Just because it falls in the middle of the week doesn’t mean you can’t make some great Fourth of July memories this year.
Yes, we know – Wednesdays are not prime for road trips, picnics and late night celebrations. But if you DO have the day off there’s still plenty of options to jam your day with family-friendly fun and still get a decent night’s sleep.
Here’s a short list of happenings:
• The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula will host its 42nd annual 4th of July celebration, with a full day of activities, games, food and drink. Highlights include a pancake breakfast from 8-11 am and a 12 pm welcome ceremony featuring a National Anthem sing-along and flag presentation – but in between there’s pretty much something for everyone: Model trains, old-fashioned children’s games, scavenger hunts, horse-drawn wagon rides …
The event, which also includes food trucks, live music and cold beer, runs until 4 pm at the Fort. Tickets are $5 for adults, with discounts for seniors, students and family-packs. Children six and under get in free.
• It happens every Wednesday through summer, but perhaps this July 4th is your best chance yet at taking in all the glory that is Out to Lunch.
Hosted by Downtown Missoula, this festival in Caras Park features all of Missoula’s best food vendors with local and regional bands providing the soundtrack. This week’s featured performer will be Mary Place & the Blue Moon, a jazz/blues/funk outfit. Enjoy the food, the people and the fun – and while you’re there be sure to take in some of the amazing surfing action that’s usually happening on Brennan’s Wave.
Out to Lunch runs 11 am to 2 pm.
• If you did spend the day hiking your favorite trail or splashing in your favorite watering hole, there’s still a chance to enjoy the triumphant return of the fireworks show at Southgate Mall.
Back after a two-year hiatus, you’ve got to great options here: Hang out in the mall parking lot to watch the display to the tunes of live patriotic music, or find some higher ground on one of the many hills and mountains surrounding Missoula and enjoy the show from a distance.
This year’s event runs 7-11 pm and will include food trucks, a beer garden and fun activities with the family.
The Missoula City Band will abandon it’s usual Bonner Park haunts to perform a special patriotic tribute at 9;30 pm, and then the fireworks show is set to kick off around 10:30 pm.
-Zeke Campfield
