HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-20-26 Correspondence - C. Lapotka - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE _ Flathead Cherry Festival Celebrates Cherries and CommunityFrom:Carol Lynn Lapotka
Subject:[EXTERNAL]FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Flathead Cherry Festival Celebrates Cherries and Community
Date:Monday, July 20, 2026 3:56:49 PM
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carol Lynn Lapotka
Phone: 406.201.9229
Email: info@handmademontana.com
Website: flatheadcherryfestival.com
FLATHEAD CHERRY FESTIVAL RETURNS JULY 25–26, 2026, FOR A WEEKEND OF CHERRIES,
ART, FOOD, AND COMMUNITY FUN
POLSON, MONTANA (July 2026) — Get ready to celebrate all things cherry as the Flathead Cherry
Festival returns to downtown Polson on Saturday and Sunday, July 25–26, 2026.
Presented by handMADE Montana in partnership with the Polson Chamber of Commerce, the Flathead
Cherry Festival brings thousands of visitors to the shores of Flathead Lake to celebrate the region’s
famous cherries, shop from talented artists and makers, enjoy local food, and experience the energy of
downtown Polson during one of the community’s busiest summer weekends.
Visitors can look forward to fresh Flathead cherries, cherry-inspired food and drinks, more than 150 artists
and makers, food vendors, family-friendly activities, community organizations, and businesses from
throughout the region.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Fresh Flathead Cherries
Celebrate peak cherry season with fresh fruit from local orchards, along with preserves, baked goods,
desserts, drinks, and other cherry-inspired products.
Cherry Picked Culinary Experience
The celebration extends beyond the festival grounds with local restaurants, bars, and food establishments
featuring limited-time cherry-inspired dishes and drinks throughout the weekend. Visitors are encouraged
to explore downtown and discover creative ways local businesses are showcasing the flavor of the
Flathead cherry harvest.
Artists and Makers
Shop a curated selection of handmade goods from local and regional artists and makers. Festival booths
will feature fine art, jewelry, ceramics, clothing, home goods, woodworking, body care products, gifts, and
more.
Delicious Food
Enjoy a wide range of savory and sweet options from food trucks and vendors throughout the festival.
Visitors can grab a meal, enjoy a cherry treat, and cool down in the shaded seating area near the food
court.
Festival Competitions and Activities
Classic festival favorites return throughout the weekend, including the Cherry Pit Spitting Contest at 2
p.m. Saturday and the Chalk Art Contest at 4 p.m. Saturday.
The Flathead Foodie Competition returns Sunday, inviting participants to enter their best cherry-inspired
pies, sweets, savory dishes, and commercial creations. Entries must be dropped off by 1 p.m. Sunday at
the Natural Resources Department building, and winners will be selected by a panel of judges.
Community Connections
Local nonprofits and community groups will be on-site to share their work, connect with visitors, and raise
awareness for the organizations serving the Flathead Lake region.
Downtown Polson
Festival visitors are encouraged to explore local shops, restaurants, parks, and the waterfront while
enjoying the weekend. The festival offers a chance to experience downtown Polson, support small
businesses, and enjoy the beauty of Flathead Lake.
The Polson Elks will begin the celebration Saturday morning with a pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 10:30
a.m.
FESTIVAL DETAILS
Dates: July 25–26, 2026
Times: Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Location: Main Street and downtown Polson, Montana
Admission: Free and open to all ages
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, bring water, wear sun protection, and be prepared for warm
summer weather. Parking is available on local streets and in public parking areas around downtown,
including near the post office, Linderman Elementary School, and Riverside Park. Accessible parking will
be available near the festival on Fourth Avenue East and Fourth Avenue West.
A full list of participating artists, vendors, activities, parking information, and festival updates is available
at flatheadcherryfestival.com.
Whether you come for the cherries, the art, the food, or the community, the Flathead Cherry Festival
offers something for everyone. Join us for a memorable summer weekend on the beautiful shores of
Flathead Lake.
ABOUT THE FLATHEAD CHERRY FESTIVAL
Held annually on the last full weekend in July, the Flathead Cherry Festival celebrates the iconic Flathead
cherry harvest and the vibrant local community. Organized by handMADE Montana in partnership with
the Polson Chamber of Commerce, the festival features artists, growers, food vendors, nonprofits,
downtown businesses, and community organizations from across the region.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT
Carol Lynn Lapotka
handMADE Montana
info@handmademontana.com
406.201.9229
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook
facebook.com/flatheadcherryfestival
facebook.com/handmademontanaLLC
facebook.com/polsoncc
Instagram
instagram.com/handmademt
instagram.com/flatheadcherryfestival
instagram.com/polsonchamber
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handMADE Montana Team
Carol Lynn Lapotka // handMADE Montana // REcreate designs
Courtney Blazon // Courtney Blazon Illustrations
Visit us on Facebook, check out our website, and see some behind the scenes action on Instagram
FACEBOOK
MADE fair MT // HandMADE MT // HandMADE MT Community Group
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