Lake County celebrates 250 with reenactment, parades and fireworks
KRISTI NIEMEYER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 month, 2 weeks AGO
The sun breaks through the clouds on Flathead Lake with the American Flag waving in the wind just before the celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Emily Messer/Leader)
Kristi Niemeyer learned her newspaper licks at weekly newspapers, beginning at the Mission Valley News in 1981, then at the helm of the Ronan Pioneer and, eventually, as co-editor of the Lake County Leader until 1993. She launched and co-published Lively Times, a statewide arts and entertainment monthly, before returning to the Leader in 2022, and serving as its editor until July 2026. Reach her at [email protected] | July 2, 2026 12:00 AM
Lake County celebrates the nation's 250th birthday with parades, fireworks and festivals in almost every town from Arlee to Polson.
The British are on the march again July 4, as the Polson VFW reenacts the battle of Lexington and Concord that ignited the Revolutionary War at 11:30 a.m. Saturday on Main Street in Polson
The marching Red Coats of the King are adults, while the ragtag rebel Colonialists are portrayed by children ages 8-14. Organizers say the best place to view the skirmish is between the Polson Elks and Showboat Cinema on either side of the street.
Polson's parade begins at noon, preceded by the Stars and Stripes bike ride.
The Polson Chamber of Commerce's fireworks extravaganza launches at dusk July 3 from Riverside Park. New this year is an Independence Eve Fireworks Festival, 6 p.m. July 3 at the Polson Fairgrounds grandstand. Live music and food trucks will be on hand prior to the fireworks display. There is an entry fee (although it's free for seniors, members of the armed services and kids 5 and under); no pets or outside alcohol or fireworks are allowed.
The “Happy Birthday U.S.A” Parade begins at noon July 4 at Arlee High School, with trophies awarded afterward at the Arlee Jocko Valley Museum, which also hosts a 250th Birthday Party, with cake, refreshments and yard games. The museum will also debut this year’s displays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Arlee Esyapqeyni Celebration at the Powwow Grounds includes dance and drum competitions July 3-5, with a Snake Dance July 4. The annual gathering showcases Indigenous culture with traditional dances, tribal games, and arts and crafts.
United We Stand is the theme for the annual parade in Charlo, which travels along Hwy. 212 at noon, led by the Marine Honor Guard. Sandy and Curt Coulter, who recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, are grand marshals. Nancy Vaughan's famed fry bread, as well as hamburgers, hot dogs and other food items, will be sold by local students and 4-Hers.
A Block Party runs from 3-7 p.m. on the Charlo school grounds and offers food vendors, a dunk tank, Bounce House, hot-dog eating contest, plus a DJ and place to dance.
Ronan's Independence Day Bash begins at 5 p.m. July 4 and features music by K’niption Fit at 7 p.m., food and a fireworks show at 10:30 p.m.
ARTICLES BY KRISTI NIEMEYER
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