The Going to the Sun Rally

In 2005, Bozeman area resident, Farnum Alston, with a little help from his friends, and intent on raising money for Montana charities, organized a 40-member vintage car rally (1972 and earlier) and staged a five-day trip across Montana from Yellowstone to Glacier National Park. This event, dubbed “Going to the Sun Rally”, has evolved over the years and now travels throughout western Montana and occasionally to neighboring states or Canada – still in just 5 days. This year is the seventh year and the rally boasts members from all over the US and Europe. The funding base comes from membership entry fees, community donations, an auction and in-kind services. The name “Going to the Sun” comes from the 50 mile long highway in Montana's Glacier National Park between West Glacier and St. Mary. If you've never driven this road – add it to your Bucket List! Check road conditions first as it is very high and has snow on it almost year around.
On September 10th those vintage cars came through Longview, stopping to enjoy lunch and the fantastic scenery, on their way to Lake Louise. This year the vintage cars started out in Helena, Montana on September 8th, ending up back there on the 13th after travelling through Waterton, Lake Louise, Whitefish, MT and Libby, MT.
According to organizers The Going To The Sun Rally has given more than $320,000.00 for many community organizations in Montana. A major beneficiary of their efforts is the Montana Highway Patrol Fallen Officer's Fund, a fund that helps Montana families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Other recipients include a number of educational institutions, environmental and cultural organizations. In 2010 a special fundraising effort to benefit Montana's disabled veterans was created called The Vetts4Vets and they raised in excess of $40,000.