Ivan and Thalia Lindauer had never been to Cowley for the Fourth of July fireworks on Jennie and David Rael’s ranch. The young couple from Basin didn’t know what to expect, but they had a babysitter for their infant and they were on their own for the night.

While waiting in the comfort of their family minivan, they talked about their dreams of building a home, growing their family and dreaming of a happy future together. But when the fireworks started — choreographed to a long list of patriotic and party music including “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC selected by the Raels — their eyes lit up.

For half an hour they watched in amazement. At first they stood stunned while holding hands. Then the young couple shared a couple kisses and finally snuggled during the chilly July evening.

“I wish it could go forever,” Thalia said after the last shells lit up the night in colorful explosions.

Parked next to them were Susan and Kiley Thompson from Byron. They were alone at the display for the first time in years. Their two children are adults now, but that didn’t stop the couple from coming out for the fireworks.

They are proud of their family and recounted some of the sweet memories on a recent fishing trip to Alaska — a gift to their sons — and watching the Independence Day displays when the kids, Cooper and Carson, were youngsters.

Some folks came from hundreds of miles away, like John Fassel, the special teams coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL. He was previously the special teams coordinator and interim head coach for the Los Angeles Rams — which is how he learned about the Cowley party, including a meal and live music open to the public.

David Rael, owner of S&L Industrial, has been a Rams fan for decades and met the coach while he coached with the Rams from 2012 to 2019. Rael is famous for making friends, whether at functions or just out and about. He finds it hard to walk past someone wearing a military hat without starting a conversation. While he never served, he appreciates those willing to put their lives on the line for their country.

At the Rael home, hundreds of people gathered for food, music and fun. Prior to the introduction of the headline artist Harry Luge, Velvet Thunder, featuring the Raels’ grandson Joaquin Scheeler on drums, played several covers while the crowd got their feast on.

Both acts got participants in the mood to party while feasting on homemade delicacies, watching the children happily burst piñatas and being entertained by rodeo celebrities Carl and K.C. Jones and their ponies, and enjoying the unseasonably cool day.

Luge takes requests from the crowd and one youngster asked if he would do the national anthem. Without instruction, the crowd in attendance stood and placed their hands on their hearts

But then it was time for a serious moment. Rael holds a special place in his heart for active military duty and veterans. He brought the more than 20 vets in attendance to the front to share their stories. Each received a generous gift card to the Billings IHOP, courtesy of Bob and Jeanie Llana.

It wasn’t the only serious moment during the party. Two of the Raels’ sons, Lovell volunteer firemen Gregory Rael and Tyler Angel, were called away to an accident outside of Cowley. Four young men were severely burned when fireworks in their vehicle exploded.

David Rael found it hard to fully enjoy the party, knowing that others were suffering nearby.

“We were celebrating and they were crying in pain,” Rael said while struggling to speak in his sorrow. “It tears me up.”

The Rael family was “counting their blessings,” he said. The entire extended family were exhausted from all of the work it takes to put on a party. But David is already looking forward to continuing the tradition.

“It's painful getting this thing done, but it's fun doing it,” he said. “All I want are smiles and to show my gratitude.”