Dragon boat racers paddle in unison to the rhythm of a drum while competing in the first ever Montana Dragon Boat Festival on Flathead Lake. – Lido Vizzutti | Flathead Beacon
By MOLLY PRIDDY for the Flathead Beacon
Summer is the high season in the Flathead for tourists, and each year, local communities and business organizations are finding ways to extend the summer traffic into the autumnal shoulder season.
Not surprisingly, most of these efforts have resulted in a lot of fun in the pleasant September weather, and, if the weather decides to be inclement, there’s usually plenty of tent space for everyone.
September is a time when the valley takes a deep breath after the summer rush. Here are a few major events highlighting the best month of summer. Visit www.flatheadevents.net for daily updates and events.
SEPT. 7-8: MONTANA DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL; BIGFORK
Head over to Bigfork and join as thousands of spectators watch and cheer for over 90 teams racing their 41-foot boats along the shores of Flathead Lake.
The Montana Dragon Boat Festival is in its second year and has already grown so much as to need two days to contain the excitement.
For more information, check out the back page of this week’s newspaper.
SEPT. 7-8: WHITEFISH SUMMER GAMES; WHITEFISH
These games went dormant for three decades, but are now back in full power. With more than 20 events over two days, there should be something for everyone to enjoy, either to play or to watch.
Games include a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, ice hockey and lacrosse matches, stand-up paddleboarding races, cribbage, poker and pool contests, shooting from horseback, and more.
For a full event calendar, visit www.wfsummergames.com.
SEPT. 14: THE HUCKLEBERRY 100; KALISPELL
Named for one of the Flathead’s favorite fruits, this 100-mile bike race takes riders all over the valley, from Bigfork to Whitefish and everywhere in between, with a total ascent of 1,541.99 feet and maximum elevation of 3,293.96.
After the ride, partake in the Bikes and Berries Food Fest to help the participants gain back some of the calories they burned on their century ride.
For more information, visit .
SEPT. 19-28: FESTIVAL OF FLAVORS; FLATHEAD VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Now in its sixth year, the Festival of Flavors is a week of culinary delight, which also happens to raise over$100,000 in scholarships for Flathead Valley Community College students.
The kickoff event features a farmers market of local food and drink, followed with themed dinners in private homes and local restaurants.
It all ends with the popular Grand Wine Tasting at the Hilton Garden Inn.
For information and tickets, visit www.fvcc.edu.
Whitefish Mayor John Muhlfeld taps the first keg to kick off the Oktoberfest celebrations in Whitefish. – Lido Vizzutti | Flathead Beacon
SEPT. 26-28, OCT. 3-5: GREAT NORTHWEST OKTOBERFEST; WHITEFISH
What better way to celebrate the end of summer and the start of autumn than with traditional oom-pa-pa music, authentic Bavarian food, dancing, log-sawing competitions, stein-holding contests and keg-hurling championships?
Oh, and did we mention beer? There will be plenty of beer in Whitefish’s Depot Park on these weekends.
The Great Northwest Oktoberfest, thrown by the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce, is only in its fourth year, but it’s already gained quite a reputation for being a pretty awesome time.
Be sure to check out the event schedule at www.whitefishoktoberfest.com.
OCT. 19: CINCH BUCKING HORSE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Head over to the Majestic Valley Arena to watch the best of the bucking horse business compete for over $70,000 in prizes.
The contests includes some of the nation’s best cowboys riding some of the toughest saddle broncs around, and ends with a dance spurred on by live music.
For more information, visit www.majesticvalleyarena.com.
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