FROM THE AP: Montana town holds holiday events in spite of coronavirus

LINCOLN, Mont. (AP) — A Montana town held its annual Independence Day events, one of the few celebrations in the state not curtailed or canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Fourth of July parade, rodeo and fireworks in Lincoln drew hundreds of people to the festivities who dressed in patriotic red, white and blue colors Saturday, The Billings Gazette reported.

Few of the attendees in the community about 300 miles (483 kilometers) northwest of Billings wore face masks to protect against possible COVID-19 infection.

Trucks and all-terrain vehicles pulled floats as people threw candy to children and American flags waved during the community parade.

People entering the 68th annual Lincoln Open Rodeo at the local fairgrounds were stopped by two EMS workers in masks taking temperatures. Signs at the entrance said entry would be denied to those who were ill and urged attendees to observe social distancing.

Hundreds of audience members gathered around the sides of the rings, on benches and on a grassy hilltop.

“Lots of rodeos being canceled. Lincoln said: Not here. Not today. We’re gonna buck it,” announcer John Zillner told the crowd.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. But for some — especially older adults and people with existing health problems — it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.