial Assault team from Logan, Utah, will present several performances during Evel Knievel ber has devoted 46 years IS HIGHER!” Days, July 27-29, 2017.

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A tradition at Evel Knievel Days is the Friday Night at the Fights event. This year, it starts at 7 p.m. Friday, July 28, at the Original mineyard venue. Admission is free. Evel Knievel Days Thursday, July 27, 2017 • 9 Harley-Davidson Roadster focus of fundraising raffle Evel Knievel Days organizers are raffling a Harley-Davidson Roadster this year as a fund- raiser. A big thanks goes to Copper Canyon Harley-Davidson, and TwoKreate Kustoms, of Butte, for the custom design. People can buy raffle tickets by using the donate now button on Evel Knievel Days Official Fan Page. Tickets are $20 each or six for $100. Go to: https://squareup.com/ store/evel-knievel-days-inc-2 Or, visit Park Street Liquor, Copper Canyon Harley-David- son, 5518 Designs, Greenfield Printers, Headframe Spirits, Butte Depot or Thriftway Super Stops. All proceeds support Evel Courtesy photo Knievel Days. Evel Knievel Days organizers are raffling this Harley-Davidson Roadster this year as a fundraiser. WHILE UPTOWNYOU ARE CHECK OUT THESE GREAT BUSINESSES!

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Montana Standard file photos ABOVE: Workers help seat daredevil Evel Knievel on Sept. 8, 1974, into the rocket used in his unsuccessful attempt to cross the Canyon. FAR LEFT: One of Evel Knievel’s many passions was golf, which he played every chance he got. Here he is in 1984 with Ed Zemljak, playing in Butte’s annual Labor Day Classic. NEAR LEFT: Evel Knievel used a custom- made tricycle to get around the golf course at the Butte Country Club. The bike was the brainchild of Glenn Johnson, a Tucson, , architect, and was to provide therapy to Knievel’s left leg, which he injured in a jump at in Las Vegas. Evel Knievel Days Thursday,July 27, 2017 • 11

FAR LEFT: With the help of Butte’s police force, Evel Knievel, laid out on a stretcher, is taken off a jet June 11, 1975, at the Bert Mooney Airport. In an unsuccessful attempt to jump 13 buses at ’s on May 26, 1975, the stuntman fractured his pelvis, crushed a vertebra and damaged his right hand. He came home to Butte to convalesce.

NEAR LEFT: Evel Knievel shows off his stratocycle in Butte’s 1976 Fourth of July parade.

Welcome to Butte! Enjoy the Festivals & all of the wonderful sights our city has to offer! “We Care” 1805 Meadowlark 723-3239 12 • Thursday, July 27, 2017 Evel Knievel Days

Standard file photo A member Team X-Treem performs during Evel Knievel Days. 2017 schedule of events

Following is the initial schedule of events for Evel Knievel „ BASE jumpers „ 6 p.m., Cossacks Days as provided by the organizers. It is subject to change. 1 p.m. „ 6:15 p.m., Dare Many of the events are being held at the The Original „ Aerial Assault Team Devil Doug mineyard, off North Main Street, while other locations 1:30 p.m. „ 9 p.m., KaMaKaZie Kid will be announced. Details: http://evelknieveldays.org/ „ Clark Fork Watershed or Facebook Education Program events BIKE PARADE for kids. „ 5 p.m., lineup begins 2 p.m. „ 6 p.m., bike Thursday, July 27 STUNTS „ Skateboarding lessons parade departs „ 6 p.m., Cossacks „ BASE jumps KID KNIEVEL AREA „ 9 p.m., KaMaKaZie Kid 3 p.m. FMX (The Original mineyard, off FMX (Broadway „ Aerial Assault Team (Broadway and Arizona) North Main Street) and Arizona) 3:30 p.m. „ 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m. Noon „ 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m. „ Clark Fork Watershed „ Opening ceremony Education Program events CHIVE ON MONTANA „ Military flyover CHIVE ON MONTANA for kids. (Alley behind Times Bar) „ BASE jumpers (Alley behind Times Bar) 4 p.m. „ 7 p.m., 11 p.m. „ Open skateboarding „ 7 p.m., 11 p.m. „ Skateboarding lessons „ Butte Veter- 1 p.m. 5 p.m. ans fundraiser „ Aerial Assault Team MAIN STAGE MUSIC „ Aerial Assault Team „ DJ concert 1:30 p.m. Broadway and Main 6 p.m. „ Clark Fork Watershed „ 6 p.m., Joseph Run- „ BASE jumpers MAIN STAGE MUSIC Education Program events ning Crane „ DJ Broadway and Main for kids. „ 7:10 p.m., Maiah Wynne 7 p.m. „ 7 p.m., Julie Syrup 2 p.m. „ 8:30 p.m., „ Beer festival „ 8:15 p.m., Dead Presleys „ Skateboarding lessons Heather Lingle „ Friday Night Fights at „ 9:30 p.m., Snailmate „ BASE jumps the Original Mineyard, fea- 3 p.m. Friday, July 28 turing eight smoke bouts and Saturday, July 29 „ Aerial Assault Team eight feature fights. Admis- 4 p.m. KID KNIEVEL AREA sion is free. KID KNIEVEL AREA „ Skateboarding lessons (The Original) (The Original) 4:30 p.m. Noon STUNTS Noon „ Aerial Assault Team „ Skateboarding lessons „ 2 p.m., Cossacks „ Skateboarding lessons Evel Knievel Days Thursday, July 27, 2017 • 13

Walter Hinick, The Montana Standard Metal Mulisha Fitz Army member Sam Rogers takes a souped-up snowmobile to the air in a performance for Evel Knievel Days in Uptown Butte.

„ BASE jumpers 6 p.m. CAR SHOW 1 p.m. „ BASE jumpers „ 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on West Broad- „ Aerial Assault Team 7 p.m. way Street 1:30 p.m. „ Aerial Assault Team „ Clark Fork Watershed Education CHIVE ON MONTANA Program events for kids. STUNTS (Alley behind Times Bar) 2 p.m. „ 2 p.m., Cossacks „ 7 p.m., 11 p.m. „ Skateboarding lessons „ 6 p.m., Cossacks „ Butte Veterans’ fundraiser „ BASE jumpers „ 6:15 p.m., Dare Devil Doug „ DJ concert 3 p.m. „ 8:30 p.m., KaMaKaZie Kid „ Aerial Assault Team „ 9:15 p.m., KaMaKaZie Kid MAIN STAGE MUSIC 3:30 p.m. Body Burn Broadway and Main „ Clark Fork Watershed Education „ 6 p.m., Butte Central High School Program events for kids. FMX Pep Band 4 p.m. „ 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m. „ 7 p.m., Shellshock Lullaby „ Skateboarding lessons „ 8 p.m., Tim Watson, Fiddleman 5 p.m. DRIFT TRIKE RACES „ 9 p.m., Tim Montana & „ Aerial Assault Team „ 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Shrednecks 14 • Thursday, July 27, 2017 Evel Knievel Days

Walter Hinick, The Montana Standard Jesse McCloud, grandson of Evel Knievel, makes a jump over two 1964 Chevy pickup trucks at the 2016 Evel Knievel Days as a tribute commemorating Evel’s first jump some 50 years ago. The young daredevil cleared the trucks with ease and made the jump twice before a crowd of several thousand. Evel Knievel Days Thursday, July 27, 2017 • 15 THE ALL BUBUTTETTE NEW TOYTOYOTAOTA ButteToyota.com

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