A good cause and good food, too

The Festival of Flavors — which supports the Flathead Valley Community College Foundation — is a real smorgasbord of culinary delights.

Ten events in 10 days, spaced throughout the Flathead Valley, allow gourmands and wine lovers to put their money where there mouth is — literally.

For anywhere from $50 to $125, patrons can help the FVCC Foundation raise money for scholarships while at the same time enjoying exquisite food prepared by the college’s culinary students as well as local caterers and restaurants. There’s also a healthy sampling of wines from California, Washington and elsewhere!

Many of the events are held in private homes and allow an enjoyable evening in an intimate setting, but the grand finale is the exact opposite — a big blowout at the Hilton Garden Inn. It’s one of the big social events of the year.

For more information, visit https://www.fvcc.edu/alumni-donors/foundation/annual-fundraisers/festival-of-flavors or call 756-3632.

The best Oktoberfest!

Another local event also kicked off last night, and it also guarantees a good time.

The eighth annual Great Northwest Oktoberfest continues tonight and Saturday and then resumes Wednesday through the following Saturday in downtown Whitefish. All in all, it’s seven days of authentic Bavarian food, drink, music and dancing.

Oktoberfest takes place in Depot Park, at the corner of Central Avenue and Railway Street.

Admission is just $5 a day for adults, and kids under 12 (accompanied by parents) are free. If the weather turns cooler, don’t worry — it’ll be warm and toasty under the climate-controlled Oktoberfest Bigtop.

For more information, call the Whitefish Chamber at 862-3501, or check out the event website at www.WhitefishOktoberfest.com.