Celebrate the 4th of July in Bigfork, Montana

Celebrate the 4th of July in Bigfork, Montana - Monday, July 4th, 2011

Enjoy a good old-fashioned 4th of July Parade at 12:00 noon downtown Bigfork, Montana

Veterans usually lead off the parade marching along with Old Glory and the Montana Flag. The Shriner’s can always be counted on to ride their miniature model T's in the parade along as well as the Bigfork Fire Department and Flathead Lake Lodge Fire Trucks. The parade also features cheerleaders, dancers, horses, bikes, and classic cars.

Be sure to arrive early so that you can find a great viewing spot along Electric Avenue Downtown Bigfork, Montana…. Grand and Electric are cleared of cars and they seemed so empty an hour before the parade. By the time the parade arrives, the streets were filled with spectators.

The parade is lots of fun, especially for the kids, because many of the parade entrants give candy to all the people along the route and the kids scramble around trying to beat each other to it.

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A Children's Carnival follows the 4th of July Parade at Sliter’s Memorial Park in Bigfork. The Bigfork Chamber and Retail Merchants sponsor and staff this old fashioned kids carnival.

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"Ducks for Bucks" race the "Wild Mile" of the Swan River at 4:00pm.

The first ducks to go under the bridge will win cash prizes. Proceeds go to support the Bigfork High School scholarship program. Ducks can be purchased at the Jug Tree or at the Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce.
Costs are $5 per duck
or a 'six quack" for $25.
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If you would like to be in the 4th of July Parade -

Line up for the parade takes place about one hour before parade time and line up is on Grand Drive Starting at Flathead Bank and winding p past Lake View Care Center. No registration is needed. A traffic director will be present to guide entries. Positions are usually determined on a first-come, first-served basis, so get entrants who want to be in front should arrive early.

The parade moves down Grand Drive and turns onto Electric Avenue, dispersing right before the one-lane Upper Bigfork Bay Bridge.

More info about being in the parade
Please phone 406-837-5888 or email: chamber@bigfork.org

Progress is being made June 2011 "Going to the Sun" Road Plowing - Glacier National Park - Montana

GNP 2011 Going-to-the-Sun Road Plowing Information
Plowing the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a monumental challenge every year.

This year the Going to the Sund Road has had lots of unpredictable spring snow storms or other weather related events that have slowed down the process of plowing the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park.






It is very common for plowing crews to need to re-plow sections of park roads when weather related events occur. These unknown weather factors make predicting the opening of the Going-to-the-Sun Road impossible. The plowing crews have experienced snow depths of up to 20-25 feet through numerous snow slides as they work their way up the Going to The Sun Road.



Safety first  is a key factor for the Glacier National Park road plowing crew to make sure that the plowing crews, contractors, and the public are safe at all times.

Glacier National Park - West Side Plowing Activity crews have plowed 1.5 lanes from the Grizzly area to Swede Point approximately 9.5 miles from the vehicle closure gate at the Loop.

Glacier National Park - East Side Plowing Activity crews have been plowing towards the Jackson Glacier Overlook, and are at the Jackson Glacier vehicle closure gate.



GNP phone number to check road condtions 1-406-888-7800

Flathead Southerners' 15th annual Catfish Fry and Gatherin'

Flathead Southerners'
15th Annual Catfish 
Fry and Gatherin'

This wonderful event is a fundraiser for the 'Violence Free Crisis Line' and 'The Abbie Shelter'.  One hundred percent of the proceeds are donated to the 'Violence Free Crisis Line' and 'The Abbie Shelter'

When:     Sunday, June 26th, 2011
Where:    Best Western White Oak Grand Hotel Ballroom 
              4820 Hwy 93 South, Kalispell, MT

How much:      Adults - $20 Under 13 - $1 per year


Schedule of Events:
4:30 PM: 'SOCIAL HOUR' Cash Bar with 'Southern' drink specials!
5:30 PM: 'ALL-U-CAN-EAT' BUFFET Original 'Southern' Recipes
6:30 PM: RAFFLE and SILENT AUCTION

 

“Flathead Lake Guitar Pluck Fest” held in Bigfork at Saddlehorn on Friday, June 24, 2011

Be sure to attend the FREE “Flathead Lake Guitar Pluck Fest” concert on Friday, June 24, 2011 at Saddlehorn, Bigfork, Montana


Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. concert that will be held rain or shine.


Enjoy a free evening of guitar music in the Mountains on at this outdoor concert to be held in Bigfork at the Saddlehorn Trapper Cabin Village. 

Featured musicians will be renowned guitarists
Jody Fisher, Andrew Leonard, and Doug Smith,
who are faculty with the Crown of the Continent Guitar Workshop.

This event is brought to the community by Saddlehorn, Flathead Lake Lodge and The Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation.

Bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit on for your comfort.

Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Donations are appreciated to benefit the Crown of the Continent Guitar Programs.  The Crown of the Contiment Guitar Workshop is an Annual Event to be held later this summer from August 28th to September 4th, 2011 at Flathead Lake Lodge, Bigfork, Montana.


DIRECTIONS to SADDLEHORN:
Saddlehorn is located just south of Bigfork, Montana
Travel South from Bigfork on Montana Hwy 35, turn left onto Montana Hwy 209
After one mile turn right and follow the signs into Saddlehorn

For more information:
call 406-579-1387
email: bseliskar@cocguitarfoundation.org.

Thoughts of Summer - Be a Stellar Wedding Guest

It’s wedding season and Love is in the air!  I just received a lovely invitation to my nieces wedding in 6 weeks! What hints do you have for me so that I can be a “stellar” wedding guest?

Your RSVP:
Please, Please, Please RSVP by the date requested on your nieces invitation. Remember the person paying for the food needs an accurate count of everyone attending the wedding to plan for enough food for their hungry guests.

Your GIFT:
Be a great gift giver. Pick out a thoughtful card, write something personal inside. Buy from the couple’s wedding gift registry or write them a check. Base your gift on how close you are to the couple, whether you are attending with a guest (multiple gift by two) and how much you can afford. Send the gift to the couple before the wedding – please do not bring the gift to the wedding.

Your OUTFIT:
Ladies do not wear white or cream to a wedding. If the event is a black tie affair respect the couple’s wishes. Men should wear a tuxedo and ladies a party/evening dress.

The Meet and Greet:
Be sure to talk to the bride and the groom, and to the bride and the groom’s families. A wedding is a big occasion for the entire family. Take a minute to offer your congratulations even if you have never met the family members. Even a simple thank you for having you is much appreciated. Keep your conversation proportionately to how well you know the person you are talking to.

The Food:
You are there to mingle and celebrate! Your plate represents the cost of your attendance so be a gracious guest and eat everything on your plate.

The Toast:
Please make sure you know the bride’s name. Be the BEST man not the long-winded man. Keep it short with a mix of sincerity and a few jokes. Raunchy stories are for the bachelor party not for the wedding toast.

The Open Bar:
Drink responsibly. Drink and be merry but don’t embarrass yourself or cause a scene that detracts from the bride and groom. If you are with “that” kind person please escort them directly to their bed to sleep it off.

The Reception:
If there is a band or DJ you need to dance at least once or twice it’s the right thing to do. If you do not like to dance or are a very bad dancer please at least socialize, request an appropriate song, and clap after each dance.

The Cake Cutting:
Popular tradition of cutting the cake signals the time when guests can politely leave for whatever reason. i.e. they are tired, have small children at home, are eight months pregnant, are elderly, have to get up very early to catch their flight back home, are grumpy, etc.

Remember if you are one of those people who are thinking about leaving right after the cake cutting think about what you will miss…the First Dance followed right after the groom's heartfelt thank you, you don’t want to miss that or the Father Daughter dance, the Mother Son song, the DJ playing just the right song to open up the dance floor for everyone to dance, the bouquet and garter toss, the special surprise the bride has planned for the groom and the send off for the bride and groom a magical ending for a perfect wedding night with bubbles and sparklers.

National Amateur Retriever Championships Field Trials June 19th thru June 25th, 2011

Polson and Ronan going to the Dogs!  The National Amateur Retriever Club is hosting the 2011 National Amateur Retriever Championships Field Trials (Outdoors) from June 19th through June 25th in the Mission Valley. The events are being held at four locations throughout the Mission Valley – two in Polson, Montana and two in Ronan, Montana.

Many of the owners, trainers, and dogs have already begun to arrive.  They are expecting approximately 300 participants.  The KwaTaqNuk in Polson, Montana is the Official Headquarters for the National Amateur Retriever Championship event. Many of the events will be ending at 8 pm in the evening.

This is a unique event for Polson and Ronan and we would like to welcome all those associated with the
National Amateur Retriever Championships to Montana!!!

National Amateur Retriever Club
AKC Event No: 2011359601
Ronan Field Trial Grounds,  Ronan, MT

For additional information contact:
Fred T. Kampo, Event Secretary
1701 Murmuring Waters Ln
Oshkosh, WI 54901-9763
(920) 725-8484
kampspruce@aol.com

Mission Valley, Montana – Ideal Area for Retriever Enthusiasts
By Wayne Bleazard Executive Field Representative

Ronan, Montana is a small agricultural city in Northwestern Montana located on the Flathead Indian Reservation about 12 miles south of Flathead Lake. Named after Major Peter Ronan, superintendent of the Flathead Indian Reservation, the area is surrounded by the Mission Mountains and has plenty of the famous Montana fishing rivers and wildlife in the valley.

The area just west of Ronan has recently been settled by several members of the Retriever Field Trial community. Back in the ice age, as the glaciers receded, several potholes were left that formed plenty of natural ponds. The potholes, combined with soil that has a lot of clay, holds the water in the ponds, which works well for retriever enthusiasts. There are lots of nice rolling hills making excellent terrain for both training and trialing of retrievers.

Don Remein, one of the top professional trainers in the sport of Retriever Field Trialing, was among the first dog trainers in the area. Karl Gunzer, another pro who was Don’s assistant several years ago, has also settled in the Mission Valley recently, along with Eric Fangsrud and Carol Kackelmeyer.

According to Anna Calvert, secretary of the Mission Valley Retriever Club (formerly the Jackson Hole Retriever Club), in today’s declining market, farmers had a difficult time making a living off the ground. When dog people began coming into the area, the farmers were thrilled to sell their farms, and retriever owners were more than pleased to get land at a very reasonable price. Needless to say, with all the amateur dog handlers buying up the property, the price of ground quickly escalated.

Among the amateur handlers in the Mission Valley area are Anna and Larry Calvert, Alice Woodyard, Judy Bly, Carma Futhey, Janet Olson, John Pampy, Bill and Lorna Kolstad, Richard Underwood, Judy Rasmuson, Rich and Leigh Larsen, Bill and Sarita McKnight (whose dog, Moochie, won the 2008 Canadian National Amateur) and Tony and Jan Snow. Many of these amateurs have developed their property into outstanding field trial training and trialing grounds, while other owners are still in the process of improving theirs.

While the gorgeous Big Sky country of Montana is outstanding for spring and fall training, the difficult winters are a different game. Most (if not all) the dog people in Mission Valley head to the warmer climates of Texas, Florida and California during the winter months.

The Mission Valley Retriever Club held two field trials this year in the area, one in May and the other in August. They are hopeful that they can hold a National Amateur Retriever Championship on their property in the near future when it is the Mountain Time Zone’s turn to host the trial.

Thoughts of Summer - Wedding Favors -Truffles Tuffles Truffles

My all time favorite wedding favor for each of the wedding guests is Truffles! 
Who doesn't LOVE chocolate?

Buy cellophane bags or Chinese food-style take out containers in bulk, and them fill with truffles and tie up with ribbons that match your decor.   Or use a small votive candleholder with a ribbon tied around it to put your truffles in.  Place the truffle gifts at each place setting for your guest to enjoy.

Making your own truffles is an easy and delicious solution to providing your guests with a tasty wedding favor that they are sure to love, especially when you can vary the truffle flavors and toppings.

You'll have lots of fun creating the perfect truffle combinations to share with your guests.
An added bonus your friends and family they can help you judge their favorite truffles!

If you like you can also turn your truffle making into a pre-wedding bridal party....fun!

This easy truffle recipe is oh so rich and delicious!

The recipe makes a large amount but you can vary the flavors and coatings to make several different kinds of truffles.

TRUFFLE RECIPE
ingredients needed:
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
3 cups semisweet chocolate chips, melted
3 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla

DIRECTIONS:
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
Gradually add confectioners' sugar until well blended.
Stir in melted chocolate and vanilla until no streaks remain.
Shape into 1 inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper
Refrigerate for about 1 hour


Coatings Roll Truffles in:

Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, or peanuts)
Cocoa powder
Chocolate sprinkles
Icing sugar
Toasted coconut or Coconut

Dipping Truffles:
Dip in white chocolate, dark chocolate, or milk chocolate
Drop truffles, one at a time, into melted chocolate mixture.
Using 2 forks, lift truffles out of the chocolate,
Allowing any excess chocolate to drip back into the pan before transferring back onto baking sheet.
Chill until set.

Adding Flavors to the Truffles
Raspberry (instead of vanilla):
Add ½ cup seedless raspberry jam and 2 tablespoons raspberry liqueur

Lemon
Substitute the semisweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and the vanilla with 6 tablespoons of lemon curd

Cherry (instead of vanilla):
Add ½ cups cherry jam

Orange (instead of vanilla):
Add 2 tablespoons orange liqueur and 1 teaspoon orange zest

Add your favorite Spices to the Truffles such as:
Anise
Cinnamon
Cardamom
Pomegranate
Cloves
Cayenne

Add Fruit to your Truffles:
Blueberry’s
Dried Cherries
Pineapple
Cranberries and Apricots

Father's Day Pizza - Sunday June 19th, 2011

A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty. ~Author Unknown

We love our Fathers!   Father’s Day is right around the corner.

Dad is looking forward to spending some quality time with his children on Father’s Day.

Perhaps a little fishing, hiking or four-wheeling in the morning

and what else but pizza for dinner in the afternoon!

Everybody's favorite food seems to be pizza so why not treat your Dad and/or Grandpa to a unique Father's Day of Beer and Pizza while dining  in Riley’s Pub and Sports Bar with it's panoramic views of Flathead Lake from the covered patio.
Why pizza????

Because what Dad or Grandpa doesn't love a good pizza?

Father's Day WOOD FIRED PIZZA for dinner.....Riley’s Original  ---Pepperoni, sausage, onion, mushrooms, tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives and extra cheese.

or “CREATE YOUR OWN” PIZZA by choosing from a wide selection of toppings that inlcude:
Veggies: bell peppers, olives, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, onions, mushrooms, pineapple, and spinach; sundried tomatoes.  Meats: sausage, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, chicken; bacon, or shrimp.   Cheeses: extra mozzarella, goat cheese.  Sauces: traditional red sauce, Ricotta and roasted garlic sauce, or basil pesto sauce.

The very first Father's Day was observed on Sunday, June 19th, 1910 in Spokane, Washington and by coincidence this year Father's day also falls on Sunday, June 19th.

Mrs. John B. Dodd, of Washington, first proposed the idea of a "father's day" in 1909.
Mrs. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart.

William Smart, a Civil War veteran, who was widowed when his wife (Mrs. John B. Dodd's mother) died in childbirth with their sixth child. Mr. William Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington state.

It was after Mrs. John B.Dodd became an adult that she realized the strength and selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent.

In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day.

Finally in 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day.

Thankfully, Father's Day has become a day to not only honor our father, but all men who act as a father figure to us.

Thoughts of Summer - Golfing the Beautiful Eagle Bend Golf Course, Bigfork Montana

Golf Eagle Bend Golf Course

Eagle Bend Golf Course is a very special “Montana” place that has 27 holes of superb golfing, located in Bigfork, Montana. Eagle Bend has gorgeous views of Flathead Lake, the Swan Mountains and Glacier National Park.

The original 18-hole course was designed and built by William Hull.

In 1995 “Jack Nicklaus Design” designed and built the “Nicklaus Nine”.

 A surprise to many a visitor but common knowledge to us locals, Eagle Bend Golf Course is one of the best golf courses in the Northwest and has held the distinction of #1 golf course in Montana for six consecutive years.

Bring your golf clubs as well as your camera, so that you make every shot!

When traveling to the Bigfork and Eagle Bend Golf Course, make sure you call ahead for a tee time, as Eagle Bend tee times are at a premium most of the summer golf season. Call 800-255-5641 ext. 2 or 1-406-837-7310 to arrange your tee time in advance.

Green fees
Till June 17th, 2011
18-hole round is $58
9-hole Round is $36

June 18th to October 2nd, 2011
18-hole round is $95
9-hole Round is $52

October 3rd to October 31st, 2011
18-hole round is $38
9-hole Round is $25

Cart Fee $16
Club Rental $30

Thoughts of Summer -Riverbend Concert Series - Everit L. Sliter Memorial Park

The 2011 RIVERBEND CONCERT Series

begins June 12th, 2011

7 pm

Music by the Don Lawrence Orchestra – The Spirit goes on!

at the Everit L. Sliter Memorial Park

Bridge Street – Bigfork, Montana

Adults $3 Children $1

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Riverbend-Concerts-Bigfork/205196369514535?sk=photos

Spend Sunday evening relaxing under the stars,
in the fresh air, surrounded by nature's beauty and
the musical sounds of summer.

Bring a friend, bring a picnic, bring your lawn chair or blanket and find that perfect spot to listen to the music.

In case of rain, concert moves to United Methodist Church
(corner of Electric Ace and Commerce Street, Bigfork, MT)

750 Electric Avenue, Bigfork, Montana
Rain site determined by 4 pm day of concert

Concerts every Sunday evening 7 pm, starting in mid-June and running until mid-August........
June 12th, 2011 Don Lawrence Orchestra
June 19th, 2011 The Bad Larry’s
June 26th, 2011 Sax-O-Phun Saxophone Quartet

July 3rd, 2011 LeftOver Biscuits
July 10th, 2011 John Floridis
July 17th, 2011 Cocinando
July 24th, 2011 Flathead Valleyaires
July 31st, 2011 Tra le Gael

August 7th, 2011 Willson and McKee
August 14th, 2011 Jae Hatt

http://riverbendconcerts.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/riverbend-flyer.pdf

Thoughts of Summer -Firebrand Pass Trail – Glacier National Park

Firebrand Pass Trail

This day hike has Aspen groves, abundant wildflowers, huckleberries galore when in season, fantastic views, an elevation gain of 2,210 feet, limited shade, very little rain, and can be windy at times.


The Firebrand Pass Trail is a long way away from civilization and hiking in it's isolation is extraordinary. Outdoors people love this part of Montana for this reason - solitude.

The trailhead is located just below Marias Pass at mile marker 203 on US Highway 2 between West Glacier and East Glacier (on the southeastern border of Glacier National Park) next to the railroad tracks.

The parking area is along the BNSF Right of Way and the road to the parking area is somewhat difficult to see if traveling too fast. Decrease your car speed to below 15 mph before turning off Highway 2.

After parking your car in the parking area walk across the railroad tracks, being especially cautious to look and listen for numerous freight trains and the Amtrak passenger train passing by on the railroad tracks at 60 to 70 mph.

Look for the Firebrand trailhead sign near the gate.

Firebrand Pass is 4.8 miles each way.

The trail climbs gently following Coonsa Creek.

At 1.4 miles the trail junctions with the Autumn Creek Trail stay to the right for the Firebrand Pass Trail. The trail goes along the flanks of Calf Robe Mountain with views of Red Crow Mountain in the distance.

At 2.4 miles there is another Junction turn to the left for Firebrand Pass. The trail will continue up very steeply angling Southwest to Firebrand Pass.

Firebrand Pass is 4.8 miles from the trailhead, our lunch stop and our turning point to head back down the trail to your car.

Please remember anytime you are hiking in Glacier National Park that you are hiking deep into Grizzly and Black bear country. It is a must to know about bear safety when hiking in the wilderness. Each hiker should carry bear spray and know how to use it.





Calf Robe Mountain has an elevation of 7895 feet
is part of the Clark Range and is located approximately 6 miles northeast of Marias Pass in the southern portion of Glacier National Park. The Continental Divide passes over the summit of Calf Robe Mountain and makes an abrupt turn northward as it runs through the entirety of Glacier National Park to just north of Brown Pass at the International Border with Canada.


Red Crow Mountain has an elevation of 7891 feet
and is located in the remote southeastern corner of Glacier National Park just north of Firebrand Pass and is also a member of the Lewis and Clark Range.



Note: You can continue on to Ole Lake (another 3 miles) but the Firebrand Pass Trail will descend steeply 2,680 feet down to Ole Lake Campground - a free backcountry permit is required to camp overnight at Ole Lake Campground.

2011 Bigfork Summer Playhouse Show Season, Bigfork Montana

It’s time to purchase your show tickets for this year’s Bigfork Summer Playhouse 2011 Season.

If you have never been to one of the performances at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse you are missing out o a wonderful Bigfork tradition. This is the Playhouse’s 52nd season of entertaining Bigfork residents and guests with song, dance, style and flair.

This year’s musicals will be Happy Days-the Musical; Guys and Dolls; My Fair Lady; The Wedding Singer; and Shout!






Opening night of My Fair Lady, at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse is on Saturday, June 4th, 2011 at 8 pm

My Fair Lady - When Henry Higgins, a Professor of Phonetics, encounters Eliza Doolittle, a cockney flower girl, one cold March night at Covent Garden market. And Professor Higgins declares to his friend Colonel Pickering that in three months he could transform Eliza into a duchess.

My Fair Lady Songs will include:
The Rain In Spain
Wouldn't It Be Loverly
Just You Wait
On The Street Where You Live
I Could Have Danced All Night





SHOUT! opened on May 13th, 2011 and will be performed again on Monday, June 6th, 2011 at 8 pm


SHOUT! - Flips through the years like a musical magazine and takes you back to the music, the fashion and the freedom of the 60's!

SHOUT! Songs will include:
To Sir With Love
Downtown
You Don't Have to Say You Love Me
Son of A Preacher Man
Goldfinger


Opening night of Happy Days-the Musical, at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse is on Tuesday, June 7th, 2011 at 8 pm

Happy Days - the Musical - Happy Days are here again with Ritchie, Potsie, Ralph Malph and the unforgettable "king of cool' Arthier "the Fonz" Fonzerelli. 

Based on the hit Paramount Pictures' television series, HAPPY DAYS – A New Musical reintroduces one of America's best loved families, the Cunninghams, and the days of 1959 Milwaukee complete with varsity sweaters, hula hoops, and jukebox sock-hoppin'.



Happy Days-the Musical Songs will include
Snap
Ooooh Bop
Heartbeat
Legend in Leather
Guys Like Us
Happy Days

I am always amazed and delighted by the Bigfork Summer Playhouse’s “Company” of actor’s ability to adjust to a different musical each night over the 3 months of summer. The company is always so professional in how they work as a team to “shine” and “showoff” their many individual talents.