TFXII SPONSOR APPRECIATION THREAD VOL. 1

Folks are aware that Total Fest is an all ages deal and that's possible because businesses like Biga Pizza, Big Dipper, Betty's Divine, Zombie Tools, Shakespeare and Company, and Black Coffee Roasting Company and KettleHouse, Piece of Mind, The Missoula Independent, Ear Candy and Philly West (etc. etc.!) all actually break out their checkbooks and underwrite a fair amount of the costs of running this thing. Certainly, one has choices when it comes to clothing/feeding oneself, choosing a cup or bag of coffee, picking a katana, grabbing a beer or a record, newspaper, etc. 

And may we be so bold as to suggest that as a Total Fest show-goer, 1) you're the beneficiary of a pretty solid heap of Missoula-flavored community support; and 2) you can show your support by showing our supporters your support in return.

Frankly, you'll be getting better pizza/beer/coffee/clothes/cheez-steaks/books/katanas in the process, and you'll be showing some appreciation for the killer local businesses that make Total Fest all-ages, and possible at all. Each Total Fest poster lists the businesses that help Total Fest happen, so if you're from here or not, and like what Total Fest is/does, please vote with your wallet!

With a Total Sponsor Like Betty's It's Hard Not to Look Your Best

Big time, long time Total Fest sponsor, Betty’s Divine is WAY more than just Missoula’s premiere shop for fresh digs. Aimee McQ and the ladies at Betty’s Divine are involved in many events that help keep the Missoula community weird and having fun including the annual Hip Strip Block Party, Selvedge Studio’s Project Selvedge, weekly Badlander sensation Dead Hipster Dance Party, Sunday StreetsMissoula and Le Kickball League. Betty’s supports the local arts scene by hosting monthly First Friday events, showcasing local artists sharing their space with quality local art. They carry jewelry and apparel by local designers including Zoo City Apparel, Jay Edward Jewelry, Courtney Blazon, StatriotDesigns, Courtney Sowa Jewelry, Goertzen Adverture Equipment, Donkey Girl qnd more! Thank you Betty’s for the constant love and support. Now get down to Betty’s BIG SALE for 50%-70% off contemporary, creative and edgy clothing, footwear and accessories for ladies and fellas! It’s what’s good for ya, and we know.  !"

TOTAL SISTERS: BETTY'S DIVINE!
Missoula's vibrant south-of-the-Clark Fork district, or so-called hip strip is chock-friggin' full of excellent, local, vibrant businesses. In fact, it's where the lion's share of Total Fest's business support comes from. At the very heart lies Betty's Divine. A clothing shop with excellent duds, threads, "ropa" or whatever the kids are calling clothes these days. Head into Betty's a frumpy Francine or a untubular Thomas, and leave a Smashing Suzie or Dapper Duane. It's just that simple. Betty's supports local designers and printers like mad, and are community leaders outside the mold! They're key in putting on community events like the Block Party, Urban Golf, sponsor Le Kickball, a kickball league. It doesn't stop with the retail at Betty's.
Betty's Divine is one of the small handful of businesses that is helping Total Fest kick off this year, and which is responsible for insane Total Fest Start Up Bands (yes, it's capital letter worthy) like Vaz, White Mystery, the Pharmacy and the Pygmy Shrews, all of whom play on Thursday, August 18th at the Top Hat this year with local heroes Bad Naked and Mordecai. Jeezum crow. Here's a quick interview with Aimee, Betty's owner:

AHOY, TOTAL WORLD!
Get your walking shoes on! Total Fest marches into August with exhibitions and events held during the First Friday Art Walk on August 06 from 5 - 8PM (First Friday). We've assembled a few tokens from yesteryear and have branched into the smacktastic world of pinatas. A photo retrospective of past Total Fests will be on display at Taco Del Sol. Betty's Divine will host an evening with wine, treats, Total Pinatas and music by Colin Johnson. We're bursting at the seams to get this party going. Stop by some of the other venues on Friday but be sure not to miss the Total events!!