More than 30 years ago, the Huckleberry Festival was started in our little town of Trout Creek in northwestern Montana by a group of artists who sought a spot to sell their creations. Vendors of freshly-picked huckleberries liked the opportunity to sell their wares, too.

The Huckleberry Festival, put on by volunteers from our community, has grown through the years. People flock to taste and purchase the berries, sold on the park grounds to benefit the festival. Food vendors feature the tasty "purple gold" in huckleberry ice cream cones, cheesecake, in drinks, and even atop Polish dogs.

The Trout Creek Fire Department offers its Saturday and Sunday morning huckleberry pancake breakfasts, and both children and adults bake the tastiest recipes they know for the honor of competing in the Huckleberry Dessert Contest.

In addition, more than 100 arts and crafts vendors display and sell their wares at Trout Creek Community Park. Scheduled events include entertainment on stage throughout the weekend, a parade, 5K fun run, dancing under the stars, karaoke, dog agility demonstration, huckleberry homesteader pentathlon, food by community groups, a pageant, an auction, children's activities, horseshoe contest, and interfaith worship service. (See the schedule on our website).

Trout Creek was even proclaimed "Huckleberry Capitol of Montana" by the state's legislature.

The Huckleberry Festival has become a place where the community gathers, families reunite, and those who discover its charms come back year after year.

The festival takes place each year during the weekend which starts with the second Friday of August. People from near and far gather for a great time. We look forward to seeing you there!