POLSON - The Polson Farmers Market, held every Friday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., will take place at Riverside Park, 49401 US-93, until further notice. See Polson Farmers Market on Facebook for more information.

ARLEE — Home of the Free because of the Brave is the parade theme for the 76th annual Arlee 4th of July parade. Registration will be at the Arlee High School entryway with parade line up beginning in the parking lot. The parade begins at high noon, traveling south on Fyant Street turning west onto Bouch before turning north and returning to the high school via Morigeau Street. Parade categories are: patriotic, clubs & organizations, commercial, western outfit, Indian outfit, vehicle, novelty and humorous. Trophies will be awarded at the Arlee Jocko Valley Museum following the parade. Step back in time and visit the museum on July 4th from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and by appointment during the summer. For information, call 406-726-3167 or  406-745-4220.

ARLEE — Home of the Free because of the Brave is the parade theme for the 76th annual Arlee 4th of July parade. Registration will be at the Arlee High School entryway with parade line up beginning in the parking lot. The parade begins at high noon, traveling south on Fyant Street turning west onto Bouch before turning north and returning to the high school via Morigeau Street. Parade categories are: patriotic, clubs & organizations, commercial, western outfit, Indian outfit, vehicle, novelty and humorous. Trophies will be awarded at the Arlee Jocko Valley Museum following the parade. 

Step back in time and visit the Arlee Jocko museum. It will be open on July 4th from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and by appointment during the summer. For additional parade & museum information, contact Alvaretta Morin at 406-726-3167 or Terry Cable at 745-4220.

ARLEE — The Arlee Celebration continues with the Snake Dance (inter-tribal/social dancing).

Grand Entry is at 2 p.m. and at 7 p.m. Dance and drum contests will be held and points begin. 

Head Man Dancer is Ridge Vanderburg, Salish. Head Lady Dancer is Marianne Addison, Salish. Head Drum Judge is Walden Tewawina. 

Drugs and alcohol are not permitted on premises.

CHARLO — The theme for the 2025 Charlo 5th of July Parade is “United We Stand.” The Marine Honor Guard led “United We Stand”-themed parade starts at 12 noon, and is followed by an afternoon of fun and games for all ages. Sandy and Curt Coulter are the honored grand marshals. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, and have been long-time business and community members. The parade will showcase antique vehicles, fire department equipment, horses, and more. The American Legion will announce the winners of their raffle. The delectable fry bread made by Nancy Vaughan and her family will be available, as well as hamburgers, hot dogs and other food items sold by local students and 4-Hers. A block party will run from 3 to 7 p.m. on the Charlo school grounds and offers vendor booths, a dunk tank, Bounce House, and a hot-dog eating contest, plus a DJ and a place to dance. Many of these activities are fundraising events for the local fire department and for Charlo athletic teams. Snow cones, cotton candy, a lemonade stand, and walking tacos from the 44 Bar and the Outwest Grill will fuel your fun-filled afternoon. Come enjoy this small-town annual event and support the local merchants who support the whole community. To register your parade entry or vendor booth, contact Brandon at 406-880-9422 or Pamela at 530-403-0414.  

ARLEE — The Arlee Jocko Valley Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to approximately 2 p.m. on July 4. The museum features a new display, “Blast from the Past,” that takes you down memory lane for Arlee and the Jocko Valley. There are photographs of people that built the community, local business and important historical moments. The museum is located at the corner of Bouch and Fyant (by the grade school). The museum houses a continuous photo and artifact display of Veteran Memorials, homesteaders, and Native Americans. Call 406-726-3167 for more information and a viewing appointment. Assorted old Arlee High School yearbooks are on sale for $5. Old sports uniforms are offered for free.

RONAN — The Ronan District Library will be closed for the July 4 holiday.

POLSON — The Polson Library will be closed for the July 4 holiday on July 3 and 4.

RONAN/POLSON — The Ronan District Library will be closed for the July 4 holiday.

The Polson Library will be closed for the July 4 holiday.

POLSON —Come watch the annual Fourth of July Independence Day Parade on Main Street entitled, “Red, White and BBQ,” beginning at noon on Friday, July 4. The 4th of July parade brings the magic of the holiday to the quaint and charming Polson downtown district. The streets line with families and children eager to collect candy and watch all the fun and creative parade floats. Individuals/ groups/ businesses/ organizations, etc. can register to join the parade lineup by filling out the parade registration form at polsonchamber.com and paying a $25 fee.

POLSON — The Polson Splash Classic Fastpitch Youth Softball Tournament will be held Friday, July 4, to Sunday, July 6. Call 406-890-9215 for more information. Register online at: tourneymachine.com. 

POLSON — “On Golden Pond,” by Ernest Thompson, is the love story of an aging married couple, Norman and Ethel Thayer. 

This sentimental comedy plays July 5 – 20 at Polson’s Theatre on the Lake (Boettcher Park). 

Call 406-883-9212 for information and reservations.

ARLEE — At 8 a.m. the fun run registration takes place as the Arlee Celebration continues. A Drum Roll Call takes place at 12:45 p.m. with Grand Entry at 1 p.m. Another Drum Roll Call takes place at 6:45 p.m. with Grand Entry at 7 p.m. as dance and drum contests continue.

POLSON — The Polson Library will be closed for the July 4 holiday.

CHARLO — The Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana, 69316 US Hwy. 93, invites you to the first of their First Saturday events on Saturday, July 5. Come meet local artists, artisans, and authors every first Saturday of the month. The Museum is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Check out their website and Facebook page for updates, ninepiesmuseum.org or call 406-644-3435.

CHARLO — The Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana, 69316 US Hwy. 93, invites you to the first of their First Saturday events on Saturday, July 5. Come meet local artists, artisans, and authors every first Saturday of the month. The Museum is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Check out their website and Facebook page for updates, ninepiesmuseum.org or call 406-644-3435.

POLSON — The KwaTaqNuk Resort, 49708 US-93, will host a Rock the Dock music event with Whiskey Rose at 7 p.m. Call 406-883-3636 for more information.

POLSON — The Hobby Stock Firecracker 100, with Twin 35s USA Late Models, ends, Mod 4s and Hornets, takes place on Saturday, July 5. Gates open at 4 p.m., qualifying happens at 6 p.m. and racing starts at 7 p.m. For more information, go to: MissionValleySuperOval.com.

ARLEE — An Indian Mass is celebrated at 10 a.m. Drum roll call takes place at 12:15 p.m. with Grand Entry at 1 p.m. Drum and dance contest finals take place. Drugs and alcohol are not permitted on premises.

POLSON — The Polson Library invites tweens and teens to “Cherry Bomb: Pop Art Paint Party,” on Monday, July 8, at 2 p.m. Registration is required; space is limited. Call the library at 406-883-8225 for more information. Join us for a pop art canvas paint class in the community room. 

ZOOM — Join the Mission Mountain Zen Center on Wednesday, June 18, and on subsequent Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m., for an online or in person meditation class led by Zen Teacher, Zenku Jerry Smyers. For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847-721-0665 or email Jerry.Smyers@gmail.com or go to: www.missionmountainzen.org for more information.

POLSON — The Summer Reading Program gathering takes place on Thursday, July 10, at 10 a.m. Come join the fun as we decorate cookies. Call the library for more information at 406-883-8225.

POLSON — The KwaTaqNuk Resort, 49708 US-93, will host a Rock the Dock music event with Kelley & Benny at 7 p.m. Call 406-883-3636 for more information.

ST. IGNATIUS — The Mission Valley Annual Amish Community Auction is held annually the weekend after July 4th weekend. The event is held at the local Amish school, at 13137 Foothills Road, St. Ignatius. Items up for sale includes quilts, furniture, log cabins, crafts, machinery, sheds and mini-barns, children’s playhouses, lawn furniture, log furniture, and many other items. Lunch is provided by the Amish, with past menus including barbecued chicken, coleslaw, potatoes and gravy, rolls, ice cream and pie.

POLSON — ARE Outrigger World presents the 6th annual Paddle Palooza, a 500-meter spring challenge at Polson Fairgrounds on the Flathead River, 320 Regatta Road. Race head-to-head on a 4-lane course. Divisions include: 14-16 juniors, 16-19 juniors, women, men, mixed, legends 50-plus, legends 60-plus, legends 70-plus. Cost is $50 per person. Register a 6-person team at: https://www.silverliningmt.org/2025-paddlefest-montana. The multicultural official opening ceremony begins at 6 p.m.

POLSON — Polson Churches are hosting free community friendship dinners on Friday nights starting at 5 p.m. Different churches take turns hosting, with each church in charge of a different week of each month. While there are different flavors of churches and meals, each one is free and open to the public. The meal on July 11 will take place the Presbyterian Church, 301 4th Ave. E.

POLSON — The Polson Library’s program for 0-24 month old children takes place on Fridays at 10-11 p.m. in the community room. We will sing songs and have interactive activities for caregivers and their little ones.

POLSON — Music starts at 7 p.m. at the KwaTaqNuk Resort, 49708 US Highway 93 E, with True Freedom providing the tunes. Admission is free and all ages welcome.

POLSON — American Water Color Society member, Loren Kovich, will hold a two-day workshop on July 11 and 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $120. Call 406-883-5956 for more information.

ST. IGNATIUS — The 43rd annual Good Old Days starts off with the second annual Pickleball Tournament. Contact Kimini Ashley at 406-273-8203 for more information. Live classic country and rock for family fun at the amphitheater starts at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks at dark, weather permitting. 

POLSON — In the Polson Library’s Community Room every second Friday of each month from 4 to 5:30 p.m., teens can unplug, play and conquer with the Teen Game Club.

POLSON — The Montana 200, with Super Late Models, will have Hobby Stocks on Friday, July 11 and INEX Legends on Saturday, July 12. Gates open at 4 p.m., qualifying happens at 6 p.m. and racing starts at 7 p.m. For more information, go to: MissionValleySuperOval.com.

BIGFORK — The Mission Valley 3-on-3 Bigfork Battle in the Bay will be held July 13 in the Bigfork schools parking lots. Divisions are first grade through adult. Entry fees are $200 per team ($5 transaction fee if paid online). Team registrations will be capped at the first 140 team entries and payments. Entry deadline is June 23 at 8 p.m. Call Steve Woll at 406-261-1521 for more information. Due to the number of people in a small area, no dogs are allowed.

ST. IGNATIUS — Enjoy a pancake breakfast at the Senior Center provided by St. Ignatius seniors. 

The Good Old Days Parade, the largest parade in Lake County, begins at noon and is sponsored by Lake County Valley Banks. 

The Car and Truck Show takes place all day from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. by Big Sky Mafia. 

In the Good Old Days Park: Big Toys by Dew Crew Inflatables will be available from 1-6 p.m.; Dog Races happen at 1 p.m. and are sponsored by Mission Fire and Tom Mullins; food and craft vendors will be on hand from 1-4 p.m.; play family games like egg races, water balloon toss, sprints, gunny sack races (sponsored by Rod’s Harvest Foods) and the Farmer’s Olympics (sponsored by D&J Meats) at 2 p.m.; lawn mower races at 3 p.m. (sponsored by Napa & Alan Green); rock wall event (by the MT National Guard) and remote control car races (sponsored by St. CharRo Floral) are from 1-4 p.m. 

Helicopter rides and a barbecue at the airport from 4-8 p.m. 

Play bingo at the Senior Center from 2-4 p.m. 

ST. IGNATIUS — Runners and walkers of all ages are encouraged to register for the Buffalo Run by July 9: https://stlukehealthcare.org/buffalo-run/. Same day registration takes place from 6:30-7:30 a.m. One-mile ($18); four-mile ($20) and seven-mile ($20) races begin at 8 a.m. in front of Gamble’s Hardware, 112 N. Main Street. This event is sponsored by St. Luke Community Healthcare.

POLSON — The Polson Library‘s Toddler Time is a program for 2-3 year old active Toddlers on Saturdays from 10-11 a.m. This program is all about movement where we’ll read active stories, dance, sing and shake it all about. Held in the Community Room.

ST. IGNATIUS — The annual St. Ignatius Barbecue with all the fixin’s and a Fly-in take place at the St. Ignatius Airport on Airport Road from 4-8 p.m. Helicopter rides will be available for $50 a seat. Contact Michael Kuefler at 406-544-2274 for more information.

POLSON — The second day of the Paddle Palooza is Saturday, July 12, and includes an ARE 25-mile voyage, point to point. There is a 20 team limit. Cost is $150 per person. 

Register at https://www.silverliningmt.org/2025-paddlefest-montana. A musical event will take place in the evening at the Polson Fairgrounds.

ST. IGNATIUS — At 9 a.m. duck races will take place to benefit Valley Banks scholarships. Buy a rubber ducky and watch him race. At 6:30 p.m. “Praise in the Park” takes place. Contact Kimimi Ashley at 406-273-8203 for more information.

ST. IGNATIUS — Start off the final day of Good Old Days at the St. Ignatius Airport on Airport Road and enjoy the annual huckleberry pancake breakfast from 8 a.m.-noon. The breakfast includes huckleberry pancakes, with ham, eggs, juice and coffee. There will be door prizes and helicopter rides available for $50 a seat. 

Contact Michael Kuefler at 406-544-2274 for more information.

POLSON — The Polson Library will hold phone and computer basics classes on the third Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. in the library’s community room. From power on to pro, come learn the basics.

LAKESIDE — Hop aboard the Far West boat in Lakeside on Tuesday, July 15, for a cruise that features great food, refreshing beverages, and an ample dose of innovative science. You’ll learn directly from our scientific staff and students as we discuss how to keep our waters blue. 

Contact Flathead Lake Biological Station at 406-872-4503.

By Theresa Yares  for the Valley Journal

ST. IGNTIUS - I hope everyone is keeping cool; stay well hydrated and don’t over exert yourself.  If you have to be outside, try to go out early in the morning or later in the evening when it is cooler.  Stay well hydrated.

Activities: 

-  Next bingo date is Aug.  9 at 2 p.m.  

Menu:

-  Friday, July 18: fish, corn bread, pasta salad, roasted cauliflower, cherries, dessert, 

-  Tuesday, July 22: tater tot casserole, zucchini fries, snap peas, fruit salad, carrot cake

If you would like a takeout meal, call 406-745-4462 by 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays and by 2 p.m. on Wednesdays. Menus for the month are available in the entryway of the center.                                                                                                                                Everyone is welcome at our meals (young and old). Come enjoy a delicious meal and good conversation. Our St. Ignatius Senior Center is available to rent. If you are interested, call 406-745-4462 and leave a message. If you have questions about obtaining Elder Commodities, call or stop by for information and an application.  

Gentle Yoga is held on Wednesdays from 1 to 2:15 p.m. If you are interested, call Bonnie Kiser at 406-253-0177.  Her rate is five sessions for $65.

ARLEE - Our town! It is such a gift to be from a small town and be a part of so many things! Flea markets, a grocery store, gas station, pizza and pub, The Mercantile, Thrift Store, Post Office, Barne, Aunties Emporium, Volunteer Fire Department, rug sales, laundromat, community center, library, K-12 schools, massage therapy, hair stylist, two senior centers, N’kusum School, museum, churches and the list goes on and on. We are blessed.

Now the Arlee Senior Center has had the carpet cleaned, the flag pole put back up with a new flag from the American Legion, enjoyed the June rains and the heat before and coming again. We also have many more seniors and friends coming to break bread and share stories during our meals. Remember to join us on Mondays and Wednesdays at noon for $4 and on the second and fourth Saturdays at 5 p.m. for $5. Please call 406-726-3213 to reserve your meal. Dustin and Randy Tiensvold along with Marti Bogess look forward to cooking and serving you. If you are interested in joining us and becoming a “Dues Paying Member,” we look forward to having you. 

Our Board of Directors meets regularly to make sure our Arlee Senior Center continues to run smoothly. We give financial reports for the center and for the Nutrition Center within. We keep minutes to share with others and with Area VI Council on Aging in Polson. We continue to thank our board and members for their work and dedication. We also thank Tiensvold Gardens for our beautiful flower display in the front of the building. 

This month on July 16, commodities will be distributed to those who have signed up for this program. If you need assistance, contact us or Area VI to receive an application ASAP. If you no longer need assistance, then call Area VI to remove your name. We appreciate all those who help with assembling the six bags and load them for those in need. 

We have had a few rentals take place at the center but would love to have other events happen also. 

We have bingo, cards, puzzles, exercise classes, pool games, among other things. We also have a piano for use to entertain us during our meals. If you care to share a song, we would love to invite you to dinner or lunch. 

If you would like to have your toenails cut, Nurse Mandy Jo comes once a month to Arlee Center. Please register on our signup sheet. 

Menu:

Please call the day of the meal by 9:30 a.m. and include your name, phone number, the number of meals you wish and whether you will dine in or out.

-  Wednesday, July 16: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, fruit, dessert

-  Monday, July 21: chicken cheese quesadilla, tater tots, veggies, fruit, dessert

-  Wednesday, July 23: baked potato bar loaded with toppings, fruit, dessert

-  Saturday, July 26: fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, fruit, dessert

-  Monday, July 28: tuna melt, chips, veggies, fruit, dessert

-  Wednesday, July 30: chef salad with turkey, ham, cheese, eggs, bread stick, dessert, fruit

Arlee Board of Directors, President Cherie Garcelon, VP Betty Shoemaker, Jerry Garcelon, Lilie Willison, Judy Miller, Ann Younger, Deloris Arrowsmith, PattyTiensvold, Marie Gillette, Gladys Brown, and Secretary/Treasurer Anne Stewart.

POLSON - Join the Mission Mountain Zen Center on Wednesdays for online instruction, practice and discussion via Zoom and in-person. The classes will be rom 6 to 7:30 p.m. We will cultivate and deepen our centering skills and meditation practice during the class. For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847-721-0665 or email at: Jerry.Smyers@gmail.com. Go to: www.missionmountainzen.org for more information.

POLSON — The Polson Library’s Page Turners Middle Grade Book Club Program will gather at the library at 4 p.m. until 5 p.m. in the community room. There will be a lively book discussion of this month’s book, “Little House in the Big Woods,” by Laura Ingalls Wilder, activities and snacks. Registration is required. Call the library at 406-883-8225 for more information.

By Pete Mangels for the Valley Journal

POLSON ­- AARP’s Safe Driving Course will be held on Tuesday, July 29, from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Early sign-up is requested. We have about a dozen more openings available. There is no testing, and this is a video assisted course with informal discussions, and a take-home study guide.  The cost is $25 for non-AARP members and $20 for AARP members. You can get a substantial discount from your insurance company for completing this course. Limited enrollment is allowed so please call to register.  

If you are over 50 and desire to expand comfort zone, we have a great opportunity to awaken, supplement, and expand your experiences by serving the Polson Senior Community Center by serving in a leadership position.

Nominations (yes, you can nominate yourself), are now being accepted. Call or visit.

Traffic on highway 93 through Polson now takes over 30-minutes for the 4-mile journey. Be patient. Plan. Be awar, safe.

Activities (air conditioned):

-  Wednesday Play Day: cards, board games, kitchen-table games, Dominoes. Invite a foursome. Casual - cool.

-  Bingo: Fridays at 6 p.m. standard games; Wednesdays, “playing card” elimination style bingo -Last week on Wednesday had nearly 50 people at 6 p.m.

-  Exercise: You decide your level of comfort - M-W-F, 10:30–11:30 a.m. - video-assisted - low impact  

-  Pinochle: Thursdays (standard) and Mondays (no pass) - 12:30-3 p.m. Early birds at noon. Rotate partners. High Score last week was eight Aces. Ray Salomon had his first 1,000 pt. meld in his over 80 years of playing the game. Randy B. was his partner. Games are typically played to 1500 pts. Come join us.

-  Pool: open table from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

-  Spinning Wheelers: first Tuesday of each month from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. - 208-520-1013

-  VSO (Veterans Service Officer:) first Friday and third Tuesday of each month - 9 a.m.-noon - Walk-ins OK.

 Menu (subject to change) - lunch $5 donation - served from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

-  Wednesday, July 16: Sloppy Joe’s ‘tater’ tots, corn, fruit Jell-O, tapioca pudding

-  Thursday, July 17: pork chops, taters-n-gravy, orange beets, spinach salad, brownie

-  Friday, July 18:  egg strata with blueberries, link sausage, peas, oranges, pineapple cake

-  Monday, July 21: chili-mac soup, crem peaches, cinnamon roll, ice cream bars 

 -  Tuesday, July 22: chicken pot pie, biscuit, baked pears, green salad, rhubarb-gingerbread

-  Wednesday, July 23: taco-Catalina salad, black bean salad, dessert  

-  Thursday, July 24: Chicago dogs, tater tots, mixed veggies, green salad, cookies 

-  Fridy, July 25: baked Ham, scalloped potatoes, yams, pretzel salad, strawberry-rhubarb cake

The Community Center is available for your special event: daily, weekends or evenings at 504 Third Ave. E. We are open 8 a.m.–3 p.m. weekdays. or later by appointment. Call us at 406-883-4735. Email: polsonseniorcenter@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook!

MISSOULA — Watch as the Montana International Choral Festival takes over the community of Missoula. Choirs from around the world are hand selected to participate based on their musical excellence and variety. Our international choir visitors stay with welcoming hosts throughout the festival, sharing friendship, food, stories, and song. There are no better ambassadors than musicians sharing their love of music and the culture of their countries. Choirs will give Missoula and the surrounding region, a world of music from July 17-20, 2025. All access festival button passes are $40. For more information go to: choralfestival.org

POLSON — Thursday, July 17, is Book Donation Day at the Polson Library. You are welcome to bring material donations from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. There is a limit of two boxes at a time. Please refer to our Materials Donation Policy on our website for more information.

POLSON — The Summer Reading Program gathering takes place on Thursday, July 17, at 10 a.m. Come join the fun as the annual Bug Race takes place. 

Call the library for more information at 406-883-8225.

POLSON — The KwaTaqNuk Resort, 49708 US-93, will host a Rock the Dock music event with Joe Martinez at 7 p.m. Call 406-883-3636 for more information.

ELMO — The Kootenai Tribe, also known as the Ktunaxa Ksanka Band, welcome all nations and the general public to the annual Ksanka Standing Arrow Powwow at the Elmo Powwow Grounds from Thursday, July 17, to Sunday, July 20. 

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

There will be 50/50 raffles announced throughout the weekend. Thursday is campers’ night with Grand Entry at 7 p.m. Grand Entries on Saturday are at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on Sunday at 1 p.m. Also, Sunday is the day of the finals. Ben Caye LaRocque - 18 and under Grass Dance Special - $1000 first place, $800 second place and $600 third place. Registration for Saturday’s

Fun Run takes place at the softball field at 9 a.m.; Fun Run begins at 10 a.m. Sign up for the Softball Tourney with Silas Perez at 406-203-662 and Joe Caye at 406-871-0553 by July 16. There’s a $250 entry fee per team. 

For more information on the drum contest call Willie Andrews at 406-481-0199.

POLSON — The Summer Reading Program gathering takes place on Thursday, July 17, at 10 a.m. Come join the fun. Activity to be determined. Call the library for more information at 406-883-8225.