Cowabunga returns to Bigfork with "Deja Moo"

Attendance numbers were over the moon Friday and Saturday as the Cowabunga rund-raising variety and talent show returned to the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts for its 20th year with “Deja Moo, Moovin’ Thru the Decades.”

The two performances were full of fun and laughter, but the steaks could not have been higher as proceeds from the event go towards funding the Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre and the Bigfork ACES Afterschool and Summer programs.

Since 2002 (the show did not take place in 2009 or 2020), the annual event has raised quite a bit of moolah for education and enrichment programs, more than $150,000 to be exact, and continues to be a popular stable of the spring season.

With acts ranging from the typical singing and dancing routines to the udderly ridiculous antics of the “Flashdads” group, this year’s show did not disappoint.

According to organizers Brach Thomson and Cathy Hay in this year’s program, “The funds raised through Cowabunga will help ensure that all children have access to a variety of opportunities, which makes Bigfork a town full of creative life and encourages a healthy, diverse sense of community.”

In addition to funding the two programs, organizers are milking this cash cow for all it’s worth this year to help fund a $500 college scholarship for one graduating senior student.

“Not only does (Cowabunga) serve as a fundraiser to support the youth programs, but it also gives us a forum to show off and showcase the endless talent of the Flathead Valley,” the organizers said. “Especially with the versatile, courageous and talented youth who grace the stage and attend and benefit from our programs.”

With this year’s event now in the back pasture, organizers are ready to moove towards another exciting show in 2024.