Polson Independence Day events announced
Celebration happens with parades, fireworks, and hometown spirit
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News from Lori Abramson, Polson Chamber Administrator
POLSON — There’s no better place to celebrate the 4th of July than Polson, where lake views, community pride, and local traditions come together on one unforgettable weekend. This year’s festivities include a brand-new kids’ event, a community parade, and the highly anticipated fireworks show over Flathead Lake.
A new addition to the lineup is the Little Stars & Stripes Ride, a mini parade for kids and their decorated bikes, wagons, scooters, and strollers. It kicks off the main parade on Friday July 4, at noon, which winds through downtown Polson with music, floats, and hometown pride.
The celebration officially kicks off the night before with Polson’s Fireworks Show on Thursday, July 3, a tradition that continues to serve both residents and the local economy in meaningful ways.
The party starts early in Polson with the beloved Fireworks Show over Flathead Lake on the evening of July 3. This long-standing tradition not only lights up the sky but also helps support the very businesses that support our community year-round. By hosting the fireworks on the 3rd, Polson welcomes thousands of visitors a day early- extending the celebration, boosting local tourism, and creating a ripple effect of economic support for shops, restaurants, and small businesses throughout town.
Even with those cost-saving measures, organizing the show remains a major challenge. Each year, the Polson Chamber Fireworks Committee works to raise over $35,000 to make the show happen—entirely through local donations, sponsorships, and volunteer support. That fundraising effort gets harder each year as costs rise and resources become more limited.
“The city or state doesn’t pay for our fireworks, they’re paid for by the people and businesses who love this community- this show is 100% donation based, and organized by a volunteer board,” said Cole Wallace, former President of the Polson Chamber and Chair of the Fireworks Committee. “We do it because we believe this celebration honors our country and reminds us of what it means to support each other—not just on the 4th, but all year long.”
One of the most significant community fundraising events is the Annual Boot Drive, scheduled for Saturday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. along Highway 93 through downtown Polson.
Volunteers and members of the Ravens Hall Motorcycle Club will be collecting donations from passing cars and pedestrians. Every contribution helps keep this treasured tradition alive.
Celebrate Independence Day the Polson way—by coming together, giving back, and lighting up the lake in true community spirit. Learn more at: www.polsonchamber.com
