Brewfest targets winter tourists

Look out, Whitefish. Bigfork has a new event organizers hope will steal crowds from its sister tourist destination.

The first annual Brewfest will take place in downtown Bigfork on Saturday, closing down part of Electric Avenue for most of the afternoon.

Organizers hope to use the event to boost business and raise money for the Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork at the same time.

"We wanted to do something like Winter Carnival in Whitefish," said Hilary Shepard, organizer and CFBB board member. "We wanted something going on in the winter."

The event has already garnered more than 300 fans on its Facebook page.

Currently nine breweries are slated to come and provide tastes of their wares for the event. Breweries include Tamarack Brewing Company, Great Northern Brewing, Glacier Brewing Company, Big Sky Brewing and others.

A K-9 keg pull will also be part of the festivities, and locals can register their dogs on site. The event will also feature live music and local food vendors.

"Come out just because it's a good time," Shepard said. "It supports a local charity and supports Bigfork."

Ticket proceeds will go toward CFBB projects, which include supporting other local non-profits and community service efforts, maintaining the Swan River Nature Trail, recycling efforts and keeping the town clean.

The section of road between Eva Gates Homemade Preserves and La Provence will be closed to traffic between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. for the event. Thru traffic will need to use an alternate route down River Street.

Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the gate. They are available locally at the Jug Tree, Sotheby's International Realty and the Raven.