Great Fish Community Challenge

Whitefish Community Fish Challenge

It is time for everyone in the community to go fishing for the Great Fish Community Challenge! The Great Community Challenge is sponsored by the Whitefish Community Foundation and it is a celebration of our community that actually raises support for 70 qualifying local nonprofit organizations. The six-week fundraising campaign inspires giving and builds awareness about the critical work of Flathead Valley nonprofits.

Last year, the community raised $133,288 for the North Valley Food Bank, and since 2015, the Great Fish Challenge has raised over $17 million for more than 75 local non profits groups. This year, North Valley Food Bank and 69 other worthy nonprofits, will be depending on you to support our vital work. The number of people seeking food assistance in Whitefish and the surrounding communities is at an all-time high. Just last month the number of different households we served increased by 72% compared to the prior year. In the past six months, we’ve also broken records for the number of NEW families served and the number of individuals seeking food assistance. Finally, we’ve experienced a 60% increase in overall pantry visits in 2022!

The Great Fish Community Challenge kicks off on August 4, 2022 and runs through Sept. 16, 2022. To qualify as a Great Fish Community Challenge gift, all contributions must be delivered to Whitefish Community Foundation with an official donation form or given through the online Donation Portal beginning Thursday, August 4th.

Questions? Contact our Director of Development, Elizabeth Temple, at elizabeth@northvalleyfoodbank.org or call 406.862.5863.

About Whitefish Community Foundation

Whitefish Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on fostering philanthropy, building endowments and helping donors benefit our community. Our work makes the Great Fish Community Challenge possible. If you value our work please make a gift to the Community Foundation through the Great Fish Community Challenge and help us continue making good things happen in our community. Learn more – HERE.

406 Buzz Montana News

Are you in the Buzz?

406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more.  From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.

Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our  Events Calendar – HERE –  and get in the buzz!

Huckleberry Days 2022

Huckleberry Days Arts Festival 2022

The 33rd Huckleberry Days Arts Festival will take place August 12 through 14, 2022, in the Depot Park (Railway St. & Central Avenue). Whether you are looking for great food and music or unique crafts and fine arts, The Huckleberry Days 2022 Festival will have everything you are looking for and it’s FREE!  This festival is great for all ages. 

Huckleberry Days 2021 Logo

There will be over 100 different artists of fine arts and crafts. Activities Include:  Aerial dance performances by Levitation Nation on Saturday and Sunday  A living statue and Glacier Bank will be serving up free Huckleberry Ice Cream too.

Huckleberry Days 2022 Details

Friday, August 12, 2022:
*Arts Festival – Depot Park: 10 am to 6 pm

Saturday, August 13, 2022:
*Arts Festival – Depot Park: 10 am – 6 pm

Sunday, August 14, 2022:
*Arts Festival – Depot Park: 10 am – 4 pm

Huckleberry Days 2022 Vendors

The vendors’ list is coming soon. The good news is that there are so many vendors that there is even a vendor waitlist. You will get to enjoy shopping with some great vendors like Golden Daisy Quilts, Alpine Textiles, Gen DeLorne Art, Timberdermist, and Sew Many Aprons…just to name a few. 

406 Buzz Montana News

Are you in the Buzz?

406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more.  From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.

Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our  Events Calendar – HERE –  and get in the buzz!

Heritage Days 2022 

Columbia Falls heritage Das

The Columbia Falls Heritage Days 2022 is taking place July 27 through July 31, 2022. The annual community celebration in Columbia Falls began in 1956. The original event was organized to celebrate the prosperity brought about by the industrial expansion of the area, which, in addition to the railroad and lumber business, now included the Anaconda Aluminum Company’s new plant just north of Columbia Falls.

This year’s Heritage Days 2022 is sure to be a lot of fun from car shows and BBQs  to raffles and even an Arts and Crafts show at Marantette Park. This year’s theme is Best of Times! Learn more – HERE.

Heritage Days 2022 

Heritage Days 2022 Schedule of Events

  • Wednesday – July 27, 2022 – 5:00 p. m. – 9:00 p. m. – 13th Annual Car Show at Marantette Park.
  • Thursday – July 28, 2022 5:00 p. m. – 11:00 p. m. – Columbia Falls Community Market at the Coop*
    • FREE Open Swimming at Pinewood Park Pool,
      • 6:30 p. m. – 7:45 p. m. Adults and kids to 12 years old
      • 8:15 p. m. – 9:30 p. m. Adults and kids 13+ years old
  • Friday – July 29, 2022 – 4:00 p. m. – 6:00 p.m. Wildcat/kat Athletic Endowment*
    • 5:30 p. m. – Wildcat/kat Athletic Endowment Auction and BBQ
      Marantette Park in Columbia Falls.

      • 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. BBQ and Social Hour. $5.00 per plate
      • 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Raffles
      • 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Live Auction
      • 8:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Beer Garden
      • 6:00 p. m. – 8:00 p. m. – Lion’s Club Concert at Marantette Park.
      • 7:00 p. m. – Open Rodeo at the Blue Moon Arena northeast corner of Hwy. 2 and 40, just behind the Blue Moon Bar & Grille *
  • Saturday – July 30, 2022 – 7:00 a. m. – Firemen’s Breakfast at Don Anderson Fire Hall, 624 1st Ave. West
    • 8:00 a. m. – Boogie-to-the-Bank 5k & 10k Run. North Fork to Discovery Square . Contact Ashley Campbell at 406-751-4758 for more information.
    • 11:00 a. m. to 5:00 p. m. – Arts, Crafts, Food Vendors and activities for the kids at Marantette Park.
    • 10:00 a. m. – Class Reunions meet to participate in parade. (See your Class contact person for more info.)
    • 10:00 a. m. to 2:00 p. m. – North Valley Senior Center Fund Raiser Luncheon.
      (salads, sandwiches, pies and beverages)
    • From 11:00 to 12:00 enjoy the North Valley High Steppers line dancing demonstration
    • 12:00 p. m. – Main Parade on Nucleus Avenue (Railroad Street to 7th Street West). Parade participants will stage along Raiload Street at the north end of Nucleus Ave. at 11:00 a.m
    • 7:00 p. m. – Open Rodeo at the Blue Moon Arena northeast corner of Hwy. 2 and 40, just behind the Blue Moon Grille
  • Sunday – July 31, 2022 – 7:00 a. m. – 21st Annual WAEA WildC/Kat Athletic Endowment Golf Scramble *
    Meadow Lake Golf Course – Columbia Falls, Mont.

    • Pre-registration and payment is highly encouraged due to limited teams.

      Format: 4 person scramble – all skill levels invited
      Start: 8:00 a.m. Shotgun Start
      Rules: USGA rules govern play
      Tees: Men play the WHITE tees, Women play the RED tees
      Field: Number of teams are limited to 36 with a max. of 4 players per team
      Handicaps: Callaway System
      Cost: $100.00 per player for 18 holes of golf, lunch

    • 9:00 a. m. – 12:00 p. m. – Sunday Market Columbia Falls *
      In Front of City Hall on 6th Street West – Columbia Falls, MT.
      The music is playing, yummy food, handcrafted vendors, come enjoy this old timey farmers market.

406 Buzz Montana News

Are you in the Buzz?

406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more.  From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.

Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our  Events Calendar – HERE –  and get in the buzz!

Hillside Hutterites Farm to Table Shopping

406Buzz Hilliside Hutterite Colong Farm to Table Shopping - Pickled

It is that time of year when the Hillside Colony Hutterites from Sweet Grass, Montana,  come to the Flathead Valley area with a wonderful selection of delicious foods. On Tuesdays from 8:30am until 6pm, head on over to the Army Navy Parking Lot in Evergreen and get ready to be wowed with their wonderful selection that include onions, cucumbers, salsa, banana bread, lettuce, cookies, pies, cinnamon rolls ,and even chicken.

Hillside Hutterites Farm to Table Shopping Items

There are so many great items to get for lunch, dinner and maybe even a little sweet dessert. Some of the shopping list items include Apple, Cherry and Rhubarb Pie ($8 Each), Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, and Cauliflower ($3 Each), Pickled Snap Beas, Cucumbers, Carrots ($8 Each), Head of Lettuce ($2 Each), Banana Bread ($4 Each), and even White/Rye Bread or Buns ($5 Each). This is just a small sample of the items that the Hillside Hutterites Farm to Table Shopping has to offer….and yes, EVERYTHING is grown and produced by the group. Each week, they also bring something special from beet muffins to garlic just pulled over the weekend. The Hillside Hutterite Colony really have shared a wonderful treat with the Flathead Valley Community.

406 Buzz Montana News

Are you in the Buzz?

406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more.  From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.

Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our  Events Calendar – HERE –  and get in the buzz!

Montana’s Toughest Cowboy & Fastest Cowgirl

Montana's Toughest Cowboy & Fasted Cowgirl

Who’s Montana’s Toughest Cowboy? Who’s Montana’s Fastest Cowgirl? It’s time for us all to find out at the Bigfork Montana Rodeo on July 29-30, 2022 at the Bigfork Arena. Rain or Shine…The show will go on and we will all know who is Montana’s Toughest Cowboy & Fasted Cowgirl!

“Bigfork Rodeo Events and New West Rodeo Productions brings another year of great rodeo events to Bigfork Montana. Two nights of action packed fun and entertainment for all. We’ll crown the toughest cowboy and fastest cowgirl in Montana. Best Rodeo, Fans Arena Games, Great BBQ, Cold Beer, Live Music, Best Community.”

Montana's Toughest Cowboy & Fasted Cowgirl

Montana’s Toughest Cowboy & Fastest Cowgirl

JULY 29-30, 2022 – 5pm-11pm
FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT BIGFORK ARENA

Montana’s Toughest Cowboy & Fasted Cowgirl Tickets start at $15

Get Your Tickets – HERE!

About New West Rodeo

New West Rodeo Productions is one of the few native Montanan PRCA stock contractors. They have had supplied stock to the NFR, bulls to the PBR World Finals, and stock at the Indian National Finals.

New West Rodeo Productions is located in Browning, Montana on the east slope of the Rocky Mountains. They are a family owned and operated rodeo production and stock company dedicated to the respect and well-being of their livestock. Their motto is to provide a fast-pace high-energy rodeo production – making each event exciting for family entertainment. New West Rodeo Productions is on the rise with their “Born to Buck” program and their achievements in the Pro Rodeo Industry. They may be a younger PRCA stock contractor but their accomplishments in a short time are spectacular. They are proud of their livestock earnings and achievements, bringing many NFR, PBR and Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit awards. They bring to you the best of their genetically validated “born to buck” program. Their inventory has over 200 head of horses. Their cross-bred bulls are proven champions with PBR award recognition. Learn more – HERE.

406 Buzz Montana News

Are you in the Buzz?

406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more.  From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.

Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our  Events Calendar – HERE –  and get in the buzz!

The Big Mountain Run

Join friends and family for the 40th Annual Big Mountain Run – Danny On Hill Climb – on Saturday, July 23, 2022, starting at 10am at the base of Big Mountain at the Whitefish Mountain Resort. The race starts at the Danny On Trailhead in the Upper Village near Hellroaring Saloon and finishes where the Danny On Trailhead reaches the cat track to the Summit House getting down the mountain. Participants will get the opportunity to have a lot of fun along with some great exercise.

The Big Mountain Run and Glacier Nordic Run Club

The Big Mountain Run Details

Registration is going on now and ends on July 22, 2022. The price is $30.00 + $3.24 sign up fee for adults and $15.00 + $2.37 Sign up fee for kids 16 years old and below. Entry includes a lift ticket down, race swag, great prizes, and snacks at the top!

Compete for, Fastest Adults (King and Queen), Fastest Juniors, 16 and under, (Prince and Princess), Oldest and Youngest Runner Prize, and Top Dog Award – Fastest Dog (on a leash) up the mountain.

The Birthday Club! – All runners finishing the course in a time less than their age (women – age plus 10 minutes) qualify for the Birthday Club and receive a cupcake and the coveted asterisk by your name.

If you have any questions about this race, click HERE.

Big Mountain Run

406 Buzz Montana News

Are you in the Buzz?

406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more.  From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.

Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our  Events Calendar – HERE –  and get in the buzz!

Wachholz College Center Performance Lineup

Mulate's is the Original Cajun Restaurant We have great food and drinks and live music. Make your reservation today! Location: 201 JULIA STREET NEW ORLEANS LA 70130 #mulates #MulatesTheOriginalCajunRestaurant #TheOriginalCajunRestaurant

The Flathead Valley has a very exciting new addition that is just about completed – the Paul D. Wachholz College Center. It is a 58,000 square foot state-of-the-art performance hall located on the Flathead Valley Community College campus. The Wachholz College Center will host the athletic facilities (basketball, volleyball, weight rooms, and multipurpose rooms),  the school’s music department, art gallery, exhibition hall, and even an outdoor amphitheater. . The music department has practice rooms, classrooms, large and small performance halls. The McClaren Hall is one of the most amazing features of the Wachholz College Center because it will seat 1,000 guests in a beautiful performance hall. Learn more about the Wachholz College Center – HERE.

Wachholz College Center Logo

Wachholz College Center Performance Lineup

The Wachholz College Center’s Performance Lineup is going to be impressive. The performances will start in November 2022 and will feature FVCC Speaker Series, National Geographic Live, Glacier Symphony and Chorale, FVCC Music Department Concerts. Some of the speakers, performances and concerts include Postmodern Jukebox, David Sedaris (FVCC Speaker), Alicia Odewale (National Geographic Live), Casa Patas Flamenco: Alejandra, Storm Large: ” Holiday Ordeal”, An Evening with Brandford Marsalis, The Suffers, Glacier Symphony’s Beethoven’s 9th “Ode to Joy”, Handel’s Messiah, and even the Nutcracker (San Diego Ballet). See the entire lineup – HERE.

406 Buzz Montana News

Are you in the Buzz?

406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more.  From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.

Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our  Events Calendar – HERE –  and get in the buzz!

How To Respond To A Negative Business Review

Negative Business Review

Online reviews are just something that every business has to deal with today. Whether the business is a restaurant or a plumbing business, reviews can impact the bottom line.  A negative review can happen even if you provide quality products/services and everybody loves your business.  You can try to ignore them, but the negative reviews will still pop up and they can cause problems. But, reviews, positive or negative, can actually be an opportunity to advertise to potential customers. Did you know that 84% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.

“Negative reviews are always difficult – especially when they are fake reviews from someone who has never even gone to your business. However, these are not hard to respond to because you simply tell the truth in your response. For example, a great response is the following: ‘I have reviewed are records, and I do not see your purchase with us. Are you sure that you made your purchase from us and not another business? Please call me at XXX-XXX-XXXX, as I would like to help.’ This is a great response because it tells potential customers that the review is probably fake, but that you still wanted to help.” ~ Brett Bauman, CEO of Planetguide (Phone Number: 406-333-0393)

Review marketing is a powerful way to show customers that you care about their experience whether it is a positive review or negative review. It is important to respond to both the positive and the negative reviews. Also, it is important to respond fairly quickly to a customer’s reviews. 52% of consumers expect you to reply to their comments within seven days.

How to Respond to a Negative Review

A negative review is tough to address. You have put your heart and soul into your business. So, when someone criticizes it, it can be very personal. As a result, you may want to go on an attack in your response. Don’t Do It! Take a day or two to gather your thoughts and response before addressing the negative review. It is important to know that 70% of unhappy customers will continue to use your business if you try to fix the problem. In addition, other customers who are researching your business will see your response and know that you care enough to try to fix problems and that your are trying to make customers happy.

Follow these Steps to Help with your Reply to the Negative Review:

  1. Calm Down. Never reply to a negative review when you are still angry. You may say something that you may mean, but simply do not need the entire social media world of potential customers reading. Walk away and consider venting to a friend or family member. Don’t wait too long as it is important to reply within seven days.
  2. Your goal is to win back your customer or at least show other potential customers that you care. So, craft your response with this goal in mind.
  3. Apologize. I am not saying that you need to accept the blame. Just apologize. For example, “I’m sorry that you did not have a a 5 star experience” or “It looks like you caught us on a bad day.”
  4. Remind the reviewer and all others who are reading the review, that this is not a normal occurrence. For example, “We usually get the food out to the tables within 30 minutes” or “Our customer service department usually receive compliments on their service skills.”
  5. Repeat the good comments. If the reviewer mentions anything positive in the review, repeat them in you response. This helps to show other customers that even the negative review still has some positive elements.
  6. Offer a coupon or discount. Ask the reviewer to email, call or visit your business and give you a second chance. Try offering a coupon or discount for the next service or purchase. We recommend offering coupons in an email and not directly on the review. It may cause future customers to complain just to get a discount. If they do take you up on it, gently ask them to considering altering their review or removing it.
  7. Bury the review. Sometimes you just cannot make a person happy. So, do the next best thing. Bury the negative review with positive ones.
  8. Negative reviews are not always bad. No business is 100% perfect at least in the eyes of all consumers. Potential customers may be suspicious if there are not 3 star reviews and they may think that all of the reviews are fake.

406 Buzz Montana News

Are you in the Buzz?

406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more.  From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.

Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our  Events Calendar – HERE –  and get in the buzz!

2022 NW Montana Fair and Rodeo

NW Montana Fair & Rodeo

For over 119 years, the NW Montana Fair and Rodeo has continued to bring one of the best rodeo traditions to Montana. Each year in August, the NW Montana Fair and Rodeo arrives featuring three days of PRCA rodeo action, a huge concert, fun carnival rides, and of course great fair food. The NW Montana Fair and Rodeo will take place August 17-21, 2022, and features amazing local talents, the Livestock Show and Sale, and shopping from more than 100 commercial exhibitors. The heart of the Fair is over 8,000 hand-crafted exhibits showcasing the interest, talent, and passion of our regional residents. From quilts to mini-horses, flowers to rabbits, you’re sure to experience blue-ribbon displays throughout the fair. Learn more – HERE.

NW Montana Fair and Rodeo

“The Northwest Montana Fair has undergone a lot of change over the past 100+ years. The attractions, events, live entertainment and virtually every detail of the fair has changed to appeal to the desires of people in the Flathead. In other words, the fair has adapted and delivers what people want to experience.”

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Underwater Soldiers – 2nd Annual Fundraising Event!!

2nd Annual Underwater Soldiers Fundraising Event - 406buzz

On Saturday, July 16, 2022, head on over to the Kalispell Elks lodge & Event Center for the Underwater Solders – 2nd Annual Fundraising Event. The event will take place from 10am until 4pm. There will be lots of fun for everyone. Some of the great entertainment includes Food Trucks, 50/50 Raffle and Silent Auction. Plus, Motorcycles, Cars and Semi Trucks will be on display.

Raffle Prizes

There are so many great raffle prizes to be won including a Valley Bank Basket, Scentsy Basket, a $400 (value) Whitefish Marine 4 hours standard pontoon rental, and $100 gift certificate to SBG Whitefish…just to name a few items. Rugged Radios, Kifaru, Montana Silversmiths, Vertx, 406 Nutrition, Stone Glacier are just a few more businesses who have donated to the Underwater Soldiers’ event. Raffle Tickets are $5.00 for 1 ticket and $20 for 5 tickets.

Underwater Soldiers

About Underwater Soldiers

Underwater Soldiers is a non-profit organization that uses SCUBA as therapy for veterans with PTSD in addition to many other physical and emotional challenges. Underwater Soldiers has been building a community in the Flathead Valley that helps with maintenance and cleanup of our local watershed by performing cleanup dives. “We use Scuba as a therapy for both body and mind. We are also creating a community of Veterans with a passion for diving.” Learn more about Underwater Soldiers- HERE.

406 Buzz Montana News

Are you in the Buzz?

406.Buzz is your best resource for the latest events happening around the Montana Flathead Valley area. From Kalispell and Whitefish to Eureka and Columbia Falls, we’ve got the hottest events, best outdoor activities, restaurant lists, and so much more.  From farmers’ markets and breweries to festivals, music events and family fun entertainment, we know all the buzz happening around town.

Whether you are a local or a visitor, we have all the insider information on the best places to check out every day of the week. Check out our  Events Calendar – HERE –  and get in the buzz!