Columbia Falls first began celebrating its heritage over 60 years ago. Back then, the festival was called “Progress Days.” A lot was different – one of Saturday morning’s first events was a tour of Plum Creek Lumber Co., music was provided by a 60-piece band, and kids competed in a watermelon race.
Then again, so much has stayed the same. Plum Creek is the town’s largest employer, people have never stopped dancing to good music, and the kids are still playing games; the activities just look a little different today.
There is one thing the coordinators might consider importing from the old days, though: During the inaugural event, male residents went head-to-head in a beard-growing contest. Perhaps the descendants of Dennis Benzien, Bill Fish, Bob Moody, Norman Allen, and E. L. Mateka—1956’s tied winners—might want to try their luck, and good genes, in a rematch.
Be it beards, booming industry, or the close-knit community, as event co-coordinator Sherley Reynolds says, “there are so many things we have to be proud of in Columbia Falls.”
Heritage Days Schedule
Wednesday, July 22
4 – 7 P.M. American Legion fundraising dinner
5 – 9 P.M. Sixth annual car show at Marantette Park with American Legion fundraising dinner
Thursday, July 23
5 – 7:30 P.M. Farmers Market at Pinewood Park
5 – 8 P.M. Community Market at O’Brien’s Liquor Store
6:30 P.M. – 10 P.M. Free open swimming at Pinewood Park Pool. Open to kids under 10 years old before 7:45 p.m. only.
7 P.M. Lion’s Club Concert at Marantette Park
Friday, July 24
5:30 P.M. Wildcat/kat Athletic Endowment Auction behind the Columbia Bar. Silent auction 5:30-8:30 p.m. and live auction 6:30-8:30 p.m. Barbecue from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
7 P.M. Open rodeo at the Blue Moon Arena
Saturday, July 25
7 A.M. Firemen’s breakfast at Don Anderson Fire Hall
7:30 A.M. Check in for three-on-three basketball tournament
8 A.M. Boogie-to-the-Bank 5K and 10K run from North Fork to Discovery Square
9 A.M. Arts, crafts, and food vendors at Discovery Square
10 A.M. – 3 P.M. North Valley Senior Center Fundraiser Luncheon. North Valley High Steppers line dancing will perform at 11 a.m.
12 P.M. Main parade on Nucleus Avenue from Railroad Street to Seventh Street West
1 – 4 P.M. Family Fun Day in Glacier Bank parking lot
1:30 P.M. Freedom Bank’s Wild Horse Drive on Highway 2 from Columbia Heights to Blue Moon Arena
2 P.M. “JAWS” demonstration by Columbia Falls Fire Department at the Fire Hall
7 P.M. Open Rodeo at the Blue Moon Arena
7 – 10 P.M. Barn Dance at Marantette Park. Music by the Morans, with refreshments available for purchase
Sunday, July 26
9 A.M. Fourteenth Annual WAEA Wildcat/kat Endowment Gold Open at Glacier View Golf Course
For more information, visit http://cfallsheritagedays.com/