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Planning a pop-up event in a popular hotspot like Bozeman can be highly rewarding—and you’ll have a built-in audience eager to attend. But whether you’re planning a concert, holiday market, or art show, you’ll need the funds to make it happen. Finding financing options isn’t always easy or a given, and you’ll need to pay for permits and space, plus unexpected costs are inevitable.

Don’t worry, though. We have you covered. Read on to find practical tips that can help you fund your pop-up event!

Determine Your Budget

Prior to planning any event, you need a budget. After all, you don’t want to be blindsided by unintended costs or scope creep, both of which can drain your accounts. Whether you’re planning a family-focused event or a big concert, consider what you’ll need to cover to make your event happen.

For instance, you’ll need permission from the city of Bozeman to host an event, which may require a permit and, in some cases, insurance. You’ll need to market your event with printed flyers or posters. Even if you use social media to post high-quality photos promoting your event, you may want to opt for paid ads, too, to enhance visibility and reach your target audience. For larger events with expensive equipment that needs to stay on-site, you may need security, as well. Map out all of these costs ahead of time to figure out what you can afford—and how much help you’ll need.

Find Event Sponsors

Your event may be an appealing way to partner with local businesses. If they contribute money or materials, you could offer some free promotion for their business in exchange. Approach local businesses that seem like a good match with a proposal for partnership opportunities. If you’re hosting a community recognition event, for instance, a nearby restaurant may want to contribute food or funds.

Share your anticipated attendance numbers and present your ideas for marketing. Share how a sponsorship could benefit the sponsor. Maybe you’ll include their logo on marketing materials or press releases, for example. You may be able to score free decor from a flower shop, free drinks from a local brewery, or hiking gear from a local outdoor shop eager to promote their inventory.

Look into Short-Term Financing

You may need to acquire permits right away to host your event in Bozeman. And you’ll need to invest in insurance if your event involves food and alcohol. Private lending services can equip you with money quickly to help cover these urgent costs. Just be sure you’re clear on a loan’s terms, such as the interest rate and repayment period. You’ll want to project what repayment amounts will look like down the road, especially if you’re hoping to host other events.

Alternatively, crowdfunding platforms can hook you up with money quickly, as well. You’ll be able to tap into community interest and offer discounts on merchandise or other perks to earn contributions. Better yet, if you’re hosting a live performance, you can offer a backstage pass to individuals who donate the most.

Plan an Amazing Event

Don’t let funding fears keep you from planning an excellent event in Bozeman. Create a budget first, and then explore funding options. You may be able to secure funding from local businesses. Or it may make more sense to look into crowdfunding or a private lender. When you’re proactive about seeking funding, you’ll help control costs and elevate your event!

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are present on Hebgen Reservoir in the Rainbow Point Campground area. Routine monitoring of Hebgen has confirmed the presence of anatoxin-a which poses a risk to people, pets, and livestock.

HABs are caused by blue-green algae that are native to Montana’s freshwater lakes and reservoirs. Not all varieties of blue-green algae are harmful, but some can produce dangerous toxins. Ingestion or prolonged contact with the algal bloom may result in illness, with impacts such as muscle twitching, staggering, convulsions, paralysis, and death. Children and pets are more likely to ingest HAB infested water.

Toxin exposure can occur in humans from recreational activities where water might be ingested such as swimming, wind surfing, jet skiing, and water skiing. Children and pets are more likely to ingest HAB infested water because they spend most of their time wading in the shallow waters where algae can accumulate, and they have less control over how much water they ingest. Animals and livestock that drink large amounts of contaminated water, and pets that collect scum on their fur and then ingest it by licking, are at high risk of toxin exposure.

Blue-green algal blooms often look like pea soup, grass clippings or green latex paint. The algae are usually suspended in the water or appear as floating mats.

Advisory signs are at public access points in the Rainbow Point Campground area warning the public that toxic algae has been identified in the water in these areas. At this time there are no other identified blooms affecting other areas of the reservoir. NorthWestern Energy is monitoring the blooms and will provide updates if additional restrictions are implemented for public safety.

Suspect a HAB? When in doubt, stay out. Do not drink, swallow, or swim in water that shows signs of a HAB and be sure to keep kids, pets, and livestock out too. If you suspect a HABrelated illness in a person or animal call Poison Control 1-800-222-1222 and seek medical attention.

Report a suspected HAB at www.hab.mt.gov or call 1-888-849-2938. You may also report a suspected HAB by calling the Gallatin City-County Health Department Environmental Health at 406-582-3120. The Gallatin City-County Health Department has resources for water quality on their website, www.healthygallatin.org

Multiple agencies are responding to a wildfire burning in a remote area about 20 miles south of Big Sky. 

The West Fork Fire was reported shortly before 6:30 PM on Tuesday, Aug. 19 and produced a large smoke column visible from Big Sky and West Yellowstone. The fire is located in the South Madison Range, just north of the Beaver Creek Forest Service cabin on the Custer Gallatin National Forest. As of 7:30 PM, it was estimated at approximately 50 acres. The cause remains unknown. 

At this time, the fire does not pose a threat to Big Sky. 

A Red Flag warning remains in effect through 10 PM on Wednesday. Weather will include hot temperatures, breezy winds and low humidities. 

Please stay out of the Taylor Fork and Beaver Creek areas until further notice. While no official Forest Service closures are in place at this time, the public is strongly encouraged to avoid the area. 

Agencies assisting on the fire include the U.S. Forest Service, Big Sky Fire Department, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Gallatin County Emergency Management, Hebgen Basin Fire District, and West Yellowstone Police Department. 

BOZEMAN – August 18^th, 2025 – Spark R&D, the leader in splitboard binding innovation, and ATK Bindings, the Italian ski mountaineering powerhouse, have teamed up to release a brand-new tech toe designed specifically for the needs of the hardboot splitboarder.

The Spark x ATK Tech Toes bring together decades of engineering experience from both the splitboard and ski touring worlds to make: a lightweight tech toe that balances performance, durability and ease of use in the backcountry. This collaboration offers a precision machined product that can be installed right out of the box and directly into the standard hole patterns of a factory splitboard.

“Collaborating with the excellent team at Spark on this project has been exciting and rewarding, the kind of mechanical challenge we love to take on. It gave us the opportunity to apply our expertise in a new context and be part of meaningful innovation in the snow industry.” – Davide Indulti, CEO of ATK Sports.

Built at the ATK Factory in Italy with Ergal 7075 aluminum and ATK's signature monolink technology, the new tech toe offers an easy entry system that seamlessly integrates with Spark R&D's dual height wire system. The design offers smoother entry, better retention, and integrated crampon mounts for the D Rex ST Pro Crampons, ideal for demanding ascents and remote missions.

“Hardbooting has a growing and dedicated following. They deserve the best tech toes the industry has to offer. To me, the leader in that sector is hands down ATK. At every turn, their team worked hard to improve the function and durability of the toe’s design specific to the needs of splitboard hardbooters.” – Will Ritter, Owner/Engineer of Spark R&D.

The Spark x ATK Tech Toe will be available as a stand-alone product and as a key component in Spark R&D’s 2025/26 splitboard binding and accessories line.

About Spark R&D:
Based in Bozeman, Montana, Spark R&D has been a global leader in splitboard binding design and manufacturing since 2006. Rider-owned and operated, Spark is known for its in-house production, innovation, and dedication to the backcountry community.

About ATK Bindings:
Founded in Italy, ATK Bindings is a world-renowned brand in backcountry skiing, known for precision, lightweight design, and uncompromising performance. Trusted by elite athletes and everyday backcountry skiers alike, ATK continues to raise the bar in touring and freeriding equipment.

BOZEMAN – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is beginning a project to protect and expand a recently discovered population of native westslope cutthroat trout in Elk Creek, a tributary to the Madison River in southwestern Montana.

Westslope cutthroat trout in Elk Creek are isolated to a small headwater section, and most of the stream is occupied by nonnative brook trout, which outcompete native fish for resources. Elk Creek and the Madison River are part of the upper Missouri River basin, where populations of nonhybridized westslope cutthroat trout are estimated to remain in less than 6 percent of their historically occupied habitat.

The project aims to expand the distribution of westslope cutthroat trout by about 8 miles and serve as an additional source of aboriginal trout for future introductions.

“This project will help ensure the survival and continued genetic diversity of native westslope cutthroat trout in this Madison River tributary,” said Jenna Sirmon, FWP’s lead fisheries staff member on the Elk Creek efforts.

“We also recognize the value of nonnative species to anglers, and FWP will continue to manage most tributaries in the Missouri headwaters for nonnative fish for recreation opportunities,” said Mike Duncan, FWP’s fisheries program manager in southwestern Montana.

FWP fisheries staff are scheduled to begin removing brook trout from the project area in Elk Creek the week of Aug. 25. This year’s phase of the project is expected to last about a week. An additional treatment phase of the project will happen in 2026, and subsequent stream sampling will help ensure the project’s success.

Brook trout will be removed from the project area using a plant-derived fish toxicant called rotenone. Rotenone is routinely used in fisheries management to remove fish species that are incompatible with management goals, and it breaks down quickly in the aquatic environment. Crews will collect westslope cutthroat trout from the project area before rotenone application and return them to the streams when the project is complete. To ensure there are no negative effects to downstream organisms outside of the project area, treated waters will be detoxified through duration of the project.  

FWP published an environmental assessment for this project in early 2025 and solicited public comments. Comments received were supportive of the project.

The Downtown Bozeman Association and Cancer Support Community Montana along with our gracious Sponsors present the 25th Annual “Cruisin’ on Main” Car Show on Sunday, August 17th. The show will run from 9 AM – 2 PM and is located on Main Street between Willson and Rouse Avenues in Downtown Bozeman.

A huge thanks to our 2025 “Cruisin’ on Main” Car Show Sponsors!

Classic Car – Bozeman Health, DP Conversions, The Sapphire Motel, State Farm, Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Systems, CISCRP, L&L Site Services, Kenyon Noble, Cloud 9 Cycles, GVARG, Napa Auto Parts, AAA, Back Nine Golf, Bozeman Lodge
Checkered Flag – Rocking R Bar, Bridger Mountain Ford Club, Little Stinkers, Clean Bookkeeping
Pit Crew – Les Schwab Bozeman, CarQuest Belgrade, Big Sky Build, Personalize It, KBZK, SCS Wraps, Allegra Bozeman

We had over 280 entries this year and awards in 15 categories as well as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in People’s Choice and a Best in Show. Without further ado… the 2025 winners are:

1st Place by Class:

Ford – 1966 Shelby GT350; Lyle Cigler (#3044)
Chevy – 1962 Chevy Impala SS; Wayne & Laurie Bauer (#4077)
Mopar – 1969 Plymouth GTX; Bud Walsh (3041)
GM Product – 1956 Chevy Nomad; Gordon Golldehon (#1033)
Original/Survivor – 1940 Ford Deluxe Station Wagon; Ren & Renee Ferguson (#1030)
Antique (pre-1940’s) – 1930 Ford Model A Coupe w/ Rumble; Mark Killip (#1045)
Street Rod/Custom – 1942 Chevy Panel; Gary Thompson (#4078)
Muscle Car & Resto Mod – 1966 Ford GT40; Jeff Brandner (#1012)
Hot Rod & Rat Rod – 1948 Ford F-3; George & Gail McWilliams (#5047)
Truck – 1968 Dodge W100 Power Wagon; Lance Clampitt (#1015)
Special Interest – 1981 DeLorean DMC-12; Curt Porteus (#4067)
Import – 1956 VW Beetle Cabriolet ; Jason Weiler (#3028)
2000 to Current – 2020 Ford GT350; Marc Lorenz (#4076)
Motorcycle – 2001 Harley Davidson; Bret Berglund (#3005)
Adventure Vehicle – 1958 Mercedes 220S; David Watters (#4089)

People Choice:

1st Place – 1969 Chevy Camino; Jamie Lyon (#1054)
2nd Place – 1950 GMC FC152; James Martin (#1059)
3rd Place – 1970 Ford Bronco; Knox Semenza (#5029)




Best in Show:

1st Place – 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS; Lee Kimmet (#1046)

The winner of the 50/50 Raffle was ticket number #535264. More information can be found on www.cancersupportmontana.org.

For more information about the A “Cruisin’ on Main” Car Show, please visit www.downtownbozeman.org/carshow or contact Downtown Bozeman Association at 406-586-4008 and Cancer Support Community at 406-582-1600.

In Montana, winter doesn’t arrive quietly. It settles in with long stretches of subzero temperatures, driving winds, and snow that can stick around for months. For horse owners, these conditions bring added responsibilities. A barn that works well in summer can turn into a problem in January if the right preparations aren’t in place.

Horses rely on their environment for more than shelter. The way a barn holds heat, controls moisture, and protects against sudden cold snaps can directly affect its health through the winter. Planning ahead isn’t just about comfort. It’s a part of responsible animal care in a region known for its unpredictable weather.

How Insulation and Airflow Work Together

Montana winters bring deep cold, dry air, and sharp winds that challenge even the most well-built barns. For horses, who generate body heat but remain vulnerable to drafts and moisture, conditions need to balance warmth and airflow.

Well-designed horse stalls create enclosed spaces that help reduce drafts while allowing air to circulate. Grilled partitions or vented upper panels improve airflow without exposing horses to direct wind. Gaps around windows, doors, and eaves should be sealed to prevent cold air from cutting through, but barns also need ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. Ridge vents, cupolas, or open gables allow damp air to escape.

Interior materials also contribute to climate control. Wood remains a popular choice for stall walls because it offers both insulation and breathability. Metal components should resist rust and be easy to clean, especially in areas that collect moisture, like water buckets or feed corners. Bedding helps regulate ground-level temperature. Straw, shavings, or pellets keep horses off cold surfaces and absorb moisture that would otherwise chill them from the ground up.

Electric heating systems aren't always necessary. Barns oriented away from prevailing winds, with windbreaks or thoughtful airflow design, can stay more comfortable using passive strategies.

Roof Strength and Snow Load Matter

A heavy snow year in Montana can put serious stress on barns, especially those with older or flatter roofs. Snow buildup adds weight quickly, and a structure that hasn’t been reinforced or inspected may not withstand a long winter.

Steep-pitched roofs shed snow more easily, reducing the risk of accumulation and ice dams. Barns with shallow pitches may require regular snow removal. Using a roof rake from the ground is safest, especially on older buildings not built to handle excess weight.

Before winter sets in, look for sagging beams, loose panels, or signs of water damage. Metal roofs are common in cold climates and hold up well when securely fastened. Gutters and drip edges help move meltwater away from doors and walkways, where refreezing creates slipping hazards.

A sound roof protects more than the structure itself. It also keeps feed, tack, and bedding dry and usable.

Managing Flooring Through Freeze and Thaw

Fluctuating temperatures are common in Montana winters. Days are warm just enough to melt snow, only for it to freeze again overnight. These cycles create slick walkways, wet bedding, and icy conditions inside and outside the barn.

A well-drained barn floor makes a noticeable difference. Slight grading near entrances helps water flow away from areas where horses walk or lie down. Outside, compacted gravel or crushed stone can reduce ice buildup.

Inside, rubber stall mats insulate against cold ground and provide a more stable footing. They also prevent bedding from being ground into concrete or dirt. Cleaning up wet spots daily helps reduce ammonia levels and keeps frozen patches from forming.

Fixing drainage issues before winter helps prevent mid-season repairs and keeps conditions safer.

Storing Tack and Feed in Winter

Cold weather affects more than just comfort. Feed can freeze or spoil, and tack can become brittle or moldy if it’s not stored properly.

Insulated rooms help maintain stable temperatures, even without active heat. Feed bins with tight lids reduce moisture exposure, and raised shelves or pallets keep bags off cold floors. Tack should be stored away from exterior walls and checked for damage regularly. A small heated space can help keep essential items usable throughout the season.

Water systems need the same level of attention. Heated buckets, frost-free hydrants, and tank heaters all help prevent dehydration, especially when horses drink less due to cold.

The University of Minnesota Extension offers detailed, climate-specific advice on managing feed, water, and shelter through winter. Their recommendations align closely with the conditions many Montana horse owners face.

Emergency Power and Water Access

Power outages are a part of winter in Montana. When they hit, barns still need to function. Frozen water, unlit aisles, and inactive heaters can create immediate problems for horses and caretakers.

A small generator can keep basic systems running. In barns without one, some owners rotate buckets, insulate tanks, or store extra water indoors. Heated cords, thermal wraps, and frost-free hydrants help keep water flowing during long freezes.

Before winter sets in, check your emergency supplies. Batteries, flashlights, and propane heaters should be tested and placed where they’re easy to reach. Clear pathways between the house and barn make it easier to move feed or water in heavy snow.

Power and water aren’t just seasonal concerns. They're part of a property’s year-round functionality. That connection is explored in this feature on rural infrastructure, which looks at how reliable systems support life on Montana land.

Preparing Early Makes Winter Care Easier

When temperatures drop fast, even small problems can turn into bigger ones. A frozen bucket, a drafty stall, or a misplaced flashlight feels different in the middle of a storm. Most of the work that keeps a barn running through winter happens before the first real snow, when there’s still time to check systems, clear space, and make quiet improvements that pay off later.

Not every barn needs the same setup, but the basics are consistent: clean water, dry footing, steady airflow, and shelter that holds up under snow and wind. Planning doesn’t have to mean a major overhaul. Often, it’s the small adjustments that make the daily routine safer and more manageable once winter settles in.

The heat of summer raises the risk of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). When HABs occur, they pose serious health hazards. The Gallatin City-County Health Department wants to make sure you, your family, and your pets stay safe while enjoying the lakes, rivers, and streams in and around Gallatin County.

The Gallatin City-County Health Department has been notified of a suspected HAB in Hyalite Reservoir, Hebgen Lake, Heather Lake in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, and in Elk Grove Pond, south of the Four Corners area. Water samples were collected and have been sent to labs for verification.

With HABs, conditions can change rapidly, and it is recommended to review the HAB
dashboard before visiting any water recreational area. It is also very important to read and follow any signage that may be present near a waterbody when you visit. If you see indicators of a HAB, follow the saying: When in doubt, stay out. Do not drink, swallow, or swim in water that shows signs of a HAB and keep kids, pets, and livestock out. Please visit the MT DPHHS website for more information on signage and guidance.

“As of the start of August, we’ve seen some caution advisories in Gallatin County,” stated Cameron Enright, Local Water Quality District Manager. “Hyalite Reservoir, Hebgen Lake, Elk Grove Pond, and Heather Lake are suspected as having the presence of possible toxic algae.”

HABs are hazardous for humans and pets. Serious illness or death can result from
drinking or swimming in contaminated water. Do not ignore signs that may be posted near any body of water.

HABs are a type of algae, known as cyanobacteria, that can create toxins. Ingestion or
prolonged contact with the algal bloom may result in illness, with impacts such as muscle twitching, staggering, convulsions, paralysis, and death. Microcystin, a harmful toxin produced by certain algae, was detected in the water sample from Elk Grove Pond.

Microcystis sp, a type of algae known to produce toxins, was also found in the sample.

Toxins were at or below the detection limit in the Hyalite sample, but Aphanizomenon sp, another type of algae that can produce harmful toxin, is suspected to be present.

Importantly, children and pets are more likely to ingest HAB infested waters. Direct
contact, ingestion, or inhalation of cyanotoxins may irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and
respiratory system or cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or headaches. If you suspect a HAB-related illness in a person or animal, call Poison Control 1-800-222-1222 and seek medical attention.

Report a suspected HAB at www.hab.mt.gov or call 888-849-2938. You may also report a suspected HAB by visiting the Gallatin City-County Health Department’s website. For more information about, or to learn how to identify HABs, visit: Harmful Algal Blooms (mt.gov).

The mission for Gallatin City-County Health Department is to promote and protect health in the communities we serve. For more information, visit our website
www.healthygallatin.org.