Mission Valley Calendar

Mission Mountain Rodeo – 6 p.m. June 28-29 at the Polson Fairgrounds; the rodeo kicks off with youth events, including mutton bustin’ and mini bull riding, followed by Norther Rodeo Association action at 7 p.m. featuring bareback, steer wrestling, saddle bronc, team roping, tie-down roping and barrel racing and bull riding. Live music follows Friday’s rodeo. Call 406-883-1100.

Arlee Celebration: In Honor of Our Elders Past and Present – July 1-7 at the Powwow Grounds in Arlee; traditional dancer, drums and vendors are part of the 124th gathering of the Salish people, with Grand Entries at 7 p.m. Thursday, 1 and 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Learn more at arleemontana.com.

Book Talk with Butch Larcombe – 6 p.m. July 1 at the North Lake County Library’ author presents his new book, “Historic Tales of Flathead Lake.”

Independence Day Parades – Polson Chamber lights up Flathead Lake with fireworks at dusk July 3 at Riverside Park, and pays homage to Red, White and BBQ with the Independence Day Parade, noon July 4 on Main Street; Charlo celebrates “Faith, Farmin’ and Freedom” with a parade at noon July 4 on Hwy. 212; Salute of Freedom is the theme of the 75th annual Arlee Fourth of July Parade at noon July 4. Register parade entries beforehand at Arlee High School.

Arlee Rodeo – 2 p.m. July 4 at the Arlee Rodo Grounds; the 40th annual event follows the parade. A Ranch Rodeo begins at 1 p.m. July 3 with up to 10 four-person teams compete in team roping, sorting, trailer loading and calf-branding. Call 406-726-3762 for information on either event.

Sasquatch Freedom Fest – 5 p.m.-midnight July 4 at the Big Sky Sasquatch Stage in Arlee; music and fireworks are on tap. Head to arleemontana.com for info.

“Baskerville – A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” – 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, July 5-21 at the Theatre on the Lake in Polson; call 406-883-9212 or visit PortPolsonPlayers.com for reservations.

First Saturday Artist/Artisan Event – 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. July 6 at Ninepipes Museum, south of Ronan; meet local and indigenous artists, artisans, musicians and photographers, and enjoy huckleberry pastries and frybread. The July event showcases works by artist and beader Alyss Fowler, Montana Moments photographer Dee Dee Barbour, Salish silversmith Josh Marceau, Home Décor artisan Tracy Tevis, and artist and craftsman Clayton Holler. Ryder Parot performs on traditional Native flute from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and singer/songwriter Katels from 1-4 p.m.

Mission Valley Cruisers Car Show – noon-8 p.m. July 12 in front of the Ronan Co-op Brewery on Fourth Ave. between Main Street and Round Butte Road.

Good Old Days – July 19-21 in St. Ignatius; the annual event kicks off Friday with a barbecue at 5:30 p.m. in Good Old Days Park, live music at 7 p.m. in the amphitheatre and fireworks at dusk (weather permitting). The annual parade begins at noon Saturday, followed by and food and craft vendors, a truck show, dog races, and other events at the park. Action moves to the airport Sunday for a fly-in and pancake breakfast.

"Talk the Talk: Then and Now – Student Photographs 2001-2024" – on display through Aug. 30 at the Three Woodcocks Gallery at Salish Kootenai College; exhibit celebrates the photography of Two Eagle River and SKC students, created under the tutelage of master photographer David Spear.

Native Heritage – through July 12 at Sandpiper Gallery and Gifts in Polson; non-juried show celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Mission Valley.

Open Mic and Jam – 7 p.m. Fridays at the Western Montana Musicians Co-op, Ronan; also on tap is a weekly Community Jam at 7 p.m. Saturdays. The cooperative is located in the Red Poppy Building, 1 Eisenhower St. SW in Ronan. Learn more at www.mtmusic.org.

Farmers’ Markets – Ronan: 4-7 p.m. Thursdays at the Ronan Visitor’s Center, with music by Pete Moller from 4-6 p.m. (www.facebook.com/RonanFarmersMarket); Polson: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays on 3rd Ave. W. (polsonfarmersmarket.com). Mission Falls Market: 4:30-7 p.m. Fridays at Good Old Days Park in St. Ignatius (https://www.facebook.com/missionfallsmarket). Support local famers and crafters at these weekly markets.

Email event submissions to editor@leaderadvertiser.com.

Upcoming meetings

Kiwanis – First Thursday of the month, noon at Kwataqnuk Resort, and third Thursday of the month, 5:30 p.m. at Bunkers, Polson Bay Golf Course; Kiwanis is an international organization dedicated to improving the world one child, one community at a time. Meetings are open to the public.

Cheerful Heart Cancer Support Group – noon-1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month in the chapel at St. Joseph Medical Center; anyone affected by cancer is invited to participate in this group led by Matthew Connally of the Ronan/Polson Nazarene Church. Learn more at www.cheerfulheart.org or email cheartinc@gmail.com.