MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM WHITEFISHRADIO.COM!

Merry Christmas to all our FRIENDS around the world! Visit our Holiday Page for Christmas Music Blocks, video from the debut performance of The Couch Downstairs (an 11 & 12 year old trio of Whitefish Middle School students), fun family websites, and Elf Stories from Muldown Elementary 3rd Graders. Christmas Music begins on the live stream December 23 at noon through Friday, December 25 at Midnight. Wishing each and every one of you joy and happiness!

WEEKEND GET-AWAY TO SANDPOINT, IDAHO

Did you take a vacation outside the Flathead Valley this summer? It seems like most of us who live in the Valley usually don't. As the old saying goes, when you live in Northwest Montana, "there are nine months of winter and three months of company." But when you live in the most beautiful part of the state, it seems that everyone wants to come and stay with you in the summer.

With unseasonably chilly October temperatures and snow in the mountains making its way to the Valley floor, Mother Nature is blatantly dropping the hint that summer is definitely over and winter is well on its way! But what if you really did want to "get-away" from the Flathead Valley, and never found the time during the summer months? No worries! Fall is actually one of the most beautiful and best times to take a vacation. In fact, you will get a lot more "bang for your buck" not paying "peak season" tourist prices. Smart Travel Resources report, "Hotel rooms are 20% less on average." Plus, with tourists hard to find, many hotels and resorts now offer special weekend packages.

Case in point, my husband and I recently took a trip to Sandpoint, ID. Would you believe that on a Friday and Saturday night we found a room for two adults and two dogs, under $50.00? Yes, it's true. Fall specials are definitely out there and now is the time to take advantage of them!

Sandpoint's slogan is, "What a beautiful pace." Not only is it a beautiful place, it's also a wonderful town for kicking back and enjoy yourselves. If you have never been to Sandpoint, I must tell you it's the perfect weekend get-away! Only four hours west of Kalispell and about 90 minutes East of Spokane, the town has many similarities to Whitefish, Montana. Schweitzer Ski Resort and Lake Pend Oreille provide numerous outdoor activities. After a day of skiing or playing on the lake, Sandpoint offers an endless list of things to do; shopping, fine dining, theater, the choice is yours. Some of our favorite places to visit are: The Pine Street Bakery, Coldwater Creek Clothing Company, Cabin Creek Interiors, Northwest Handmade Furniture, and of course, the Pend d'Orielle Winery and the Laughing Dog Brewery, (yes, dogs are welcome at the brewery).

You may want to consider planning your trip to Sandpoint around a few upcoming events listed below:

OCTOBER:

SCHWEITZER LAKEDANCE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL: October 18-25
4th annual film festival, featuring independent films, workshops and discussions.
For more information: 208-597-0961

WARREN MILLER SKI FESTIVAL: October 24th, Pamida Theater
For more information: 208-263-5157

NOVEMBER:

THANKSGIVING FISHING DERBY: November 27-29 IPOIC.ORG

HOLIDAYS IN SANDPOINT: November 27-January 1st Special events store wit the tree lighting ceremony and caroling on November 27th.

For more information: 208-255-1876

DECEMBER:

SANTA'S TRADITIONAL SCHWEITZER VISIT: Santa hits the slopes and then stops off at the Selkirk Lodge int the days leading up to Christmas.
For more information: 208-263-9855

For more information about Sandpoint, visit the city's website:

http://www.sandpointonline.com/

STREAMING LIVE RESULTS FROM THE EVENT AT REBECCA FARM

This weekend, July 25 & 26, WhitefishRadio.com is breaking from its regularly scheduled programming to bring you live results direct from the announcers booth at The Event at Rebecca Farm. This World Class Triathlon Equestrian Event is home to the only HSBC and FEI World Cup qualifying event in the U.S., and draws competitors from all over the world. This state-of-the-art and beautifully lanscaped facility just outside of Kalispell brings excitement to spectators of all ages with competition in dressage, cross country and show jumping. There is a trade fair all four days with arts, crafts and a wide variety of food vendors. Admission is free. Rebecca Broussard, Owner and Organizer of the Event, along with other event participants spoke with WhitefishRadio.com about this incredible weekend in the Flathead Valley. Listen to the interviews, click here. For more event information, visit Rebecca Farm website here.

Skiing is over......now what?

"DESTINATIONS IN A DAY GETAWAYS"

Michelle's Travel Blog, by Michelle Weltz

EEKS! The ski season is over, yet it is still snowing in the Flathead Valley! What do we do on our weekends now?????

As the advertisement came on for Lookout Pass Ski Resort's last day being a FREE ski day for everyone, I seriously considered packing up all my ski gear and heading to their resort for on last "fling" in the snow. But alas, common sense got the best of me and I decided not to head to Lookout Pass that day. However, it got me thinking, where could we go in a day's drive for a nice overnight stay that was out of the snow completely??? Someplace fun, interesting, and inexpensive.....someplace within a three to four drive, but not crowded with people? My husband had the answer.....Post Falls, ID. Post Falls, isn't that the city we always drive by leaving Coeur D'Alene on I-90 heading towards Spokane? "Yep, that's the one. The one with the new Cabela's sporting goods store," my husband replied. Ahh, yes the truth comes out....he has a reason himself to go to Post Falls.

If you're not familiar with Post Falls, let me give you some insight. Straight from the city's brochure, "Post Falls is known as Idaho's River City. It sets on the shores of the Spokane River and is just minutes away from both Coeur D'Alene and Spokane, with unlimited things to do." The brochure continued with, "Post Falls is the perfect place for anyone seeking fun and excitement, cultural and historical enrichment, or just plain fun." Okay, I admit that I'm into the "just plain fun" aspect of that statement!

And we did have a lot of fun during our weekend at Post Falls. We found a great hotel, the Sleep Inn, located just of I-90. The staff was very friendly and our room was clean! We loved that the hotel was pet friendly and had a great pet area. Plus, the Centennial trail (for walking and biking only) runs directly in front of the hotel. We took the dogs for a nice long walk to Falls Park. This park has a playground, picnic tables and for scenic purposes, a waterfall and view of the Post Falls Dam......ahhhhhh, a Kodak moment.

Once we were done hiking, it was time to do what every woman loves to do....SHOP! Yes, we did start with Cabela's and then moved onto the Spokane Valley Mall and neighboring areas. As we drove around we saw there are tons of things to do in a weekend......shopping, dining, concerts, riverboat cruises, auto racing, golfing, seaplane tours, Silverwood theme park......wow, so much to do in a weekend, I think we'll just have to come back to the Post Falls Area!!!

Watch for WhitefishRadio.com's newest webpage, "Destinations in a Day" with great travel ideas for the family!

ROB QUIST LIVE!

WhitefishRadio.com, The Big Fish celebrates one year of web casting live from our hometown studios in beautiful Whitefish, Montana, USA, by introducing a new program with a familiar Montana voice.

Rob Quist, known to many as Montana’s Musical Ambassador, and a founding member of the Mission Mountain Wood Band, has joined The Big Fish to bring a new exciting musical show to Montana and the World via the world-wide web. Beginning on March 6, 2008, Rob Quist will be on live every Thursday at 10AM MST at http://www.whitefishradio.com/, and each show will be available on demand the following day. What’s the show all about? Rob Quist describes it this way, “This show is going to be a reflection of the music I’ve played over the course of my career. I’ve really made my musical journey about writing songs about the people of the west and the history of this country and the people that live here, which, to me is infinitely more interesting than writing commercial songs. We’re going to be playing songs from some of the groups I’ve been in, such as the Mission Mountain Wood Band and the Montana Band, as well as other more eclectic groups.” Rob will be inviting many of his musical friends to join him on the show; friends whom he considers to be “some of the greatest musicians and songwriters in America.” He adds, “We also plan to do a lot of jamming on Whitefish Radio, with new songs that are just being born and maybe some that aren’t quite ready for show time yet, but are in the process of being made.”

“I am very excited about the new Rob Quist Live radio show here on The Big Fish. He is one of Montana's best known and most loved singers, songwriters, and storytellers. His music spans nearly 4 decades. Rob also has a love for Montana history and I'm really looking forward to hearing some great stories that will take us back in time. Rob is very knowledgeable about the world of internet broadcasting and uses the latest technology to stay connected with friends and fans. So, this new collaboration with Rob and WhitefishRadio.com is just a natural. What a way to celebrate our first year on the world-wide web,” said Ross Strauser, owner of WhitefishRadio.com.

Named by the Missoulian as “One of Montana’s Notable Musicians of the Twentieth Century,” Rob has released 9 CD’s, placing songs on Billboard and Independent Charts as well as receiving radio airplay in United States, Europe and Japan. Rob’s songs have been recorded by Michael Martin Murphey and Loretta Lynn, and he was recently inducted in the University of Montana School of Fine Arts Hall of Honors recognizing him as “One of its greats,” saluting him as “a celebrated Montana musician and composer who has captured the spirit of the West in his music, an eloquent proponent of the history and beauty of the West whose legacy in song will be embraced by generations to follow.”

Catch the premiere of Rob Quist Live, Thursday, March 6, at 10AM MST exclusively on Montana’s only all internet station, http://www.whitefishradio.com/. Click on the Live Stream button to listen.

The Royal Treatment

Whitefish Winter Carnival XLIX is in full swing, with the Royalty selected for this year. Congratulations to the new court, King Ullr XLIX, Jerry House; Queen of the Snows, Terri Muraoka; Prime Minister Walt Chauner; Duchess of Lark Lynn Grossman; Harold the Hark Rick Donahue; Prince Frey Anders Hanson, and Princess Freya Jane Hansen. The Big Fish was privelaged to be the first to interview the court. Check out carnival photos, listen to interviews, see our events page for a look at upcoming carnival activities, and visit the news page for updated carnival stories. Watch for our parade entry with Alpine Theatre Project during the Grand Parade on February 2, in Downtown Whitefish.

WhitefishRadio.com is celebrating our first year of worldwide webcasting. With the New Year, comes many new changes for The Big Fish. Look for exciting announcements coming soon to a computer near you!

In the meantime, don't forget to check out the variety of awesome programs we offer live and on demand; something for everyone. Like what you see and hear? Tell a friend.

The Big Fish, Out and About

The Big Fish will be making a big splash this Holiday Season, participating in upcoming community events.

Catch WhitefishRadio.com downtown in Whitefish on Friday, Dec. 14, from 5-9PM for the annual Christmas Stroll. Mac Bledsoe, founder of the Parenting With Dignity Program, will be with us during the stroll to autograph his books and DVD's; a perfect gift for parents of all ages. come by and say "hi" to Mac and learn a little more about his wonderful program with easy to use practical advice for raising children.

Also joining us will be our good friends from the Humane Society of Northwest Montana, The Charlotte Edkins Adoption Center, with another great gift idea for the animal lovers on you shopping list. The 2008 Paws and Claws calendars will be available for purchase, with all proceeds going to help the residents at the shelter. As always, the calendars are full of charming photos and heartwarming stories about some of the pets who have been adopted and some who are still living at the shelter awaiting a forever home. Weather permitting, an adoptable furry friend or two will be visiting The Big Fish trailer. Look for us on Main Street between the clock tower and The Village Shop in downtown Whitefish.

Another long anticipated Holiday event is the Glacier Symphony and Chorale's, "Festive Holiday Pops" concert on Saturday, Dec. 15, in Whitefish and Sunday, Dec. 16, in Kalispell. This year's highlight will be "The Snowman" narrated by our very own, Ross Strauser, and the theme song will be performed by Michael Reimer. The symphony will present a variety of works, ranging from Strauss waltzes to contemporary works, followed by the Glacier Chamber Singers who will offer vocal selections and lead a festive audience sing-along of holiday carols. Visit the Glacier Symphony website for more information.


Keep in touch with what's happening in our world by checking out our News and Events pages.

See you out and about!

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of you from all of us at WhitefishRadio.com.

Falling Back Into The Swing

Summer flew by, school is back in session, and visitors to our beautiful state of Montana, for the most part, have returned to their homes. Fall is nipping at our heels as we settle back into a routine and prepare ourselves for the winter ahead. As everything around us seems to be slowly winding down, WhitefishRadio.com is full-speed ahead.

Getting back to school is a very positive change for most, but with it comes many challenges for our kids. Mac Bledsoe, features an all new series titled Back to School right here on The Big Fish. This series is full of wonderful advice for parents, students, and teachers on subjects like homework, better grades, following the rules and the importance of kids getting involved with school activities.

More often than not, school activities include a heavy emphasis on sports, which led The Big Fish to fulfill a community request by adding an all new Flathead Valley Sports Page. Here you can keep up with all the latest scores on our sports ticker, view game schedules in one convenient location, hear coach and player interviews, news and more.

Because you can get the hard-hitting news anywhere, WhitefishRadio.com is committed to maintaining a news page that brings positive, community interest stories to the forefront. If you have a story of interest that you would like to see on our site, please contact us here.

It was another great week with our local celebrities, David Ackroyd, John Dunnigan, and Jungle Jack Hanna. The week started off on Tuesday with Lights! Camera! Ackroyd! where Jungle Jack made a special appearance to talk television with David about his upcoming new series Into the Wild. This week David delved into "Bad Career Moves," and Jack was up to his usual animal antics while also discussing his "bad career moves." Back by popular demand, Jerry Clemmens was John Dunnigan's guest on Thursday. During the show an old friend called in, all the way from Austin, Texas to say "hi" to his friend Jerry. Jerry was in prime form with great tunes, crazy jokes and commentary. David, John, and Jack are all available 24/7, on demand.

The Big Fish will be out and about in Whitefish this weekend as Ross Strauser MC's the Two Bear Marathon. Come out and cheer on over 120 runners from all over the world as they participate in this 26.2 mile run. For more on this story, visit our news page where you can hear an interview with Brad Seaman, Co-Director of the event. Hope to see you at the race!

Have a great weekend!

What a Summer It Has Been!

Where to begin....?

It has been a fantastic first summer for us here at WhitefishRadio.com, and we'd like to thank all our listeners and sponsors for making our first months so successful. We appreciate each and everyone of you. If you like what you see and hear, tell a friend.

There is so much to catch up on, so let's start with our good friend, John Dunnigan. John is back LIVE! Yes, live in the studio this Thursday! He has returned from his summer fair tour and will be sharing new music from new artists he met on the road; and we are sure he will be telling many other stories you won't want to miss. John writes:

Greetings to all.
Hope you had a safe and smoke free summer?
We are not out of the woods yet!
But at least I can see across the street into my neighbors house..oops.
I had a very eventful summer playing all over the Northwest, opening and
playing with some very cool acts!
Saw old friends and made a ton of new ones.
Had a fishing license in four different states...but believe me the fish populations are the same when I leave as when I got there?
I will be back on the air LIVE this Thursday morning....where I will elaborate a bit more on the travels of a Whitefish guitar player
Thursday at 10 a.m.

Let's shift gears a bit, but stay with the entertainment theme. David Ackroyd has been with us all summer each Tuesday morning from 10 am to Noon MST. In the midst of his insanely busy summer, he managed to bring in special guests each week. If you missed any of the Lights! Camera! Ackroyd! shows, catch them on demand. What a phenomenal summer Alpine Theatre Project has had! There are still a few days left to see "Moonlight and Magnolias." The Big Fish went to all three plays and thoroughly enjoyed it all. David, Luke and Betsi together have brought something so fantastic to this community. Thank you ATP for entertaining us this summer. We are so fortunate to have you here in the Flathead Valley.

Summer has passed in the blink of an eye, as school gets underway. As another school year begins The Big Fish is gearing up to unveil our all new Flathead Valley Sports Page. Whitefishradio.com will be your connection for all the area school sports, scores, calendars, coach and player interviews, and more. So stay tuned...

Along with the new shcool year comes many fun fall events and activities...

Don't miss the "Back to School Bash" presented by Whitefish CARE and Whitefish School District on September 5th from 5-8pm at the Smith Soccer Fields. There will be activities for all ages including a BBQ, dunk tank, games and more. Visit their website here for more detailed information.

The Whitefish PTA is holding the 1st Annual Stumptown Scramble Golf Tournament at the Whitefish Lake Golf Course on Monday, September 10th. The Big Fish is proud to be involved with this event. We will have our very own team with Ross Strauser, John Dunnigan, Mike Hodges and Mike Dowaliby. Hopefully the "Old Pro" Mike Dowaliby will be able to make the others look like they know what they're doing on the course! Following the tournament, John Dunnigan will be performing during the BBQ. Also, team players will automatically be entered to win one of several prizes from The Big Fish. For more information about this funfilled Whitefish PTA event, to sign up, be a helper, or sponsor, visit their website here.

We are your hometown internet radio station and are here to serve our community in the beautiful Flathead Valley. If you have an event or organization that you would like post on our website, please contact us and let us know what we can do to help.

The Big Fish Health Quest

An all new, family oriented health program starts Monday on WhitefishRadio.com, with your host, Flathead Valley Health and Wellness Coach, Kjersti Cote. Kjersti will provide our audience with daily health tips for individuals and families. Listen in each weekday morning at 11:40, or catch it on-demand at your convenience. Please visit Kjersti's webpage for more information about this exciting new addition to our awesome line-up of specialty programs and music.

The Kalispell Center Mall is the place to be this Saturday. WhitefishRadio.com will be there for all the festivities. Our very own news man, Mike Hodges will be taste-testing as a judge during the Battle of the Broilers. Stop by our table at the Housing Fair, where Shane Dowaliby and Kirt Lindblad from the Big Fish will be available to talk about Montana's only all-internet radio station. Pick up one of our brand new Big Fish bumper stickers to show your support for the community radio station that supports our local musicians, artists, non-profits and area businesses. Both Mall events begin at 10 AM!

Have a great weekend!