Nine breweries and two bands are gathering in West Glacier this weekend for the second annual Pints for Paths Brewfest, an event that raises money for a proposed bike path to West Glacier.
The festivities begin at 5 p.m., Saturday, July 14 at Heaven’s Peak Lodge. Eight Montana breweries and one from Oregon will be in serving beers and local band Sloppy Sue and the Satisfiers will perform along with Bozeman’s Cure for the Common.
The brewfest is the primary fundraiser for the Gateway to Glacier Trail Organization, which is raising funds for a bicycle and pedestrian path connecting Coram, Badrock Canyon and West Glacier. The organization has raised almost $15,000 and the goal is to have $52,000 by October in order to be eligible to apply for a grant from the Community Transportation Enhancement Program (CTEP). The project’s overall cost is estimated at $125,000, but only a percentage of that must be raised to apply with CTEP.
Seth Schnebel, a committee member with Gateway to Glacier Trail, said the project’s focus is to develop a safe alternate route of travel for those interested in visiting West Glacier and Glacier National Park.
“It’s a lot of semi traffic and if you’re trying to go ride on your bike there’s traffic whizzing by at high speeds,” he said. “Getting that separate path will be really beneficial to a lot of folks.”
Organizers are encouraging those attending the brewfest to plan on camping at one of the nearby campgrounds. The event will have a silent auction and raffles and an opportunity to win a week’s stay in Maui. Cost is $20 at the gate and includes four beer tickets.
Like last year, “It will be a great afternoon and evening,” Schnebel said. “It’s a festive atmosphere.”
For more information about the Gateway to Glacier Trail project, visit www.gatewaytoglaciertrail.com.