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Ongoing Events

‘Park After Dark’ winter hike offered at Lone Pine State Park

KALISPELL — On Wednesday, Feb. 16, from  7:30-9 p.m. experience Lone Pine State Park on a wintery night on this full moon hike. Moon views vary depending on cloud cover, but you’re guaranteed a nighttime adventure that experiences the park after hours. Be sure to dress for the weather. Trails are typically icy at this time of year, so wear micro spikes like Yaktrax if there’s snow on the ground. We’ll have snowshoes available if needed. Please bring a flashlight or headlamp. Call the visitor center at 406-755-2706, ext. 0, to register, as space is limited. Cost is $4 per hiker ($8 entry fee for non-resident vehicles).

 

‘Prepare to be Bear Aware’ education class offered at Lone Pine

 

 

KALISPELL — On Saturday, March 16, at 10 a.m. at Lone Pine State Park Visitor Center, you can learn safety tips and tools to keep people safe and bears wild as they emerge from their dens this spring. Join us as we share practical strategies designed to minimize bear-human conflicts and promote coexistence. From securing garbage bins to proper food storage techniques, we will share provide invaluable insights into creating bear-resistant environments. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn, connect, and take action for the well-being of all. Registration is required as space is limited. There is no charge for this program. ($8 park entry fee still applies to out-of-state vehicles). For more information visit: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/lone-pine or call 406-755-2706

 

Attend ‘Here Comes the Sun’ Concert

POLSON — The Polson Fairground Amphitheatre is the site of the “Here Comes the Sun” concert. This concert celebrates the sounds and songs of the Beatles at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 29. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Food trucks will be on site at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 each.

 

Country Jam, dances cancelled

POLSON — Our Classic Country Jammin’ scheduled for April 5, at the Elks Ballroom in Polson is cancelled until further notice. Wednesday night dances at the Elks’ ballroom in Polson are also cancelled until further notice. We pray that everyone is staying home and being safe. We do have to go out for essentials and that is okay. Lake City Bakery, McDonalds and Burgerville are open in Polson for take outs. We are all in this together and need to help each other wherever we can, physically or financially. Please encourage one another and we will all get through this. Don’t be prideful and not ask for help, if you really need it. This hardship we are going through may take a little time but if we all work together and for each other, it will pass. We hope to see you all again very soon.

Experience ‘Lights under the Big Sky’

RONAN — On Saturday, Dec. 11, “Lights Under the Big Sky” will provide fun and entertainment for residents of the Mission Valley at the Ronan Fairgrounds from 5-9 p.m. There will be holiday lights displays; family activities and Santa.

 

Flathead Cheese holds annual open house

POLSON — Flathead Cheese, will hold their annual Open House Week from July 2-7, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, at their shop, 208 First Ave. E. Call 406-883-0343 for more information.

Free 'Utilizing Aces & Trauma Informed Care' training held

PABLO — On April 22, from noon3 p.m. at Salish Kootenai College, Teresa Nygaard will present a free training entitled, "Utilizing Aces & Trauma Informed Care." Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is a term to describe traumatic events occurring before age 18. Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that without supports can have long-term negative effects. When “we” are trauma-informed, we realize the impact of trauma and understand there is potential for recovery. We recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma in those that we interact with and in ourselves. We respond by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into procedures, policies and practices. We seek to actively resist re-traumatization. We stop asking “What’s happening to you?” This training delves into this topic, responding to participants based on their pre-existing knowledge of the topic.

Credits are available.

The training is free but has limited seating. To register, send name, email, and contact number to: helpinghandsfund1@gmail.com. Registration confirmation will be sent within seven days. 

 

 

Free online meditation classes

ZOOM — Please join the Mission Mountain Zen Center on Wednesday, Dec. 28, and on subsequent Wednesdays, for an online meditation class led by Zen Teacher, Zenku, including meditation instruction, practice and discussion via Zoom. The classes will be each Wednesday from 6-7:30 p.m. Please join us and take advantage of this opportunity. For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847-721-0665 or email at: Jerry.Smyers@gmail.com.

 

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Thursday, July 7

Enjoy ‘Home Games’

7/7/2022

POLSON — “Home Games,” a comedy play touching on the 1955 World Series, will be performed four times weekly, (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.) from July 7-24. For more information and reservations call Port Polson Players at 406-883-9212.

 

Go to market

7/7/2022

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.

 

Library Boat Day on tap at library

7/7/2022

POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program continues at 10 a.m. with Boat Day. Come build the strongest boat, keep it afloat and win some pirate booty.

Usborne Book Sale held at Polson library

7/7/2022

POLSON — On Thursday, July 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The North Lake County Public Library will host the Usborne Book Sale. Join us in the large meeting room and browse the amazing selection of high quality books. There is sure to be something for everyone. If you aren’t able to come on the 7th, you can shop online at: https://myubam.com/r2888/n/event/2362765

 

Friday, July 8

Big Arm holds potluck

7/8/2022

BIG ARM — On Friday July 8 the Big Arm Association will host a community potluck at 6 p.m. at our historic Big Arm School. Please bring a dish to share with neighbors. We are so lucky to have a guest speaker - Justine Valleries - who is the new Region 1 Wildlife Conflict specialist for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Dept. Her presentation will begin at 7 p.m. Come and share in a delicious dinner and a wonderful presentation.

 

Enjoy Summer Speaker Series: ‘Birds Rock, Montana Wild Wings’

7/8/2022

KALISPELL — Beth Watne from Montana Wild Wings will present with live raptors at Lone Pine State Park in Kalispell from 6-7 p.m. Beth will talk about each of the birds’ special features, habitat, where they nest, and what they eat. 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. 

 

Monster trucks show entertains in Plains

7/8/2022

PLAINS — Monster trucks will be at the Sanders County Fairgrounds on Friday and Saturday, July 8 and 9, starting at 6 p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m. Beer and food will be available.

 

Polson Chamber Blast held at Big Sky Sporting Clays

7/8/2022

POLSON — The Polson Chamber Blast returns to Big Sky Sporting Clays, 43500 Irvine Flats Rd., on Friday, July 8. Call 406-883-2828 for more information. Cost is $125 per shooter and $375 per three-person team.

Registration from 10-10:20 a.m.; safety briefing 10:20-10:30 a.m.; tournament 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; lunch and awards 2-2:30 p.m. 

Saturday, July 9

Basketball tournament held in Bigfork

7/9/2022

BIGFORK — The 11th annual Bigfork Battle in the Bay Basketball Competition takes place July 9 in the Bigfork Schools’ parking lot. 

 

Join Songwriting Workshop

7/9/2022

RONAN — A Song MT Songwriting Workshop will be held on Saturday, July 9 from 2-5 p.m. at Western Montana Musicians Co-op located at the Red Poppy in Montana. Got an old song gathering dust in the bottom of your guitar case or in the piano bench? Total newbie and want to learn more about the songwriting process? Here’s your chance to wake up your inner songwriter. The Western Montana Musicians Co-op and Song Montana announces our second songwriter workshop and concert series featuring talented singer-songwriters Doug Ruhman and Joel McColl. Workshop participants can expect to share their ideas and passions through the creation of original music. Although no songwriting experience is necessary, some students may wish to share an existing original composition with the group if they so choose. Please bring an open mind, an instrument to compose with (if possible), and one example of songwriting that you love (title and artist; can be performed or played on a recording - we have Bluetooth capability on site). Light refreshments will be provided. After the workshop, we’ll take a break and come back together for a Songwriter’s Showcase at 6 p.m. featuring Doug Ruhman and Joel McColl. Workshop participants are invited to share their songs during the showcase. The workshop is free but we suggest a $10 donation for the Songwriters’ Showcase. More information is available at: https://www.mtmusic.org/events Goatpeakranch@gmail.com 406-290-3548

 

Read with Riley

7/9/2022

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.

 

Song MT Songwriting Workshop

7/9/2022

A Song MT Songwriting Workshop will be held on Saturday, July 9 from 2-5 p.m. at Western Montana Musicians Co-op located at the Red Poppy in Montana. Got an old song gathering dust in the bottom of your guitar case or in the piano bench? Total newbie and want to learn more about the songwriting process? Here’s your chance to wake up your inner songwriter. The Western Montana Musicians Co-op and Song Montana announces our second songwriter workshop and concert series featuring talented singer-songwriters Doug Ruhman and Joel McColl. Workshop participants can expect to share their ideas and passions through the creation of original music. Although no songwriting experience is necessary, some students may wish to share an existing original composition with the group if they so choose. Please bring an open mind, an instrument to compose with (if possible), and one example of songwriting that you love (title and artist; can be performed or played on a recording - we have Bluetooth capability on site). Light refreshments will be provided. After the workshop, we’ll take a break and come back together for a Songwriter’s Showcase at 6 p.m. featuring Doug Ruhman and Joel McColl. Workshop participants are invited to share their songs during the showcase. The workshop is free but we suggest a $10 donation for the Songwriters’ Showcase. More information is available at: https://www.mtmusic.org/events Goatpeakranch@gmail.com 406-290-3548

Sweet Pride in July held

7/9/2022

RONAN — On Saturday, July 9 at 11:30 a.m. at Ronan City Park Sweet Pride in July will be held. There will family fun with a meal, games, crafts, and other activities. For more information call 406-240-0640 or email: dana@safeharbormt.org. This event is sponsored by Safe Harbor and The Spirit of Many Colors.

 

Sunday, July 10

Hike, learn about lichen

7/10/2022

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. 

 

Monday, July 11

Greg Smith presents Grizzly program

7/11/2022

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.

 

Wednesday, July 13

Gallery art shows off member talents

7/13/2022

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.

Join ‘Workday Wednesdays’

7/13/2022

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.

Polson Rural Fire District Board to meet

7/13/2022

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.

 

The library presents Cheryl Heser as Annie Oakley

7/13/2022

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. 

 

Thursday, July 14

Farmers Field Day held

7/14/2022

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.

Go to market

7/14/2022

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.

 

Plankton presentation given

7/14/2022

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.

 

Tennis tournament starts off Good Old Days celebration

7/14/2022

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.

 

Friday, July 15

Author to sign copies of new children’s book at barbecue

7/15/2022

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.

 

Good Old Days cooks up barbecue meal

7/15/2022

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.

Learn about forest management, hike

7/15/2022

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. 

Read with Riley

7/15/2022

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.

 

Standing Arrow Powwow begins

7/15/2022

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.

Saturday, July 16

Good Old Days continues

7/16/2022

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.

Pancakes served at senior center

7/16/2022

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

Powwow in Elmo continues

7/16/2022

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.

Run in Buffalo Run half marathon

7/16/2022

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

 

Sunday, July 17

Aviation display ends Good Old Days celebration

7/17/2022

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.

 

Ninepipes Museum celebrates Bud Cheff Jr.

7/17/2022

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.

 

Monday, July 18

Join ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ game night

7/18/2022

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.  

Wednesday, July 20

Atlatis throwing demonstration given

7/20/2022

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). 

 

Atlatls throwing demonstration

7/20/2022

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). 

 

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