Western Whoopee

This year and the next are big ones for six states that are members of the Denver-based Western Governors’ Assn. Montana, Washington, North Dakota and South Dakota are celebrating their centennial years in 1988 and Wyoming and Idaho in 1990. Needless to say, the states are promoting their 100th year of statehood as a means of attracting more tourist travel. But there will be plenty of events for home folk, too, and several lasting legacies of the anniversary.

In June, South Dakota Gov. George S. Mickelson will dedicate a new 111-mile hiking trail named the Centennial Trail. Washington state is building the 105-foot Lady Washington, a replica of the tall ship sailed by Capt. Robert Gray while exploring Washington’s coast in 1792. North Dakota Gov. George Sinner will play host to “the party of the century” in the Bismarck-Mandan area over the Fourth of July weekend. It will feature a wagon train and an American Indian encampment.

Perhaps the most lasting and significant centennial event this year, however, is the publication of “The Last Best Place,” an acclaimed 1,161-page anthology of Montana literature incorporating the work of 154 Montana writers, ranging from Indian folk tales to modern short stories. The first printing of 6,000 copies has been sold out at $40 a copy and a second is in the works. Of the Western states, Montana has produced a particularly rich literature. “The Last Best Place” will be an appreciated gift to Western literature fans wherever they live.