EDITORIAL: Take break from fires at the fair

Wildfires burning in every direction have consumed our attention this week, grabbing headlines as conditions worsen in some places.

In the shadow of all this fire news, the Northwest Montana Fair is happening this week, and we encourage Flathead citizens to head to the fairgrounds and take in some of the fun. It may be the perfect pleasant diversion, and a metaphorical breath of fresh air in an otherwise smoky environment.

The PRCA rodeo tonight and Saturday offers quintessential Western entertainment, and Sunday’s Demolition Derby is always a crowd-pleaser. There are buildings filled with exhibits, including spectacular dahlias, and a carnival that’s sure to satisfy the kids. Plan to gorge on fair food and help out a number of worthy nonprofit groups that serve up tasty fare to raise money for their causes.

The fair has been the social event of the season for 113 years. It’s the area’s longest-running community-wide event, and we certainly want that to continue, even in a bad fire year.

A good Goodwill ambassador

Country star Kristian Bush showed the Flathead Valley a little kindness this week when he stopped by the Kalispell Goodwill Store to meet fans and sign autographs before his Wednesday concert at the fair. He’s an ambassador for Goodwill and is raising awareness of Goodwill’s mission to create jobs and help people through the #GiveItAway campaign

The idea for Bush’s campaign came from his single, “Trailer Hitch,” that speaks to people’s tendency to collect stuff we don’t really need. It’s a good reminder that most of us could stand to downsize a little.

Conrad guns back with a bang

Another big event this weekend that’s sure to draw a crowd is the exhibition and special lectures on the Charles Conrad Family Firearms collection at Conrad Mansion. Firearms enthusiasts won’t want to miss this one.

Guns & Ammo Senior Editor Garry James, and Philip Schreier, senior curator for the National Rifle Association, will talk about the unique collection tonight at 6:30 p.m. and on Saturday at 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. It’s a fundraiser for the Conrad Mansion. Reservations are required so call 755-2166 to check on availability.

The historic firearms collection was recently returned to the mansion after being housed at the Montana Historical Society in Helena. We’re pleased to see an important part of Kalispell’s history come back home.