The History of
Heritage Days

The event was originally known as "Progress Days" and later "Roundup Days". It was established to celebrate the town’s history, local identity, and industrial growth following the construction of the Hungry Horse Dam and the local aluminum reduction plant. The current name, Heritage Days, was officially adopted in 1980. Learn more at Columbia Falls Historical Society.

Progress Days

  • August 17, 1956, Columbia Falls Progress Days' Saturday afternoon program, Mel Ruder photo from Pictures, a Park, and a Pulitzer

  • Street dancing on Nucleus Avenue during Progress days, Aug. 13, 1956

  • The Crouch Jewelry float in the Progress Days Parade, Aug. 25, 1957. Mel Ruder photo.

  • Progress Days Beard Contest Aug. 8, 1964

  • Float ‘65 Progress Days

  • Progress Days 1961

  • Progress Days 1958

  • Progress Days Queen ‘64

Heritage Days Traditions

PARADE

The parade is a cherished annual celebration and is the highlight of our week long Heritage Days Events. It traces it's roots back to 1956, when it was initially called Progress Days. Over the years, this event has grown into our community tradition highlighting the many businesses, clubs and organizations that make up our hometown community. The parade invites the locals and visitors to immerse themselves into our community's spirit.

ROBERT TRINASTICH MEMORIAL PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Robert Trinastich, often referred to as “Bob”, was a dedicated member of the Columbia Falls Volunteer Fire Department. Following his passing, the department and the community honor his memory through the Robert Trinastich Memorial Scholarship and an annual Pancake Breakfast, with proceeds funding college scholarships for local Columbia Falls High School students.

WILDCAT ATHLETIC
ENDOWMENT EVENTS

The Wildcat Athletic Endowment Association(WAEA) began in 1997 with the goal of a million dollar endowment to support Columbia Falls Wildcat athletics. Through the generosity of countless members and hundreds of businesses we are well on our way. The WAEA's goal is to provide opportunity for all to play without having to worrying about paying continues to be met each year for dozens of athletes. WAEA also has contributed to countless sports related projects at CFHS to support the infrastructure in critical times. Just to name a few, light poles and fencing at the soccer field, refinished the gym floor, new scoreboard at the football field, new uniforms to all CFHS athletic programs. Each year WAEA supports athletes and programs by using the interest off the endowment fund. We are a 501 (c)(3) organization which allows tax exempt donations to be made by those wishing to continue to support our athletes. We are incredibly humbled by the continued support of our local businesses, as well as community members, for their generous donations and support. GO WILDCATS! WAEA, PO Box 2732, Columbia Falls, MT 59912

CAR SHOW

The Annual Heritage Days Car Show was established in 2009 by local enthusiasts to showcase hundreds of high-performance vehicles, including classic cars, antiques, and race cars aka “muscle cars”. There is no better way to enjoy the evening of admiring these masterpieces. Trophies are awarded for Top in Show, and others. The American Legion Post No. 72 provides the BBQ.

BOOGIE TO THE BANK
& FUN RUN

In attempts to revitalize the downtown area of Columbia Falls, the Boogie to the Bank was created in 1986 to kick off the main Saturday itinerary of Columbia Falls Heritage Days. This has become a community tradition to engage residents in a healthy outdoor activity. The event is a 10Krun, 5Krun and 5Kwalk and in 2026 they added the Glacier Kids Fun Run which is a 1K.

CFHS CLASS REUNIONS

Columbia Falls High School class reunions are traditionally held during the annual Heritage Days celebration. Reunited class members generally have a meet and greet at the Wildcat Athletic Endowment BBQ on Friday night. Then on Saturday, class members ride on a float in the parade often pre-organized and decorated to compete in the judging contest. Many class groups create Facebook Groups to organize their own weekend events.