One of the most anticipated events of the summer in Whitefish arrives this weekend – on Saturday, Aug. 24, to be specific – with the annual BMCA Summer Brewfest in Whitefish Depot Park.
Set to run from 3 to 7 p.m., the event features 12 of the top microbreweries from the Pacific Northwest, along with great live music and some outstanding food vendors … all in the heart of downtown Whitefish!
Tickets are just $20 in advance ($25 at the gate), and include 10 beer-sampling tokens and a commemorative glass. Designated driver tickets are being offered for just $5, which includes unlimited soda and water. Tickets are on sale now at the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce, the Great Northern Brewery and the Sportsman & Ski Haus in Kalispell.
So, you ask, who the heck is the BMCA? The Big Mountain Commercial Association is the nonprofit organization that Whitefish depends upon to raise funds for operation of the SNOW Bus – the free transportation system that operates between the city and Whitefish Mountain Resort all winter – as well as winter maintenance of Big Mountain Road.
A few facts about the BMCA:
In our first year (1998/1999) we provided 18,000 rides to the mountain. Last season (2012/2013) we provided more than 80,000 rides!
The cost for operating the system last season was $237,000.
The BMCA receives no federal or state funding – all funding comes from BMCA membership and our fundraisers.
The BMCA not only provides free rides to the mountain, we also alleviate road traffic and increase parking space for those who choose to drive.
The BMCA pays for the winter road maintenance for the Big Mountain Road and the Village Shuttle.
The objective of the BMCA is to build cooperation and community forum for the development of new ideas and projects that will enhance the image of Whitefish, Whitefish Mountain Resort and the Flathead Valley as a local, regional and destination resort. Please help us meet these objectives.
This nonprofit organization does not receive any federal government funding; all our financial backing comes from private entities and memberships. When a company becomes a member, they are rewarded with two discounted season passes (at $445 each) and $595 for up to 10 additional employee passes. The members get advertising space on the SNOW Bus, and are recognized on the BMCA’s website. The buses make regular stops at member business and hotels before making the winding journey up the mountain.
The SNOW buses not only transport eager skiers, snowboarders and curious tourists, but also many hard-working employees. This service frees up the chaotic and already packed parking lots, and also drives traffic flow to our member businesses.
The BMCA’s ultimate goal is to help local businesses as much as possible, building a cooperative effort between off-mountain businesses and Whitefish Mountain Resort. With a mission like that, how could you not support this terrific organization?
If you’re a Whitefish business and you don’t belong to the BMCA, join now! And if you love great micro-brews, summertime in Whitefish and supporting a great cause, come on out to the Brewfest this weekend and enjoy this uniquely Whitefish event!
For tickets and/or more information, call the Whitefish Chamber at 862-3501.