We've Got You Covered - Downtown Missoula Partnership

The Missoula Downtown Foundation partnered with First Interstate Bank to provide ten new shade umbrellas for the Out to Lunch and Downtown ToNight Summer Series. The place-making project We’ve Got You Covered! is in response to the feedback provided by event attendees in 2018.

Last year the Downtown Missoula Partnership staff members surveyed customers at all major festivals produced by the Missoula Downtown Association, and the Institute for Tourism & Recreation Research (ITRR) at the University of Montana summarized and analyzed the data from more than 2,000 surveys to help inform Downtown leadership on how to improve the experience at these major community events.

“One of the primary themes that came out of our year-long survey project was that folks want and need more shade in the park,” said Linda McCarthy, Executive Director of the Downtown Missoula Partnership. “So the Missoula Downtown Foundation and First Interstate Bank partnered up this year to purchase colorful shade umbrellas for the picnic tables to be used during the Out to Lunch and Downtown ToNight Summer Series.”

“As a community bank, First Interstate appreciates the intrinsic value of our beautiful surroundings,” said Tom Severson, Market President for First Interstate Bank. “Downtown Missoula is a regional destination for shopping, dining, recreation, and entertainment, and First Interstate Bank is proud to be a part of this wonderful, walkable community. As a sponsor of the Missoula Downtown Foundation’s We’ve Got You Covered project, we hope the added comfort and shade offered by these umbrellas will provide much-needed respite to our neighbors and visitors.

“Giving back to the places we call home is something we are passionate about at First Interstate Bank,” Severson continued. “In fact, last year, we donated more than $3.8 million dollars to charitable organizations across our footprint. We are proud to be a part of this wonderful community, and we want to give thanks to the Missoula Downtown Foundation for all the good work they do to ensure it stays that way!”

All Missoulians and their guests can enjoy the new shade umbrellas at Out to Lunch on Wednesdays from 11am-2pm or Downtown ToNight on Thursdays from 5:30-8:30pm through August.

For more information on We’ve Got You Covered, contact the Downtown Missoula Partnership via email ([email protected]) or phone (406-543-4238).