Today

3 Flathead Chapter Montana Native Plant Society wildflower field trip to Lake Mountain. Strenuous three-mile hike with over 1,500-feet elevation gain. Meet at Dire Wolf Pub at 8 a.m. on Wisconsin Avenue in Whitefish. Contact Rebecca Durham, 249-6353.

3 Eureka Montana Outdoor Quilt Show 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Quilt raffle. Food and quilt vendors on site. Call 406-889-3791.

3 Glacier RC'ers host the Mountain Thunder Jet Rally with radio-controlled jets from across the West 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Field is located just of Whitefish Stage Road one and a half miles south of Montana 40 intersection. Signs will be posted. $5 parking fee handled by Civil Air Patrol.

3 Flathead County High School Class of 1961 45th reunion continues today. No-host ladies luncheon 11:30 a.m. Scotty's Bar. Dinner buffet at 7 p.m. at Mackinaw's Grill in Somers. Call Nola, 752-6813; or Nadine, 755-6231.

3 Historic Downtown Troy Day 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Signs will describe history of buildings. Streets closed to vehicles. Visitors welcome to wander flea market. Concessions available.

3 28th annual Festival of the Arts, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday, downtown Bigfork.

3 Flathead Conservation District, Flathead Lakers and Montana Watercourse free "Living by Water" workshop and tour for landowners who live near waterways, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Vocational Agriculture School, FFA Drive, Kalispell. Topics include stream bank erosion, how to minimize impacts, legal aspects of working in stream habitats. Tour of Stillwater River project and sack lunch included. Limited enrollment. To register, call Patti Mason, FCD education outreach specialist, 752-4220.

3 Humane Society of Northwest Montana Volunteer Orientation 10:30 a.m., at the Humane Society, 3499 U.S. 93 N., Kalispell. Call 752-PAWS.

3 Meredith Brokaw signs copies of her cookbook, "Big Sky Cooking," 2-4 p.m. Chris' Tea Cottage, 504 River Ave., downtown Bigfork. Call 837-4900.

Sunday

3 Glacier RC'ers hosts the Mountain Thunder Jet Rally with radio-controlled jets from across the West continues today 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Field is located just of Whitefish Stage Road one and a half miles south of Montana 40 intersection. Signs will be posted. $5 parking fee handled by Civil Air Patrol.

3 28th annual Festival of the Arts, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday, downtown Bigfork.

Monday

3 Flathead County Weeds/Parks board public hearing on reconsideration of park improvements at Lake Hills Park in Bigfork, 8 a.m., department office, 1257 FFA Drive, Kalispell.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., at the center's new location, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

3 The Glacier Stamp Club meets in the basement meeting room of the Flathead County Library, Kalispell. Stamp trading and talk begin at 7 p.m.; the regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. Visitors are welcome.

Tuesday

3 Bigfork Edward Jones representatives offer a free video program, "How to Make Your Home Fit Your Lifestyle," 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at area offices. Call a local representative to reserve a seat.

3 AARP Driver Safety Program for all drivers age 50 and older, 1 to 5 p.m. today and Aug. 9, Lakeside Chapel, Lakeside. $10 course fee. Call 257-3251 to register.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-5:30 p.m., Lakeside Elementary.

3 Creston School board meets at 4:30 p.m. in the school library. Public welcome.

3 Open house for Oncology Resource Center at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, 5-6:30 p.m. 343, Sunnview Lane. Tours. Refreshments. Public invited. Contact Corey Campbell toll-free at 1-877-488-7723, option 3.

3 Red Cross certified course in Adult CPR, 6:30 p.m., at the office, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Cost $30. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

3 Public hearing on Flathead County Public Growth Policy draft with Planning board, 6-9 p.m., Red Lion Hotel, 20 N. Main, Kalispell.

3 Back Country Horsemen of the Flathead meet at 7:30 p.m., Fish, Wildlife and Parks Building, 490 North Meridian Road. Public welcome. Call Don at 862-6955.

Wednesday

3 Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the center's new location, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Sponsored by KOFI Radio.

3 Children's Story Hour is at 10:30 a.m. in the children's department of the Flathead County Library in Kalispell, 247 First Ave. E. Call 758-5822.

3 Flathead Mental Health Local Advisory Council meets from 12:30-2 p.m. at The Summit conference room in Kalispell. Guy Bateman, Montana Mental Health Association board member is guest speaker. Public welcome.

3 Evergreen School District board meets at 6:30 p.m. in the administration building boardroom.

Thought

"We are all snobs of the Infinite, parvenus of the Eternal." n James Gibbons Huneker, American author and critic (1860-1921).

3 Red Cross certified course in First Aid Basics, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at the office, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Cost $30. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

3 Polson Rural Fire District board meets 7 p.m., Big Arm Fire Hall.

Thursday

3 Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., Troy Methodist Church.

3 Bigfork Art & Cultural Center's ninth annual Antiques Show and Sale, Aug. 10-12, Bethany Lutheran Church, 8559 Montana 35, Bigfork. Opening preview 4-8 p.m. today with catered fare and early buying privileges. Tickets $20. Sale 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 11-12. Admission $5. Call 837-6927; or Marnie at 837-6927.

3 Soroptimist International of Bigfork Summer Soiree, "Battle of the Bleus" 5-7 p.m., The Pavilion, Harbor Village, 60 Marina Way, Bigfork. Wine and cheese tasting, music by Andre Floyd. Tickets $35 per person, available at The Jug Tree, Nan's Cafe, Bigfork Drug and The Stone Chair, all in Bigfork. Call Winnie Greenshields, 837-7601.

University of Montana Alumni Association event 5:30-7:30 p.m. Conrad Mansion, Kalispell. $15 includes hors d'oeuvres, two beverages. Entertainment by Rob Quist and Great Northern. Call 1-877-862-5867.

3 Public hearing continues on Flathead County Public Growth Policy draft with Planning board, 6-9 p.m., Red Lion Hotel, 20 N. Main, Kalispell.

3 American Cancer Society Road to Recovery Program volunteer training class, 6-7 p.m., The Summit, Kalispell. RSVP to Corey Campbell, toll-free at 1-877-488-7723.

Friday

3 Buffalo Hill Terrace Table Sale 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 40 Claremont St., Take U.S 93 to Conway Drive, turn east toward KRMC and right at ALERT helipad. Homemade cinnamon roles. All proceeds benefit Resident Association.

3 Valley Cruisers annual Car Show 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today through Aug. 13, Polson. Free Bop-a-Dips concert 7 p.m. at the beach party. Show and Shine 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 12, followed by fairgrounds concert at 7 p.m. with Jan and Dean, and fireworks.

3 Polson Festival Days today through Aug. 13. Carnival 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; art festival 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

3 Lone Pine's Little Saplings program, "From an Ant's Perspective," for ages 4-7, 10:30 a.m., Lone Pine Interpretive Center. Stories, hands-on activities. Bring weather-appropriate clothing.

3 Bigfork Art & Cultural Center's ninth annual Antiques Show and Sale, today and Aug. 12, Bethany Lutheran Church, 8559 Montana 35, Bigfork. Hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Admission $5. Call 837-6927; or Marnie at 837-6927.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the center's new location, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

3 Whitefish Huckleberry Days today through Aug. 13. Art festival noon to 8 p.m. Aug. 11; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 12; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 13. Credit Union Park, activities for kids begin 3 p.m. Whitefish City Beach, barn dance 8 p.m. Bar W Guest Ranch, 2875 U.S. 93 N, all Aug. 11. Pancake breakfast 8 a.m. to noon Mountain Mall, flea market, huckleberry ice cream cones, Aug. 12, Mountain Mall, all Aug. 12.

A Look Ahead

3 Swan Lake Huckleberry Festival, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 12. Music by Roy Wilhelm, arts and crafts, silent auction, raffle, huckleberry baking contest at 11 a.m., kids games 1 p.m. Proceeds benefit Swan Lake Volunteer Fire Department, Swan Mission Search and Rescue, Swan Lake Community Club. Call Swan Lake Trading Post, 406-886-2303.

3 Valley Cruisers annual Car Show 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. continues today through Aug. 13, Polson. Show and Shine 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 12, followed by fairgrounds concert at 7 p.m. with Jan and Dean, and fireworks.

3 Polson Festival Days today through Aug. 13. Carnival 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; art festival 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

3 Kalispell Center Mall and the Kalispell Downtown Association present The Dog Days of Summer Aug. 12. Seminars of canine care and ownership 9:30-11 a.m. Depot Park; dog parade 11 a.m. to noon Main Street; dog show and awards 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Depot Park. Photo and art contest with awards, 3 p.m. Call Meg, 752-5052.

3 Judy Moore, dog behaviorist and author, gives a free presentation on non-punishing, therapeutic dog training, 11 a.m. Aug. 12, Flathead County Library. All welcome.

3 Big Sky Hunting Retriever Club demonstration on retriever training, Aug. 12, on the grounds of the Creston Fish Hatchery, one mile north of Montana 35 near Creston Hatchery Road and Kauffman Lane. Look for signs. Gates open 9:30 a.m., activities begin 10 a.m. Bring a chair. No pets allowed. Lunch served followng event.

3 Bigfork Art & Cultural Center's ninth annual Antiques Show and Sale, continues Aug. 12, Bethany Lutheran Church, 8559 Montana 35, Bigfork. Hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission $5. Call 837-6927; or Marnie at 837-6927.

3 Whitefish Huckleberry Days continues today through Aug. 13. Art festival 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 12; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 13. Pancake breakfast 8 a.m. to noon Mountain Mall, flea market, huckleberry ice cream cones, Mountain Mall, all Aug. 12.

3 Mountain Brook Community Library, 2353 Foothill Road, pie social and auction fundraiser 6-9 p.m. Aug. 12. Artwork, jewelry, and items for sportsmen and handymen to be auctioned. Entertainment by Siddling Fiddling Friends, 7:30 p.m.

3 Body, Mind and Spirit Fair Aug. 12-13, Bulldog Convention Center, Kalispell. AERO, (Alternative Energy resources Organization) a grassroots organization, will present a three-member panel discussion addressing, "A Blueprint for remodeling Our Energy Habits," 11 a.m. Aug. 12. Lawrence Kennedy lectures on the topic, "Beyond an Inconvenient Truth," at 1 p.m. with a two-part keynote workshop to follow. Admission for both days $8. Workshop fees $20 each, or $33 for both. Sponsored by NEU Celebration of Helena, 406-227-8401.

3 Flathead Audubon field trip Aug. 13 to view migrant shorebirds with Dan Casey. Meet at 9 a.m. at west end of Tidyman's parking lot to carpool. Bring binoculars/scope, lunch and water. Everyone welcome.

3 Friends of Blanchard Lake eighth annual meeting 4 p.m. Aug. 13, 675 Leksand Trail (west side of Blanchard Lake). Potluck hors d'oeuvres follows. Bring beverage of choice. Soft drinks provided. Call Cameron Blake, 862-6547; or Helen Cates, 863-6579.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., Aug. 14 at the center's new location, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

3 The Flathead Conservation District meets at 7 p.m., Aug. 14, 141 Interstate Lane, behind JoAnn Fabrics, in Evergreen. Call 752-4220.

3 Buffet luncheon 11:30 a.m., Aug. 15, Red Lion Hotel Kalispell. Denise Mischke from Budget Framing presents a demonstration, "Framing Our Priceless Treasures." Guest speaker Pauletta Staley's topic is "The Secret Key." Cost is $10. RSVP to Pat at 844-2538 or Rosainne at 257-8098. Complimentary child care by reservation. Sponsored by the Kalispell Women's Connection and Stonecroft Ministries.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-5 p.m., Aug. 15, Flathead Electric Cooperative, Kalispell.

3 Kila School board budget workshop 4:45 p.m. Aug. 15, followed by trustee meeting 5:30 p.m.

3 Big Sky Bonsai Society meets at 7 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Flathead County Library in Kalispell. Free and the public is invited. Jerry Meislik will lecture and demonstrate special bonsai techniques. Contact Meislik at 862-0387.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Aug. 16, St. John's Hospital, Libby.

3 Red Cross certified course in Adult CPR and Standard First Aid, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 16 at the office, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Cost $30. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

3 Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., Aug. 17, Libby VFW.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to noon p.m., Aug. 18, Christian Center, Kalispell.

3 Lone Pine's Little Saplings program, "Midnight Munchers," for ages 4-7, 10:30 a.m., Aug. 18, Lone Pine Interpretive Center. Stories, hands-on activities. Bring weather-appropriate clothing.

3 Seeley Lake Challenge Triathlon, Aug. 19. Registration 8 a.m. Race begins 9 a.m. Start at Riverpoint Campground. Swim 300 yards, bike 13.3 miles, run 3.3 miles. Cost $25. Fundraiser for families of spinal muscular atrophy. Call 406-677-2880.

3 Eighth annual Polson Fly-in Aug. 19 Polson City Airport. Breakfast 8 a.m.; lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

3 22nd annual Polson Soroptimist Wine Festival 7-10 p.m. Aug. 19, Polson City Airport. Entertainment by Montana Light Jazz Trio. Live and silent auctions. Tickets $25 available at The Terrace Flowers, The Crows Nest Art Gallery, or call 883-2668 or 1-800-845-4251.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., Aug. 21 at the center's new location, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

3 Red Cross blood drive, noon to 4 p.m., Aug. 22 Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

3 Red Cross certified course in Adult CPR, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 22 at the office, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Cost $30. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

3 Red Cross blood drive, noon to 4 p.m., at Lowe's, Kalispell.

3 Red Cross certified course in First Aid Basics, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 23 at the office, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Cost $30. Call 752-6433 to pre-register.

3 Red Cross blood drive, noon to 4 p.m., Aug. 24, in the bloodmobile, at LC Staffing, Kalispell.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Aug. 25, in the bloodmobile at Albertson's, Kalispell.

3 Seventh annual M.A.S.H. Bash, 6 p.m. Aug. 25, 1600 River Lakes Parkway. Call 863-3630 for tickets.

3 Workshop for kids and teens with diabetes, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 28. The Summit, Kalispell. Registration 9:30 a.m. Games, activities, cooking for kids, diabetes in sports and other topics will be covered. Call 751-5454.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., Aug. 28 at the center's new location, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

3 AARP Driver Safety Program for all drivers age 50 and older, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 28 and 29, St. John's Lutheran Hospital, Libby. $10 course fee. Call 406-293-0100 to register.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., Aug. 28, at the center's new location, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

3 Red Cross blood drive, noon to 5 p.m., Aug. 29, Eureka Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

3 Red Cross Pint for a Pint blood drive, 2-6 p.m., Aug. 30 at the center's new location, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Sponsored by Meadow Gold Dairy.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aug. 31, TeleTech, Kalispell.

3 Diabetes Support Group meets 5-7 p.m. Sept. 6, The Summit, Kalispell. Topic is "Know Your Numbers," presented by Colleen Karper. Refreshments, snacks. Free glucose meters to participants. Call 751-5454.

3 19th annual Taste of Whitefish, 6-9 p.m. Sept. 7, O'Shaughnessy Center and Credit Union Park, 1 Central Ave., rain or shine. Tickets available at Whitefish Chamber of Commerce, 520 E. Second St., for $35 each. Call 862-3501.

3 Civil Air Patrol, Flathead Composite Squadron meets 6:30-9 p.m. Thursdays, (Sept. 7) Montana National Guard Armory, 2989 U.S. 93 N, Kalispell, north entrance. Youth ages 12 and up welcome. Aerospace lessons, march/drill exercises, fly-ins and more. Call Lt. Dave Brim, 257-7547; Lt. Kevin Kasperson, 756-5959.

3 18th annual Bigfork Ducks Unlimited banquet Sept. 14, Marina Cay Resort, Bigfork. Social hour 5 p.m. Dinner 6 p.m. Tickets $50 single; $75 per couple. Includes dinner and one year membership and entry in gun raffle. Live and silent auctions and raffles. Call John Robinson, 249-4198; or Mark Manders, 837-3242.

3 Kalispell Lions Club and KRMC's Diabetes Care Program Walk for Diabetes fundraiser, Sept. 16, Lawrence Park.

3 Pope John Paul II Catholic Church, 195 Cloverdell Road, Bigfork, Oktoberfest noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 1. German food, beer and wine. Music by Don Lawrence Band. Tickets available at the door. Proceeds benefit local charities. Call Dan or Donna Danz at 892-2435.

3 Civil Air Patrol, Flathead Composite Squadron meets 6:30-9 p.m. Thursdays, (Oct. 5) Montana National Guard Armory, 2989 U.S. 93 N, Kalispell, north entrance. Youth ages 12 and up welcome. Aerospace lessons, march/drill exercises, fly-ins and more. Call Lt. Dave Brim, 257-7547; Lt. Kevin Kasperson, 756-5959.

3 Civil Air Patrol, Flathead Composite Squadron meets 6:30-9 p.m. Thursdays, (Nov. 2) Montana National Guard Armory, 2989 U.S. 93 N, Kalispell, north entrance. Youth ages 12 and up welcome. Aerospace lessons, march/drill exercises, fly-ins and more. Call Lt. Dave Brim, 257-7547; Lt. Kevin Kasperson, 756-5959.