Group hopes to preserve Somers history exhibit

Preserving the heritage of Somers is the goal behind a new building project.

The Somers Company Town Project is raising money to build a 240-square-foot pavilion over the S-2 locomotive at the Rails to Trails trailhead in Somers. The pavilion would also  provide space for a small museum.

The S-2 engine was saved, refurbished and returned to its current location through volunteer efforts. The current project is another step in preserving the history of the town, which was established in 1901 by the Great Northern Railroad.

Somers Company Town Project President Dave Ruby said several fundraisers are scheduled for the $45,000 project with $23,000 raised so far.

The group started metal recycling with a bin behind Sliter’s Ace Hardware in Somers. That effort continues through the end of September.

The next fundraiser is the third-annual Spirits of the Valley wine tasting. It will be June 1 at the Flathead Lake Inn and Suites Best Western Plus banquet room, which was formerly the White Oak. Whistling Andy’s Distillery will be serving whiskey, wine and beer at the event, which is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 and include hors d’ouevres, desserts and an etched commemorative wine glass. Live music and a silent auction and raffle will also be included.

Tickets are available at Sliters Ace Hardware, Somers Bay Cafe or at the door.

Other fundraisers scheduled for this summer include the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus on June 25 and the Somers Cajun Street Dance July 20.

For more information on any of these events, call Ruby at 837-1158.