Horses walking the route, chickens on floats and shiny cars driving along to the delight of youngsters and adults gathered in downtown Kalispell. The Northwest Montana Fair Parade returns Friday, Aug. 9.  

After a multi-year hiatus, the Northwest Montana United Way is bringing the parade back. It takes place along Main Street starting at Center Street at 10 a.m. before proceeding south to the historic Flathead County Courthouse.  

The Fair Parade hasn't been held since 2021.  

Jodie Cross, executive director of the United Way, said the community response to the return of the parade has been overwhelmingly thankful and supportive. As of Monday, there were about 25 entries, and more were still coming in.  

“Hosting the parade fits in with the United Ways mission is to connect the community to build a brighter tomorrow,” Cross said. “We also hyper focus on children and we want to support the kids in FFA and 4-H in their fair endeavors with the parade.” 

The theme of the parade matches the fair theme of “Exploring Montana’s Best.” The Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo runs Aug. 13-18 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.  

Sam Nunnally, fair manager, praised the United Way for hosting the parade.  

“The Fair Parade has been greatly missed by our community, and it has been my mission to bring it back,” Nunnally said. “It’s phenomenal that United Way has stepped up to the plate to revive this tradition so we can all come together to enjoy and celebrate an exceptional kick-off to the 2024 Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo.” 

The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce in 2021 decided to end its production of future parades, including the Northwest Montana Fair Parade. 

The Flathead Marines took over the Fourth of July Parade. And Kruise Kalispell hosted the Fair Parade in 2021.

Deputy Editor Heidi Desch may be reached at 758-4421 or [email protected].