Community Events

May 12
The Red Cross blood drive on Monday is from 2-6pm at the center.


May 12
The Alpha Iota Pi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Flathead Valley Community College will host a canned food drive May 12-15 in celebration of Project Graduation, a national service program that supports the efforts of community-based organizations to eliminate hunger. Donation bins will be placed at the front entrances of all buildings on the FVCC Kalispell campus. The donated goods will be given to the Flathead Food Bank. The Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society of two-year colleges administers Project Graduation. Phi Theta Kappa is the largest academic honor society in the world with approximately 90,000 members inducted annually. Call Janaya Okerlund at 756-3908.


May 12
The Flathead Audubon Society presents "Identification & Natural History of Montana’s Diurnal Raptors" on Monday, May 12. Doors open at 5pm with a potluck at 6pm at the Community Room at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 603 South Main, Kalispell. Steve Hoffman, Executive Director of Montana Audubon, will give an illustrated talk about Montana’s 15 common and widespread diurnal raptor species at the annual meeting, silent auction and potluck of the Flathead Audubon Society. Everyone is welcome to attend-members and non-members alike. Bring a potluck dish to share. 837-0181.


May 12
Want to learn how to dance like "Dancing With The Stars?" If so, classes are Mondays and Wednesdays, 7:30 - 8:30pm at The Summit with Sarah Rugheimer. No dance experience or partner required. Free for Summit members. Dances covered include: Merengue, Rumba, Cha-Cha, Salsa, Swing, Waltz, and Argentine Tango.


May 12
In an effort to encourage pet owners to get their dogs or cats altered, the Flathead Spay & Neuter Task Force is offering two limited programs. With rising expenses, the need for affordable surgeries is critical. Coupled with the inevitable "puppy and kitten season," the time is now to get pets spayed or neutered. The Clinic is offering $15 cat spays for the first 100 female cats, six weeks of age or older. This will help prevent countless numbers of litters from being born and contributing to the pet overpopulation problem. Mention the promotion when calling in.

A special pit bull or pit bull cross program will be offered to the first 50 dogs and the surgeries will be half off the regular prices ($30-40), for dogs six weeks of age and older. The Flathead County Shelter is seeing a huge increase in the numbers of this particular breed and there are not enough homes for all of them. These programs will save pet owners a great deal money and will go a long ways towards reducing the euthanasia rate at the Shelter. To make an appointment, contact the Task Force at 881-4500 to leave your information and we will call back to schedule an appointment. Clinics are held twice a month for three days at a time and appointments are required. For more information, contact the Flathead Spay & Neuter Task Force at 892-7387.


May 12
Do you enjoy nurturing children ages 1-13? Can you volunteer a few hours a month? The Children’s Program of the Violence Free Crisis Line meets 1 evening a week from 6-8pm, and needs YOU! If interested, please contact Diane at 261-9083/752-4735.


May 12
In honor of Armed Forces Day, May 17, Flathead Area Young Professionals invite you to support military service members overseas by donating any of the following items, it helps more than you know! Your generous donations will be mailed to our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Here’s what they need most: WHITE COTTON TUBE SOCKS, BOXERS (ALL SIZES), FOOT CREAMS, POWDERS, 2ND SKIN, TOOTHPASTE, TOOTHBRUSHES, DEODORANT, TRAVEL SIZE KLEENEX, TP, EYE DROPS, 72" BROWN OR TAN BOOTLACES, WRITING MATERIALS, ENVELOPES, PENS, BATTERIES (AA, AAA, C), ELECTRICAL & DUCT TAPE, FRISBEE, NERF BALLS, CARDS, UNDERSHIRTS - SHORT SLEEVE, BABY WIPES, Q-TIPS, DISPOSABLE RAZORS AND BLADES, SHAMPOO, WATERLESS SOAP, LOTION, CHAPSTICK, SUNBLOCK, THROAT LOZENGES, ASPIRIN, ZIPLOCK BAGS, STAMPS, SMALL NOTEBOOKS, MAGAZINES, BOOKS, ASTRONOMY CHARTS, DVDS, HAND-HELD GAMES, NON-PERISHABLE FOODS (NO PORK PRODUCTS)

Drop off your donations anytime until May 16 at 4pm at Valley Bank in Kalispell, 41 3rd Street West. Properties Northwest in Kalispell at 1226 Whitefish Stage Road. Chuck Olson Real Estate in Whitefish at the corner of 6th and Spokane. Monetary donations for postage fees are greatly appreciated and needed! CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.


May 13
Trinity Lutheran Church in Kalispell will host the Red Cross Blood Drive on Tuesday, 2-6pm.


May 13
Spring Hunter and Bow hunter Education Classes are being scheduled for northwest Montana. All hunter and bow hunter education classes are free of charge and open to hunters and non-hunters alike. By state law, all first time bowhunters must pass the bowhunter education course in order to purchase a bow and arrow license. In Bigfork, register by calling Aaron Lasco at 756-5455. Classes will be held at the Ferndale Fire Hall, on May 13 and 15 from 6:30-9pm, and on Saturday, May 17, from 9am to 1pm.


May 13
In honor of National Women’s Health Week and the Heart Truth Campaign for women, Flathead Family Planning and the Flathead City-County Health Department will be sponsoring a women’s health screening and education day on Tuesday, May 13th. Health screening will be conducted from 7am to 4pm and will include free breast exams, oral cancer screening, bone density testing, HIV rapid testing, blood pressure checks, body fat testing and reduced cost cholesterol screening, blood glucose screening and immunizations. Personal health consultations on physical activity and nutrition will also be provided throughout the day. Join us for a day to celebrate women’s health. For more information, call 751-8154.


May 13
The Nurturing Center is offering a parent education program called Parents Who Care. This class will help parents discuss important issues with their teenagers, build stronger family bonds, and reduce many of the risks faced by teenagers today, including those contributing to substance abuse, delinquency, and violence. This six-session class is held on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm beginning May 13. Cost for the entire course is $30/single or $45 couple and is held at The Nurturing Center’s Carriage House. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to pre-register, call 756-1414 or E-Mail HERE


May 13
Flathead Valley Community College is giving FVCC students the opportunity to showcase their talents at "Tuesdays with Talent," a new weekly event that will take place every Tuesday at 7-8pm through May 13. Talents will vary from singing and dancing to voice recitals and directing stage or video. The event is free and open to the public and will take place in the FVCC Black Box Theatre located in the Arts and Technology Building. For more information, call 756-3906.


May 14
First Interstate Bank on Main Street in Kalispell will host the Red Cross blood Drive on Wednesday May 14, noon to 3pm.


May 14
Spinnaker in Lakeside will host a Musicians’ Jam on Wednesday. Hosted by Tammy Birk and Mike Perez. All variety of musicians welcome, bring your amp and instrument starting at 9pm. E-Mail HERE for more information


May 14
Kalispell Center Mall is pleased to announce the Read to Rover program. Each Wednesday from 3:30pm to 4:30pm, children read books to approved, licensed therapy dogs. This program allows children to improve reading skills. Borders Express is a proud sponsor of the Read to Rover program and each week, generously donates the books for the children to read.


May 15
The Wave in Whitefish will host the Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday May 15, noon to 5pm.


May 15
Whitefish Dirty Hands Farmers Market is Thursday from 4pm to 6:30pm at the Pin & Cue parking lot. Bedding plants, produce and more! This event will continue every Thursday through the summer. Call Joanne Barnes for more information 862-3451.


May 15
Agape Home Care has started a caregiver support group for professional caregivers and family caregivers. This is a brown bag lunch with beverages provided on the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 12-1pm. Meet at the United Way Conference Room at Gateway West Mall. Call 755-4633 for details.


May 15
To support the efforts of the Flathead Spay and Neuter Task Force, a fundraiser will be held on Thursday, May 15 at HuHot Restaurant in Kalispell from 5-8pm. The restaurant will donate 10% of the gross receipts for the evening to the Task Force. Bring your appetite and a friend, for a wonderful evening of good food and drink. For more information, contact the Flathead Spay & Neuter Task Force at 892-7387.


May 15
When your child asks sensitive questions about human sexuality do you panic or continually delay those important talks? Family planning has parent-teen programs to help you gain the confidence you need. A workshop for mothers and daughters, "Growing Up Female" will be offered May 15, 5:30 to 8:30pm, Conference Room, Flathead City-County Health Department, 1035 1st Avenue West, Kalispell. The workshop includes information, award-winning films, and discussion time. This is intended for girls 9-13 years of age and their mother. Seating is limited. Pre-registration required. Call 751-8150.


May 15
The Mother/Baby support group meets every Thursday from 1-2:30pm in the Birth Center at North Valley Hospital. Parents, mothers and babies are invited to discuss feeding choices and other issues. This is a free program.


May 15
You are invited to come hear what folks in Columbia Falls and Flathead County are doing to mentor youth. Our Redeemer Church, behind Pizza Hut in Columbia Falls, is sponsoring a presentation on May 15th at 7pm by Big Brothers and Sisters organization. Please call 752-0092 to RSVP.


May 15
The Board of County Commissioners are seeking citizens who are interested in serving on the Flathead County Library Board as a representative of the Whitefish area. There is currently one opening (5 year term) that will begin this July. An application packet is available by calling Karen Marr at 758-5821. Letters of interest and the application for the vacancy should be received no later than 5pm on May 15. Send to Flathead County Commissioners Office, 800 South Main, Kalispell, MT 59901.


May 16
The Red Cross blood drive on Friday May 16 is from 11am to 2pm at the center in Kalispell.


May 16
The Montana Office of Public Instruction is partnering with State Farm to help teenagers become better drivers. The Montana Driver In-Vehicle Education program will hold two one-day teen driver workshops on July 21-22 in Lewiston Montana. Teens will learn about, and practice, safe driving. Normally the workshop is $260, however teens can apply for a State Farm Driver Scholarship. CLICK HERE for a scholarship application and more details. Applications must be received by May 16.


May 16
Officials at Glacier National Park are seeking volunteers to work at the park’s Apgar Transit Center during the 2008 summer season. Volunteers will assist at the ATC’s outdoor plaza area and will provide transit orientation for the Going-to-the-Sun Road (Sun Road) shuttle service, general park transportation information, and other assistance to visitors entering on the park’s west side. Volunteers will generally work one six-hour shift per week during this year’s shuttle system operating season, July 3 through September 1, 2008. Volunteers will also be asked to attend two training sessions in June which will provide them with the necessary background and skills to assist visitors at the ATC.

For information about these positions or to obtain an application, please contact Debby Mensch at (406) 888-7935 or EMAIL HERE. Applications should be received by May 16, 2008.


May 17
It’s time for Semi-Pro Football! It’s the Glacier Knights’ last home game of the season vs. the Logan Stampede, 3pm at Columbia Falls High School. For more information visit www.glacierknights.com.


May 17
There will be a Gala Steak and Salmon Dinner and Auction to benefit the Northwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry on Armed Forces Day, Saturday May 17 at the Red Lion Ball Room, Kalispell Center Mall. Tickets are $50 per person or $400 for a reserved table of 8. Guest speaker is Major General Paul E. Vallely and Linda Ensign with One Cool Band. You may purchase tickets at Snappy’s Sports Senter in Kalispell, Rocky Mountain Bank in Bigfork, Western Building Center in Whitefish and the Veterans Food Pantry on Highway 35 East. Call 756-7304 for tickets or more information. All proceeds will go towards expanding their current building.


May 17
A benefit auction for Sara Noziska will be held on Saturday May 17 at the Packer’s Roost in Coram. Proceeds go towards helping Sara with medical expenses. Enjoy an auction and live music with “Out on Bail.” Donations for the auction are needed. Call 387-5533.


May 17
The Iron Fitness Spring Fling 5K Run/Walk is Saturday May 17th. The race starts at 9am. Registration begins at 7:30 am at Iron Fitness. It is a run/walk, and there will be t-shirts for all entries, as well as coffee and muffins after the race. We will also be holding a door prize raffle for everyone once every one has finished. Entry is $25. For questions, call Iron Fitness at 892-4766.


May 17
Everyone is invited to the Festivale Maggio, an Italian Dinner Fundraiser at Calvary Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 17 from 5:30-8:30pm. There will be chicken or beef lasagna, tossed green salad, bread sticks, dessert, punch and coffee. The cost is $6 per person, children 5 and under are free. Money from this fundraiser will go towards the cost of painting the church and replacing church doors. For more information, call 752-4102.


May 18
The Flathead Kennel Club AKC Sanctioned B-OB Match will be held Sunday, May 18 at Lawrence Park in Kalispell. Rally and puppy sweeps will be offered. There will be a raffle and silent auction. Registration is from 9-10:30am. Match entry fee is $5 for all entries. Jr Showmanship as an additional entry is free. Judging for puppy sweeps and obedience will be at 11am. Jr Showmanship, conformation, and rally to follow. For more information, call Suzie at 756-8230.


May 18
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Bison Range and the Mission Rangers Saddle Club is hosting an all day trail ride on Sunday, May 18th. The ride will start at 9 am and riders will head for the top of the bison range where there will be a barbecue, good views and other fun activities. The ride will end in the afternoon. $25 will cover the cost of organizing the ride. There will be free camping nearby on Saturday, May 17th for those who wish to get to their early and need a place to camp. Interested parties can contact Steve Morris by phone at (406)327-0555 for further details or by email at www.wealthoutfitters.com.


May 18
The Glacier Knights practice every Sunday at Noon at the Kalispell Athletic Club. In late Spring, after the snow melts, practices will be moved to an outdoor field. Anyone interested in playing for our team is welcome to come to practice, meet some of the players and coaches, and learn more about the Glacier Knights. For more information contact Will Wheat by emailing here or visit the website http://eteamz.active.com/glacierknights.


May 18
CASA for Kids needs additional volunteers to meet the growing demand for child advocates in court. For information on how to become a CASA volunteer or to make a tax deductible donation, call 755-7208.


May 18
Planning is underway for the North Valley Hospital Foundation’s 9th Annual M*A*S*H B*A*S*H on Friday, August 22, featuring a theme of dining, dancing, music, and entertainment from Around the World. Mark your calendar and plan to attend this event on the North Valley Hospital campus…come in military attire or fashions from anywhere in the world. Tickets are limited and may be purchased by calling 863-3630. Ticket prices are $65 each (tables of 8 may be reserved). Proceeds from this year’s fundraising event will be used to purchase specialized equipment for The Birth Center. Rifle raffle tickets are also on sale for $10/each or 3/$20 (rifle donated by Sportsman Ski Haus). Win a chance to ride on the Helicopter Fly-In (weather permitting) by purchasing a raffle ticket for $5/each; the winner will be chosen on August 15; fly-in is at 6pm on August 22 as we kick off this year’s event. (Raffle and event tickets are now available call 863-3630.)


May 18
Relay for Life is a team event to fight cancer by raising money and raising awareness. This year the Columbia Falls Relay will be June 20-21. Sponsors are still needed. In order to be included in the collateral materials such as the t-shirts and brochures, committments are needed by this Friday, May 2. Contact Jane Ratzlaff at EMAIL HERE or call 871-3720.


May 18
Hey animal lovers! A Bigfork group called 2nd Chance is doing all they can to raise money for the Flathead County Animal Shelter. They are currently accepting donations of all things useful and fun, to be sold at several large yard sales throughout the summer. All of the profits will go to your local animal shelter. It you don’t need it they would love to have it. The first sale will be held at the beginning of May, so get your Spring cleaning done and give them a call at 837-0934. There is a donation box located at 1126 McCaffery Road in Bigfork. You can drop off your stuff or they will pick it up.


May 18
Flathead CARE is seeking 7th Grade Students (those entering 8th grade in the Fall of 2008) for the 19th Annual CARE Youth Leadership Camp at Flathead Lake. The camp runs from June 17-20, at the Glacier Presbytery Camp, near Lakeside. There are limited spots and $100 scholarships still available. The camp focuses on the 40 Developmental Assets, a framework for helping youth grow up healthy, caring and responsible. Students work on building self-esteem, problem solving, self-motivation, leadership and healthy decision-making skills, and concludes with a Parent/Camper Workshop on the last afternoon of camp. There will also be exciting opportunities to develop new friendships, create skits, have evening campfires, participate in a talent show, and have a lot of fun!

Applications are available on the Flathead CARE website: www.flatheadcare.org, or by calling the Flathead CARE office at: 406-751-3970. The Flathead CARE Youth Leadership Camp is open to any and all students entering 8th grade this fall, and is a once in a lifetime opportunity and the most unique camp experience offered in the Flathead Valley. The camp is generously co-sponsored by Fun Beverage. Flathead CARE is a nonprofit organization committed to reducing the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs by youth in Flathead County. Since 1983, Flathead CARE has been promoting healthy lifestyle choices for local youth in area schools and the surrounding community.


May 19
The Red Cross blood drive on Monday May 19 is from 2pm to 6pm at the center in Kalispell.


May 20
Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kalispell will host the Red Cross blood drive on Tuesday, 2-6pm.


May 20
Kalispell MT Women’s Connection invites you to a buffet luncheon at the Outlaw Hotel on Hwy 93 S, Tuesday May 20, 11:30am-1pm. Cost is $12. For the program, Lori Heatherington of the Humane Society will present information on adopting homeless animals. Also Montana lady Berni Bailey had everything but was not happy. Come enjoy her energy and humor. For Reservations or Cancellations Call Jan 857-2467 or Pat at 844-2538. Complimentary childcare by reservation.


May 21
Flathead Electric Co-op in Kalispell hosts the Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday May 21 1-5pm.


May 21
Overcome your fear of public speaking. The Kalispell Toastmasters Club presents an Open House and Demonstration meeting on May 21 from noon to 1pm at First National Bank, next to Pizza Hut, Main Street, Kalispell. There is no charge to attend. Contact Catherine Webber at 755-4884 for more details.


May 22
The Red Cross blood mobile will be at Home Depot in Kalispell Thursday May 22, 11:30am-3:30pm.


May 23
First Interstate Bank in Whitefish will host the Red Cross Blood Drive on Friday May 23, 9am to noon.


May 23
The Beardance Club evening potlucks, which draw the local community together, are held the fourth Friday of each month. Members take turns hosting and decorating the clubhouse, and families from up and down the East Shore bring a variety of dishes to share with their neighbors. The Beardance Club raises funds and collects material donations throughout the year to provide two $300 college scholarships to Bigfork High School students, and to assist local charities. The club collects food bank and animal shelter donations throughout the winter as well.


May 24
Celebrate the arrival of summer in Seeley Lake, Montana. Join the festivities at the Community Hall on May 24 from 9-5 and around the Community on May 25th. Choose from a variety of activities, art for sale, demonstrations by artists, children’s art activities, raffles, nature talks and walks, soup in hand-thrown bowls, lunch that benefits the Seeley Lake Food Bank. For further information, call Martha at 793-5706 or Merrily at 754-3376, or visit www.alpineartisans.org.


May 25
Bill Kittredge, noted Missoula author will be reading from his book The Next Rodeo on Sunday, May 25th, 7pm at the Grizzly Claw Trading Company in Seeley Lake. This is the wrap up to Alpine Artisans Loon and Fish Festival. For a more detailed biography of Bill Kittredge and information about Alpine Artisans Loon and Fish Festival visit www.alpineartisans.org or contact Martha 793-5706 or Merrily 754-3376.


May 27
The Red Cross blood drive on Tuesday May 27 is from 2-6pm at the center in Kalispell.


May 27
The Flathead Building Association will hold its "Raise the Roof" public social starting at 5:30pm on Tuesday, May 27. The host will be Anderson’s Masonry Hearth and Home. They are located on the corner of Dillon Road and Hwy 40 in Columbia Falls, 2 miles from Hwy 93 North. Meet the staff and browse the yard to get some great ideas for your upcoming landscape and masonry projects. You will enjoy an evening of food, drink, and raffle giveaways. For more information, please contact FBA office at 752-2422.


May 27
The Museum at Central School in Kalispell will screen "Bringing Up Baby" May 27 at the Museum. Anyone may attend and there will be no charge. Donations will be accepted to help defray the cost of acquiring and showing the films. There will be free popcorn, sweet treats, and beer and wine for sale. Seating will be available, but folks are encouraged to bring along their own floor pillows, portable chairs, blankets, or whatever will make you comfortable for viewing the films.

The club’s historic films are selected from the National Film Registry and the "100 Greatest Films" list. The film club has free screenings at the Museum on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7 pm. If this sounds good, pass the word, plan to attend, and bring a friend. The Museum at Central School is located at 124 2nd Ave East in Kalispell. Call 756-8381 for more information.


May 28
The Polson Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will host the Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday March 28, noon to 5pm.


May 28
The Glacier National Park Fund and the Hockaday Museum of Art are pleased to host a launch party and dessert reception to debut George Ostrom’s new Glacier DVD on Wednesday May 28, from 7-9pm at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. George will provide a live narrative during the showing of this captivating DVD. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Hockaday Museum in Kalispell. Call 862-6110 or visit www.glaciernationalparkfund.org for details.


May 29
The Red Cross blood drive on Thursday May 29 is from 11am to 2pm and is for employees of North Valley Hospital.


May 30
The Red Cross blood drive on Friday May 30 is from 11am to 2pm at the center in Kalispell.


May 31
Browning Hospital will host the Red Cross Blood Drive on Saturday May 31, 11am to 3pm.


June 3
The Kalispell Noon Rotary Club announces the return of the nationally renowned ventriloquist/impressionist Terry Fator. Terry will perform at the Christian Center located at 255 Summit Ridge Drive in Kalispell on Tuesday, June 3 at 7:30pm. Tickets are available at all Glacier Banks and Flathead Banks in the Flathead Valley and Polson. Tickets are $35 for general admission and $79 for an opportunity to meet and greet Terry, and include a photo and reserved seating. Doors will open at 6pm for meet and greet tickets and 6:30pm for general admission. All proceeds go toward Kalispell’s Miracle Field, which is a baseball field built to accommodate the special needs of challenged youth and adults. For more information, call Rotary Club President Nancy Manning at 844-3369 or Michael Hayes at 253-2458.


June 5
Mothers-to-be and families are invited to tour the North Valley Hospital Birth Center the first Thursday of each month at 7pm. Refreshments will be served.


June 5
Parents and soon-to-be big brothers and sisters are invited to a preparation meeting the first Thursday of each month in the South Waiting Area at North Valley Hospital.


June 6
The 3rd Annual Rags to Riches Rummage Sale at Pope John Paul II Catholic Church in Bigfork is Friday June 6 8am-5pm and Sat (half price day) June 7 8am-2pm. Bake Sale, furniture, clothes, Many bargains, treasures for all ages.


June 6
The Flathead Valley Resource Parent Support Group meets twice monthly on the first Friday of the month at 9am and again on the following Monday at 6:30pm. Meetings are held at Family Concepts, 1070 North Meridian Road in Kalispell. For details or to RSVP, call Heidi at 897-2021 or Tony at 897-2086.


June 13
The Flathead Valley Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Auto-immune disease Support Group will meet Friday, at the Summit in Kalispell at 7pm. We meet the 2nd Friday of Every Month (7pm-9pm). For more information call 837-1055 or visit us at: www.montanalupus.org


July 17
The 2008 Miss Big Sky ProRodeo Roundup pageant held during Montana State Fair is currently accepting applications. The deadline for entering is July 14. Now in its fourth year, the Miss Big Sky ProRodeo Roundup contest will be held July 30 through August 2. Young ladies from eight years old to 22 years old can compete for three titles: Queen, Princess and Little Miss. Held during a four day competition, contestants in each age group will compete in horsemanship, personality, appearance, projection and speech, photo geniality and congeniality. Age categories are: Queen, 18-22 years old; Princess, 13-17 years old; Little Miss, 8-12 years old. Miss Big Sky ProRodeo Roundup Queen, Princess and Little Miss symbolize Montana women who wish to promote the sport of rodeo, while portraying sportsmanship, morality and strong ethics. Contestants should love horses, rodeo and people and want to be a leader in their communities.

They should have rodeo knowledge but it is not necessary to have rodeo competitive experience. They must be a Montana resident and single with no children. Winning royalty will represent the largest outdoor rodeo under the Big Sky for one year. The experience will offer opportunities and experiences of a lifetime. In addition to traditional royalty duties, Miss Big Sky ProRodeo Roundup will be required to ride in rodeo grand entries, parades, accept media interviews, sign autographs, and make special appearances statewide. Grizzly Saddlery, Great Falls, provides Miss Big Sky ProRodeo with a custom saddle and pair of chaps. Montana Silversmiths belt buckles, rhinestone crowns, pageant banners and additional prizes will be awarded to the category winners.

For an entry packet or additional information, please contact Pageant Director Lorell Heckman by E-MAILING HERE or by phone: 406-466-2004; or go online at montanastatefair.com. Entries are due July 14.

The Big Sky ProRodeo Roundup, sanctioned by the PRCA and presented by Big R Stores, is in its 77th year of the Montana State Fair. This year the Roundup expands to five full days of competition running Tuesday July 29 through Saturday August 2, 2008.