By Ashlynn Kidder, Heavyn Nation and Gracen Haddenham, 2022 UM Journalism and Media Summer Camp

Missoulians gathered to celebrate the community during the “Out to Lunch” event at Caras Park on Wednesday, July 20. 

“(The Event is) Absolutely fantastic,” said Jim Fisher, co-owner of Lil’ Orbits donut truck. “It’s a great event and we get to meet people from all over the country. Everyone is in a good mood, and we get to have fun.”

For some, the delicious scented food wafted towards them, peaking an interest. For others it was the commotion, kids running around and music being performed, the overall general happiness of the crowd. For us, it was a chance to see what “Out to Lunch” had to offer. We immediately went on to explore, trying to find the food that appealed to us the most. 

We found ourselves in the line for Isla’s Lemonade. The line was long, which resulted in us getting to know the participants around us. We were surprised by the friendliness of the others, one in particular who enthusiastically engaged in getting to know us as we got to know her. She even mistook us as sisters, which amused us.

We ordered Red Bull lemonades, which triggered feelings of nostalgia – memories of summer break and home’s routine.

After finishing up at the lemonade stand, we went on a hunt for food. This is when we came across El Cazador, a Mexican restaurant food truck. The line was lengthy, which is always a good sign, and it was sweet relief when we were finally able to order.

The workers were extremely friendly and though swamped, they kept the wait time to a minimum. We decided to order the nachos as it was a safe choice. They were jam-packed full of amazing spices and fresh ingredients that really hit the spot.

After eating this amazing food, we decided to ask people for suggestions. We wanted to get a taste of everything “Out to Lunch” had to offer.

We ran into our friend Evelyn Vigil, who pointed us to the direction of Madeline’s Mediterranean Grille and Street Food. The grill was also recommended by Abigail Moore, who ordered the baklava – pastry with nuts sweetened with syrup. She said the baklava was good, and reminiscent of pomegranate. Moore also informed us the workers were very nice.

We chose the Mediterranean platter, and found the dolmas – grape leaves stuffed with rice, lamb and beef – to be an acquired taste. 

Once the eating portion of the afternoon was finished, we decided to shift our focus toward the live music performance. 

The performer, Travis Yost, was very interactive with the crowd. Not only were his songs calming and mellow, which really tied together the event, but he also made a point to joke around with the audience to keep them engaged. He performed a mixture of original and cover songs, and made the “Out to Lunch” experience extremely enjoyable. 

Even those of us with little money were able to enjoy the event. Coming from the wise words of a homeless man who would prefer to remain anonymous, “Music ties people together, you don’t need money to enjoy it.” 

Overall the experience was incredible and many of our fellow journalists agreed with us. Events like these are about more than just food and music. They are  about reconnecting with the people you are normally separate from in everyday life. We are constantly working and striving to build and events like “Out to Lunch,” that enable us to take a minute to enjoy the people around us. 

By Lauren Reinhart and Mikenzie Dawn Morgieau, 2022 UM Journalism and Media Summer Camp

Ione Jean Lewis, a retired seamstress, said she worked in her dream job of making alterations.  However, Lewis’s first job was not in the sewing room, but instead in the nursery, and she had to put off her dream of being a seamstress.

“I should say my first job was taking care of my children,” Lewis said.  

Lewis is a rare example of someone finding her dream job and actually working in that particular field. Lewis, and other Missoula residents interviewed on Wednesday around Caras Park and University of Montana in Missoula, reflected on their careers –  the differences between dream jobs and pragmatic responsibility. 

Like Lewis, many other interviewees had not had the clearest path to their dream jobs. 

Robin Joseph has worked in the housing office at the University of Montana for 35 years, but her dream job is to be a racecar driver.

“I always wanted to be a racecar driver, no lie. I still drive fast, very few speeding tickets so I can be proud of that, but yes, I always wanted to be a racecar driver,” Joseph said.

Leo, who did not give a last name, wants to be a travel writer, but works as an independent consultant working in climate change for the time being.

When they grow up, Emery, attending Out to Lunch in Caras Park, wants to teach fifth grade, and Avery, also enjoying the event, wants to write chapter books.

Jeff Stevens’s dream job is to work on Carving at the Carousel.  This job consists of volunteering in the shop while carving wooden horses and animals for other carousels.   

“My dream job: Carving at the Carousel.  I have been a volunteer there for 25 years,” Stevens said.

Heidi Webber wants to be an author, and wants to write novels about life.

“To write is probably my dream job.  The idea is to sit and write,” Webber said.

Melony, no last name given, followed her dream and is now working in her dream job.

“I am a college prep coordinator at the middle school and high school,” she said.

Kimberly Sloan wants to be a life coach and wants to help working mothers. She, like Lewis, understands the difficulties of juggling work and family.

“Specifically mothers, working mothers, and how to balance a job and a fulfilling family life,” Sloan said.

Lewis, the retired seamstress, and Joseph, the aspiring race car driver, had different plans in life, and went through different courses to turn to who they are today.  Both have had a long career in the field they chose and have enjoyed their work.

By Adalyn Maxwell, 2022 UM Journalism and Media Summer Camp

The past two years have been a tumultuous time for everyone, with the disarray following the coronavirus shaping countless lives and priorities in Missoula.

“Everything seems different,” said Travis, a visitor at the University of Montana. 

During this time, many experienced life through an entirely new set of circumstances. They learned that even the most basic features of society, like relationships, hobbies and work, can be easily influenced by worldwide events. 

Several interviewees on the UM campus shared their personal stories of the afflictions caused by the recent pandemic.

Chad, from Missoula

“Everybody’s trying to work at home, at school. A lot more than we ever used to,” Chad said. 

He described his children and dogs as the best part of his life. His family  often struggled with balancing his kid’s extracurriculars throughout the quarantine. 

“[COVID-19] disrupted activities, for sure. It upended things to some degree,” he said.

Pauline and Angele, from France

“For me, sports relieve my stress,” Pauline said. 

Angele and Pauline are currently on internships and spending their summer in Missoula. They both said how they enjoy traveling, sports, and meeting new people— three pastimes all greatly affected by the coronavirus.

“Places were closed, and we couldn’t travel,” Angele said. “I was just, like, crying on travel videos.”

Pam Broussard, from Missoula

“I had to work every single day as a necessary staff member,” Pam said. 

 Near constant work during the pandemic threatened her ability to spend time outdoors, which is Pam’s lifeblood. 

“I love living in Montana. I love the lifestyle, I love the environment, I love the wildlife, I love the weather.”

Cori, from Washington

“There was a loss of learning, and a loss of sports skills,” Cori said.

Cori said she loves watching her children learn and excel.  She said that the quarantine infringed on her  attending sports games and supporting her kids activities.

“Now it’s kind of like starting fresh, but it’s nice.”