Ravalli County Museum Bitter Root Day is Saturday

It's an annual celebration of Montana's State Flower and the valley's namesake - Bitter Root. The Ravalli County Museum event features Bitter Root displays and an expanded Farmers Market at South 3rd and Bedford in Hamilton. Director Tamar Stanley said the Salish will not be attending this year due to their more strict COVID-19 guidelines at the Flathead reservation. However, the museum has put together a display of historic photographs representing the Salish culture, which calls the Bitter Root Valley its homeland. The plant's appearance in the spring is considered a gift from the Creator and has been honored through celebrations and feasts.

Added to the day's activities is a large 30-foot outdoor mural that the public will help complete. Individuals of all ages will be able to add color to sections of the display. Bitter Root flowers will also be on sale. SpectrUM Discovery Area will have additional activities for the kids...and adults. Stanley said that COVID-19 social distancing rules are being observed and please observe proper hygiene and use the provided wash stations to keep your hands clean. Masks are always appreciated. The partners with the museum this year are Humanities Montana, Big League Builders, Trail West Bank, Montana Arts Council and the Ravalli Republic newspaper.