In this Montana girl’s mind, summer kicks off officially in Montana each Memorial Day. Sure, sometimes it may bring beautiful sunshine and comfortable 80 degree days, while others times it rolls in with wind, rain and a touch of snow. But any way you slice it, it’s summer in Montana.

If you’re looking for things to do in Western Montana on this, the inaugural weekend of summer, you choices abound. Here are a few ideas to get your weekend rolling.

1) St. Regis Flea Market: This is Western Montana’s LARGEST flea market, with more than 150 vendors attending and booths open from “daylight to dark.”

2) Bigfork Whitewater Festival: The annual event happens over Memorial Day in the “village by the bay,” Bigfork. The festival hosts between 65 and 80 paddlers competing in events like the slalom race, a down river race and boater’s cross. PS: One of the great things about this festival is that spectators can see the action from the Swan River Nature Trail.

3) 100 Favorite Things in Glacier National Park Presentation: This Saturday, world-known wildlife photographer Sumio Harada will present his thoughts on Glacier National Park in the Montana House at Apgar Village inside Glacier National Park. Sessions are free and open to the public at 11 AM and 2 PM.

4) Hit the Whitewater! This time of year makes the rivers of Western Montana very fun for paddling and rafting. Our two cents: Book a trip and go with a guide. (Not only will you be in good, trained hands, our guides know the river and will make sure you have a stellar time). Try 10,000 Waves in Missoula, Flathead Raft in Polson or Glacier Raft, Montana Raft and Wild River in West Glacier.

As for me, I’ll be wishing for rainfall during the night and some sweet summer sunshine during the day.

TT