Great Bear Festival offers a taste of local brews and food

The Great Bear Festival returns offering up a selection of more than 35 local and regional brewers, cider makers and wineries to sample from 4 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5.

The sixth annual festival held at Depot Park in Kalispell, organized by the Kalispell Noon and Daybreak Rotary Clubs, will also have local food vendors on site and live music by Flat Black Band and the Music Lab. A Kid’s Station will also be set up.

Special admission to a VIP tent gains purchasers entry to select wine tastings and catered food prepared by Desoto Grill and the House of S&M.

Proceeds from the festival go toward Rotary service projects in the Flathead and abroad, in addition to local nonprofits. This year’s fundraising goal is $60,000.

The festival was made possible this year with support from 42 sponsors including title sponsor Toyota and Grizzly Bear Sponsor Bay Equity.

General admission tickets are $40 and include a commemorative glass and eight drink tickets for people 21 and up. Tickets for ages 13 to 20 (and designated drivers) are $10 and includes a festival water bottle with admission. Children 12 and under are free. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.com and at the gate. For more information visit at https://greatbearfestival.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/ greatbearfestival/.