Hi-Line Games postponed due to COVID-19 concerns

A noticeable absence at this year’s Festival Days celebration was the Hi-Line Games, which had to be postponed due to concerns about COVID-19.

Montana State University-Northern Assistant Professor Grant Olson, one of the organizers of the event, said none of the would-be participants have tested positive for COVID-19, but some had displayed symptoms and they decided to postpone the event just in case.

“We had some COVID-related issues come up,” Olson said. “Nothing really serious, but a lot of questions.”

The Hi-Line Games, the first run of what was hoped to be an annual event, aimed to bring students at Montana State University-Northern and community members together by having them team up in a competitive event that would feature feats of strength, trivia, karaoke and more.

The event was part of a larger effort to connect students to people in the community.

Olson said the fact that the event would have students teaming up with community member not in their usual social circles made the idea of holding the event with these uncertainties present seem irresponsible, despite the interest it garnered.

He said discussions are still being had about when the event will be held and whether it works best as a component of Festival Days or its own independent event in the spring.

He said regardless of which they choose, the community will probably see at least a version of the event in spring of next year, likely in April.