Why You Should Never Miss This Spectacular Bitterroot Day

If you wanted to take the perfect picture of Montana in the fall Hamilton would be my first choice.

That's because every year on the first Saturday in October it all comes together in a colorful and tasty combination you'll savor through the cold months to come and beyond.

Mix fantastic fall colors, a cobalt blue sky, perfect temperatures, smiles, free apple cider, and the best pie under the Big Sky, and it's the most authentic autumn day you'll ever have in the Bitterroot Valley and beyond.

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What makes McIntosh Apple Day special

Well, first off there's that pie. Volunteers work for days preparing the sky-high pies, usually making more than 500 pies to raise money for the Ravalli County Museum. There are fresh pies, some frozen for convenience, and pies sold by the slice. Of course, you'll need to get there early. The sale starts at 9 am outside the old courthouse and people often start lining up an hour ahead of time. Even with all those pies, most will sell out before noon.

But there are a lot of other ways to get your "apple on". There are apple fritters, apple sauce, apple juice from Swanson's Orchards, and the cutest Cub Scouts in the world pressing free, fresh apple cider.

The last great celebration of the season

Don't just grab your pie and run because this is a day that's meant to be savored. Hamilton's Farmer's Market is reaching its peak with vendors selling food, collectibles, and the last of summer's produce for blocks in either direction. There's also live music, kid's activities, and a chance to run into friends and catch up on what they were doing all summer.

And then in the evening, the music and fun continue with Liquid Apple Night, a family-friendly event that runs from 5 pm to 9 pm, at the same location on Bedford Street.

Take lots of pictures. The memories will warm your heart for the cold months ahead.

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