Nominations are now open for the fourteenth annual Paris Gibson Award, which honors the founder of Great Falls. This award celebrates the citizen who best embodies the vision and excellence exemplified by Paris Gibson.
To be eligible for the award, nominees must be current residents of Great Falls, have made a significant impact on the city, demonstrate leadership through volunteerism, and perform selfless actions for the betterment of the community.
The award winner will receive a $500 check, provided by Jimmy and Debbie Filipowicz, to be donated to a charity of the winner’s choice. Additionally, they will receive a memorial tree donated by Tilleraas Nursery, a granite marker provided by Montana Granite, a plaque donated by Greg and Leanne Hall, a dinner for two at P. Gibson’s Sports Grill, and a ride in a 1918 Model T Ford, courtesy of Kurt Baltrusch from the Skunk Wagon Club during the Fourth of July Parade. The winner will be announced before the Great Falls Municipal Band concert at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, in Gibson Park.
Nomination forms are available at the Park and Recreation Office located at 1700 River Drive North, and the deadline for submissions is May 15, 2026.
Prior winners include Doug Wicks (2010), Norma Ashby (2011), Greg Hall (2012), Ian and Nancy Davidson (2013), Gene Thayer (2014), Bill and Joan-Nell Macfadden (2015), Arlyne Reichert (2016), Sheila Rice (2017), Brad Talcott and Linda Caricaburu (2018), Chuck and Gerry Jennings (2019), Judy Ericksen (2020), David and Tanya Cameron (2021), Bud Nicholls (2022), Kathy Van Tighem (2023), Harold Spilde (2024), and Jane Weber (2025).
For more information, please contact Megan Sanford at 406-452-3462.
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
