Well, I’m not sure how we are already at this point, Flathead Valley, but this weekend is one of the busiest and exciting of the summer.
And while I’m very excited for all of the great activities, I was a bit shocked to realize that it’s almost August. Summer is so fleeting up here in Northwest Montana, but it is unparalleled.
Anyway, enough about that before I get early-onset Seasonal Affective Disorder. To the events!
Kalispell
The Event at Rebecca Farm is an obvious choice for those of you interested in anything equine. The internationally recognized triathlon of horsemanship gets into full swing this weekend; Friday sees a full day of dressage, all FEI Levels, as well as a continuation of National Horse Trial Levels Dressage. The cross-country phase begins at 8 am.
The cross-country phase continues into Saturday and the weekend culminates with show jumping on Sunday. Check out the story link above for directions to the farm.
Art in the Park: Held July 23 through 25 in historic downtown Kalispell’s Depot Park, this is the city’s premiere arts, crafts, and music festival. It features over 100 local and visiting artists and craftsmen offer quality, unique works for sale. There will be food, music, dancing and community socializing. What more could you want in your own downtown? Purchase of a $5 Weekend Pass button gives the wearer unlimited admission to the festival all three days. Daily admission to the festival will be $3 and children age 6 and under are admitted free with their family.
Kalispell Street Dance: This is the first year for the street dance, which will be a nice continuation of the party at Art in the Park. Beginning at 6 p.m., the residents and tourists alike can mingle and shake their groove things on Third Street East behind the KM Building, where Thursday!Fest is usually held. Music will be provided by Andre’ Floyd & Mood Iguana, Alex Athy and Folger’s national jingle contest champions, the Ethan Thompson Band. Cover charge is $5, and alcoholic beverages available for the over-21 crowd.
Columbia Falls
Two words: Heritage Days. This is the biggest festival of the summer for the Gateway to Glacier, and the events go all weekend. Here’s a rundown from www.flatheadevents.net:
Friday – July 23, 2010
5:00 p. m. – Wildcat Athletic Endowment Fundraiser BBQ and Auction behind the Columbia Bar.
6:30 p. m. – Joe Cosley Exhibit official unveiling at Glacier Discovery Square.
7:00 p. m. – NRA Rodeo at the Blue Moon Arena northeast corner of Hwy. 2 and 40.
7:30 p. m. – Cosley Rendezvous Campfire at Whitefish Credit Union Park.
Saturday – July 24, 2010
7:30 a. m. – 3-on-3 Basketball Tourney on 1st Avenue West.
8:00 a. m. – Boogie-to-the-Bank 5k & 10k Run. North Fork to Glacier Discovery Square.
9:00 a. m. – Arts, Crafts,Food vendors and Music at Glacier Discovery Square. Music at Glacier Discovery Square until 6 p. m.
11:00 a. m. – Main Parade on Nucleus Avenue (Railway to 7th Street). PLEASE NOTE THE EARLIER START TIME THIS YEAR.
TIME TBA – Open Mic Performances at Whitefish Credit Union Park
1:00 p. m. – Wild Horse Drive on Hwy. 2 from Columbia Heights to the Blue Moon. Sponsored by Freedom Bank.
3:00 p. m. – Rendezvous Shoot. North Fork road.
7:00 p. m. – Rodeo at the Blue Moon Arena northeast corner of Hwy. 2 and 40.
7:00 p. m. – Barn Dance featuring the Canyon Creek Ramblers and The Belton Blues Band at Marantette Park.
Sunday – July 25, 2010
9:00 a. m. – WAEA Golf Tourney on the Glacier View Golf Course at West Glacier, Montana.
9:30 a. m. – Community Church Service followed by Coffee Social at Marantette Park
Whitefish
The Stumptown BBQ Smoke Off begins this weekend on Saturday, which sounds extremely delicious and interesting. There’s plenty of fun to be had, whether you’re a potential grillmaster looking to pick up some tips or merely a spectator who likes to hangout with your community. The action starts on at 10 a.m. on Saturday and goes through Sunday, with a hog-calling contest and Miss Piggy contest.
The Alpine Theatre Project is also continuing “Hair,” which is getting rave reviews (thought is not for the young’uns).
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OK, so, I couldn’t get everything in there because the sheer volume of stuff to do is overwhelming. For more on farmers’ markets, bands and some out-of-valley events, check www.flatheadevents.net.
Good luck on making your tough weekend decisions!