'Crazy Days' are (almost) here again
By JOHN BLODGETT
The Western News
The Libby Area Business Association is reviving “Crazy Days,” a decades-dormant, family-friendly downtown business fair. It will take place along Mineral Avenue on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 24 and 25.
The association, formed last fall, has wanted to bring back the event to support the downtown business district, said Gail Burger, the association’s president.
Burger has fond childhood memories of the event, which she described as a chance for businesses to offload summer stock in preparation for fall inventories, and for students to shop for school.
“And who doesn’t love a crazy sale?” she said.
Friday will feature sidewalk sales from participating businesses from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. No fee will be required to take part, Burger said, and businesses that don’t have a presence on Mineral Avenue can arrange to set up a table or booth. Mineral Avenue will remain open to vehicle traffic on this day.
On Saturday, Mineral Avenue will be closed to traffic from 5th Street to 2nd Street to allow for a midway of game, food and business vendors on the pavement. The event will be open for business from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., but the road closure will start at 9 a.m. so participants can set up shop.
Two food trucks will be allowed to serve attendees both days, Burger said, while on Saturday four single-item food vendors — think popcorn or cotton candy — will be permitted.
Plans for Saturday include two events with cash prizes. The details of both events are still being worked out, Burger said, but are anticipated to include a judged chalk art contest and a poker walk.
The chalk art contest will cost $10 for anyone to enter and take place on the sidewalk. The prize for the winning artwork will be a 50/50 split of the entry fees, Burger said. A poker walk is open for anyone to play, but cards can only be had at association member businesses. It will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and also feature a 50/50 prize, she said.
Burger is also planning to offer awards for the best game booth and for the association member with the “best all-out crazy decorations.”
Businesses or individuals need not be an association member to participate, Burger said, though members need not pay the base $25 participation fee.
Burger said to call her at 406-293-5311 to discuss participation, fees or how to become a member.