Thursday, July 18
Summer program at Boys and Girls Club begins
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.
Thursday, July 18
‘Magic Moment’ art exhibited through July 26
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.
Thursday, July 18
‘Mission Valley in Motion’ program begins, through Aug. 8
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.
Thursday, July 18
Full summer agenda planned for Polson club through Aug. 6
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.
Celebrate Good Old Days
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.
Join free community sing-along
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.
Kiwanis Club holds ‘Night at the Museum’
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.
Learn star stories, star art at library
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.
Open class entries due
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.
SPLASH at KwaTaqNuk
POLSON — Support Polson Late Afternoon Social Hour (SPLASH) will be held on Thursday, July 18, from 5-7 p.m. at the KwaTaqNuk Resort.
SPLASH at KwaTaqNuk
POLSON — Support Polson Late Afternoon Social Hour (SPLASH) will be held on Thursday, July 18, from 5-7 p.m. at the KwaTaqNuk Resort.
Friday, July 19
Good Old Days continues
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).
Lake County Fair begins
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.
Live music played in Hot Springs
HOT SPRINGS — Live music at Symes Hot Springs Hotel from 8-10 p.m. Cat Bay Moon will perform blues and rock music.
Polson class of ’69 celebrates
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.
Reunion held for PHS class of 1979
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.
Standing Arrow powwow begins
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.
Saturday, July 20
Cherry Festival held on streets of downtown Polson
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.
Good Old Days continues in Mission
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.
Standing Arrow Powwow continues
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.
Sunday, July 21
Cherry Festival continues in Polson
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.
Good Old Days ends with fly-in, duck race
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.
Lake County Fair shotgun event held
RONAN — The Lake County Fair holds a shotgun event at Big Sky Sporting Clays starting at 10 a.m.
Standing Arrow Powwow concludes
ELMO — The 39th annual Ksanka Standing Arrow Powwow at the Elmo Powwow Grounds ends.
Tuesday, July 23
‘Our Big Sky’ presented at library
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.
Lake County Fair fully underway
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.
Wednesday, July 24
Lake County Fair continues
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.
Public invited to free Junior Ranger Day event
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.
Thursday, July 25
Lake County Fair continues
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.
Outdoors program for kids held at state park
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.
Shakespeare in the Park comes to Plains
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.
Solar observation program - CANCELLED
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.
Friday, July 26
Bobcat lake beach party planned
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.
Cook with your children
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.
Lake County Fair continues
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.
Mission Mountain Quilt Show open to public
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.
Movie night at the library
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.
Two-day blues festival begins in Hot Springs
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.
Saturday, July 27
Art, more displayed at Sacajawea Park
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.
Basketball played in downtown Polson
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.
Lake County Fair continues with round robins, ranch rodeo
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
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.
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.
Two-day blues festival continues in Hot Springs
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.
Sunday, July 28
Watch barrel racing
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.
Monday, July 29
‘Montana Backroads’ artwork featured
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.
Tuesday, July 30
Computer class helps you manage photos
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.
Wednesday, July 31
Dryland pasture improvement field walk planned
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.
Thursday, August 1
Move for better balance
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 Chamber meets for monthly luncheon
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.
Saturday open air markets support youth boxing
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.
UM Discovery visits library
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!
Friday, August 2
‘Montana Backroads’ art reception planned
POLSON — Sandpiper Art Gallery will host a reception for their art show “Montana Backroads” from 5-7 p.m.
Live music performed at Symes
HOT SPRINGS — Live music at Symes Hot Springs Hotel from 8-10 p.m. Shiloh Rising will perform.
Pioneer Days begins in Ronan Aug. 2 through 4
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.