Fourth of July events in Whitefish

Over the Independence Day holiday, Whitefish will again be host to a fun-filled weekend.

Throughout July 1-3, the 43rd annual Whitefish Arts Festival will take over downtown in Depot Park. The event sponsored by the Whitefish Christian Academy is an annual favorite throughout the Northwest.

Artists from across the country are represented in the event. From metal sculptures to paintings and photography and much more are all among the featured fine arts. All of the art is handmade.

On July 4, the fun will continue as the Whitefish Parks and Recreation Department hosts the Fourth of July Celebration at City Beach. This is a full-day celebration that features fireworks and food vendors. There are plentiful vendors including shaved ice, mini-doughnuts, kettle corn, ice cream, corndogs, and barbecue. Vendors will be open in the early evening and stay open until the fireworks start.

Parking will be limited all day around City Beach on July 4. The city encourages patrons to walk, bike or take the free shuttle bus service, compliments of Rocky Mountain Transportation, which will run between downtown Whitefish and City Beach from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The busses will load on Central Avenue, in front of the O'Shaughnessy Arts Center.

The firework show sponsored by the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce will begin at dusk and a large fireworks display will be shot off from a barge in Whitefish Lake. The best viewing is from areas surrounding the lake like City Beach or on the water on individual boats.

The City of Whitefish reminds everyone to be safe and considerate of neighbors while celebrating the holiday. Fireworks can only be discharged between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. on July 3 and from 11 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on July 4.

See cityofwhitefish.org for more information on fireworks and the celebrations.