Weekend update
Dowler in concert
Local musician Luke Dowler presents his 13th annual benefit concert for the Columbia Falls Police Association today at the Columbia Falls High School Theater.
A free pre-concert reception begins at 6 p.m. Enjoy an assortment of beverages, cookies and coffee and meet members of the Columbia Falls Police Department.
The concert begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $28. Kids under 15 are admitted free with an adult ticket holder. Group discounts are available. Call 885-1065 for tickets and more information.
Whitefish skijoring
The Whitefish Winter Carnival skijoring competition takes place this weekend at Big Mountain Ranch, 1875 Voerman Road in Whitefish. The event combines horses, riders and skiers mixed with speed, jumps and snow.
Free parking is available. Food and adult beverages will be for sale on site. No dogs are allowed at the venue.
Opening ceremonies begin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday with the Winter Carnival Royalty on hand. Competition gets underway at noon. A calcutta will be held at 7 p.m. at Casey’s Bar.
Sunday’s races begin at noon, followed by live music with John Dunnigan at 6 p.m. at the Great Northern Bar and Grill, with an awards ceremony at 7 p.m.
Book sale in Polson
The North Lake County Public Library District’s “Friends of the Library” will hold a used book sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Hundreds of used books, DVDs and audiobooks will be for sale at bargain prices, along with “Friends” T-shirts and posters from the “Recovering the Classics” project taking place across the country.
Hot chocolate, coffee, tea and cookies will be served at no charge. All proceeds support the library’s programs and projects. The library is located at 2 First Ave. E. in Polson.
Somers meeting
The Somers Water and Sewer District is holding public meetings to discuss building of a new water tank and provide information about funding at 1 and 6 p.m. Saturday at the Somers Fire Hall.
Outdoor workshop
A ranger-led Winter Wonder Workshop is being offered from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Flathead Lake State Park’s Wayfarer’s Unit on Montana 35 in Bigfork. Explore winter ecology through hands-on activities and learn how to safely enjoy winter weather. Meet at the Harry Horn picnic shelter.
All are welcome, but the program is intended for elementary-age children. Come prepared to be outside in cold weather for the duration of the program. Parents are encouraged to attend with their children. The cost is $4 per participant or $10 per family. Advanced registration is encouraged.
For more information and to register, call the Flathead Lake Ranger Station at 837-3041.
Avalanche awareness
Friends of the Flathead Avalanche Center give a “Know Before You Go” avalanche awareness presentation from 4 to 5 p.m. Saturday at Lone Pine State Park near Kalispell.
Learn about avalanche hazards, how to avoid them and the proper equipment to carry when traveling in avalanche terrain. For more information, call 755-2706, ext. 0 or 2.
Nordic trails grand opening
Glacier Nordic Club and Meadow Lake Resort celebrate the grand opening of the Meadow Lake Nordic Trails with free ski passes, lessons, and ski rentals from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Meadow Lake will have snacks and hot beverages throughout the day.
Free 45-minute beginner lessons will be offered on the hour by Glacier Nordic Club’s professional instructors and free two-hour demo rentals from Glacier Cyclery and Nordic will be available.
A apres ski party sponsored by Sacred Waters Brewing will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Meadow Lake Bar & Grille.
Lecture series
The John White Lecture Series presents author and psychologist Doug Ammons at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Museum at Central School, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell.
Ammons tells the true story of the Granite Mountain/Spectacular hard-rock mining disaster in Butte in 1917, the largest in U.S. history.
Tickets are $6 for museum members and $9 for nonmembers. Limited tickets will be sold at the door. Call 756-8381 for further information.