BY STEPHANIE LYNN, EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
The rebranded Gallatin River Festival will make a splash in Big Sky from June 28th to 30th, 2019 to promote conservation and stewardship of the Gallatin River watershed.
“This year’s Gallatin River Festival will be bigger than ever! We are expecting 1,000 people to join us for the fair and banquet,” said Ryan Newcomb, Director of Development. “This is the preeminent fundraiser for the Gallatin River watershed and the essential work of the Task Force to conserve, restore, and protect this vital resource.”
The fun-filled weekend features three action-packed days that celebrate river recreation and conservation. Last year, the festival invested nearly $100,000 in a healthy Gallatin River for future generations.
Top-tier sponsor, Gallatin River Guides, will kick-off the weekend with their annual storewide sale on Friday, June 28th. Stop by Pesca Fiesta for deals on gear, cheap food, and free beer from 5 to 7 PM at their shop.
The Outdoor Fair returns to the Big Sky Town Center Park with an expanded focus and music by the Bridger Creek Boys. The bash targets fun for the whole family with a rock-climbing wall, bounce house, fly casting demonstrations, and a photo booth. The popular Montana-made spirits tasting garden is back, as well as vendors and conservation activities.
The weekend concludes with a barbecue on the banks of the Gallatin and libations from Natalie’s Estate Winery. The Hooked on the Gallatin banquet entails auctions with exciting items, including a stay in a Mexican Villa, river gear, a trip for four on the South Fork of the Salmon River, and a hot air balloon ride over southwest Montana. All proceeds from the event benefit the Gallatin River Task Force.
The top tier sponsors for the Gallatin River Festival are Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, Montana Wild, Boundary Expeditions, the Snow Family, Gallatin River Guides, Lone Mountain Land Company, James Corwin Fine Art, Outlaw Partners, Simms, and Highline Partners. The Gallatin River Task Force and a committee of dedicated volunteers host the Gallatin River Festival.