KALISPELL —  Learn about lichen. Lone Pine State Park is home to a very healthy and diverse population of lichen. This hike will focus on local lichens. 

Call the visitor center at 406-755-2706 Ext. 0 to register, as space is limited. Cost is free ($8 park entry fee still applies to out-of-state vehicles). Learn more about Montana’s state parks at: https://fwp.mt.gov/stateparks. 

POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library will present a Humanities Montana Conversations Program titled, “An Inconvenient Grizzly,” with Greg Smith at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 11. For more information call the library at 406-883-8225.

POLSON — This members only show, titled “A Fresh View,” will feature all of our talented and creative Sandpiper member family from July 11-Sept. 9. Along with amazing gallery art, our gift shop is full of one of a kind pieces to tempt you. All submissions will be accepted in the artists’ interpretation of the theme. For more information call 406-883-5956 or go to: sandpiperartgallery.com.

KALISPELL — Help maintain the integrity and habitat of Lone Pine State Park by joining in trail work including pulling noxious weeds, trail maintenance, and trail building. All ages are welcome and please bring a good pair of work gloves, closed-toe shoes, and some water. 

Call the visitor center at (406) 755-2706 Ext. 0 to register, as space is limited. Cost is free ($8 park entry fee still applies to out-of-state vehicles). Learn more about Montana’s state parks at: https://fwp.mt.gov/stateparks.

BIG ARM – On Wednesday, July 13 a FY 2023 preliminary budget public hearing will be held at 5 p.m. 

The regular monthly meeting will follow at 6 p.m. at the Big Arm Station No. 2, 28565 Seventh Street in Big Arm.

POLSON — Annie Oakley is coming North Lake County Library to share a fascinating part of American history, including not only the most famous woman sharpshooter but also historic figures who crossed her path, including Buffalo Bill Cody, Chief Sitting Bull and famous newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst.  

The public is invited to the half hour performance at the North Lake County Public Library on Wednesday, July 13, at 11 a.m. Annie Oakley is the subject of a living presentation by Cheryl Heser of Forsyth. 

Local farmers are welcome to attend the annual Field Day at the Northwestern Agricultural Research Center, located at 4570 Highway 35 in Creston, on Thursday, July 14 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m., with lunch included. Topics will include the statewide spring canola variety trial, spring wheat nitrogen and seeding density and herbicide program, winter wheat classes and nitrogen and seeding density, winter wheat irrigation and breeding, perennial and barley forages, and winter canola planting dates. Space is limited. Please RSVP to 406-755-4303 or email charlene.kazmier@montana.edu by Thursday, July 8, 2022.

RONAN — The Ronan Farmers Market is open every Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the Ronan Visitor’s Center on Highway 93. The market will continue until Oct. 13.

POLSON — The Summer Reading Program at The North Lake County Public Library will host Stephanie Hummel from the Flathead Lake Biological Station, as she presents “Plankton Races” at 10 a.m.

ST. IGNATIUS — The Good Old Days Celebration begins with the start of a three-day tennis tournament at the high school. Singles/doubles/mixes/beginners and advanced will compete. For more information call 406-273-8203.

ST. IGNATIUS — Author Peggy Browning Schultz will be at the Good Old Days Celebration barbecue on Friday, July 15, from 5-7 p.m. to sign copies of her new book, “Elsie the Itty Bitty Peacemaker.” The book is children’s story about a flop-eared peace-making bunny.

ST. IGNATIUS — Good Old Days welcomes all with a barbecue meal on Friday, July 15, at the Good Old Days Park from 5-7 p.m. There will be gourmet burgers with all the fixin’s, fresh roasted beef, potato and macaroni salads, baked beans, fruit salad and dessert all for $12 for adults, $7 for kids under 10. There will also be an adult and a junior dessert baking contest

with a $100 adult prize and a $50 junior prize. The farmers market takes place from 5-7 p.m. At 7:30 p.m. at the Amphitheater “Bottom Feeders” will present classic country and rock for family fun. Fireworks will take place at dark, weather permitting. Expect additional activities.

KALISPELL — Learn about forest management from Holly McKenzie, a forester with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation at Lone Pine State Park. After the presentation, there will be a hike around Lone Pine to look at the mistletoe areas where salvage work and thinning will take place between September and November this fall. Call the visitor center at 406-755-2706 Ext. 0 to register, as space is limited. Cost is free ($8 park entry fee still applies to out-of-state vehicles). Learn more about Montana’s state parks at: https://fwp.mt.gov/stateparks. 

POLSON — Read with Riley the therapy dog on Fridays at the North Lake County Public Library. Time slots are from 10-11 a.m. “Pawsitive Reading Partners” will join us on Friday mornings and bring Riley, who is a registered therapy dog, to the library. He is a really good listener and wants to hear our patrons read. To register, please contact Felicia at 406-883-8225 or email her at: feliciag@polson.lib.mt.us  Be sure to save your spot.

ELMO — The Standing Arrow Powwow will be held July 15-17. The first grand entry takes place at 7 p.m. on Friday evening. Call 406-544-0262 for more information. There will be a $10,000 drum contest. For more information call 406-304-9048. Information about Royalty competition for Miss Kootenai and Kootenai Warrior can be had by called 406-871-6130 or emailing: ktunaxatomcruise@yahoo.com.

ST. IGNATIUS — Good Old Days continues with dog races at 1 p.m.; food and craft vendors from 1-4 p.m., bingo from 2-4 p.m. and family games (egg races, water balloon toss, sprints, gunny sack races) at 2 p.m. A beer walk takes place at 2:30 p.m. (it’s a hoot) and lawn mower races begin at 3 p.m. The day ends with helicopter rides and a barbeque at the airport from 4-8 p.m. and a tennis tournament at the high school at 5:30 p.m.

ST. IGNATIUS — The St. Ignatius Senior Center will provide a pancake breakfast from 7-11 a.m. as Good Old Days events continue.

ELMO — The Standing Arrow Powow continues with a $10,000 stick game tournament payout. Registration begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Call 406-471-4384 for more information.  Registration for the 5K Fun Run starts at 9 a.m. and the run begins at 10 a.m. For information about a co-ed softball tourney call 406-203-6662.

ST. IGNATIUS — The Buffalo Run is part of the family  Good Old Days fun in St. Ignatius. Proceeds from the Buffalo Run benefit the St. Ignatius Chamber of Commerce. The half marathon ($25) starts promptly at 7 a.m. and the 1 ($12), 4 ($17), and 7-mile ($17) fun runs start promptly at 8 a.m. All races start at 112 N. Main Street in front of Gambles. Open to all ages. Register online at: http://www.runsignup.com/Race/MT/SaintIgnatius/GoodOldDaysBuffaloRun

ST. IGNATIUS — Final Good Old Days events take place at the airport. Huckleberry pancakes, ham, eggs, coffee and juice will be served at the Fly-In breakfast from 8 a.m.-noon. There will be door prizes as well as a large general aviation display.

NINPIPE —The Montana Historical Society selected Bud Cheff Jr. as a Heritage Keeper Award recipient in 2021. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Ninepipes Museum has not been able to celebrate this honor with museum friends and neighbors until now. The July 17 celebration is also a fundraiser to benefit the nonprofit 501(c)3 museum and ticket prices are $30 per person. There is limited space for the event so only 75 tickets will be sold. Call the museum at 406-644-3435, or email: info@ninepipesmuseum.org to purchase your ticket. The event runs from 2-5 p.m. and includes entertainment, heavy hors d’oeuvres, auction items, a raffle, and a cash beer and wine bar. The museum will be closed to the public on July 17 for this event.

POLSON — Dungeons & Dragons game night will be held at the North Lake County Public Library on Monday, July 18 starting at 5: p.m. with an average run time of 4 hours: “Hunt for the Ghost Ship” is the title of our adventure. We will meet in the large meeting room. Light snacks will be provided, but you are welcome to bring food & non-alcoholic beverages. This adventure is geared toward older teens & adults.

Please call 406-883-8225 to reserve a player spot or just drop-in to observe.  

KALISPELL — Atlatls are ancient weapons that preceded the bow and arrow in most parts of the world and are one of humankind’s first mechanical inventions. Presenters will give a brief history of the atlatl and then give a demonstration of how it was effectively used for hunting. 

All participants will get an opportunity to use these hunting weapons and understand how they work. Children 4 years old and older are welcome come try it out. 

Call the visitor center at 406-755-2706 Ext. 0 to register, as space is limited. Cost is free($8 park entry fee still applies to out-of-state vehicles). 

KALISPELL — Atlatls are ancient weapons that preceded the bow and arrow in most parts of the world and are one of humankind’s first mechanical inventions. Presenters will give a brief history of the atlatis and then give a demonstration of how it was effectively used for hunting. All participants will get an opportunity to use these hunting weapons and understand how they work. Children 4 years old and older are welcome come try it out. Call the visitor center at 406-755-2706 Ext. 0 to register, as space is limited. Cost is free ($8 park entry fee still applies to out-of-state vehicles). 

HOT SPRINGS — For two days on the north lawn of Symes Hot Springs Hotel the annual Hot Springs Blues Festival will feature true blues from around the Northwest. Different bands will play nightly from 6-8 p.m. and 8:30-10:30 p.m. Call 406-741-2361 or go to: symeshotspringsbluesfestival.com for updates.

KALISPELL — Surrounded by the natural beauty of Lone Pine State Park, Kathy Ross, Flathead Valley landscaper/gardener of more than 30 years will talk about the importance of this beauty on Friday, July 22 from 6-7 p.m. 

   Come explore the relationship of native plants, insects and birds, and find out why this relationship is so important to understanding loss of habitats and biodiversity. Learn how you can help native species in your own landscapes. Call the visitor center at 406-755-2706 ext. 0 to register, as space is limited. Cost is free ($8 park entry fee still applies to out-of-state vehicles). 

KALISPELL — Enjoy a beginner Vinyasa yoga flow class from 8-9:15 a.m. on Saturday, July 23, at Lone Pine State Park. This 45-minute yoga class will take place as the sun is rising. 

Bring layers and a warm drink as the morning is chilly. Yoga mats will not be provided so bring your own mat, towel, or blanket to set underneath you.

Call the visitor center at 406-755-2706 ext. 0 to register, as space is limited. Cost is $4 per participant ($8 park entry fee still applies to out-of-state vehicles). 

POLSON — The all new Art Trail, instituted by the Sandpiper Art Gallery, is a treasure hunt, a great exhibit and sale opportunity for artists in the Mission Valley in locations from St. Ignatius to Dayton. Contact the gallery at 406-883-5956 for more information

HOT SPRINGS — On the north lawn of Symes Hot Springs Hotel the Hot Springs Blues Festival will feature true blues from around the Northwest. Music will be performed 4-6 p.m. with the Wolf Tones performing from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mudslide Charley plays from 9-11 p.m. Call 406-741-2361 or go to: symeshotspringsbluesfestival.com for updates.

KALISPELL — On Saturday, July 23, from 7-8:30 p.m. test your knowledge of Lone Pine State Park at the first trivia night of the year. The questions will focus on the history of Lone Pine, plant ecology, and animal ecology. We will go through four rounds of questions to share our knowledge or learn new facts. All ages are welcome and feel free to bring snacks and drinks. Call the visitor center at 406-755-2706 ext. 0 to register, as space is limited. Cost is free ($8 park entry fee still applies to out-of-state vehicles). 

FLATHEAD LAKE — Join us for the return of the Poker Paddle for Clean Water event on Saturday, July 23, at 9:30 a.m. at The Shoe restaurant. 

Bring your kayaks, SUPs, canoes or swimming ability on a short or long course to designated stops on the beautiful south end of Flathead Lake in Polson. Collect playing cards along the way. 

Prizes for best and worst hand. Each participant receives a commemorative gift. Food and music to follow. 

For more information contact Amber Stanfield at: amber@flatheadlakers.org.