Farm-style obstacle contests planned

For Flathead residents with disabilities, a fun and challenging event will test athleticism and have a barbecue reward at the end.

The Second Care Farm Challenge will kick off at 11 a.m. July 25 at Centennial Farms in Kalispell.

The event, a “farm-style” obstacle race for people with disabilities, will feature creek crossings, climbing obstacles and other secret challenges to reach the finish.

Flathead Care Farming is a nonprofit that takes underserved sections of society and helps them through farming.

Flathead Care Farming specializes in three core programs: Day programs for people with developmental disabilities, job readiness training and vocational rehabilitation, and Lifeside farms for seniors who want to find companionship and work outside.

Maarten Fischer and Rachel Grant are heading up the nonprofit and organizing the Care Farm Challenge.

“Participants build the course over a period of a few months,” Fischer said. “Nearly all of it is done with volunteer help and donations from local businesses. The event is free and we don’t use it to raise funds or anything.”

Last year was a trial year, Fischer said, so publicity was minimal. Now, Flathead Care Farming is confident it can handle more than 100 participants and their families for the race and barbecue.

“Last year was our tryout and even though we kept it somewhat quiet, we had nearly 60 participants and 150 total visitors to the event,” Fischer said.

Centennial Farm is at 563 McMannamy Draw near West Valley School in Kalispell.

To register by the preferred date, July 10, or for more information, visit flatheadcarefarming.wordpress.com/events.

Reporter Ryan Murray may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at rmurray@dailyinterlake.com.