BobFest celebrates wilderness stewardship

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation is hosting its annual year-end celebration and fundraiser Oct.16 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds Expo Building.  

There will be dinner, drinks, raffles, auctions, wilderness-themed games, a photo booth and with live music by local folk-grass string band Mossy Rock Combo.  

Attendees can meet the evening's special guest — a string of mules that carry gear and supplies for the foundation’s volunteer crews; participate in crosscut saw competitions and watch manti wrapping demonstrations. A manty (or manti) is a canvas tarp used to wrap supplies hauled by the mules. 

Dinner will be a taco bar buffet prepared by The Salty Calf with dessert from Cere’s Bakery. A no-host bar will be sponsored by Sacred Waters Brewing Co. and Pack Mule Liquor. 

The raffle and silent and live auctions will feature a variety of art, outdoor gear, wilderness adventures and getaways and local handcrafted goods. 

The event will be from 5-9 p.m. at the Flathead County Fairgrounds Expo Building.  

Tickets are $50 for adults (ages 13 and up) and  $10 for youths ages 6-12. Children 5 and under are free. Tickets purchased after Oct. 11 are $60 for adults and $15 for youths. People may also reserve VIP tables by Oct. 12. Purchase tickets at bmwf.org/bobfest or call  

All proceeds go toward supporting the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation’s work to open trails, restore habitat and provide wilderness education. 

    Crosscut competitions are one of the wilderness activities planned for BobFest on Oct. 19. BobFest serves as a fundraiser for the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation. (Courtesy photo)