Norman Maclean’s literary works continue to be timeless classics of Western literature, ranging from his novella, “A River Runs Through It,” which showcases a profound connection to the outdoors, to his nonfiction piece, “Young Men and Fire,” which delves into the tragic events of the Mann Gulch fire of 1949.
However, the Maclean Festival has, in its recent iterations, embraced Maclean’s philosophy rather than focusing solely on his specific writings. According to Jenny Rohrer, the executive director of the event and the organizing nonprofit Alpine Artisans, Maclean’s writing revolves around “our relationship to the natural world.”
This year’s festival, scheduled for Sept. 27-29, aims to be a literary celebration with a strong emphasis on critical issues and discussions.
“We have always positioned ourselves as a distinct book festival, unlike other festivals that primarily feature new releases or single authors,” Rohrer explained.
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Alpine Artisans, a nonprofit organization promoting arts in the Seeley, Swan, and Blackfoot valleys, launched the festival in 2015. Originally named the “In the Footsteps of Norman Maclean Festival,” the event aims to carry on Maclean’s legacy. Held biennially, the festival includes activities in Missoula (where Maclean’s father served as a minister) and outdoor excursions.
In 2022, the festival focused on the history of Western settlement and the exploitation of lands, particularly their impact on Indigenous communities.
Following a successful turnout at the Wilma, organizers decided to host the festival again this year.
This year’s theme is “Finding Our Place In Nature: The Power of Story,” featuring authors actively involved in environmental causes, agriculture, art, music, and Indigenous studies.
Rohrer acknowledged the challenges of organizing an event with limited funding and emphasized the festival as an intellectual celebration.
