Fourth festivities stretch from Arlee to Polson

POLSON: The Polson Chamber lights up the south shore of Flathead Lake with fireworks at dusk July 3 at Riverside Park. The community pays homage to Red, White and BBQ with the Independence Day Parade, noon July 4 on Main Street.

Parade entries may be registered online in advance at form.jotform.com/Polson_Chamber/2024-4thjulyparade and cost $25 each.

The Polson Minutemen will, once again, put up a defense against the Red Coats at the VFW on July 4. Those interested in joining the resistance, are encouraged to arrive at the VFW by 11 a.m. and head upstairs. Spots are limited.

Following the parade, the Polson VFW will present an award to The Great Scots Pipers for their many years of service to the Polson community.

The Polson Flathead Lake Museum hosts its annual ice-cream social “after the parade until the ice cream is gone" and offers free admission as it unveils a new display of Mike Taylor’s International Trap Shooting awards and his award-winning rifles.

The museum is located at 708 Main Street, and is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sundays.

CHARLO: The population of Charlo swells July 4 as locals and visitors converge for a host of activities.

“Faith, Farmin’ and Freedom” are the themes of this year’s parade on Hwy. 212. Entries line up at the softball fields and along Morris Road (no registration needed). The parade travels to the Charlo Firehall before circling back through town to offer spectators another look.

Although no registration is required, organizers warn that any entry displaying profanity or racism will be removed.

The American Legion Post 126 begins selling raffle tickets for guns, fishing poles and other prizes at 9 a.m., with winners to be announced following the parade.

The Charlo football team plans to serve hamburgers while the volleyball team will dish up Grandma Nancy's Delicious Frybread starting at 10 a.m.

Charlo Pump and Tow hosts a car show after the parade and will award trophies.

For more formation, call or text Christy Fryberger at 406-260-8072.

ARLEE: Start the day with a pancake breakfast at the new fire hall on Powwow Road, served 7-11 a.m. July 4, followed by Salute of Freedom, the 75th annual Arlee Fourth of July Parade, which begins at noon.

Registration is at the entryway to Arlee High School, with parade lineup beginning in the parking lot. Parade categories include Patriotic, Clubs and Organizations, Commercial, Western entry, Native American entry, Novelty Humorous.

The parade travels south on Fyant Street, and turns west onto Bouch before turning north and returning to the high school via Morigeau Street.

Trophies will be awarded at the Arlee Jocko Valley Museum, located on the corner of Bouch and Fyant, following the parade. While waiting for the trophy presentations, take a step back in time and tour the museum, which will be open 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The museum also hosts a meet-and-greet for veterans a 10:30 a.m. Thursday. Veterans will gather for a group photo and to visit with community members, before joining the parade as Grand Marshals.

The historic church/museum building houses a large display of photos and artifacts portraying veterans, homesteaders, and Native Americans. After July 4, it’s open by appointment only.

For additional information on the parade or museum, call Alvaretta Morin at 406-726-3167 or Terry Cable at 406-745-4220.

The second annual Ranch Rodeo begins at 1 p.m. July 3; up to 10 four-person teams compete in team roping, sorting, trailer loading and calf-branding. Bronc- and bull-riders, ropers and barrel racers head to the 40th annual Arlee Rodeo at 2 p.m. July 4, also at the Rodeo Grounds. Call 406-726-3762 for information on entering either event.

A double-elimination cornhole tournament follows the rodeo at The Pigasus in downtown Arlee.

Fourth festivities wrap up with the Sasquatch Freedom Fest, featuring music by singer/songwriter Dakota Poorman and Nashville artists Neon Union, 5 p.m. to midnight on the Big Sky Sasquatch Stage. Fireworks follow the concert.

For more details on community events, visit arleemontana.com. 

ARLEE CELEBRATION: The 124th annual Arlee Celebration fills the Powwow Grounds with traditional dancing, drumming and vendors July 1-7. The grounds on Powwow Road open Monday for campers and Confederated Salish and Kootenai elders offer a blessing on Tuesday. A Memorial Ceremony begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday, followed by stick games.

The Snake Dance honors veterans at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 4, followed by Traditional Night, “Honoring the Ways of the Salish People,” at 7 p.m.

Grand entries get underway at 1 and 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

Other events include a youth 3-on-3 basketball tournament at 8 a.m. Friday and a fun run at 8 a.m. Saturday.

For a complete schedule, head to arleemontana.com.