Hootenanny supports Whitefish Trail

With over 40 miles of trail on the ground and plans for a new trail in Haskill Basin underway, the Whitefish Trail has hit its stride and is celebrating with their annual Whitefish Trail Hootenanny event on Friday, Aug. 26 in Depot Park in downtown Whitefish from 5 to 9 p.m. All ages are welcome and festival-goers are encouraged to walk or ride their bikes to the event.

The annual music festival and family dance party fundraising event will feature the Jeff Austin Band, The Hasslers and Moonshine Mountain this year.

Headliner Jeff Austin was the leader of nationally acclaimed Yonder Mountain String Band for over a decade before venturing out with his own band JAB.

After winning the Red Ants Pants emerging artist contest in 2014, local Missoula Americana alt-country troubadours The Hasslers relocated to the Pacific Northwest this year, getting their feet wet in the big city music scene, playing venues weekly in Seattle and Portland, and recording their full-length album, “State Center.”

Flathead Valley’s favorites Moonshine Mountain will be opening the festival with their talented songwriting, high-energy sound and harmonies that keep local dance floors packed.

Kid’s activities will include a bike obstacle course, climbing rock wall, painting station and more. Food trucks and beverages will be available for purchase.

Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the gate, with kids 12 and under free. Tickets can be purchased at the Great Northern Brewery, Sportsman & Ski Haus, Great Northern Cycle + Ski and Glacier Cyclery.

The fundraising event is made possible by sponsors Don K Subaru, First Interstate Bank, Glacier Park Realty, Edward Jones Investments, Great Northern Bar & Grill and Craggy Range Bar & Grill. Alaska Airlines, Paddlefish Sports and Great Northern Cycles have donated raffle prizes including airline tickets, a paddleboard and a bike. Great Northern Brewery is providing the beer.

A promotion to win a Hootenanny VIP Package is planned to encourage trail users and supporters to invest in their yearly Whitefish Trail friend pledge before Aug. 23. The VIP package includes tickets for the winner and five friends, pre-party at the Great Northern Brewery, WT stainless steel cups, pizza, beer and VIP seating at the event.

For more information call 862-3880 or visit www.whitefishlegacy.org.