A Kalispell Christmas tradition

Inter Lake editorial

There could be as many as 2,000 hungry people in Kalispell Saturday, but you don't have to call out the National Guard; they will already be there.

This isn't a food riot; it's a feast, and the 495th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion of the Montana Army National Guard is the host for the annual dinner, which is expected to draw its largest crowd ever.

The proportions of such a meal are staggering, but the U.S. Army has always done things in a big way, so there's no reason to be surprised. There will be turkey and ham galore, as well as all the usual trimmings, and approximately 100 volunteers will be on hand to serve those in attendance.

The idea of this tradition is to pay back the community for its support of the National Guard, but clearly the support goes both ways. The 495th is the last Guard unit in the state still carrying on with a community dinner, and considering how much work it takes, this is a huge commitment.

Lots of businesses and individuals help make it happen with generous contributions, but it also needs participation by hungry folks to make it all worthwhile. So show up with a healthy appetite at the Kalispell Armed Forces Reserve Center at 2989 U.S. 93 North anytime between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday.

Thanks to Lt. Col. Mark Boettcher and the rest of the unit for helping to keep this tradition alive and growing.

There was good news and bad news this week from Whitefish Mountain Resort.

The good news, of course, is that the ski season finally has started.

It's just a small start - two runs on the back side of Big Mountain - but it's a welcome sign for those craving downhill winter recreation. The late arrival of snow has been vexing for those ready to venture down the slopes.

If the weather finally cooperates, Whitefish Mountain Resort will be able to open more terrain. And sometime soon, if that weather cooperation arrives, Blacktail Mountain Ski Area near Lakeside also will start up its ski lifts.

The bad news is that the six-decade run of the Doug and Rollie Smith Memorial races has ended, since a California ski area underbid Whitefish Mountain Resort for the Nor-Am ski event.

Let's hope that Whitefish Mountain in the future will be able to bring the races back here.