Bigfork Whitewater festival marks 50 years on the 'Wild Mile'

The Swan River will once again be alive near downtown Bigfork this Memorial Day weekend as the Bigfork Whitewater Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary, welcoming paddlers and spectators from across the country — and the world — for three days of races, music and community.

Held May 23-25, the festival marks five decades of whitewater tradition on the “Wild Mile,” a scenic and challenging Class IV stretch of the Swan River that flows directly through the heart of Bigfork. It’s a rare venue where spectators can walk the Swan River Nature Trail and get a front-row view of kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders battling the rapids.

“This is the most spectator-friendly kayaking event in the world,” said longtime organizer Dave Meyers. “You can park in town, walk up the nature trail in 10 minutes and be watching some of the best whitewater action out there.”

The event, which benefits the Montana Kayak Academy, has grown from humble roots. According to Meyers, it started as an impromptu gathering of paddlers in the 1970s, fueled by pizza, a few dollars from a local bar and a shared love for the river.

Through the 1980s and ‘90s, the festival became a stop on the national whitewater circuit before losing some steam in the early 2000s when the circuit stopped racing. In 2010, Meyers, his brother — both professional kayakers — and other organizers helped reinvigorate the event with prize money and outreach, putting Bigfork back on the map for competitive whitewater.

“It takes a village,” Meyers said. “There are so many moving parts — the town, the county, DOT making sure the road is safe, getting the proper permits, making sure trash cans and porta potties are set out - but it’s gotten easier over the years. You just recheck the boxes and call the same folks. Everyone helps make it happen.”

Meyers also credited the hard work of Sarah Peterson who has been involved in the event for over a decade. The festival has blossomed into a full weekend experience. Thursday night features a community gathering at Whistling Andy Distillery, with camping opening and practice runs on the river. Friday includes the Boater Cross race and a flower float in memory of those lost — a moving tribute that underscores the close-knit nature of the whitewater community.

Saturday is packed with action: races down the Wild Mile, the 7th annual stand-up paddleboard competition, and a dance party after dark. Local businesses join the celebration with sidewalk sales and live music, making the festival not only a sporting event, but Bigfork’s unofficial summer kickoff.

While river levels are slightly lower than average this year — a factor that may deter some top-tier competitors — Meyers noted that it can actually open the door for more racers and extended local paddling opportunities.

“This is a special year for Bigfork,” Meyers said. “The steel bridge isn’t quite open yet, but it’s close. The town will be coming alive. We’re hoping for sunshine and a great turnout.”

Festival proceeds go toward scholarships for beginner paddlers through the Montana Kayak Academy, which launches its season June 16.

For more details, check out the festival’s website at bigforkwhitewaterfestival.com.