Can't find a fireworks show in Missoula? Consider taking the family to Bigfork for this year's 4th of July celebration. It's a beautiful 2 hour drive and there's a lot to do once you get there.

The Bigfork 4 of July parade was voted the "Best Parade in the Flathead Valley" and this year's theme is "Celebrating Our Heroes." Enjoy the community band in front of the Bigfork Inn starting at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, with the parade set to begin at noon and continuing down Electric Avenue to the bridge.

That afternoon, you might take the short drive to Swan Lake for the Wild Mile featuring the Ducks For Bucks race. Other events on Monday the 4th include the 4th Annual Freedom 5K Run/Walk which will begin at 8:30 a.m. Registration for the event begins at 7:30 a.m.  The race course will start at Brookies Cookies on Mill Avenue, run along the Swan River Nature Trail and back to Brookies.  Register in advance here.

There will also be a free Pancake Breakfast at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. In addition to pancakes, the menu will feature sausage, eggs and orange juice. The church is located at 121 Crestview Drive in Bigfork.

And of  course, fireworks! So many people do their own fireworks shows on the lake that the view from just about anywhere in Bigfork after dark is spectacular. There are fireworks to be seen all across the lake, a great place to set up a viewing spot is along Holt Drive near the Marina Cay Resort.

Most of Bigfork's shops, galleries and restaurants will be open and featuring specials for the holiday, so you could certainly make a weekend of it!

 

More From 94.9 KYSS FM