Time to boogie

Skydivers are getting ready to boogie at Skydive Lost Prairie in Marion.

The 47th annual Lost Prairie Boogie gets underway today and continues through Aug. 10.

Tucked into a secluded valley 34 miles west of Kalispell on a private airport surrounded by mountains and lakes, Skydive Lost Prairie draws hundreds of skydivers and spectators every year.

Meadow Peak Skydiving oversees the event and schedules the jumps. Owner/operator Wayne Cross bought 100 acres of land beneath Meadow Peak adjoining the Lost Prairie airstrip in 2010 and has organized the boogie at Lost Prairie’s Carson Field ever since. 

“This year we’re expecting at least 300 experienced skydivers from around the world,” Cross said. “Over the nine days we’ll probably have about 1,000 spectators.”

Lost Prairie is known for being an excellent place for people to make their first skydives.

There will be two Super Otter aircraft and this year a Skyvan has been added, with each plane able to haul 23 jumpers. The first load will take off at about 8 a.m. each day. Jumps can be scheduled from 8 a.m. to dusk. The cost for a tandem jump is $239.  

Throughout the boogie, Big Ways — organized jumps with up to 20 skydivers in formation — will be scheduled. On the final weekend two to three aircraft will carry from 40 to 60 jumpers for spectacular, larger formations.

Porteus Barbecue will cater breakfast, lunch and dinner and Rail Line Tavern out of Marion will offer a full bar. Spectators are welcome at the drop zone from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“It’s a cool way to spend an afternoon,” Cross said. “Everyone has different-colored canopies so when you get a bunch of skydivers up there at the same time, it’s a pretty cool thing to see. 

“Bring your binoculars.”

For more information or to schedule a jump, call Meadow Peak Skydiving at 858-2330.

Community editor Carol Marino may be reached at 758-4440 or by email at community@dailyinterlake.com.