LAKE COUNTY — The Flathead Reservation and Lake County Boys and Girls Club in Ronan will operate a summer program Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. from June 10-Aug. 16 (closed July 4). The cost is $20 per week or $150 for the full summer. The summer session is 10 weeks of fun – opportunities for discovery, learning, and activities galore. Applications may be picked up onsite or at: www.flatheadbgc.org.

POLSON — A members only open show entitled “Magic Moment,” featuring Sandpiper Art Gallery member artists past and present will be exhibited from June 17-July 26. All submissions will be accepted in the artist’s interpretation of the theme. This is member magic at its best. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday.

PABLO — “Mission Valley in Motion” is a summer youth program that will run from June 17- Aug. 8, at the Joe McDonald Health & Fitness Center. The program is open to students ages 7-14. Please join us for a summer of fun with activities and weekly trips. MVM is a free summer youth program that provides free lunch and breakfast for anyone under 18 years of age. Call 406-275- 4794 for more information.

POLSON — The Boys and Girls Club of Lake County and Flathead Reservation in Polson will operate a summer program Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. from June 17-Aug. 16 (closed July 4). The cost is $10 per week or $75 for the full summer. The summer session is nine weeks of fun - opportunities, discoeries, learning, and activities galore. Applications may be picked up onsite or at: www. flatheadbgc.org.

ST. IGNATIUS — The 37th annual Good Old Days Celebration begins with the first annual tennis tournament beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tournament runs through Saturday with singles, doubles, mixed, beginner and advanced games. For more information call 406-273-8203.

POLSON — The North Lake County Library, 2 First Ave. E, will host a free community sing-along featuring the duo, Tango Cowboys. They will lead a sing-a-long of traditional American folk songs and familiar cowboy songs written for the cinema in the 1930s and 1940s. Get ready to sing out “Shenandoah,” “I Ride An Old Paint,” “Ghost Riders In The Sky” and other favorites. This will be fun for the whole family event. Bring a guitar, your voice, and your family and friends. The event will take place from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 18.  

POLSON — Polson Kiwanis Club will meet at the Polson Flathead Lake Museum, from 5:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 18. There will be a short meeting, followed by a “Night at the Museum” social. Those interested in learning more about Kiwanis and perhaps joining are welcome to attend. Check out artifacts from the 1800s and beyond, including stagecoaches, antique fire engines, “Nessie,” the Flathead Lake Monster, and more. There is no charge for this delightful evening.

POLSON — “Star Stories and Native Skywatchers,” is a program that will be hosted by the North Lake County Public Library on Thursday, July 18, at 10:30 a.m. Amy Williams, many-talented teacher and Indian education coordinator for the Polson School District, will lead us in learning some new and old ways of understanding the cosmos. There will be star stories and star art from Native Skywalkers, an organization that celebrates Indigenous and interdisciplinary STEAM programming.

RONAN — Open class entries for the Lake County Fair are due by 4 p.m. in the Lake County Fair office. No late entries will be accepted.

POLSON — Support Polson Late Afternoon Social Hour (SPLASH) will be held on Thursday, July 18, from 5-7 p.m. at the KwaTaqNuk Resort.

POLSON — Support Polson Late Afternoon Social Hour (SPLASH) will be held on Thursday, July 18, from 5-7 p.m. at the KwaTaqNuk Resort.

ST. IGNATIUS — The second day of Good Old Days starts with the Little Mr. and Miss Good Old Days Pageant at 10 a.m. in the St. Ignatius Elementary multi-purpose room. Contestants ages 0-6 will be judged at 10 a.m., the 7-12 year old contestants at 1 p.m. and 13-18 year old contestants at 4 p.m. Call 406-396-7838 or go to: missionmountainpageants.weebly.com. 

Good Old Days Park is the site of the day’s dessert baking contest at 4 p.m. There will be adult and junior divisions, with unlimited entries. There is no entry fee. All entries are welcome.

 There will be fresh roasted beef, potato and macaroni salads, baked beans, fruit salad and dessert for $10 for adults and $5 for kids 10 and under from 5-7 p.m. at Good Old Days Park.

Big toys and a farmers market will take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the amphitheater a free concert will play classic country and rock with Jeff Daniels. Fireworks will be displayed at dark (weather permitting).

RONAN — The Lake County Fair begins on Saturday, July 20. This year’s theme is “Dusty Boots and Country Roots.” At 9 a.m. the horse show starts with mini horses shown first.

HOT SPRINGS — Live music at Symes Hot Springs Hotel from 8-10 p.m. Cat Bay Moon will perform blues and rock music.

POLSON — Polson High School’s class of 1969 is preparing to hold their 50th class reunion this summer the weekend of July 19-20, 2019. Talk to your classmates and stay alert for updates.

POLSON — The Polson High School class of ‘79 is preparing to hold their 40th class reunion this summer on the weekend of Aug. 9-11. Talk to your classmates or sign on to our Facebook page for updates and details about the weekend.

ELMO — The Kootenai Tribe, also known as the Ktunaxa Ksanka Band, welcome all nations and the general public to the 39th annual Ksanka Standing Arrow Powwow at the Elmo Powwow Grounds from Friday, July 19, to Sunday, July 21. 

The Ksanka Standing Arrow Powwow is a Native American gathering featuring drumming, dancing and traditional dress. Thursday is campers’ night.

POLSON — The Polson Main Street Flathead Cherry Festival will be held Saturday, July 20, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, July 21, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Come enjoy the great selection of vendors, Flathead cherries, homemade cherry pies, cherry products and gifts, unique arts and crafts, specials, food court, entertainment and activities for kids. On Saturday, a children’s and an adults’ cherry spitting contest takes place in front of the Cove Deli at 2 p.m. The children’s and an adults’ pie eating contest starts at 4 p.m. For more information, go to flatheadcherryfestival. com.

ST. IGNATIUS — Good Old Days continues with a pancake breakfast served from 7-11 a.m. at the St. Ignatius Senior Center. The third and final day of the celebration also starts with the Buffalo Run at 7 a.m. for the half-marathon runners. One, four and seven mile runners begin at 8 a.m. More information at St. Luke Community Healthcare website: stlukehealthcare.org. From 1-4 p.m. there will be big toys and a climbing wall at the Good Old Days Park. Dog races and lawn mower races take place at 1 p.m. Egg races, water balloon toss, and more at 2 p.m. A Tug-O-Wars start at 2:30 p.m. Bingo will be played at the St. Ignatius Senior Center from 2-4 p.m. The UKE Jam starts at the amphitheater at 3 p.m. Register beginning at 7 p.m. to compete in the pizza pie eating contest at 7:30 p.m. There will be prizes and pre-movie activities. At dusk a community movie will be shown at the amphitheater. At 5 p.m. at the St. Ignatius Airport there will be helicopter rides, a barbecue and entertainment. 

ELMO — The 39th annual Ksanka Standing Arrow Powwow continues at the Elmo Powwow Grounds until July 21. The Ksanka Standing Arrow Powwow is a Native American gathering featuring drumming, dancing and traditional dress.

POLSON — The Polson Main Street Flathead Cherry Festival continues on Sunday, July 21, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Come enjoy the great selection of vendors, Flathead cherries, homemade cherry pies, unique arts and crafts, sidewalk sales and specials and kids’ activities. Prizes will be awarded from downtown merchants. For more information, go to: flatheadcherryfestival.com.

ST. IGNATIUS — From 8 a.m.-noon the Good Old Days’ Fly-In takes place complete with huckleberry pancakes, biscuits and gravy, eggs, coffee or juice. There will be door prizes and a large general aviation aircraft display.

Beginning at 9 a.m. you can purchase a duck for the 10 a.m. duck race. This event supports St. Ignatius High School seniors.

RONAN — The Lake County Fair holds a shotgun event at Big Sky Sporting Clays starting at 10 a.m.

ELMO — The 39th annual Ksanka Standing Arrow Powwow at the Elmo Powwow Grounds ends.

POLSON — On Tuesday, July 23, from 5-7 p.m. the Montana Space Consortium will present “Our Big Sky.” The Montana Space Grant Consortium was established in 1991 as a component of NASA’s National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program. The Montana program is one of a national network of 52 consortia, working to strengthen aerospace research and education in the United States. This program is free and open to the public.

RONAN — Lake County Fair events include 4-H dog obedience and showmanship/rally and agility takes place from 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Large animal check-in is from 3-7 p.m. From 5-8 p.m. there will be a 4-H family style dinner. From 5-8 p.m. non-perishable open class check-in happens. 4-H and open class poultry/rabbit check in is from 6-8 p.m. From 6-9 p.m. large animal weigh-in takes place. There will be concessions by 4-H clubs, as well as commercial, educational and non-profit booths from Tuesday, July 23, through Sunday, July 28.

RONAN — At the Lake County Fair, judges orientation begins at 8:30 a.m. and perishable open class check-in is from 9 a.m.-noon. Swine showmanship and judging is from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Open class judges orientation takes place at 5 p.m., and from 5-8 p.m. a 4-H family style dinner is served. At 6 p.m., there is a cat show, and from 6-9 p.m., open class judging takes place. Market beef judging is at 7 p.m.

BIGFORK — During the Junior Ranger Day drop by from noon–3 p.m. at the Flathead Lake Ranger Station Wayfarers Unit to chat with a ranger, participate in fun games and activities, learn about the park and Flathead Lake and earn your Junior Ranger badge. This is a free event.

RONAN — Sheep, goat and poultry showmanship and judging all happen July 25. A fashion revue begins at 4 p.m., and a small fry stock show starts at 5 p.m. The Buyer’s Recognition Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. The market livestock sale starts at 7 p.m.

BIGFORK — Flathead Fledglings – this program, from 11 a.m. – noon, is designed for children ages 4-7 and gives kids a chance to get outside and learn about the great outdoors. This is the fourth in a five-part series, although participants need not attend all five. Parents are encouraged to attend with their children. This event takes place at Wayfarers Harry Horn picnic shelter. The fee is $4 per child.

PLAINS — Shakespeare in the Park comes to the Sanders County Fairgrounds on Thursday, July 25, from 6-8 p.m. Plains High School is the back-up location in case of bad weather. “The Merry Wives of Windsor” will be performed.

POLSON — In preparation for the afternoon solar observation program at North Lake County Public Library at 10:30 a.m., our youth services librarian will teach about the sun and other stars: what they’re made of, how they behave and what they do for us here on earth. Crafts and activities suitable for school-aged kids will provide participants with hands-on knowledge. From 2-4:30 p.m., Mark Paulson from Kalispell’s Big Sky Astronomy Club will lead us in a solar observation. This program will begin with some direct observation at 2 p.m., courtesy of Mark’s specialized solar observation equipment, followed by a presentation at 3:30 p.m. that will be geared more toward adults and school-aged children with a hunger for a more advanced understanding of solar phenomena.

POLSON — On July 26, area friends, MSU Alumni, families and Bobcat Boosters are invited to participate in a Flathead Lake beach party at Boettcher Park. This event is designed specifically for MSU alums, families and friends whether or not you participate in the golf scramble. This will be a great opportunity to socialize with other Bobcats. The party will be hosted by MSU head football coach Jeff Choate and athletic director Leon Costello. The beach party includes dinner, a hosted bar, and live and silent auctions. The cost is $40 per person, $75 a couple or $100 for a family.

POLSON — Cooking with young children can be an educational opportunity as well as lots of fun. With this in mind, Lake County Public Health’s Parents as Teachers program is offering a series of family cooking classes. Come and learn how to make healthy treats and maybe even get that little one to eat his/her veggies. This “group connection” series is free and open to families with children under kindergarten age. Participants will not only make some yummy treats together but will also receive booklets with recipes and creative ideas. The classes will take place from 3-5 p.m. in the Lake County Public Health conference room at 802 Main Street in Polson. Classes will be held on the following Fridays, Aug. 2 and 9. “Parents as Teachers” is a free, voluntary home visiting program. For more information, call 406-883-7288.

RONAN — At the Fair: Lake County Fair judges orientation starts at 8:30 a.m. At 9 a.m., there is a rabbit showmanship and judging. At noon is the superintendent debriefing. At 4 p.m., alpaca/llama showmanship and judging and dairy showmanship and judging take place. Beef showmanship is at 5 p.m. The Western Montana Stockmen Scholarship Heifer Futurity event takes place at 6:30 p.m. The beef breeding event begins at 7 p.m. The 4-H Ambassador’s Dance is from 9-11 p.m.

RONAN — The annual Mission Mountain Quilt Show, in conjunction with the Lake County Fair, will be held on Friday, July 26, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday, July 27, from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. in the Ronan K. William Harvey Elementary School gymnasium. Admission is free to all. Featured quilters are Debbie Thinglestad and Marion Sands. Raffle tickets for the theme quilt “Seasons of Montana” and raffle tickets for fat quarters will be available. Vendors will be present and the country store/ consignment items will be available. A full slate of demonstrations has been scheduled for the two days. All attending are encouraged to be part of the People’s Choice voting for favorite quilts.

POLSON — This month’s Friday night movie selection has some adult situations. Rated PG in 1988, it is a comedy about two families who decide to spend time at a cabin together. Check our website for movie titles. Movie goers must be in the library before 6 p.m. to attend as doors will lock at that time. Participants are welcome to bring their own non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Popcorn will be provided. This program at the North Lake County Public Library is free and open to the public.

HOT SPRINGS — This is the first day of a two-day blues festival. Live music at Symes Hot Springs Hotel will be performed by Mudslide Charlie, Full Crown Band and Pleasure King. The Symes Hot Springs Blues Festival features true blues from around the Northwest. Come relish the spectacular mineral water, entertainment and smalltown ambiance. Lodging and camping accommodations are available.

POLSON — The fifth annual Flathead Lake Festival of Art will be held Saturday, July 27, from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Sunday, July 28, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Sandpiper Gallery is pleased to present its 2019 two-day juried show, featuring original fine art and fine crafts. This outdoor festival is more stringently juried than Sandpiper’s oneday event in August and attracts high quality artists from throughout Montana and the Northwest. The festival’s dates are in the midst of the Flathead Valley’s summer tourist season, and the location at Sacajawea Park offers great views of the Mission Mountains and high visibility from Highway 93 and Polson Bay. For more information, visit: www.sandpiperartgallery.com information, or call 406-883-5956.

POLSON — The Flathead Lake 3-on-3 basketball tournament takes place on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28. Established in 1992, the Flathead Lake 3-on-3 is Montana’s longest running 3-on-3 basketball tournament. During the fourth weekend in July, the streets of downtown Polson are transformed into a tournament venue. Just steps away from beautiful Flathead Lake, the Flathead Lake 3-on-3 promotes fun, amateur athletics, sportsmanship and physical fitness in a family-friendly, drug and alcohol-free environment. All proceeds of the event benefit local projects and organizations. Play hard, laugh a lot and celebrate 27 years with us.

RONAN — The large animal round robin starts off the Lake County Fair at 10 a.m. The small animal round robin begins at noon. The ranch rodeo starts at 3 p.m.

MSU alumni play golf POLSON — Polson Bay Golf Club will host the MSU golf scramble on July 27. The format will be similar to last year’s event. The scramble will begin with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. followed by a social hour and barbecue. The entry fee is $500 per team. All proceeds benefit the MSU Bobcat Athletic Scholarship Fund. For further information, tickets and registration contact Shad at 406- 883-8803 or email: shad. hupka@fib.com.

POLSON — Polson Bay Golf Club will host the MSU golf scramble on July 27. The format will be similar to last year’s event. The scramble will begin with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. followed by a social hour and barbecue. The entry fee is $500 per team. All proceeds benefit the MSU Bobcat Athletic Scholarship Fund. For further information, tickets and registration contact Shad at 406-883-8803 or email: shad.hupka@fib.com.

HOT SPRINGS — This is the second day of a two-day blues festival. Live music at Symes Hot Springs Hotel will be performed by Mudslide Charlie, Full Crown Band and Pleasure King.

RONAN — Lake County Fair barrel race office opens at 9 a.m.; time only takes place from 10 a.m.-noon. The NBHA Barrel Race goes from noon-4 p.m.

POLSON — Sandpiper Art Gallery presents “Montana Backroads.” Everything about this art show is in the name and theme of the show. Featuring member artists Michael Stockhill (photography) and Marie Stockhill (pottery). We’ve also invited a few past Sandpiper members who continue to inspire us with their work: Gail Trenfield (Plein Air Artist), Olivia Olsen (Master’s Degree in Fine Art and passionate educator) and Joan Mason (Painter) and Sharon Wald who will delight us with her whimsical and delightful 3D Mixed Media.

POLSON — The North Lake County Library’s Tuesday, July 30, “Computer Basics Class” will take place from 2-3 p.m. This class will help you manage your photos by learning about getting photos from device to wall. This class is open and free to the public. Please call 406-883-8225 to reserve your spot.

CHARLO — The Lake County Conservation District and Natural Resources Conservation Service are hosting a dryland pasture improvement field walk at 10 a.m. on July 31. The walk will be held at 39956 Johnson Road in Charlo. Come learn what grass, legume and native wildflower species are working to improve dryland pastures in Lake County. We will tour a dryland pasture improvement planting that was seeded in 2016 and talk about site prep, site maintenance and species selection. For more information call 406-676-2481 x 102.

RONAN — Tai Ji Quan is a moving-for-better-balance class and will be offered by a certified instructor at the MSU Lake County Extension on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:30-2:30 p.m. beginning May 13. This is an alternative exercise training program for improving balance and preventing falls. There is no cost. Please wear good shoes and clothes you can move in and bring water. Call 406- 676-4271 to sign-up.

RONAN — The Ronan Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their monthly luncheon at the Mission Mountain Golf Club from noon-1 p.m. Join this monthly social networking and lecture series. There is a fee for lunch.

POLSON – Every Saturday during the summer months from 9 a.m. to noon, the Jette Store in Polson hosts an open air flea market. Vendor spots are $10 each. Proceeds benefit the Polson Boxing Club. For more information contact Matthew at: 406-396-5746.

POLSON — On Thursday, Aug. 1, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. the SciNation Maker Truck, (a partnership project with SpectrUM Discovery in Missoula), will visit the North Lake County Public Library and host a number of hands-on crafts and activities. You can find out more about SciNation and the Maker Truck at: https://spectrum.umt.edu/ collaborations/SciNation!

POLSON — Sandpiper Art Gallery will host a reception for their art show “Montana Backroads” from 5-7 p.m.

HOT SPRINGS — Live music at Symes Hot Springs Hotel from 8-10 p.m. Shiloh Rising will perform.

RONAN — The Pioneer Days celebration begins in Ronan on Friday, Aug. 2, and will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday Aug. 2-4. Ronan Pioneer Days is a community event with fun for the whole family. There will be plenty of good old-fashioned entertainment. If you have questions or want more information, call 406-675-0177.

HOT SPRINGS — Live music at Symes Hot Springs Hotel from 8-10 p.m. Jimni will perform acoustic and folk music.

RONAN — The Garden of the Rockies Museum will host an “Alumni Gathering” and story-time with refreshments on Aug. 3 from 1-4 p.m. The old gym is a cool place to visit, and the museum will be open for tours.

RONAN —The 39th annual Mission Mountain Classic Run, (5k and 10k), begins at 8 a.m. behind Glacier Bank. Love the Mission Valley and Mountains? Come out and run it with us this August. This Classic run includes a 5k and a 10k that takes you through the streets of Ronan with fantastic views of the Mission Mountains. All proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation and Lake County. The registration fee is $20. For more information go to: https://www.flatheadbgc.org.

CHARLO — Ninepipes Museum is honored that artists will exhibit their beautiful work in the Earl W. Wharton Memorial Gallery during the following “First Saturday” events of the 2019 season: Aug. 3 and Sept. 7. The museum is located at 69316 US Highway 93, Charlo, Montana 59824. Visit www.ninepipesmuseum.org for more information.

RONAN — Pioneer Days 3-on-3 basketball tournament will be held on Aug. 3 at Ronan High School. The entry fee $120 per team and registration deadline is July 29 online, by mail or in person at the Ronan Dairy Queen from 7-8 p.m. Ninety-plus teams are expected for participants grade one to adults. There will be 6-, 8-, and 9-foot dunking contests and free throw contests. Go to: missionvalley3on3.com for more information

POLSON — Our second Classic Country Jammin’ will be held 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 4, in the Elks Ballroom on Main Street. This event will continue on the first Sunday of the month. Bring your guitar, banjo, mandolin, auto-harp, fiddle, drum, bass, sax, keyboard, etc., and join us for a few hours of fun. Everyone is welcome. Coffee and snacks are provided. Cover charge is $5. No charge for singers or players. For more information, please call 406-883-3130.

POLSON —  For the week of Aug. 5-8, the Polson summer school program plans a field trip to the Flying Squirrel in Missoula. Contact Mandie Steele, Polson School District #23 afterschool program director, at 406-212-6784 or email: asteele@polson.k12.mt.us.

RONAN — Ronan High School students may attend HS credit recovery summer school. The second session will run: Aug. 5-23. Sessions are from 9 a.m.-noon, Monday-Friday.

RONAN — Mission Valley Back-Country Horsemen will hold their next monthly meeting on Aug. 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the VFW in Ronan on Round Butte Rd. During the Ronan Pioneer Days celebration our club will help with the rodeo parking for three days. This month’s program will include information on packing with dried foods by Scott and Bonnie Kiser, who are avid hikers and do packing with horses also. They have many years of experience preparing tasty meals. Come and enjoy the organization’s camaraderie as we enjoy all horse related activities.

POLSON — Please join us for a community dance at the Elk’s on Main Street from 7 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 7. Music is by Ken’s Country Combo Band playing a variety of country and vintage rock and roll. Coffee and water will be provided. Drinks, soft drinks and bottled water are available for purchase in the bar. Everyone is welcome. No Elk membership required. Cover charge is $5. If you are hungry and want a great burger, you can come early and purchase one from the Elks. Come and check us out.

POLSON — The Polson Chamber of Commerce luncheon will be held at the Red Lion Inn from noon-1 p.m. The cost of lunch is $14.50. No reservations required. For more information call the Chamber office at 406-883-5969.

BIGFORK — Flathead Fledglings – This one hour program from 11 a.m. – noon, designed for children ages 4-7 gives kids a chance to get outside and learn about the great outdoors. This is the final in a five-part series, although participants need not attend all five. Parents are encouraged to attend with their children. This event takes place at Wayfarers Harry Horn picnic shelter. The fee is $4 per child. 

POLSON — Join us at Showboat Cinemas for a special one-time showing of “Apollo 13,” on Thursday, Aug. 8, from 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. This presentation is in partnership with Polson Theatres.

Please make sure to stop by the library after July 18 to pick up your free tickets; you must have tickets to attend. No concessions will be available on the day of the showing. The movie is 2 hours and 20 minutes long. It is rated PG.

YELLOW BAY — The Flathead Lake Biological Station will hold their annual open house on Friday, Aug. 9, from 1-5 p.m. The annual open house provides an opportunity to learn more about FLBS research and education around the world along with the ecology of Flathead Lake and its watershed and allows FLBS scientists to showcase the breadth of their activities. Science presentations, boat trips on their 30 foot research vessel, the Jessie B, interactive science demonstrations for the kids, science kiosks presented by FLBS researchers and Monte, the UM mascot are planned. The event is free and open to all. For more information call: 406-982-3301 x 229 or go to the website: flbs.umt.edu/.

BIGFORK — Something to Hoot About - Join a ranger and explore the amazing adaptations that allow owls to thrive in diverse ecosystems, and discuss threats to their habitat today at Wayfarers Harry Horn picnic shelter from 7-8 p.m. After the program, Montana Wild Wings Recovery Center will introduce visitors to several live owls. Visitors may even learn to hoot hello to an owl. There is a $4 per person or $10 per family fee.

POLSON — Polson High School's class of 1979 will hold their 40th class reunion Aug. 9-11. Fellow PHS alumni who graduated in different years around this time are welcome to join the class of '79 at the East Shore Smokehouse on Friday evening. Class of '79 alumni are encouraged to talk their classmates and stay alert for updates. For more information call Ruth Patterson at 406-885-1289 or Laura Burrowes at 406-250-4573. 

POLSON — Day one of Summerfest in Polson is Friday, Aug. 9. Events include music, car show and vendors. 

Join the Flathead Audubon Society on this cooperative trip with Fish, Wildlife and Parks on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 8:30-11 p.m. The group will go to a site with known bat activity and use electronic equipment to detect the ultrasonic calls of bats flying overhead. Mist nets will be used to capture bats for closer inspection. Wildlife will demonstrate the equipment, handle bats and talk about the amazing adaptations bats have for survival. It is an incredible experience to see bats up close and learn about these amazing mammals. Participants will not be allowed to touch or handle bats. Headlamps or flashlights are necessary. Please wear suitable clothing for the weather. The trip is limited to 25 participants. To sign up call 406-837-3837 or email: mtkat67@gmail.com. For more information, visit the Flathead Audubon website: www.flatheadaudubon.org 

For more information, visit the Flathead Audubon website: www.flatheadaudubon.org 

POLSON — The 13th annual Rotary Chili Cook-off will be held Saturday, Aug. 10, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Riverside Park. Make sure you purchase your raffle tickets, which help raise funds for various children’s programs. The cash prize awards will be: $500-first, $250-second, and $100-third. An additional non-monetary prize will be given for best decorated or themed booth. 

Anyone wishing to enter the Chili Cook-off  can find contest rules and an application form on the Polson Rotary website: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/1867. 

For more information call 208-816-1425. 

Taster kits will be sold to the general public for a fee of $3 per kit or 2 for $5. People’s choice ballots will be provided with each kit purchased and must be shown when requesting samples of contestant chili. 

Chili will be served until 2 p.m. at which time ballots will be tallied and winning teams announced. 

POLSON — The 48th annual Sandpiper Art Festival will be held Saturday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Founded in 1971, the Sandpiper Art Festival is a popular one-day, juried outdoor festival that features fine art and artisan crafts. It is held on the Lake County Courthouse lawn in Polson. Taking place simultaneously with the annual car show (one block away), the Sandpiper Art Festival is typically attended by several thousand visitors and is a great opportunity for sales and exposure to new customers. The festival offers live entertainment throughout the day and several onsite food or beverage vendors. 

POLSON — Day two of Summerfest in Polson. Events include music, car show, and vendors.

POLSON — Sunday, Aug. 11, is the third and final day of Polson’s Summerfest. 

BIGFORK — Bring your kayak, canoe, SUP or other human-propelled watercraft to the fifth annual Flathead Lakers “Poker Paddle” event in Bigfork. The fun starts at 10 a.m. Set your own pace on a short, middle or long course and collect playing cards at marked destinations. An after-party will take place at the Brookside Yard with a silent auction, picnic lunch, music and prizes. The cost is $55. Register by Aug. 5 online at: www.flatheadlakers.org or call 406-883-1346. This event benefits the Flathead Lakers and the Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce.

POLSON — Polson High School is hosting its annual Fall Sports Participation Parent Night, at 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 12, in the PHS Auditorium. For additional information, please call the high school office at 406-883-6351.

RONAN — The next Flathead Irrigation District meeting will take place on Aug. 12 at 1 p.m. upstairs at the Lake County Community Development building, 407 Main Street SW. Installation of officers, a discussion and voting on administration fees will take place. Your input is needed.  

POLSON — For the week of Aug. 12-15, a field trip to Woodland Water Park in Kalispell is planned for the Polson summer school program. Contact Mandie Steele, Polson School District No. 23 afterschool program director at 406-212-6784 or email: asteele@polson.k12.mt.us

RONAN — The next Ronan School District board meeting will be held on Monday, Aug. 12, at 7 p.m. in the K. William Harvey Elementary multipurpose room. Members of the public are welcome to attend. 

POLSON — Support Polson Late Afternoon Social Hour (SPLASH) will be held on Thursday, Aug. 15, from 5-7 p.m. at Whitefish Credit Union.

POLSON — On Thursday, Aug. 15, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. the North Lake County Public Library will show “Earthrise.” This 30-minute documentary short from 2018 that tells the story of the first image captured of the Earth from space in 1968.  The “Earthrise” website is: www.earthrisefilm.com. Thanks go to Go Project Films for allowing us to screen this documentary free of charge. This film is unrated by the MPAA. This screening will be followed by fun moon-related crafts and activities appropriate for school-aged children.

POLSON — The Flathead Lake Blues Festival is coming to the Regatta Shoreline Amphitheater again on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 16-17. Much fun is to be had at this annual music-filled weekend event staged on the Flathead River. There’s 40 acres of free camping and parking. Go to Flatheadlakebluesfestival.com or call 406-890-9952 for more information.

PABLO — The Salish Kootenai College 28th annual golf scramble takes place on Aug. 16-17 at the Silver Fox Golf Course on the SKC Campus. Call 406-275-4983 for more information.

POLSON — All North Lake County Public Library summer reading logs are due at 6 p.m. in order to be eligible for incentives and prize tickets.

POLSON — “Small town girl market” is a juried craft event that will take place at Mission Valley Christian Academy, 38907 Highway 35, from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17. Admission is $3 and children 12 and under are free. All items are handmade, homegrown, homemade, vintage or repurposed items - no imports or bulk retail sales. Call 406-885-2738 for more information.

PABLO — The annual Social Powwow at the People’s Center on U.S. Highway 93 in Pablo is planned for Saturday, Aug. 17, from 1-5 p.m. and is open to all artists and vendors. This is a social gathering of native dancers, drums, stick games and singers celebrating their different native dance styles. Vendors of native arts and crafts and food will have their goods available. There will be no contest dancing. For more information call 406-675-0160.