Catching 'cabin fever'

KALISPELL, Mont. - For most people, a bar stool is just that; something to sit on and enjoy some liquid refreshment. But this weekend those bar stools become racing machines, sliding down Sugar Hill's snow-covered slope in the heart of Martin City.

What started as a way to blow off some steam in the middle of a long winter has evolved into a weekend of festivities that is Cabin Fever Days. Hosted by the Trapline Association and businesses in Coram, Martin City and Hungry Horse, the event runs Friday through Sunday.

"This is the 35th annual event, and it's an exciting landmark for us," said Stacey Schnebel, vice president of the Trapline Association and co-owner of the Stonefly Lounge. "It's fully volunteer planned, organized and operated, so that's a big deal."

Drawing crowds of close to 3,000, the event has continued to grow through the years and benefits the community, Schnebel said. It's also a fundraiser for several organizations in the Canyon.

"The entire weekend's events are fundraisers, from the 50-50 raffle to the poker run and bar stool races' entry fees," Schnebel said. "We benefit Canyon Kids Christmas Fund, Head Start, Martin City Fire Department and Quick Response Unit, and we donate money to community cleanup, the community garden, and things like that."

In addition, Schnebel said the Trapline Association is looking for other organizations they can help support through Cabin Fever Days.

"We're looking for ways to get involved with the Gateway to Glacier Trail, or anything else like that," she said. "And we're always looking for good volunteers and leadership ourselves. We want people to be involved in their community."

Because the weather doesn't always cooperate with the amount of snow needed for the barstool races, the fire department stockpiles snow and moves it onto the road for the races, Schnebel noted.

She has been involved in the event for the last four years, and said visitors should expect all the old favorite events as well as some new entertainment.

"We're going to have some really spectator-friendly performances on the hill this year, and of course, there are lots of events going on at several venues," Schnebel said.

While many of the events take place at local bars, Schnebel said Cabin Fever Days is geared to be very family-friendly.

A free shuttle service is available to take people from designated parking areas to event venues.

"This is the third year for the shuttle, and we really want to encourage people to park in the designated areas and use the shuttle," Schnebel said. "It helps people get around without having to go somewhere and park, then go somewhere else and have to try to find a parking spot."

In addition, this year a free "sober chauffeur" service will be available on Saturday, provided by the Hungry Horse Liquor Store.

"The shuttle service has shown to be really useful, and we're hoping people take advantage of the sober chauffeur service," Schnebel said.

Events include a children's carnival and sledding at the Martin City Head Start, snowshoe softball at the Martin City baseball diamond, pool and dart tournaments, arm-wrestling contests, sumo wrestling, as well as the ever-popular Mountain Man contest and Bar Stool Races.