Ninth annual Rotary Great Bear Festival planned

The Kalispell Noon Rotary and Daybreak Rotary Clubs host the Ninth annual Great Bear Festival Aug. 8 at the Wachholz College Center's O'Shaughnessy Outdoor Amphitheater. 

The festival, which will be held from 3 to 8 p.m., includes activities for all ages, such as a free throw contest, a dunk tank with local "celebrities," climbing wall, scavenger hunt, lawn games, art corner, maker station, K-9 patrol demonstrations and the Great Beer Stein Competition.  

There will be food trucks on-site, and adults can sample local and regional beers, hard ciders and wines. There will be live music, with headliner Tommy Edwards and Man with a Box performing from 5:30 to 8 p.m. 

All proceeds support Rotary community programs including Rotary Basketball, RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awakening) Camp, high school scholarships, nonprofit grants, the Ashley Creek Park inclusive playground and international projects that provide clean water, sanitation, educational opportunities and economic development.    

"The Great Bear Festival has become one of the Flathead Valley's favorite traditions because it brings people together for summertime fun and gives back to the community we love," said Kalispell Rotary Club President Darla Harmon. "Every ticket purchased helps Rotary make a lasting difference here at home and around the world." 

 Tickets are $30 for adults 21 and up, which includes four drink tickets and $15 for teens and young adults ages 13-20, which includes one non-alcoholic drink ticket. Children 12 and under are free. The first 100 children will receive goodie bags and a soft drink ticket.  

Tickets may be purchased at greatbearfestival.com or wccmt.org.