Rod Run sets pace for busy weekend

Inter Lake editorial

It's always a treat when the classic cars begin arriving for the annual Glacier Rod Run. The beautifully restored automobiles - all 1957 or older models - are attention-grabbers and rightfully so.

But after a 28-year run, this may be the last Rod Run. If so, we'll certainly miss it. The Glacier Street Rod Association's membership is growing older and the work it takes to put on the top-notch show every year is too much for the group. They've vowed to regroup, though, and hope to one day restart the rod run, perhaps in a different format.

Take in the Rod Run cruise-in tonight at Dairy Queen in Kalispell, or the parade or show-and-shine events on Saturday and tell them thanks for the memories. We hate to see it go.

The Rod Run is but one of the events that promise to make this a busy, busy weekend across the Flathead Valley.

Two other long-running community events are centerpieces in Columbia Falls and Kalispell, respectively.

The North Valley city has a fun-filled weekend of activities as the town celebrates its annual Heritage Days, replete with parades, running races, concerts and even the Budweiser Clydesdales.

Down in Kalispell, the annual Arts in the Park will be in full swing at its usual place of honor in Depot Park.

Seeking something beyond those?

Rocky Mountain Promotions will host its Gun Show Expo at the fairgrounds today through Sunday.

Northwest of Kalispell, top-flight equestrian competition is slated through Sunday at the Event at Rebecca Farm, one of the biggest events of its kind in the country.

And anglers from across the nation are in Whitefish delving into the mysteries of fly fishing at the 43rd International Fly Fishing Show and Conclave.

If you head farther west of the valley, you will see parachutes in the sky at the 41st annual Skydive Lost Prairie Boogie, a major event for skydivers that starts Saturday and extends through Aug. 4.

Who's the best?

We know, and you will, too, when Saturday's Daily Inter Lake hits the street. Flathead Valley residents have picked their favorites once again in this year's "Best of the Flathead" reader poll.

Hundreds of votes were tallied in the search for the best people, places, food, drink and things to do. There were some repeat winners and a few upsets this year.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to fill out the survey. Now we know the BEST of the story.