Bigfork gearing up for the Fourth

Organizers are getting ready for Bigfork’s July 4 celebration.

The event is typically considered the biggest weekend of the year in the town by Bigfork Bay.

The parade at noon highlights the July 4 events, and Bruce Solberg, president of the Bigfork Area Chamber of Commerce noted there are some changes this year.

Parade entrants need to be lined up at Lake View Care Center by 11:40 a.m. the day of the event.

Traffic flow directors will be located between Flathead Bank and Her Alibi Salon on Grand Drive, Solberg said. These will also prevent the flow of traffic downtown starting at 11:30 a.m. Eastbound traffic will be allowed on Commerce Street. The chamber obtained a street closure permit from Flathead County that will allow it to tow vehicles parked downtown at 10 a.m.

The theme of this year’s parade is “Happy Birthday America.”

Other July 4 events include the third annual Freedom 5K Fun Run and Walk which starts at 8:30 a.m. at Brookies Cookies downtown and includes an up-and-back on the Swan River Nature Trail. Registration for the Fun Run begins at 7:30 a.m.

The Ducks for Bucks race will be held at 4 p.m. on the Swan River. There is a $200 prize for the first duck to finish the race, followed by $100 for second place and $50 for third. Duck tickets can be purchased at the chamber office, 8155 MT Hwy. 35, the Jug Tree, 483 Electric Ave., or call 837-5888.