Columbia Falls event celebrates recreation

On National Public Lands Day on Sept. 23 and the fall equinox, boaters, trail runners, and winter recreationists will gather at Marantette Park in Columbia Falls for an afternoon of community activities.

The Flow to Snow Party is a fundraising and friend-raising event hosted in partnership with Logan Health, Flathead Avalanche, Flathead Rivers Alliance and the Montana Kayak Academy.

A Gear Swap for Good runs from 2-5 p.m. Buy, sell, and donate any gear for river and winter sports. Small or large, new or used, it must be in good condition. People can bring donations to the park starting at 8 a.m. on the day of the event or make arrangements to donate gear in advance by emailing dave@montanakayakacademy.com. They can also show up during the swap to sell gear themselves and donate some (or all) of the proceeds.

Funds raised will be split between the nonprofit partners, Flathead Rivers Alliance, Flathead Avalanche, and Montana Kayak Academy.

The official Cedar Creek Marathon Awards and Afterparty is at 3 p.m. The full marathon begins at Big Creek Campground and finishes at The Coop in Columbia Falls. All runners and their families can head down to the park to celebrate the race.

Mini-boat racing takes place at 4 p.m. Race miniature kayaks on a tilted water table in a bracket-style tournament. Cost is $25 to enter. Funds raised will be split 50/50 between the winner and nonprofit partners.

Live music by Radio Ranch is from 3-7 p.m. This cosmic American roots-inspired band played at Under the Big Sky Festival and will be heading on tour across the states in October.

Food will be served by Waygu Wagon and Indah Sushi and beer by Flathead Lake Brewing Company.

For more information, visit https://fb.me/e/5X6MbE16I