“Everybody get enthusiastic!” That was the rally from the Glenwood Post newspaper on Feb. 16, 1928. M.A. Ellis, representing the Denver Post newspaper, had just outlined plans for the First Annual Denver Post-Glenwood Springs Lion Hunt, to be held that March. Glenwood Springs and the surrounding area would be publicized in ways never before experienced. Ellis stated that the Denver Post would bring to town the “most effecting community advertising ever put forth in the west.” For a few weeks starting in March, experienced guides would escort hopeful hunters through the wilderness in the search for mountain lion. Seven news services would report daily on the hunt’s progress. Additionally, film crews from the Paramount News Co. would capture the images of the hunt as well those images of Glenwood’s scenic surroundings for showing across the country. Local businessmen rallied around the promotion. On March 18, 1928, city officials and members of the Lions Club greeted the press and hunters as they arrived by train. With flags flying and members of the Glenwood Springs Boys Band leading the procession, the visitors were paraded through the streets. The hunters included Jake Borah, hunting guide to President Theodore Roosevelt, and Mrs. Byrd Fuqua. Bringing up the rear of the parade were about 50 baying hunting dogs, all straining their leashes to begin the hunt. Paramount film crews captured the celebration.Immediately after the parade, the hunters made their way into the hills. All were hopeful, but disappointment was soon to set in. By week’s end, only one mountain lion had been tracked, only to be lost. Other hunters found absolutely no sign of a lion. On March 23, as the hunters returned to town, they stated the experience was a wonderful outing, regardless of the fruitless outcome. However, what was to become an annual event and hopefully a boost to tourism for Glenwood Springs never materialized. The hunt’s lack of success limited the Denver Post-Glenwood Springs Lion Hunt to a single year.”Frontier Diary” is provided to the Post Independent by the Frontier Historical Society and Museum, 1001 Colorado Ave., Glenwood Springs. Winter hours are 1-4 p.m. Monday and Thursday through Saturday.