Even though I didn’t get to be at as many Homecoming events that I normally do, I’m always still blown away by how Star Valley’s game is attended and supported. These comments aren’t designed to bash any other community and how they do it and how it goes off. Everybody is just doing their best. But it’s different here.

From my vantage point in the box on a Friday night for the big game, I can see the people parking in places that aren’t spots from the field all the way over to the highway. In the swells and dips by the National Guard Readiness Center, wrapping all the way back and filling in spots and slots on the west side of the school and beyond. That’s just for the cars. Then the people fill in the venue. A free tailgate by an area business, the smells, the sights, the different generations of crimson and gold apparel and the shared pride of the same school.

The funny thing about Braves Field is that the second the last bolt was tightened on these new bleachers (very much needed by the way) a couple years ago, they were already too small. And that’s okay. They are full. I’ve been to some places where they have pretty nice bleachers that I wonder if they are ever full. Over the past 20 years it’s been interesting to watch fans make out their own spots and experiences around the field. Cookers and canopies and camp fires and lawn chairs have become as normal at a football game as anything else and they were out in force this past Friday. There is an electricity about Braves Field and it’s fans and this particular game against Cody, the way it all played out with the overtime rally and victory, was just an incredible scene. I’ll remind you there’s no stop light in Afton. No roundabout either. For now anyway. And it was the place to be and all the locals knew it.

Sometimes you’ll hear a nostalgic complaint about how things used to be and why can we do this or that like back in the day. When I was a kid I remember stores being closed and cars being parked around the old field the night before and feeling the electricity. That sure isn’t gone. And when Star Valley plays at home, I don’t think it’s ever been better. Another chance is this Friday when the Braves host the Wolves.

Pink Night

Speaking of electricity, last year’s Pink Night match on the volleyball court was one of my favorite memories of last season. I think the community has a chance to do that again this upcoming Tuesday. Yes, it’s a Tuesday and the camel of hump day will still be asleep on next week’s calendar but I hope you’ll plan on coming.

The feeling I spoke about with Homecoming, it’s there for Pink Night too if we can capture it. We did last year. On top of that, there is a real and literal buoying up of families and kids and friends who need it and we have a chance to help give a little relief. I generally don’t talk publicly about this, but if you’ve never lost a parent as a kid, it’s not really something you can describe to someone and have them understand. Star Valley has a chance to support someone and a family that needs it right now more than ever.

On top of all of that is what should be a great night of volleyball as the Lady Braves will be looking for some payback to Evanston as both communities support the overall cause. Just like Homecoming is and was the place to be, I’d love to see Pink Night be just the same with just a little different attitude. I hope to see you there.