MISSOULA – Break out the flannel and work boots. The 103rd edition of the Foresters’ Ball will hit the University of Montana Friday and Saturday, Feb. 7-8.
This signature UM event will run from 7 p.m. to midnight both nights in Schreiber Gym. The Foresters’ Ball is an event with live music that raises money for student scholarships.
Students spend a week transforming Schreiber Gym into a turn-of-the-century logging town with a saloon, barbershop (provided by Master Barber of Missoula), chow hall, general store, working jail with a sheriff, chapel to get “married” and “divorced,” museum and beer garden.
Local Missoula band 406 will provide music for a lot of dancing and a “Swingin’ Good Time.” Tickets can be purchased on eventbrite.com, as well as in-person in the University Center the week of Feb. 3. Discounted student tickets are available.
This year’s theme, “Sawin’ Logs and Workin’ Like Dogs” was created by Chief Push Heather Robertson, a senior forestry major from Castro Valley, California. The theme’s logo came from a photo of Robertson and last year’s Foresters’ Ball Chief Push Emily Onderbeke taken during their winning cut at Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival in British Columbia last summer.
Foresters’ Ball offers a weekend-long celebration with fun opportunities for the entire community to learn more about forestry and conservation. Events beyond the dance include:
Community Forestry Day. This event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, in Schreiber Gym. Hosted by the Forestry Scholarship Association in conjunction with Foresters’ Ball, Community Forestry Day is a free event designed for children and families. It’s an opportunity to see the Foresters’ Ball during daylight hours. Organizations from UM and the local community will have interactive booths full of games, prizes and more.