The photos that you see here are from the Rodeo event on Sunday. I have pictures from the expert slalom and even some from the beginner or what they now call the lower slalom. I am hoping to get more pictures up on this site in the next couple of weeks but you know how the summer is around here, things can get really hectic. Hope you enjoy these rodeo photos.

Photos and Story by Jim Jackson

After several years of cold rainy weather for the festival, this past weekend was a refreshing change with abundant sunshine and warm temperatures. The crowds at the big rock were down a little, perhaps because of the Memorial Day weekend, but the boaters had a great time and the river, even though it was down considerably from previous years, provided plenty of challenges and thrills. I was able to connect with festival organizers Mike and Niki Dezzani to learn more about the festival from the boaters' perspective. "Although we did have some boaters from Missoula and Jackson, most of the participants were from this area. We had about 40 competitors which is very similar to last year. We like the local emphasis of this festival, everyone has a great time here in Bigfork. The Swan is such a fun river to run and the all around nature of the event attracts beginners as well as experts. There were no serious injuries this year, one young competitor sprained his ankle but he was up and boating the next day."

This was the 30th year for the Festival and the 5th year that Mike and Niki have been the Festival organizers. "We had so much help from so many people, it was great and because of all the help, Mike was able to compete again this year.," shared Niki. "Even though there is no organized kayaking club in the Valley, people just start calling us up and asking how they can help. This year was really the first time that I was stress free," said Niki. Both Mike and Niki want to thank everyone for their help and support.

Race Results

Overall Festival
1st Mike Dezzani
2nd Garrett Hobbs
3rd Seth Trufant
4th Karl Critenden

Overall Rodeo
1st Mike Dezzani
2nd Karl Critenden
3rd Brady Johnston
4th Seth Trufant

Overall Slalom
1st Bradie Johnston
2nd John Gangemi
3rd Michael Dezzani

Downriver
1st Garrett Hobbs
2nd John Gangemi
3rd Shawn Kelly
4th Khybur Miller

Lower Slalom Overall
Canoes
1st Greg Fortin
2nd Eric Walberg
3rd Corey Ledbetter

Kayaks
1st Chris Cassidy
2nd Shawn Baker
3rd Gregg Brauch