Whitefish Summer Games this weekend

Hundreds of athletes are set to converge in Whitefish this weekend for the 35th annual Whitefish Summer Games.

The original spirit of the games — camaraderie and fun — will be on full display at each of the dozen events that are free for spectators to attend. Games start Saturday, Sept. 12 and continue through Sunday.

The original summer games started in 1981 as a way to extend the Whitefish tourist season beyond Labor Day. At its peak in the 80s, thousands took part in dozens of sports. The event has come and gone over the years, with soccer the only sport to carry on continuously.

Still a big draw today, the womens soccer tournament is considered the anchor event of the Games. Sixteen teams and 300 players from across the region are slated to play at Smith Fields and Grouse Mountain Fields on both Saturday and Sunday.

The fast-growing sport of pickleball also brings in a big field of players. The new courts at Memorial Park will be the venue for the womens, mens and mixed-doubles tournament on both Saturday and Sunday.

A hub of activity will be at the Whitefish Community Foundation’s Great Fish 5k Color Run at Depot Park on Saturday. The fun race/walk begins at 10 a.m., so sign up now to support local nonprofits at www.greatfishchallenge.org.

Following the color run, hang out at the park for the community nonprofit fair, the diaper derby at 11:30 a.m., and live music all day.

Other events confirmed for the weekend include mens and senior soccer at Smith Fields, softball at the Armory, hockey at the Stumptown Ice Den, horseshoes at the Moose Lodge, and rugby at Grouse Mountain Fields. Goldfish races and a beer pong tournament highlight the evening fun at Casey’s downtown on Saturday and Sunday.

A complete schedule is online at www.wfsummergames.com.

The Whitefish Pilot has helped organize the Games this summer.