Thursday, July 7
Enjoy ‘Home Games’
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
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
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
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
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’
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
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
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
BIGFORK — The 11th annual Bigfork Battle in the Bay Basketball Competition takes place July 9 in the Bigfork Schools’ parking lot.
Join Songwriting Workshop
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
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
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
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
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
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
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’
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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).