Polson Brew Fest spread fun and music on Main Street in front of the Mission Valley Elks Club on Saturday. The annual fundraiser for Polson Rotary raises money for Polson youth groups, according to Rotary President Laura Dever.

Youths benefitting from this year’s largesse are: Mission Valley Aquatics and Fitness Youth Safety and Swim, Polson Pickleball Club’s Youth Program, Friends of the Children – Western Montana, and Polson Pirates Basketball Club.

Four breweries were on hand to provide samples of some of their tastiest brews — Glacier Brewery, Polson; Ronan Co-op Brewery; Flathead Lake Brewing Company, Kalispell; and Tamarack Brewery, Lakeside.

John from Flathead Lake Brewery said he brought some of their most popular beers, including a stout, an IPA and a lager.

All the brewery representatives knew their stuff and offered suggestions to brew tasters, who paid $35 for an entry band and unlimited samples. Brew sampler Mike Shoquist said he hadn’t tasted one he didn’t like so far.

The scent of burgers and brats on the grill filled the air. And since the Brew Fest is family friendly, soda and water were available to non-drinkers and kids.

As people were sipping brews and sodas, The Late Bloomers of Ronan were playing “fishin’, lovin’ and drinkin’” music. A swath of tents shielded brew fest goers and Rotarians from the sun and let in breezes. With music, beer, friends, and food, what more did a person need on a sunny Saturday afternoon?

The Rotarians always have an impressive raffle, sponsored by Duckworth Law Office, Edward Jones, Flying S Title and Escrow, Glacier Bank, Eagle Bank, Mission Bay Real Estate, Polson Bay Golf Club, Super 1 Foods. and Valley Bank.

Raffle winners are: Two 2026 Polson Bay Golf Course season passes, Tracie McDonald; $1,000 at Montana Marbled Meats, Bev Warren Leigh; $1,000 cash, Roger Smith; $1,000 worth of groceries at Super 1, Gail Nelson; and $1,000 worth of propane, Toni Whealon.

    Brewery representatives at the Rotary Brewfest talk beer during a lull in beer tasting. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
  

    Mary Lou and Mike Shoquist enjoy the Rotary Brew Fest on Saturday, August 9. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)