39th Annual Bitter Root Day
Saturday, June 8, 2019
From 9am – 1pm
What is Bitter Root Day?
Bitter Root Day is a festival centered around 1 small flower, & the friendship that brings 2 different cultures together.
In 1893, at the World’s Fair, in Chicago, people voted for the Bitter Root to become our State Flower. Out of 5, 857 ballots, the Bitter Root won with 3, 671 votes. The Salish revere the flower as a gift from the Creator and its appearance in spring is honored through celebration and feasts.
(The Bitter Root Valley is the homeland of the Salish Tribe who currently reside on the Flathead Reservation in Western Montana.)
New Friendships:
Today we enjoy friendships with tribal members who join us every year for this celebration. At the heart of our connection is The People’s Center, the tribal museum in Polson, MT, who help coordinate this event.
The People’s Center Raffle this year will be for 2 – 14″ Moose hide Hand Drums painted by Jordan Stasso!
The drums are available to see during Farmers Market on Saturdays!
Download raffle tickets here or pick them up at our Farmers Market booth.
Make checks payable to The People’s Center Gift Shop
Raffle benefits The People’s Center.
The Celebration:
- Traditional Salish Dancers & Drummers
- People’s Center Museum Display & Raffle
- Arts, Crafts, Food & Produce From Local & Out of Area Vendors
- Our Two Signature Competitions: Jerky & Recycle Crafts
- Bitter Root Plants for Sale
- Free Children’s Activities
This event is partners with and sponsored by:
- Trail West Bank
- Big League Builders
- The People’s Center
- Habitat for Humanity of Ravalli County
- O’Hara Commons & Sustainability Center
- Ravalli County Recycling
- Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply
- Evan’s Ace Hardware
- Hamilton’s Marketplace
Interested in becoming a vendor?
Download a Bitter Root Day Vendor Application Form
or
Click here to apply and pay Bitter Root Day Vendor Fees online.
Join our Competitions!
Download competition forms below:
and/or the
Jerky Competition prizes include:
- Food dehydrator from Evan’s Ace Hardware
- 2 Yeti cups from Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply (Hamilton Location)
- A collection of jerky spices from Hamilton’s Marketplace
Jerky sponsor is Big League Builders
Recycle Craft Prizes include:
- Handmade gift basket with a t-shirt, 2 hours of truck share time & a gift certificate from O’Hara Commons & Sustainability Center
- Gift Certificate from Habitat for Humanity of Ravalli County for $50
Vendor Policy and Contacts:
Click to Download the Commercial Vendor Policy (PDF) or View Online Here
Email Volunteer@ravallimuseum.org to Volunteer for This Event
Email Sponsorships@ravallimuseum.org to Sponsor This Event