May 11, 2018
The University of Montana Western’s Foundation and Alumni Office in partnership with Summit Beverage present the Third Annual Southwest Montana Wine and Craft Beer Festival, to be held on Saturday, May 19, 2018 from 6-9 pm in the Keltz Arena on the Montana Western campus. A fireworks show will be held following the festival.
The theme of this year’s festival is the 125th Birthday Bash, highlighting 125 years of Montana Western’s continued innovation and success.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the University’s 125th birthday in conjunction with the Wine and Craft Beer Festival. It is poised to be a remarkable celebration of this university and the impact it has had on our community and students for 125 years,” said Alumni Coordinator Vanessa Graham.
Proceeds benefit the students and departments of Montana Western by raising funds that are utilized to support various programs and projects on campus and aren’t limited to a specific department. These “unrestricted funds” can be used to purchase research equipment, support art and literary series and events, support student projects, and much more.
“We cannot adequately express our gratitude to this community for the years of support they have provided our university. We are grateful to those who helped establish and maintain this campus for 125 years. I can only imagine what the next 125 years of innovation and transformation will look like at the University of Montana Western,” said Foundation Director Roxanne Engellant.
In addition to receiving a souvenir glass and enjoying wine and craft beer tastings paired with sweet and savory hors d’oeuvres, guests will enjoy art and music by local artists and a silent auction with items donated by the wine and craft beer vendors and local artists.
The featured artists are oil-painter Charlotte Quist, potter Cody Mitchell, multimedia artist Cory Birkenbuel, artist and craftsman James Wiggen, and watercolorist Jessica Glenn. Musical entertainment for the evening will be provided by Montana Western professor and classical guitarist Brent Poe McCabe, and UMW staff member Bill Dwyer, who is also a professional musician and has played with artists including Dwight Yokam and Lucinda Williams.
The festivities of the evening will culminate with a 125th Birthday Bash fireworks show held following the festival, with assistance from the Dillon Jaycees.
For additional information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.umwfoundation.org or call 406-683-7306. Tickets are $40 for individuals and $70 for couples.
