It’s BYOWB at The 2018 Event (dressage, cross-country, and show jumping)at Rebecca Farm July 18-22 in Kalispell, Montana

Organizers encourage sustainability at the 2018 Event, July 18 – 22

A well-loved local tradition, The Event at Rebecca Farm http://www.rebeccafarm.org , returns in 2018 with a new focus on sustainability.

"We host thousands of people every year – it’s a privilege and we love doing it. It’s also a big responsibility. That many folks in one place for a relatively short amount of time can have a big impact on the community. In every way possible, we want to ensure it’s a positive impact," said event organizer, Sarah Broussard. "That’s why you’re going to hear a lot more this year about BYOWB – bring your own water bottle, that is, and we’re inviting the community to jump in with both feet."

Annually, The Event at Rebecca Farm attracts approximately 10,000 spectators and more than 600 competitors to the Flathead Valley, generating an estimated $5.5 million in local economic impact. As in prior years, national and international participants will compete in dressage, cross-country, and show jumping at The Event, set for July 18 to July 22. Also, for a second consecutive year, The Event will host the North American Youth Championships which feature top U.S. riders, ages 14 to 21 (previously known as the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships).

Broussard notes they are encouraging all who come to The Event, whether spectator, vendor, volunteer or competitor, to limit waste.

"We’re providing water-bottle filling stations around the grounds and hoping to promote healthy habits, increased water intake, and sustainability among our guests. This is a huge event, and if everybody reduces plastic waste, even just a little bit, we can make a big difference."

Although the largest focus is a reduction in plastic bottles, Broussard notes other recyclable materials such as cardboard and aluminum cans will be collected during The 2018 Event. "Keep an eye out for recycling stations and please take a moment to separate out your recyclables. Your partnership helps our volunteers who will be sorting at the end of each day," Broussard commented.

This year, sustainability also comes in the form of sponsorships. This year, for the first time, platinum sponsor Montana Chevrolet Group has committed to a sponsorship of $20,000 for The 2018 Event. Broussard says is an important contribution to The Event’s long-term viability.

"I don’t think of The Event as my event. The Event is something we do together as a community and our sponsors are an important part of the effort; we’re thrilled to have Eisinger Motors as a partner. Their commitment means a great deal to the hundreds of locals who work hard every year to make The Event possible."

Considered one of the premier events of the summer in the Flathead, The Event at Rebecca Farm offers more than just horses. As in recent years, not only will spectators have the chance to witness spectacular horses and riders in action, there will be fun activities for the whole family at The 2018 Event. Nearly 100 vendors will dot the grounds of Rebecca Farm comprising a food truck village, large shopping fair, and a free Kid Zone.

The family-friendly "Kid Zone," held from Friday July 20 through Sunday July 22, will feature face painting, pony rides, mini golf, and more, all at no charge. Children will also have the opportunity to participate in the PonyUp! experience, which is a horsemanship 101 class offered free of charge. PonyUp! Classes are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis and pre-registration is strongly encouraged. More information about the Kid Zone and PonyUp! is available at https://www.rebeccafarm.org/visitors-guide/#kids.

The Event itself is also free, though voluntary $10 one-day parking donations or $25 weeklong parking donations are encouraged. (The proceeds will help fund Halt Cancer at X, The Event’s non-profit that benefits both local cancer support services and national breast cancer research efforts.)

ABOUT THE EVENT AT REBECCA FARM

The Event at Rebecca Farm presented by Montana Equestrian Events is held every July in Kalispell, Montana. One of the largest equestrian triathlons in the United States, The Event features a course designed by Olympian Ian Stark and is also considered to have some of the world’s finest scenery. Each year it draws thousands of spectators and hundreds of riders of all levels, from amateur to Olympian.

The address of Rebecca Farm is 1010 West Spring Creek Rd, Kalispell, MT 59901. To get to Rebecca Farm, from the junction of U.S. Highways 93 and 2, drive two miles north on Highway 93 to Reserve Loop and turn left to head west for two miles, then travel south on W. Springcreek Rd. The entrance is three-quarters of a mile on the right.

For more information, visit http://www.rebeccafarm.org.