The annual Summer Celebration parade in Fort Benton experienced a brief misadventure when the Texas Longhorn steer that was walking in the Saturday procession was spooked. Several spectators were injured, one requiring a mercy flight to Great Falls. Ultimately, none of the injuries proved serious.
According to a Facebook post from the River Press, the incident took place "near the Front Street Roundabout by The Freeze." The Texas Longhorn steer, which is a regular feature in Fort Benton parades, was spooked by the commotion of the event. The steer broke free from one of its handlers, leaving only one holding the rope, before crashing into two parade-goers. The first individual struck was Corrina Buxengard, who was attending the parade to see her grandchildren march in the event. According to the Chouteau County County Sheriff's office: "A second gentleman was struck in the head, but did not need further medical assistance." Corrina Buxengard was taken by the Memorial Ambulance to the Fort Benton Airport, where they met the Mercy Flight that transported her to Benefis Hospital in Great Falls. The Mercy Flight Helicopter was in the area as part of a planned flyover featured in the day's festivities.
The incident was the only one that took place in the parade involving the steer. According to the Sheriff's office, deputies were able to reroute the parade while the emergency responders handled the injured attendees.
Corrina Buxengard, who the Mountaineer contacted via Facebook, explained: "I don't remember what happened. All I know is what I was told. I do remember feeling a shove, and that is it. I think I lost consciousness for a moment or two, but I noticed I was surrounded by so many people. I was in excruciating pain. I was holding my head and felt blood gushing out. I looked up to see quite a few EMTs asking me questions, which were hard to answer with all the pain. I was told that this longhorn had escaped from one of the handlers as it had been disturbed by something. I was also told that it had thrown me 3-4 feet in the air, and I had landed on the concrete."
In her Facebook post on the incident, she explained that her husband and two others told her that they saw the steer break loose and throw her and that she hit the pavement head first. Mrs. Buxengard went on to praise those who came to her aid: "Thank you to Mattie Little, who stayed with me from start to load up on Mercy Flight. To Dave I always remembered you. Your kindness will be cherished. To the other EMTs, I do not know your names (sic). Thank you. To the crew on Mercy Flight you all were shining examples of compassion and care. Many tests and pain meds I am ok. (sic) I am so deeply thankful for my children who met me there and stayed. Bruce you are my rock. I have sutures on my forehead, I am banged up and bruised and yes I hurt all over. God's plans for my life are so great." Corrina and her husband live in Fairfield, MT and were in the area to see their grandchildren in Saturday morning's parade.
According to the Sheriff's office, the Longhorn steer has been in many parades, as the mascot for Fort Benton High School is the Longhorn.
