Viewing area for fair parade expanded

Due to growing crowds at parades in Kalispell over the last 18 months, the parade route and viewing area for the upcoming Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo Parade will extend by two blocks to the south on the east side of Main Street.

“We want to ensure everyone has a great, safe place to view our parade, especially since these events have significantly grown in size and now draw crowds of thousands of people” said Katie Brien, Administrative Services Manager with the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce.

The parade, which will take place Friday, Aug. 18 at 10 a.m., will begin south of the courthouse couplet at the intersection of 10th Street and Main Street. The parade procession will stay to the east side of the courthouse as it travels through the couplet.

The Kalispell Chamber organizes four parades in Kalispell, with the fair parade typically drawing the largest attendance each year — in number of entries and spectators. Last year’s parade included entries from over 90 different local organizations.

“We have established a great partnership with Kalispell Public Works and Kalispell Police to build a route that is safe for our volunteers, spectators, and entries, without compromising efficient traffic flow through the downtown area” Brien said.

There will be street closures on 8th Street West and 10th Street West beginning at 7:30 a.m. to allow for parade staging. Main Street will be closed to both north and south-bound traffic around 9:50 a.m., including all cross-street intersections. Streets will reopen following the end of the parade.

Additionally, parking won’t be available on either side of Main Street beginning at 9 a.m. ­on Aug. 18 and will reopen as the last entry completes the parade route at roughly 11 a.m.

Elderly and mobility impaired people will have all spaces in the First Presbyterian Church parking lot and a portion of the sidewalk in front of the church available to view the parade. Individuals using the parking area should enter the lot from the alley behind the church, accessible from 5th Street West.

Downtown businesses will operate during their normal, posted hours.

Anyone interested in entering this year’s parade should contact the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce at (406) 758-2803.

There’s a $20 entry fee and cash prizes for the top three entries.

For all parade rules and regulations, visit www.kalispellchamber.com/programs/parades.