Sparkling celebrations: Fourth of July events create holiday fun

The United States is celebrating its 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4. Across the Flathead Valley and beyond, there are many ways to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday.

Kalispell 

The annual Fourth of July Parade in Kalispell is a favorite for the holiday. The Flathead Marines host the parade through downtown beginning at 10 a.m.  The parade travels from Center Street down Main Street past the Flathead County Historic Courthouse.  

The Flathead Valley Community Band holds a patriotic performance on July 4 at Depot Park. The program begins at about 10:30 a.m. following the parade.   

After the parade, head to the Conrad Mansion Museum grounds. The mansion is holding its annual Fourth of July Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social on July 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or until the ice cream runs out.

This event is open to the entire community with free ice cream provided by Norm’s Soda Fountain.   

Visitors can enjoy lawn games, barbecue, and $5 self-guided tours of the Conrad Mansion’s interior. Live music will be provided by Rob and Halladay Quist, performing in the mansion gazebo.

Following the parade, at Flathead County Library's Kalispell branch, Head Librarian Tony Edmundson will offer a lively reading of the Declaration of Independence on the front steps of the library. 

On July 3, the Glacier Symphony hosts its Symphony Night at Rebecca Farm.   

The outdoor symphony concert is a favorite summer tradition. This year's performance is a special "America 250" performance. 

Bring a chair or blanket to enjoy the music while watching the sunset. Food and drinks are available to purchase from vendors.   

Tickets are $30 for adult general admission and $15 for child general admission. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at 1010 W. Springcreek Road. Tickets can be purchased at glaciersymphony.org.

Bigfork

Head to Bigfork for the community’s annual Fourth of July Parade at noon. This year's theme is "American Eras" - Celebrating 125 years of Bigfork and 250 years of independence. The Grand Marshals are Don and Jude Thomson from the Bigfork Summer Playhouse. 

Parking for the parade will be in the field at the intersection of Montana 35 and 82. From this parking area only, a free shuttle service is available to downtown from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

Parking is not allowed downtown after 8 a.m. on July 4. There is limited handicapped parking with a decal at First Interstate Bank by reservation by calling 406-837-1600. 

The Bigfork Rodeo runs July 5-8, bringing professional rodeo to the Flathead Valley. Enjoy a fast-paced, high-energy rodeo. The event includes food vendors, a kids area, free parking and live music.   

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the rodeo begins at 7 p.m. The rodeo takes place at the Bigfork Montana Arena, 2840 Montana 82, Bigfork. For tickets, visit bigforkrodeo.com.  

Whitefish  

The 47th annual Whitefish Arts Festival is July 3-5 at Depot Park in downtown Whitefish. It is an event that has become a highlight for many over the Fourth of July weekend and is sponsored by Whitefish Christian Academy.  

The festival is open July 3 and July 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on July 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

The festival maintains a long tradition of high-quality arts and fine crafts. The festival draws top artists and craftspeople from all over the country who work across mediums from canvas art pieces to quality jewelry to unique sculpture and metal arts and everything in between.

The festival offers free admission to visit over 100 artist booths and food trucks. 

On July 4, Whitefish Parks and Recreation is holding a Fourth of July celebration at Whitefish City Beach with fireworks and food vendors. 

There will be numerous vendors at Whitefish City Beach on July 4. Vendors will open in the early evening and stay open until the fireworks start.  

The main City Beach parking lot will be closed to allow vendors to set up. Parking will be limited all day in and around City Beach.  

Traffic control will be set up by 7 p.m. on roads surrounding the beach area. The boat launch at City Beach will close at 7 p.m. Decontamination must be performed before launching in Whitefish Lake for watercraft that have ballast tanks or bags. The boat launch at Whitefish Lake State Park will close at 9 p.m. 

The fireworks, presented by the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce, will begin around 10:30 p.m. and will last approximately 30 minutes.  

The city of Whitefish is encouraging everyone to walk or bike to the beach to help alleviate parking and traffic congestion. The chamber is offering a shuttle, compliments of Rocky Mountain Transportation, from the O’Shaughnessy Center to City Beach from 7 to 10:30 p.m.  

Dogs are not allowed at City Beach in both the beach and park areas. No personal fireworks, alcohol, or glass containers are allowed.  

Lakeside 

The Lakeside Fourth of July Fireworks Show is a touchstone summer event on Flathead Lake and an annual family tradition for many generations. This unique show launched from a floating barge off the shore of Lakeside brings excitement to both locals and visitors alike.  

The fireworks show begins at 10:30 p.m. and can be viewed from Lakeside Marina or from watercraft on Flathead Lake. 

Troy 

Troy's Old Fashioned Fourth of July shouldn't be missed. Start the day off with breakfast at the park, 9 a.m. The best parade in Lincoln County starts at 11 a.m. and runs right down the highway in beautiful Troy. 

Head back to Roosevelt Park to hear music, shop food and craft vendors, and look at the classic car and hot rod show presented by Troy Cruisers on the lawn. In the late evening dusk, sit back and enjoy the largest fireworks display around. 

Polson 

Polson's Fourth of July celebration begins with the highly anticipated fireworks show over Flathead Lake on July 3 at Riverside Park. Then on July 4, the Little Stars & Stripes Ride parade just for kids begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Lake County Health Building before the community parade at noon. Private fireworks shows light up Polson Bay in the evening. 

Ronan 

The Independence Day Bash is in Ronan on July 4, beginning at 5 p.m. The evening includes live music with K'niptin Fit, food, community celebration and a fireworks show. Live music will be at 7 p.m., and fireworks will be at 10:30 p.m.

Charlo 

Begin the day with a pancake breakfast at the Charlo Senior Center from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., hosted by the Charlo Moiese Volunteer Fire Department. 

This year's parade, with a theme of "Freedom," goes through Charlo at noon July 4. The parade, which typically loops through town twice, will showcase floats, antique vehicles, fire department equipment, horses and more. A Block Party will run from 3-7 p.m. on the Charlo school grounds and offers vendor booths, a dunk tank, bounce house, and a hot-dog eating contest, plus a DJ and a place to dance.