Full weekend on tap around the Flathead
Jacob Doran/Bigfork Eagle — Merrick Dragon, Brooke Neater, Brianna Neater and Parker Sutton leap off the public dock in Lakeside last week. The water may be a bit colder than last year, but area beaches and boat ramps have been as full as ever with people excited for summer.
By JACOB DORAN / Bigfork Eagle
This weekend promises to be a full one for residents who don't want to miss the exciting events that are lined up.
To get things started, the Flathead Lakers held their annual meeting and state of the lake address this Wednesday night, July 16, in conjunction with their 50th anniversary celebration. Festivities were held at the Glacier Camp & Conference Center south of Lakeside.
This weekend takes off with the Relay for Life in Bigfork. Cancer survivors and their caretakers are invited to attend a free dinner reception at 5 p.m. on Friday, just prior to opening ceremonies. At 6 p.m., cancer survivors in and around Bigfork will celebrate their survival as they take to the track for the opening lap.
The event itself will be held at the Bigfork High School football field and run from 6 p.m. Friday evening to 8 a.m. Saturday morning.
The West Shore Community Fair promises a full day of fun and entertainment on Saturday, starting with a pancake breakfast at 7-10 a.m. at Lakeside Community Chapel. Spectators and athletes can both enjoy the 5K run/walk, which starts at 9 a.m. at Flathead Bank. Runners who have not already registered need to show early if they want a T-Shirt and so they can start on time.
The arts and crafts portion of the fair opens at 9 a.m., as do other areas of the fair, including food and bidding for the silent auction. Classic cars will also be on display, and the annual fair parade gets underway at 10:30 a.m.
Duck races take place at 5 p.m. at the Tamarack Brewery, and the Lakeside Neighborhood Plan Committee's information booth will be all day.
At 6 p.m., the action moves to Somers, where the 11th Annual Cajun Street Dance, promises to get young and old dancin' in the streets to raise money for the Somers Volunteer Fire Department. Gate opens at 6 p.m. in front of the Fire Hall, where kids are usually the first to bust-a-move and provide plenty of motivation for the older crowd to join in as the night progresses.
The street dance has been nominated as the Best Summer Party in the Flathead Valley. This year's headliner will be Lisa Haley and the Zydecats. However, Willy Roland Band opens for the event at 7 p.m.
Children under 12 are admitted free. Food and beverage venders will serve throughout the night.
Advance tickets can be purchased for $18 at Del's Bar and Sliters Ace in Somers, as well as at Joe Blogz Conoco in Lakeside. The price jumps to $20 at the gate.
The street dance is sponsored by MASK Music Productions, Del's Bar, & Fun Beverage Co. For more information, call 406-857-3351 or 406-857-3119.