Hootenanny, BrewFest events set for next weekend canceled
HEIDI DESCH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 11 months AGO
DEPUTY EDITOR, FEATURES Heidi Desch is the Deputy Editor at the Daily Inter Lake, overseeing coverage of arts, culture, lifestyle, community, and business. Desch leads reporters in developing stories that highlight the people, traditions, and events shaping Northwest Montana, guiding content across print and digital platforms. With more than 20 years of journalism experience, including serving as managing editor of the Whitefish Pilot, Desch is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism. She has received multiple Montana Newspaper Association awards, including part of the team leading the Daily Inter Lake to Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. IMPACT: Heidi’s work connects readers with stories that deepen the understanding of the community beyond daily news. | August 13, 2021 1:00 PM
Two events planned for Whitefish next weekend have been canceled due to the increase of COVID-19 cases in recent weeks in the Flathead Valley.
Whitefish Legacy Partners has canceled the 2021 Whitefish Trail Hootenanny originally scheduled for Friday, Aug. 20 at Depot Park. Big Mountain Commercial Association has also canceled the Summer SNOW Bus BrewFest scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 21 also at Depot Park.
Event organizers say the risks to the community were too great to continue the events.
“As disappointed as we are to cancel this loved family event, with our hospitals reaching capacity and kids getting ready to go back to school, we felt it was necessary to stand with our local healthcare workers, families, educators, and already stressed service industry,” said Mike Jopek, Whitefish Legacy Partners board chair.
A full refund of pre-sale tickets for the Hootenanny is being offered. Raffle tickets can still be purchased for a chance to win airline tickets, a season ski pass, gift cards, and more or donate directly to Whitefish Legacy Partners through the Great Fish Community Challenge.
“I commend WLP’s leadership to cancel the Whitefish Trail Hootenanny. With such a sharp increase in COVID-19 infections, their decision to cancel such a large gathering will help prevent further community spread and also support our frontline workers,” said Mayor John Muhlfeld.
The BrewFest is a fundraiser for the Big Mountain Commercial Association’s free SNOW Bus.
“It is with great sadness that we once again have had to cancel our premier fundraising event of the season,” the BMCA posted on its website. “You can still support free public transportation in Whitefish by donating or joining the BMCA.”
In person ticket purchase refunds for the BrewFest are available at the Whitefish Mountain Resort guest and information center, Sportsman and Ski Haus in Kalispell and Bonsai Brewing Project in Whitefish. Those who purchased online tickets will receive a refund email.
ARTICLES BY HEIDI DESCH
Whitefish City Council set to approve draft budget
Whitefish City Council on Monday is poised to approve a $63.4 million preliminary budget for fiscal year 2027.
Whitefish considers annexation for land on south entrance
Whitefish City Council on Monday will decide whether to annex about 18 acres of land on the south entrance of the city.
Senior Spotlight: Glacier High School student looks to use science to help others
Knowing she wanted to help others, there was a time when Anitha Ravipati considered pursuing a career as a medical doctor. But applying her science acumen during an internship last summer opened the possibility of assisting through research.