Last Best Outdoors Fest comes to C. Falls

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., Business for Montana’s Outdoors and the Montana Brewers Association announced they will be hosting the Last Best Outdoors Fest in Columbia Falls to celebrate the jobs and businesses that power Montana’s outdoor economy.

The Last Best Outdoors Fest will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, at the Coop in Columbia Falls.

The event is free and open to the public, and will feature Randy Newberg, host of Hunt Talk and Fresh Tracks, networking opportunities for Montana business owners, new research on the economic impacts of Montana’s public lands, a Montana craft-beer garden, local food trucks, live music and activities for kids.

Live music will include performances by The Cold Hard Cash Show and The Loose String Band.

Fronted by guitarist and singer Merle Travis Peterson, The Cold Hard Cash Show brings to life classic Cash songs from the Sun and Columbia Records Catalogs to the modern American recordings, performing with the energy of the Live at Folsom and San Quentin albums, with a sound so accurate you’d think you’re listening to the Man in Black himself. For more information, visit http://thecoldhardcashshow.com.

The Loose String Band plays an energetic mix of “Ameri-grass” music, from progressive bluegrass to Janice Joplin as well as Ricky Scaggs to the Infamous Stringdusters. Soaked in harmonies, The Loose String Band of Missoula will inspire you to get up and dance. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/loosestringband.

“Montana’s $7 billion outdoor economy is thriving and supporting tens of thousands of jobs all across this state,” Tester said in a press release. “This event will be a great opportunity for Main Street business owners to network and the public will have a great time celebrating what we all love about Big Sky Country.”

Headwaters Economic Research is planning to reveal new research analyzing Montana’s economy, what’s driving performance and which new business sectors are increasing along with a geographic analysis of recent growth in the state. The report will include a discussion of how federal lands give Montana a competitive advantage by helping to attract people, investment and businesses to the state.

The event also commemorates the five-year anniversary of Business for Montana’s Outdoors, which includes 140 businesses responsible for more than 3,600 Montana jobs.

“Our public lands provide a competitive advantage to Montana businesses and fuel one of the most important and thriving sectors in our state’s economy. We can think of no better way to ring in our fifth anniversary than celebrating all of the ways the outdoors shape our businesses and provide opportunities for tomorrow’s entrepreneurs,” said Marne Hayes, Business for Montana’s Outdoors Executive Director.

According to the Outdoor Industry Association, every year Montana’s outdoor economy generates $2.2 billion in wages and salaries, $7.1 billion in consumer spending, $286 million in state and local tax revenue, and supports 71,000 jobs.

Local members of the Montana Brewers Association will also be on hand, offering a selection of made-in-Montana craft beers

“Montana’s public lands and our outdoor lifestyle are intertwined with Montana’s craft brewing industry. They provide us with clean water to brew quality beer, offer inspiration for the beers we brew and give local breweries an added advantage in recruiting and retaining talented staff. We look forward to celebrating our outdoor economy and sharing delicious Montana craft beer at the Last Best Outdoors Fest,” said Matt Leow, Montana Brewers Association Executive Director.

For more information about the event, visit https://www.lastbestoutdoorsfest.com.