Today

3 Children's Story Hour at 11 a.m., Flathead County Library in Kalispell; 758-5822.

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

Tuesday

3 Free one-hour information session, "Glacier Park Update 2008" for tourism-oriented businesses and employees, 10:30 a.m. Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. Current information on Going-to-the Sun Road rehabilitation project, park activities and snow removal. Call trainer Lisa Jones, 862-7977.

3 Canada Day celebration, Glacier National Park. Free barbecue 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Alberta Visitor Center, West Glacier. Two seminars by Steve Thompson on "Presenting the Crown of the Continent MapGuide," from noon to 1 p.m. Community Building at Park headquarters complex; and from 7-8:30 p.m. at Montana House, Apgar Village.

3 Red Cross blood drive for Flathead Valley students, noon to 5 p.m., at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell. Lots of prizes.

3 Free one-hour information session, "Glacier Park Update 2008" for tourism-oriented businesses and employees. Current information on Going-to-the Sun Road rehabilitation project, park activities and snow removal, 1 p.m., Kandahar Lodge meeting Room, Whitefish Mountain Resort. Call trainer Lisa Jones, 862-7977.

Wednesday

3 Children's Story Hour at 10 a.m., Bigfork Library; 837-6976.

3 Children's Story Hour at 10:30 a.m., Columbia Falls Library; 892-5919.

3 Children's Story Hour at 11 a.m., Flathead County Library in Kalispell; 758-5822.

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

3 Shrine Circus presents two performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Flathead County Fairgrounds, Kalispell. Tickets are $9 adults, $4 children, and $5 seniors, available at Smith's, Super 1, Rosauers in Kalispell; Tracy Coffee Shop, Kalispell Center Mall; Mike's Conoco, and Markus Foods, Whitefish; and at fairgrounds box office. Call Jerell Hudson, 270-7120. Proceeds provide transportation to Shriners Hospitals for children.

3 Children's Story Hour at 3:30 p.m., Marion Library.

3 Disabled American Veterans (DAV) meet at 6:30 p.m., VFW meeting room, Kalispell. Call 862-6458.

Thursday

3 Coeur d'Alene artist Robert Krogle gives a painting demonstration 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Samarah Art Gallery, Whitefish.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 12:30-5:30 p.m., North Valley Community Center, Nucleus Avenue, Columbia Falls.

3 Children's Story Hour at 1 p.m., Whitefish Library; 862-6657.

3 Whitefish Gallery Nights Art Walk 6-9 p.m. downtown. Fun, food and beverages; 862-3501. Opening reception at Samarah Fine Art for rob Stern, Tara Moore and Robert Krogle.

3 Lakeside Parks Advisory Committee meets 7 p.m., Lakeside Chapel, U.S. 93.

3 2008 Stampede Quarter Horse Show today through July 6, Majestic Valley Arena, Kalispell. Spectators welcome. Activities throughout day. Showmanship Classic 6 p.m. July 3. Stampede 1000 Pro-Am Trail Sweepstakes, 6 p.m. July 4, with barbecue. Call Darlene Chase, 208-798-0763 or 208-305-6130.

Friday

3 Middle Fork quick Response Unit annual bake sale, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., QRU Building, U.S. 2 east near Essex turn-off. Call Thelma Fox or Carol Ambrogini at 888-5607.

3 Kalispell Fourth of July parade 10 a.m., followed by ice cream social at Conrad Mansion, Woodland Avenue, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free.

3 Fourth of July Celebration at Whitefish City Beach. Kids' activities at 1 p.m. Barbecue 5-7 p.m. Live music with Full Moon Prophets at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks as soon as it's dark. Shuttle from O'Shaughnessy Center to beach from 5:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. All events free; 863-2472.

3 Bigfork parade, noon. Children's carnival follows. "Ducks for Buck" race the "Wild Mile."

Thought

"Many a man thinks he is patient when, in reality, he is indifferent." n B.C. Forbes, Scottish journalist (1880-1954).

3 Golden Agers Senior Center hosts a free barbecue 4-7 p.m., 121 E. Second St. Whitefish. Everyone welcome. Hamburgers, hot dogs, beans, salad and ice cream. Call 862-4923.

3 Lakeside fireworks display at dusk.

3 Polson's Fourth of July Parade at noon. Fireworks at dusk, Polson Fairgrounds.

3 Polebridge parade, noon. Barbecue follows at Northern Lights Saloon. No fireworks.

3 Evergreen Disposal will be hauling garbage on its regular routes today.

3 Whitefish Arts Festival 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., today through July 6, Park Side Credit Union, 1 Central Ave. Art and crafts, food, entertainment. Free admission; 862-5875.

3 Bet Harim Jewish community Freedom Sabbath celebration, 6-9 p.m., at the home of Rabbi Allen Secher. For directions visit www.betharim.com or call 756-5159.

A Look Ahead

3 Rebecca Farm dressage show and cross country equestrian clinic, July 5-6. Springcreek Road, off West Reserve Drive, Kalispell. Free for spectators; 755-FARM.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., July 7, at the center, 126 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell.

3 Suicide Support Group, Surviving Our Loss after Suicide, (SOLAS) meets at 7 p.m. July 7, The Summit, Kalispell. All those affected by suicide welcome. Call 871-1008.

3 Glacier Stamp Club meets in the basement meeting room of the Flathead County Library, Kalispell. Stamp trading and talk at 7 p.m. July 7; followed by short business meeting. Visitors welcome. Call Gail Long, 752-6110.

3 Family Violence Prevention Council meets 4 p.m. July 7, Wheat Montana, Main Street, Kalispell. Call Laura Belgrave, 257-5972.

3 AARP Driver Safety Program for all drivers age 50 and older, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 8 and 10, The Summit, Kalispell. $10 course fee. Call 751-4500 to register.

3 AAC/ARCO Retiree Club annual no-host picnic 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 8, Lawrence Park Pavilion, Kalispell. Those whose names begin with A-M bring a hot dish; N-P a salad; Q-Z a dessert. Bring your own silverware and non-alcoholic drinks. Call John at 756-6341 or Gail at 752-0786.

3 Miles City Caledonian Highland Dance Team performs 1 p.m. July 8, Flathead County Main Library, Kalispell. Free. Public invited. Call 758-5822.

3 Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., July 8, Trinity Lutheran, Kalispell.

3 Swan River School board meets at 5:30 p.m. July 8, in the school library.

3 Back Country Horsemen of the Flathead annual summer picnic, 6:30 p.m. July 8, Rebecca Farms, 1385 Farm to Market Road, Kalispell. Food, live music by Dave Gomez and friends. Everyone welcome. Call Sherri Sadino at 752-1297.

3 Global VolunTourism informational session, 7 p.m. July 9, Whitefish Methodist Church, 1150 Wisconsin Ave. Everyone welcome. Call Rhona, 862-0387.

3 Culpepper & Merriweather Circus performs at two shows, at 5 and 7:30 p.m. July 10, across from Super 1 in Columbia Falls. Advance tickets $8 adult; $6 child at Freedom and Glacier Banks, Edward Jones and Smith's in Columbia Falls. Circus day tickets $11 adult; $7 child. Call 866-BIG-TOP 6 to order by credit card.

3 Ray of Hope hosts a fundraiser community garage sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 11 and 12 at Woodland Storage across from Woodland Park in Kalispell.

3 Little Sapling Program "When a Bug is not Just a Bug" for children 4-7 years old, 11 a.m. July 11, Lone Pine state Park picnic shelter. $3 per child. Call Mary Beth Pendley, 755-2706.

3 Flathead Lake Biological Station open house 1-5 p.m. July 11, Montana 35, 17.5 miles north of Polson, or 14 miles south of Bigfork. Tours, boat rides aboard research vessel. All welcome. Call 406-982-3301.

3 Fifth annual "Sailing into the Future" benefit regatta for Discovery Developmental Center, July 12, North Flathead Yacht Club, Somers. Race time 9 a.m. to continue throughout day. Silent auction, kids activities, luau lunch, 1 p.m., beer and wine concessions. Music by Montana Marimba Ensemble. Tickets $6 per person; children 12 and under, free. Call 756-7295 or 270-0737.

3 Canyon View multi-school reunion is from noon to 5 p.m. July 12 at Bohemian Grange Hall in Whitefish. Bring a hot or cold potluck dish, your own plates, cups, silverware and drinks. Teachers and students who attended Canyon View, Valentine, Halfmoon, La Salle, Birch Grove, Deer Park, Lake Blaine, Bissell or Helena Flats schools through 1980, and family members welcome. Call 752-1199 or 756-3211.

3 Rockin' for Ravenwood fundraiser concert, 4 p.m. July 12, Rocky Mountain Roadhouse. Vendors booths, food, live music by Doug Andrews, Joan Zen and Secret Powers band. Admission $12 at door, children 6 and under, free. Call 837-7279.

3 AARP Driver Safety Program for all drivers age 50 and older, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. July 14-15, North Valley Senior Center Columbia Falls. $10 course fee. Call 892-4087 to register.

3 AARP Driver Safety Program for all drivers age 50 and older, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 14 and 16, Lakeside Chapel. $10 course fee. Call 857-3251 to register.

3 Flathead Chronic Pain Support Group meets 5:30-7 p.m., July 14, at The Summit. Learn how to cope with pain and improve your quality of life. Free. Call Dr. Alex Bokor, 250-5252.

3 Columbia Falls Heritage Days Committee meets 6:30 p.m. July 14, City Hall, 130 Sixth St. W. Call 892-0178 or 270-5968.

3 The Flathead Conservation District meets at 7 p.m., July 14, 133 Interstate Lane, in Evergreen. Call 752-4220.

3 Kalispell Women's Connection buffet luncheon 11:30 a.m., July 15, New Outlaw Inn, Kalispell. Sheri Burden of Sheri's Stained Glass will share ideas on creating stained glass art. Guest speaker in Sandy Oertil of Bozeman. Cost is $12. RSVP to Pat at 844-2538 or Jan at 857-2467. Complimentary child care by reservation. Affiliated with Stonecroft International Inc.

3 Little Sapling Program "Let's Go Home" for children 4-7 years old, 11 a.m. July 18, Lone Pine state Park picnic shelter. $3 per child. Call Mary Beth Pendley, 755-2706.

3 Bigfork Relay for Life for American Cancer Society, July 18-19, Bigfork High School track. Call Lyn Mogolis, 837-6248 or 212-0286; or Debbie Ingram, 837-6280.

3 Lakeside Community Club Fair 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 19. Pancake breakfast 8 a.m. Lakeside Chapel; 5K run/walk 9 a.m. Flathead Bank; parade 10:30 a.m. Food, silent auction, classic cars; 5 p.m. duck races at Tamarack Brewery.

3 Flathead Rose Festival 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 19, RoGrown Farms, 2227 Whitefish Stage Road, Kalispell. Kids carnival and activities; rose contest and workshops, lunch and dinner barbecues. Free admission. All proceeds from activities go to Flathead Food Bank. Call 253-0478.

3 Yoga workshop by Jane Adams, 9 -10:30 a.m. July 19, community room, Lone Pine State Park Visitor Center, Kalispell. $10 per person; slower-paced class 11 a.m. to noon, $8 per person. Call Amy Grout, 755-2706.

3 Polson Cherry Festival 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 19; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 20. Cherry pit spitting, pie eating and stem tying contests July 19. Crafts, food, kids games. Call Jackie Cripe, 883-5800; Marie Mitchell, 982-3524. For quilt/pillowcase contest information, call Jennifer Forbis, 883-3696.

3 Kalispell Police Department Public Safety Day, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 19, Target parking lot, Hutton Ranch Plaza. Police cars and motorcycles, fire trucks, tactical and medical vehicles. Family activities, refreshments, free information.

3 North Lake County Planning and Zoning Committee sponsors two community meeting at 7 p.m. July 22, BruMar Estate, Ferndale; and at 7 p.m. July 23, at Bethany Lutheran Church. Bigfork. Open discussion follows information session. Call Leslie, 837-6094.

3 Event at Rebecca Farm World Cup sanctioned equestrian competition, July 24-27, Springcreek Road, off West Reserve Drive. Free admission for spectators. Call 253-4666.

3 Little Sapling Program "Something in the Air!" about skunks, for children 4-7 years old, 11 a.m. July 25, Lone Pine state Park picnic shelter. $3 per child. Call Mary Beth Pendley, 755-2706.

3 Seventh annual Wildcat Athletic Endowment Association (WAEA) auction and barbecue fundraiser, 5-8 p.m. July 25, behind Columbia Bar, downtown Columbia Falls. Live and silent auctions. Social hour 5-7 p.m.

3 AARP Driver Safety Program for all drivers age 50 and older, 8:30-11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. July 28-29, Polson Senior Center. $10 course fee. Call 883-4735 to register.

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

3 AARP Driver Safety Program for all drivers age 50 and older, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 28 and 30, North Valley Hospital, Whitefish. $10 course fee. Call 863-3630 to register.

3 Flathead Chronic Pain Support Group meets 5:30-7 p.m., July 28, at The Summit. Learn how to cope with pain and improve your quality of life. Free. Call Dr. Alex Bokor, 250-5252.

3 Columbia Falls Heritage Days Committee meets 6:30 p.m. July 28, City Hall, 130 Sixth St. W. Call 892-0178 or 270-5968.

3 School District 5 Fall Enrollment for new students, grades K-8, Aug. 1, 233 First Ave. E., above Flathead County Library, Kalispell. Call Patty Fisher, enrollment clerk, 751-3430.

3 Little Sapling Program "Take off" about dragonflies, for children 4-7 years old, 11 a.m. Aug. 1, Lone Pine state Park picnic shelter. $3 per child. Call Mary Beth Pendley, 755-2706.

3 Evergreen fourth annual Show & Shine 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 2, Shopko parking lot, 1370 U.S. 2. E. Open to all classes of cars. Door prizes. No entry fee. Call Dan Demars, 837-4814.

3 Suicide Support Group, Surviving Our Loss after Suicide, (SOLAS) meets at 7 p.m. Aug. 4, The Summit, Kalispell. All those affected by suicide welcome. Call 871-1008.

3 Little Sapling Program "Lone Pine Little Ones" about animal babies, for children 4-7 years old, 11 a.m. Aug. 8, Lone Pine state Park picnic shelter. $3 per child. Call Mary Beth Pendley, 755-2706.

3 Swan Lake Huckleberry Festival, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 9, Swan Lake Day Park near mile marker 72 on Montana 83. Food, arts and crafts fair, silent auction, huckleberry baked goods and kids games. Live music by Roy Wilhelm Band. Free; 837-5888.

3 Northwest Montana Fair Aug. 13-22, Northwest Montana Fairgrounds, Kalispell. In concert, Sawyer Brown Aug. 11; Emerson Drive, Aug. 12; Jeremy Camp, Aug. 13; Pig wrestling and Indian Relay races Aug. 15-16; PRCA Rodeo Aug. 14-16; demolition derby Aug. 17. Call 758-5810.

3 Little Sapling Program "Ryhthm of the Night" for children 4-7 years old, 11 a.m. Aug. 15, Lone Pine state Park picnic shelter. $3 per child. Call Mary Beth Pendley, 755-2706.

3 Ninth annual MASH Bash, Aug. 22, North Valley Hospital. Dinner, dancing and live entertainment. Raffles. Tickets $65 each. Proceeds will be used to purchase equipment for the Birth Center. Call 863-3630.

3 Glacier Nordic Ski team annual "Glacier Nordic Run" fund raiser Aug. 23, on Danny On Trail, Big Mountain. Call Debbie Mallams, 862-2113.

3 Yoga workshop by Jane Adams, 9 -10:30 a.m. Aug. 23, community room, Lone Pine State Park Visitor Center, Kalispell. $10 per person; slower-paced class 11 a.m. to noon, $8 per person. Call Amy Grout, 755-2706.

3 Suicide Support Group, Surviving Our Loss after Suicide, (SOLAS) meets at 7 p.m. Sept. 1, The Summit, Kalispell. All those affected by suicide welcome. Call 871-1008.

3 Whitefish Friends and Family Run 9:30 a.m. Sept. 6, North Valley Hospital campus. 5K, 10K and half-mile events. Benefit for Child Development Center in Kalispell and Shepherd's Hand Clinic in Whitefish. Call 862-8250.

3 National Multiple Sclerosis Society Walk, Sept. 20, Lawrence Park, Kalispell. Check in at 8 a.m.; walk begins 8:30 a.m. Call Heather, 406-252-5927.

3 Suicide Support Group, Surviving Our Loss after Suicide, (SOLAS) meets at 7 p.m. Oct. 6, The Summit, Kalispell. All those affected by suicide welcome. Call 871-1008.

3 Suicide Support Group, Surviving Our Loss after Suicide, (SOLAS) meets at 7 p.m. Nov. 3, The Summit, Kalispell. All those affected by suicide welcome. Call 871-1008.

3 Suicide Support Group, Surviving Our Loss after Suicide, (SOLAS) meets at 7 p.m. Dec. 1, The Summit, Kalispell. All those affected by suicide welcome. Call 871-1008.