406 Celebrations

406

COMPLIMENTARY

Life’s Special Occasions

GREAT GIFT GALLERY

Glorious

M O N TA N A

Wedding Farm to Table

Recipes from Farm Hands 406S2013 Working.indd 1

Return of the

DRAGONS

B AVA R I A N Style Revelry 6/14/2013 3:21:14 PM

life’s special occasions

406 Celebrations is about L ife’s Special Occasions.

Lisa travels half way around the world to hand pick a diamond for you!

Our Summer/Fall 2013 issue has expanded and we have enjoyed working with so many talented writers and photographers in Northwest Montana to bring you this new issue. Our high quality tabloid format featuring fresh, new and unique stories seems to be what the area has been waiting for.

We are pleased to partner with Farm Hands of the Flathead Valley for this issue. They have provided all of the recipes for our Celebrating Months segment and everything is delicious!

Whether a simple gathering with loved ones or attending the event of the year, we encourage you to make the most of every CELEBRATION! Cheers!

In this issue you’ll find…

139 Main Street Kalispell, MT 59901 406-752-6809 www.wheelerjewelrymt.com

Antwerp diamond buying capital of the world.

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12/9/2012 10:25:05 AM

Celebrating Every Month from June through November............................ 4, 8, 12, 20, 22, 26 Echo & Brian Ham’s Wedding................................................................................................ 5 Inspirations for Wedding Perfection...................................................................................... 6 Dan & Lexi’s Wedding............................................................................................................ 9 Invitation Etiquette.............................................................................................................. 10 Family Traditions sponsored by Subaru............................................................................... 11 Keep Kids Learning............................................................................................................... 13 1980’s Music........................................................................................................................ 14 Wine for the Rest of Us........................................................................................................ 14 Meet National Parks Realty.......................................................................................... 16 & 17 Return of the Dragons.................................................................................................. 18 & 19 Halt Cancer at X, Event at Rebecca Farm............................................................................. 21 Golf Tourneys for Events...................................................................................................... 22 Health & Beauty, Going to the Dentist................................................................................. 23 Health & Beauty, Massage................................................................................................... 23 Whitefish Chamber’s Oktoberfest........................................................................................ 24 30th Annual Christmas at the Mansion................................................................................ 25 Buffalo Hill, A Historical Gem............................................................................................... 27 Great Gifts Gallery........................................................................................................ 28 & 29 Best of List............................................................................................................................ 30 Scenes from Loud at the Library.......................................................................................... 31 Founder/Executive - Cindy Gerrity Founder/Publisher - Kristen Hamilton Founder/Art Director - Karin Hopper

Brian Schott Don Caverly Jennifer Krack Kristen Hamilton Lucy Smith Mike Kofford Tanya Gersh

CONTRIBUTORS

Cindy Conner Farm Hands Kevin Gartland Lisa Colonna Mary Wallace O’Brien Byrd Wade Muehlhof

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Amanda Wilson Photography Brenda Ahearn Photography Carrie Ann Photography Molly Claridge of Be Still Photography Scott Wilson Photography Shannon Hollman Photography Wade Muehlhof

3Skirts Published by 3 Skirts Publishing PO Box 5260 Kalispell, MT 59903

www.406celebrations.com Next issue is our 406 Celebrations Winter/Spring 2014 – on the newsstands December 23, 2013. If you are interested in advertising or submitting editorial or photographs, please visit our website.

On the Cover: Courtney Townley Photo by: Molly Claridge of Be Still Photography www.bestillphotographyMT.com Courtney Townley has been working in the fitness industry as a trainer and health coach for over 15 years. She teaches at Flathead Health and Fitness and is in the process of launching a web based business, graceandgrit.com, to support her mission of helping women everywhere live happier, healthier and more fit. She moved to the Flathead valley 8 years ago from Boston and spends as much time as possible outdoors with her husband and 3 year old son.

Courtney’s Hair and Make Up was done by: Melanie Hobus 406 Celebrations Summer/Fall 2013 | Page 2

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June

FUN FREE ACTIVITIES

Farmer’s Markets are great ways to meet up with friends and browse for fresh produces or artisan crafts. Stop by one this summer… (Thanks to Farm Hands for providing this information.)

GIVING BACK EVENTS

Roll for Relay Classic Car Show in conjunction with the Relay for Life on Friday, June 21st. Relay for Life is a lifechanging event that helps communities across the globe celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the BIGFORK MARKET - May through October disease. This is your chance to be part of the second annual Masonic Temple parking lot, Hwy 35 (across from Harvest Relay for Life Car Show in the Flathead Valley to benefit Foods) the American Cancer Society and their lifesaving mission.

Saturdays 9:00am-1:30pm & Wednesdays 3:00pm-6:00pm During the car show from 5:00pm-9:00pm, each entry

will have a locked purple donation bucket in front of CLARK FORK RIVER MARKET – Missoula - May through it. Spectators will vote on their favorite cars by making October a donation into its "purple bucket". At the end of the Under the Higgins St. bridge (Higgins and Caras Drive) night prizes will be given out to the top 3 cars with the car Saturdays 8:00am-1:00pm that brings in the most money winning "Best in Show".

All money collected will be donated to The American Cancer COLUMBIA FALLS MARKET – Mid June through Mid Society!

September Pinewood Park, Hwy 2 (East of public pool) Head to the Big Sky BBQ Festival at Marshall Mountain on Thursdays 5:00pm-7:30pm Saturday, June 22. Enjoy yummy BBQ and cold beverages

all while watching world-class athletes compete in the HAMILTON FARMERS MARKET – May through October Hammer Nutrition XC bike race! Join us from 2pm-9pm for Bedford between 2nd & 3rd the festivities. There will be live music after the last bike Saturdays 9:00am-12:30pm race. All proceeds from the festival will go to the Montana Food Bank Network.

KALISPELL MARKET – May through October Flathead Valley Community College Saturdays 9:00am-12:30pm In this issue, Farm Hands has provided recipes and photos

utilizing local ingredients that feature the freshest produce MISSOULA MARKET – May through October available each month.

Circle Square on North Higgins Saturdays 8:00am-12:30pm

FEAST

POLSON FARMERS MARKET – May through October 3rd Ave (between Main & 1st St.) Fridays 9:00am-1:00pm WEST GLACIER FARMERS AND ARTISAN MARKET – June 21 through Labor Day Town Center Fridays 3:30pm-6:30pm

The mission of Farm Hands is to connect people to the source of their food and to those who produce it through education, outreach, and market support. Our work is focused on increasing good food access, supporting food security programs and youth empowerment.

Some of our work includes starting community gardens, offering support and resources to beginning farmers, supporting agricultural opportunities at F.V.C.C., making available good local food for people of all ages and incomes, hosting presentations and working with at risk youth. www.nourishtheflathead.org

WHITEFISH FARMERS MARKET – June through September Depot Park, Central Avenue Tuesdays 5:00pm-7:30pm

WHITEFISH•MONTANA

16 Father’s Day| 21 Summer Solstice FARM HANDS RECIPE FOR JUNE

ASIAN SPRING SLAW

1 small bunch of shredded kale 1 small bunch of shredded Napa cabbage or bok choy 1 small bunch shredded Swiss chard (about 6 cups total of the above) 1 bunch of radishes, cut into matchsticks Small bunch of green onions, diagonally cut

Optional and also available in early spring are chives, pea tendrils and garlic scapes, add a few of these if you want for some extra yumminess. Place all the above in a bowl.

Dressing 1/8 cup olive oil 2 T. dark sesame oil 3 T. tamari or soy sauce 1/8 cup rice vinegar, or more to taste 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 T. minced ginger 2-3 T. brown sugar or honey Optional- if you like it spicy, add 1/4 t. cayenne

Whisk together dressing ingredients. Pour over the vegetables and toss. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Can add some toasted peanuts, almonds, chopped cilantro or nastursiams.

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Echo Nelson & Brian Ham shared these beautiful shots captured by Brenda Ahearn from their August 26, 2012 wedding.

Echo and Brian grew up together in the Flathead Valley and have known each other since childhood. When they connected as a couple, they just knew they were to be together.

Brian proposed on a visit home from Montana State where he was earning his degree. The previous weekend he asked Echo’s father for her hand then followed up with a romantic horseback ride to her favorite spot by the river and proposed.

They chose to be married at that very spot by the river.

It was a beautiful summer day and the venue couldn’t have been more perfect!

Echo and Brian were wed, with reception following, at Echo’s parents’ home at Braidwater Vacation Rental in Kalispell by the Old Steel Bridge along the river. The venue was so wonderful for a wedding that her parents have now made it at available for rent through Vacation Rental By Owner (www.VRBO.com/175011). The day was

Glorious Montana Wedding

comfortable and casual surrounded by family and good friends.

Echo noted that she had a lot of help putting the day together and was able to stay on a budget by doing many things herself.

They prepared the food and open bar. The highlight of the dinner was Bison burgers from her Uncle Doug Nelson’s ranch.

Her bridesmaids were able to choose their brown dresses and her two maids of honor wore beautiful green dresses to match her favorite color. Her dress from After Five and Weddings in Bozeman was elegant and she added (with the help of Denise Houtz) the green panel to add some personality and flair. The only requirement was that

all the girls in the wedding wore cowboy boots.

The bride, her mother and the bridesmaids, using gorgeous flowers and pheasant tails that Brian had collected on hunting trips, designed the hairpieces and flowers bouquets.

Even Echo’s ring included her favorite color with a lime green chartreuse diamond that Brian had created with the Gem Gallery in Bozeman.

A few other people that helped make the day special: Soucie and Soucie – Hair and Makeup Miss Patticakes – Deserts Pam Leisinger – Soloist during ceremony Ashley Creek Ramblers – Entertainment during reception

Hanson’s Carriage – Horses & Carriage Judge Ortley (family friend of Brian) – Officiant “The day was so special by having our good friends and family supporting us.

Everything was perfect and very enjoyable.

Brenda was really amazing staying with me from early in the day through the last dance.” - Echo Echo and Brian are settling into married life. She working for the US Forest Service and Brian is working at the Creston Fish Hatchery while he finishes his Masters degree from Montana State University.

They keep their marriage strong by communicating, spending lots of time together and enjoying family.

Best of luck to you both in the future!

WRITTEN BY KRISTEN HAMILTON PHOTOS BY BRENDA AHEARN PHOTOGRAPHY

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A WEDDING PLANNERS SECRET TO YOUR WEDDING PERFECTION wedding is rewarding to create, but it is not necessarily the secret to my success. Anyone can hire a good florist, secure the best rentals

As a wedding planner, I wear many hats. and recreate every popular Pinterest pin. It I am a contractor, designer, administrative takes something else for guest to walk away assistant, therapist and say, “that and cheerleader. was the best But perhaps my wedding I have most important ever attended.” “hat” is that of a Just because an real life Fairy God event is beautiful, Mother. It is my job artistic and filled to make your dream with creative come true. If you detail, does not were a bride with mean it will be high expectations successful. of your wedding What is day as being “the the secret to most important day wedding success? of your life”, you The difference will understand my between a good Fairy God Mother and a brilliant comparison.

This party is the ability realization, and to create a proper, the acceptance of memorable this responsibility, and intoxicating has turned my event “vibe”. small local business Vibe creation is into a nationally the mastery of r e c o g n i z e d evoking positive company. I am sensations, and if asked often about you can create it, my planning secrets. JOHN & COLETTE PHOTOGRAPHY your event will be People want to successful, even know the new hot with out fancy wedding colors, themes and trends. The focus details. always seems to be on decor. The thought is,

Vibes are created when positive if I can make the event beautiful, it will be sensations are felt, and therefore returned, successful. by the bride, groom, family, bridal party and

With the growing popularity of websites guests. If you have ever attended a wedding like Pinterest and Etsy, weddings everywhere where the bride, her bridal party and/or family have become more creative and filled with seem unhappy, you have probably experienced personalized decor detail. If you type “guest how hard it is to relax and really have a good book” into an Etsy search, you will find time. Chances are, no matter how good the hundreds of guest book option and very few food was or how pretty the centerpieces of them involve an actual book. Today’s brides were; you walked away thinking, “that was want creativity. A creative and beautiful WRITTEN BY TANYA GERSH

strange.” So it all comes down to happiness and g ra c i o u s n e s s .

Of course, this happiness it easier to attain when the wedding is properly planned and stress level is low. But it really comes from an PHOTOGRAPHY BY SETH honest amount of love and hospitality expressed within the bridal party and to the guests. My favorite moment of every wedding is the first dance. There is nothing more touching than watching a bride and groom hold each other tight and dance their first dance as husband and wife. The absence of emotion in this dance is a tragedy.

Guest notice and the whole spirit of the event can be ruined. This is only one example of many special moments of a wedding celebration that should be cherished, recognized and felt intensely as being something magical by the bride and groom. If this is done, it is hard for the guests to not fall in love with the event as a whole.

So how did I become a Fairy God Mother? It is simple. I have made my client’s happiness my priority.

I dive into the meaning and sentiment of every detail, rather than price and logistics. I fill the event with details that stimulate the senses, relax the crowd, and orchestrate the event with a sense of ease and calmness.

When planning your own wedding or special event, I recommend doing the same.

It’s simple. Enjoy the process.

Focus on the meaning of the event, and make the expression of love your biggest priority.

TANYA’S BIO For the past 16 years, Tanya Gersh of Tanya Gersh Event Design, LLC has set the standard for vintage, mountain-chic, luxury weddings the serene and romantic (yet somehow cosmopolitan) settings of the Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley, Montana. Her work has been seen in many publications, including Brides Magazine. She was an educational presenter at TSE, the leading national wedding and event planning convention. She plans luxury destination wedding experiences, which are designed with earnest attention to reflect each unique personality she encounters. A sincere love for planning beautiful parties brings Tanya pride in seamless execution of memorable events.

JEREMY AND ALICIA BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

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July

4 Independence Day| 22 National Hammock Day FEAST – Farm Hands Recipe for JULY

FUN FREE ACTIVITIES

ThursdayFest begins in downtown Kalispell on June 27 then follows every Thursday for the summer through August 29 from 5:00pm-8:00pm. Enjoy great music while visiting with friends and family right in the middle of downtown on 3rd Street East between Main and 1st Avenue East. Food, vendors, arts and crafts, a farmers market and a beer and wine garden are available.

Downtown ToNight happens every Thursday night in June, July, and August from 5:30 - 8:30 pm in Caras Park, Downtown Missoula. Offering an outdoor venue for live music, food vendors, and the Bud Light beverage garden for residents and visitors alike. This event also highlights a weekly family activity and, as always, is FREE to attend! Bring the Family for night fun!

Heritage Days is scheduled for July 24-28 in Columbia Falls.

There are so many fun activities that will keep adults and kids entertained throughout the weekend. Enjoy a car show, farmers market, barbeque, rodeo, fireman’s breakfast, 3 on 3 basketball tournament, Boogie to the Bank 5K and 10K run, Arts and crafts show, and a golf tournament. Please note registration and payment is required for some activities.

The Event at Rebecca Farm is another great option for free family fun on July 25-28, 2013.

FLATHEAD CHERRY-BERRY CRISP

Flathead cherries begin to ripen in mid to late July, along with raspberries, blueberries, huckleberries, chokecherries and elderberries.

PHOTO BY BRIAN EKLUND

GIVING BACK EVENTS

The Hockaday Museum of Art proudly presents the 45th Annual Arts in the Park festival. Arts in the Park is the Flathead Valley’s premiere arts, crafts, and music festival held in Kalispell’s historic downtown Depot Park. Over 100 local and visiting artists and craftsmen offer their unique and quality works for sale. Food and beverage vendors from around the valley provide delicious treats, and live musical entertainment gives the festival a light mood. A spirited fair for all ages! Arts in the Park is a benefit event for the Hockaday Museum of Art. All admission proceeds support the Museum in its mission and programs. Daily admission is $3 or $5 for a full weekend pass. Children 6 and under are free.

PHOTO BY BRIAN EKLUND

5 cups total of sweet and/or sour pitted cherries and your favorite berries.

Mix gently with 1/3 cup sugar (or a bit more if your fruit is mostly tart) and 1/4 cup corn starch or flour, pour into pie plate.

Crisp topping: 3/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 cup flour 1 cup rolled oats 1/2 t. cinnamon 7 T. melted butter, slightly cooled (optional, 1/2 cup chopped nuts)

Mix first five ingredients, add butter and mix again.

Sprinkle on top of berries. Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and top is lightly brown.

It will set up as it cools, or eat it warm and gooey.

Add whipped cream or ice cream if you like.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANNON HOLLMAN

Alexis Frank

& Daniel Newhall

July 14, 2012 Weatherwood, Columbia Falls, MT

Dan and Lexi’s wedding day was GORGEOUS!!

A stunning bride, handsome groom, beautiful venue and a perfect wedding.

Their wedding took place at the incredible Weatherwood venue and it was simply wonderful!

Dan and Lexi have a beautiful love. A kind of love that is real, kind, fun and pure.

Shannon said that they made her job easy and they planned one heck of a wedding!!!

Shannon wishes Dan and Lexi a lifetime of love, happiness, friendship and laughter.

She was very honored to be a part of their amazing day.

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BY MARY WALLACE

but also birthday, anniversary or thank you cards without the hassle of pen, paper, stamps, envelopes or mailboxes. In less than 60 seconds, users can choose a custom card, add a personal photo, write a heartfelt, inspirational, or cheerful message and click SEND. Send Out Cards prints, stuffs, stamps and mails a real paper greeting card or invitation to any postal address anywhere in the world, all for much less than the average price of engraved invitations or greeting cards at the store.

These cards can even include your personal handwriting font and the contact manager will even send you reminders so important dates are never missed.

The Send Out Cards system (or one like it) can be used for virtually ALL of your event correspondence: Invitations, RSVPs, Save the Date cards, and

Regardless of how you create & manage your event correspondence, invite and celebrate in style for your next event!

Make your invitations fun & informative and your event will be memorable before it has even started.

Mary Wallace is an independent distributor for Send Out Cards and for It Works Global, the only Ultimate Body Applicator.

She welcomes feedback or questions at montanamary57@gmail.com.

If you are planning an event, one key item is the INVITATION. Isn’t it fun to get one in the mail? Even if it is only to a neighborhood Pampered Chef party, and even if you find you can’t attend, receiving an invitation means that someone thought of you and wants you to come!

Things are always changing and the etiquette of the invitation and other event correspondence is changing, too. What was once considered proper might not meet the Good Manners/Good Fun code today.

Did you know that long ago, it was considered bad form to send out anything but invitations that were completely written by hand with the envelopes also hand-addressed? Then some brilliant person created engraved invitations and they quickly became popular. Regardless, a wedding invitation that was proper in 1976 might seem extremely staid & stuffy in today’s society. Sent on behalf of the couple, usually by the bride’s parents, it included some very particular verbiage, such as

Today’s wedding invitation could range from inviting you to ride the ski lift to the Summit House for a winter wedding, or to a local Taco Bell for some incredibly casual nuptials (Yes! That HAS been done!)

These days there are theme weddings, family celebrations, and even business events that are more informal, and some would say, much more fun! While invitations are a key part of any gathering, invitations with strict formal wording are being replaced with more contemporary, everyday language.

The rule of thumb of what must be included is WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, & WHY - important information as to the venue and date of the event, as well as details of a theme or dress codes. But don’t let it read like a boring homework assignment . . . let your invitations shout from the rooftops “This party is going to be the most fun ever!” We once sent out invitations to a family reunion that included what appeared to be an old newspaper clipping and singed parchment maps, inviting the guests to a summer Treasure Hunt on the family property.

It was fun from the Get-Go. For most gatherings & occasions, printed & mailed invitations of some kind are nearly always the best option, even if only a postcard. Some might ask, “Is ever okay to call it in? What about sending an email or text invite?” N-N-N-OO! Not really … unless it is for a very spur-of-the-moment, very informal affair, and even then, only to very close friends or relatives.

Invitation etiquette actually calls for mailing invitations eight weeks prior to an event. “EIGHT WEEKS??” Yes, for a wedding, a silver or golden anniversary, for most major formal events, and for any affair that will involve any of the guests traveling some distance at considerable cost to attend. In fact, in that case, SAVE THE DATE cards sent out 3-6 months prior to the actual invitations are imperative.

It has become a fairly common practice to include information about where a wedding couple is registered, or to ask for cash gifts for a honeymoon trip. It IS being commonly done, but be aware that nearly every etiquette book or website still today says this is NOT okay. It is considered impolite to mention gifts or to state that children are not allowed. It IS okay to state if formal attire is required.

And those tiny cards to mail back in a tiny selfaddressed stamped envelope? They are for the guests to RSVP (Répondez s'il vous plait – which means the courtesy of a REPLY is requested.) Sadly, many don’t take time to RSVP these days, which makes it difficult for the hostess to plan for her event.

Luckily, there are now event planning sites, such as www.theknot.com, that allow guests to RSVP from their computer or cell phone. Theknot.com is also a good place to list that wedding or gift registry info.

The next decision to make is how to create the invitations. Engraved invitations are quite elegant, but they are also quite expensive. With today’s software & ability to self-print, the hosts of any event are only limited by their own creativity to design invitations that are a reflection of their own personal interests, lifestyle, and sense of fun! DO research the cost of specialty papers and the ink for your particular printer, however, or you may find self-printing could be cost prohibitive!

We found a handful of online sites that have the potential to make all of the event correspondence fast, easy, organized, and also quite personable – one such site is www.SendOutCards.com ”. This convenient system lets you send not only invitations,

Thank You cards! We found it surprisingly affordable, too! Ranging from only 31 cents plus postage for a Save The Date postcards, up to $1.47 INCLUDING STANDARD POSTAGE for a two-panel invitation personalized with a several photos of the bridal couple and using your own handwriting font, if desired! Simple?

Yes! Elegant? Yes, if you want it to be! Fun? Definitely! Take Send Out Cards for a test run by going to www.sendoutcards.com/104996 and click on SEND A CARD to try it for free.

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FAMILY Traditions

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STORY BY WADE MUEHLHOF PHOTOS BY WADE MUEHLHOF Like many families, we look forward to the annual signs of spring: sporadic warm sunny days, chirping birds, budding trees, greening grass and rising rivers. Each of those things in its own right is a reason to rejoice, but what the Muehlhof family really gets excited about are a few spring-time family traditions. Some are carryovers from either Dori’s or my childhood, and some are recently created but already cornerstones of our transition to summer. Each of them is unique, but all strengthen our family, reinforce our values and create lasting memories.

One tradition literally connects us to earth and allows us to get our hands dirty, nurture young delicate life and eventually consume the fruits, or vegetables, of our effort. We do this at one of the Flathead Valley’s many Community Gardens. This preserves our yard and gives us a tremendous head start since the box garden is fully prepped by a cadre of volunteers before we plant our first seeds. Our children, five and four years old, love to help plant, weed and water.

When it’s hot enough, the watering often sprays well beyond the 4 by 8 foot boundaries of the garden box.

When it’s time to let Marek and Chloe dig in the dirt to find potatoes they get so excited it’s like they’re digging for golden pirate treasure. When we declare that the red tomatoes are ready for picking they race to get their bags. It’s very nice that the garden is within walking distance and it makes a great evening outing. Working our little garden lets us experience the miracle of life, teaches us all how to care and nurture, and allows us to be a bit self-sustaining.

harlequin ducks diving for improbable lengths of time and maneuvering world class rapids as if they were mud puddles. We also enjoy the simpler joys like of throwing rocks into Lake McDonald and playing in the snow long after it has disappeared in the valley. The grandeur of the park is just harder to miss at slower speeds with no doors.

Each of these traditions helps to build our family’s collective memories, reinforces the natural beauty of the region, and gives us something to look forward to when thoughts of skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing fade away. While these three annual commitments are a great start, we see every weekend, not to mention spring break once both kids are in school, as an opportunity to create more. Our goal is to pass on the traditions that we hold dear, but to also create our own family traditions. Every weekend has the potential for an “outing” or “adventure”; every milestone is an opportunity to photograph and chronicle the memories so they may never fade.

We hope that these traditions expand as our young children grow and that the memories made are more meaningful with each passing year.

Another spring-time tradition revolves around Mother’s and Father’s day when we take our first camping trips of the year. To attempt to be prepared for the unpredictable May weather our Mother’s day weekend is spent at a Forest Service cabin and the June Father’s day is spent at a state campground.

Working together to set up camp, gather firewood, and cook our meals gives our son and daughter a great sense of pride and worthiness. We keep the kids engaged with things like scavenger hunts, nature hikes, and marshmallow roasts. Sitting around the campfire gives us a chance to have conversations and tell stories that just don’t work in the living room in front of the TV. The children have been thrilled to see many types of water birds, hawks, eagles, fish, deer and elk. Adventures abound with fishing, hiking, canoeing and whatever else we want to do or try.

Far from finally but last for the purposes of this story, there is a short period of time each year when you can explore the crown jewel that sits in our collective back yard in a quiet, intimate way most of the two million visitors will not get to experience. Biking Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park before most of the road opens to vehicles is simply spectacular. Perched on a bike it seems that the air is crisper, the mountains higher, the lakes clearer and the wildlife closer. As our children continue to master their bikes the adventure gets a little longer each year.

We’ve seen some of the special sites like the elusive

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August

4 10 National S’more’s Day| 13 Left Handers Day | 14 VJ Day

FUN FREE ACTIVITIES

GIVING BACK EVENTS

The 24 Annual Huckleberry Days Arts Festival is August 9-11 in Depot Park in downtown Whitefish. It features over 100 vendors of fine arts and great food is also available. Enjoy a huckleberry dessert bake-off contest and kid's bungee jumping. Fun for the whole family.

The Summer Brewfest is August 24 at Depot Park in Whitefish. This annual event is a fundraiser for the S.N.O.W. Bus. Enjoy great beers and entertainment while supporting a great cause.

The River City Roots Festival on August 24-25 offers great family fun! Produced by the Missoula Downtown Association as the community's signature celebration of the city, the River City Roots Festival has quickly risen to the top of Montana's must-see-list. This two-day free festival features first-class art and entertainment for both residents and visitors. With quality live performances on a big stage on West Main Street, a juried art show, entertainment for children and families, and a 4-Mile run through the heart of Missoula, Roots Fest brings a weekend of family fun to the community.

Bring a donation of pet food to feed hungry animals in need and enjoy the Annual Pet Fest at Caras Park in Missoula on August 17 at 10:00am. Featuring Pet Adoptions, Wiener Dog Races, Doggie Olympics and Pet Products and Services for sale. Pet Fest promotes responsible pet ownership with education through entertainment and is one of the largest one-day pet adoption events in Western Montana.

FEAST – Farm Hands Recipe for AUGUST

CURRIED SUMMER VEGETABLES

1, 14 ounce can coconut milk 3 T. tamari 1 3/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth 1 heaping T. of lemon or lime zest 1 T. green curry paste

In a large saucepan, whisk the above together until smooth, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

2 cups broccoli florets 2 cups cauliflower 2 carrots 2 cups summer squash and/or zucchini

Cut the above in one inch pieces and add to the sauce, simmer for about 15 minutes or until tender, don’t over cook vegetables.

Serve over rice or pasta and top with chopped cilantro.

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Keep Kids Learning Over the Summer BY: MIKE KOFFORD, KALISPELL EDUCATION FOUNDATION DIRECTOR & COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR FOR SD#5 When that final bell rang announcing the start of summer as a kid, I raced out the school doors amid a frenzy of flying papers and forgotten essays to ride bikes, explore parks, and string faded fishing poles for long dreamed of adventures far from four confining walls. Summer meant dirty knees and independence, trips to visit and play with cousins, summer craft classes at the local library; but most of all, it meant spending time outdoors interacting with friends and the community. As adults, we know a well rounded education is filled with new life experiences that challenge our boundaries, and allow us to test our skills and learn who we are as individuals.

Creativity and interaction are an integral part of that education, even if we are not tested on these concepts in school. Keeping a spirit of investigation alive and well over the summer can be challenging, but fortunately we live in a state with plenty of resources and opportunities. Through selfdirected projects, volunteering, and some simple supplies, you can stimulate your child’s curiosity to learn over the summer and keep that link with education and community alive.

Let me confess up front, that yes, I do in fact have a blog, several e-mail accounts, a very active Facebook account, as well as Twitter. Plus, I am not ready to the throw out my television just yet, before NCIS and The Big Bang Theory see their final seasons. However, it is important for parents to realize that the average American home has the flicker of a television on 5 hours of each day, and this is at least partially responsible for childhood obesity rates climbing from 6.5% in the 1990’s to nearly 20% in 2012. Engaging our children’s brains has never been more vital, and at the very least, we can try to keep children’s hands out of a potato chip bag for part of each day. Video games and

“facebooking” compete with those things that can improve health, outlook on life, and our seeing the world. I often remember a summer in Florida where I witnessed a family of four walk a white sandy beach near an aqua blue ocean as their two kids furiously played hand held video players.

They never looked up or even bothered to take off their shoes as they strolled into the distance.

To get your kids off the couch, start the summer by limiting tv and computer time and actively encourage more creative projects and the opportunity for social connection.

This cold turkey reduction may lead to a revolt at first, but an active brain will soon seek out other recreational options if they are made available.

Here are some suggestions to help get started; don’t forget to check community calendars on-line, the local newspaper, and the Chamber of Commerce for activities.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, a digital camera might be considered a novel. With their availability and relatively cheap cost, digital cameras are a great way to introduce young adults to framing topics and seeing differences in light and shade.

After becoming familiar with the basic functions, you can introduce themes such as neighborhood flower gardens, biking adventures, or their best friend.

Two projects I’ve really enjoyed using with kids are picture poetry and collage postcards. Picture poetry involves selecting a favorite (recent) photo or series of photos (i.e. my cat’s day) and then producing a

poem about the topic or experience. Play with different formats such as one line of the poem under each photo, or orienting the photos in different positions on one page. If they enjoy this, they might even try their hand at telling a story with a series of photos and a short poem on each page.

The collage postcard involves finding an old postcard, or cutting out the appropriate size from cardstock before filling it on one side with cut-outs from your own printed photos, magazines, or advertisements.

Then write in favorite quotes, a poem, or make sketches in the blank areas.

Highlighter pens or colored pencils can really add to the mix before mailing it to a friend or relative with a request they retaliate with their own version. If you’re lucky, this could lead to an “art war” where friends try to one up each other with the quality of their work.

Recently, while looking for ideas at the local library, I ended up losing track of time and started researching some of my own creative projects. There is a broad selection, and I particularly enjoyed John Lithgow’s, A Lithgow Palooza in which he shares several categories of creative ideas, many that can be shared with the entire family. Here’s a taste: Junk gardens involve taking old toys, dishes, planters, or whatever you can dig up in the basement before half planting them in a specific spot in the yard with flowers stuck in-between and inside each item wherever possible. Another idea? Create a sundial out of cardboard in your yard and live one entire day by it, making sure to unplug and hide every clock in your house before beginning. This will not only make your family aware how closely tied our schedules are to the clock, but hopefully lead to a discussion on how mechanical clocks were only a recent discovery to human history. What other creative ways did world cultures find to track their day?

Finally, I love the Tableaux Vivant chapter which involves the whole family tracking down props and costumes to create a living statue for a favorite scene from history or a poem. I’ve seen this performed in high school history classes and must say it is not only informative as to the details of a specific scene, such as Washington crossing the Delaware, but almost always leads to everyone in the room erupting in uncontrollable laughter. Take a photo and frame it in your kitchen as a reminder of your creative summer.

While at the library, make sure mom and dad pick out a few of their own favorite selections as well. Experts share (Swagger

by Lisa Bloom) that creating a positive reading environment where children observe their parents reading actively and on a regular basis, that children are six times more likely to read for pleasure. Reading correlates with almost every measure of positive personal and social behavior surveyed by the National Endowment of the Arts. Readers are more likely to vote, exercise, have happier personal lives, and even live longer.

If you have a child that can combine these various skills and talents into one format, they may even attempt creating what are known as “zines.” Zines are not well known in Montana and seem to have various definitions and functions, but at a most basic level they are personal magazines featuring sketches, photos, poems, quotes, doodles, cut-outs, and experiences around a theme. Making a trip to Seattle or Bozeman this summer? Travel zines are by far the most popular to produce, and can even be entirely hand crafted and written without the use of a computer. The decorative inside of business envelopes are often used as page backgrounds, and if your child catches the bug, there are many small bookstores in Portland and

Seattle that will consider selling works, including Powell’s Books in Portland where I’ve sold a few. You may wish to consult, Stolen Sharpie Revolution by Alex Wrekk, or The Creative License by David Gregory. If you care to mix zines into your personal library and begin popularizing them in our area, you can find a zine section on etsy.com (just search for zines and comics). Subjects include a broad range of topics, from repairing your own bicycle, to starting your own business on e-bay. Some of the humorous topics are not suitable for children, so be sure to read descriptions carefully.

Don’t forget we live in one of the most beautiful natural areas in the world, and there are many ways to explore it. Get a map (I recommend Jake Bramante’s blog at www.hike734.com) and pick out a section of the park you have never seen and commit to taking a nature day. Multiple studies show that a day in nature can significantly reduce stress and improve our outlook.

Activities such as birding or identifying wild flowers can greatly improve a child’s attention to detail and instill a greater appreciation of where we live.

Outings to the Jewel Basin and the trail from Herron Park to Blacktail are other fun options.

Finally, there is no better way to integrate a sense of place, community, and service than volunteering with one of a variety of local non-profits or agencies. Young adults can see the workings of different organizations as they think about their own future, and have the opportunity to socialize with adults outside of a school setting.

Opportunities abound, and offer a range of real life experiences.

The Flathead Foodbank offers students the chance to help those less fortunate than themselves by organizing and distributing food from their Kalispell location. Students under 15 will need to be accompanied by an adult, so contact Janette at 752-3663 with questions or times.

Habitat for Humanity will be working on a build in Columbia Falls this spring starting May 18th, so call Candice at (413)335-5297 to polish your building skills and provide a new home for a family in need.

Also, we often forget about those who helped make our community what it is today, so chat, read, or play games with a piece of local history by volunteering at the Brendan House retirement community by calling Carmen Moyer at 751-6516.

Like more time in nature? Contact Sonny at the Montana Conservation Corps about trail clearing dates at 7558089, or Chad at Kalispell Parks and Rec. 758-7975 for park projects.

Your family will leave with a few stories of their own, and the possibility of some new friends.

Local museums and FVCC have great activities listed on their websites.

The Museum at Central School allows children under twelve in for free, while the Hockaday Museum has summer art camps available for a fee. Conrad Mansion has child rates, and the Dig Into Reading Program at the Flathead County Library begins in June. The Kid’s College program at FVCC features a variety of learning experiences with class titles and descriptions listed on their website (click Continuing Education, then Kid’s College).

Keep kids involved in their communities and learning new things, and you will help inspire your children to learn and create more and more.

Summer doesn’t have to be a steady diet of television and texting. Set powerful examples through your own interests and use of time, then bring your family along for the ride. Create, investigate, and have fun.

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The Music Scene

It ’s A Matter of taste - Wine for the rest of us

WRITTEN BY O’BRIEN BYRD, O’Brien’s Liquor & Wine “Melted asphalt, huh?” I was also supposed to pick up a hint of “compost and bacon fat.” Looking into my swirling glass of dark ruby colored wine. I pondered how others could pick out an exotic descriptors in the very same wine that I was drinking. So maybe I’m just jealous of their astonishingly sensitive noses and palates. But I’d bet that many wine drinkers have the same problem I do. Maybe they can sense a bit of, oh, say citrus in a wine’s bouquet. But “truffle,” wet limestone. Spicy French oak….burnt fig pudding….and “white Tabaco” (whatever that is) all in one wine?

EXTRAORDINARY My real concern about the language used in so many wine reviews is not so much that they offend my sensibility; it’s that they intimidate and turn off MANY new and potential wine drinkers. They contribute to the mystification of wine, to the layman’s sense that the enjoyment of wine requires a certain amount of misunderstanding ritual and the decoding of incomprehensible mysteries.

Me? I just like the wine. Having recently enjoyed a few, (one of the perks of the biz) I have plucked four wines that are a must for various summer occasions.

BY HUNTER FIRETHORN In the summer of 1985, a mildly talented unknown cover band was playing a show at Poochie’s Pet Wash and Espresso Bar in San Bernardino, California. Bass player Charlie Bird had just purchased what he thought was “a really bitchin’ chorus pedal” at a local pawn shop. But that night at the gig, when he stomped on the pedal for the first time… the entire band disappeared, never to be seen again.

Scientists now believe Charlie did not buy a bass chorus pedal at all, but a flux capacitor- a real one. With the pedal engaged, the notes Charlie was playing ripped a hole in the time-space continuum- catapulting the band far into the distant future (and even further obscurity).

Indeed, 1985 is currently drifting through interdimensional spacetime.

There have been multiple sightings of the band’s intermittent reappearance and, by all accounts, the experience is nothing short of spectacular. The band members claim that exposure to background radiation and galactic starlight has made them truly New Wave Supermen.

Back porch sipping:

Lake and Riverside P icnics:

Berger Gruner Veltliner 2011 can be enjoyed with light salads.

But I would recommend this at the end of a hot day, where the cool of our Montana nights start to creep through our window screens. This Austrian wine is best enjoyed on its own. With a light, crisp citrus taste, this wine is fun and almost too easy to drink. It reminds me of Granny Smith apples with just a hint of lime. Nothing says value like the beer cap top on this hottie! $12 retail.

Ciao Bella Pinot Grigio 2011 is a flirtatious little bottle of vino.

It’s grown in the northeast part of Italy where the ….Aww, forget it. Throw this drinkable white on ice and go find some water. It offers subtle peach flavors, again with the citrus that begs to be drunk in warmer weather. “Ciao Bella” means ‘Hey Beautiful’ in Italian. The label is very befitting of the juice. If you need food with this, pack some cold shrimp or crab cakes for a little getaway. $10 retail.

You’re invited to the

Dinner for two:

neighbor’s Barbecue: Frisk Prickly Riesling 2012. You could bring beer. But you know the neighbors have plenty of brewskis and the usual wine cooler options. Impress your friends with this German beauty. This fun little wine is about as casual and unpretentious as they come.

Just like your neighbors, right? The aromas are floral and pear, with a little sweet pink grapefruit on the palate. Enjoy with spicy chicken or any barbecue morsel. This wine is mildly sweet, but far from the syrup bombs that scare us back to the microbrew beer waiting for us in the fridge. Astounding value, $10 retail.

Lamberti Rose Sparkling Wine . The kids are at grandma’s house and its Friday night. You both deserve this. What’s for dinner? Let’s see-sautéed abalone or scallops, clams, mussels in tomato sauce, boiled or steamed crab, lobster? Wait. Emeril is not coming over so let’s get real. This salmon-colored rose would pair well with baked or grilled ham or maybe some big, juicy steak burgers. Wonderfully fruity, yet free of sweetness, this rose’ is far from wimpy. Best served chilled. Cranberry, ripe strawberries and tangy citrus fruit, tickles the taste buds.

Hmmm. Call grandma up, this could be an all-nighter! Stunning find. $14 retail

Oddly, the time-travel pedal remained in the year 1985 at Poochie’s. An unexpected result is that this causes the band to play songs from random decades, and at random times.

They do their best to play 1980’s new wave songs (Simple Minds, Flock of Seagulls, Duran Duran, etc.), but sometimes uncontrollably jump to songs from the late seventies or the mid-nineties and, on rare occasions, songs from last week.

1985 has reemerged from the soup of spacetime to play for many events throughout history (including an accidental reappearance at the first Creston Auction in 1963 in Creston, Montana) and is now available for booking. Thanks to new advances in nanotechnology and superluminal quantum tunneling, the band can now 97.4% guarantee that they will reappear at the correct time and place for your event… and rock you like a New Wave hurricane. They’re not just a cover band. They are truly an experience.

If you have an event, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire 1985: the New Wave TimeTrippers.

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FOUR LOCATIONS HERE TO SERVE YOU! Bigfork Office 406-837-1249 8270 MT Hwy 35, Ste 5 Bigfork, MT 59911

Columbia Falls Office Meadow Lake Gof Course Columbia Falls, MT 59912

Whitefish - Downtown Office 406-862-8458 205 Spokane Ave Whitefish, MT 59937

Whitefish - Mountain Mall Office 406-862-8458 6475 Hwy 93 So, Ste 17 Whitefish, MT 59937

Meet some of the professional real estate agents from National Parks Realty from the Bigfork and Whitefish locations.

SUSIE

KATHY MANSFIELD

MOORE

Office Administrator 406-837-1249 Kathy@NationalParksRealty.com

Real Estate Agent/Broker Cell: 406-261-7449 Office: 406-862-8458 Susie@nationalparksrealty.com

A seven year Flathead real estate professional, Kathy enjoys learning and exploring the area’s spectacular landscapes and diverse byways. She currently focuses her office management skills in a daily role supporting a team of agents and brokers at National Parks Realty in Bigfork. In her spare time, she is proprietor of Flathead’s Snowbunny Soap, handcrafted natural soaps, shampoos and lotions. Kathy’s work can be found at craft fairs and in gift shops. Whether entertaining friends and neighbors or walking her Golden Retriever, Baylee, along the Swan River Trail, being here in her beloved Montana, for Kathy, means living the good life.

I moved to Whitefish with my family in 1977 and have been helping people Buy and Sell Real Estate for 25 years. I have consistently been a top producing agent and love what I do. My work is full time and I am committed to giving my best to all my clients. There is no more beautiful place on earth than Northwest Montana. I am blessed to live here!

DENISE

(POTTS) BELT

Real Estate Agent/Broker, CRS Cell: 406-253-1503 Office: 406-837-1249 DeniseBelt@NationalParksRealty.com

JOHN MIDDLETON

As a native of Flathead Valley, Montana, I am very familiar with what this beautiful area has to offer. I now live within 5 miles of where I was raised and have over a decade of experience in Montana Real Estate. With this knowledge and my commitment to professionalism and customer service, and everyone's best interest in mind, whether it is Buying or Selling, I work hard at doing what needs to be done. Let me put my expertise and experience to work for you. And remember, "Ability + Effort = Results".

• Licensed since 1993 • Broker since 1995 • Repeatedly Ranked Top Producer

SUSAN KRATT Real Estate Agent

Real Estate Agent 406-862-7200 john@NationalParksRealty.com

Don’t just buy real estate, invest in a way of life!

For John Middleton, there is only one way to live life enthusiastically. Whether he’s fly fishing the Flathead River or helping his clients achieve their goals, John firmly believes in the importance of loving what you do. “So much is at stake when buying or selling what is often your largest investment,” he says. “Having the job I do is a great privilege and responsibility, and it’s one I take very seriously – my clients are confident in the fact that their needs are truly understood and that I will do everything possible to help bring about an equitable outcome.”

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406-250-7072 susan@nationalparksrealty.com Masters Degree: Political Science, University of Houston. Survivor Committee Chairperson, American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Tennis tournament chairperson, Friends of Bigfork Fire Department. Resident: Bigfork + cabin in the Northfork for over 25 years. Member Bigfork, USTA tennis team. Black Belt TaeKwonDo. Member: Daughters of the American Revolution.

Member: Daughters of the Confederacy. Native Texan. Married 37 years: Tom (former AF officer, airline pilot). Son, Karl, served National Guard Operation Iraqi Freedom & Operation Enduring Freedom. - Completing his degree at Rocky Mountain College.

Enjoy helping clients find their dream!

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National Parks Realty Northwest Montana Real Estate Whether you are in the market to buy or sell, we can help!

Waterfront Executive Estates Horse Properties Log Homes Montana Ranch and Land Magnificent Views Golf Properties Condos and Townhomes

JENNIFER SHELLEY Real Estate Agent

Single Family Homes Ski Resort Properties

406-249-8929 JenniferShelley@NationalParksRealty.com

JILL CARTER-JONES Real Estate Agent/Broker 406-249-0146 jill@jillcarter-jones.com

Jennifer’s enthusiasm for the Flathead Valley is two-fold.

Since moving to Bigfork 25 years ago, Jennifer has settled into her dream career in real estate. "I consider it a privilege to walk these beautiful parcels of property and help clients find exactly what they are looking for in a home, investment, and most importantly, a lifestyle..." In addition, her love for the outdoors and Sporting Clays shooting gives her an occasional break from her busy career. Jennifer is proud of her four children, has earned Realtor Rookie of the Year, and is the 2010 & 2011 Montana Women's Sporting Clays Champion.

Jill is a full time licensed Broker/Realtor and Whitefish homeowner who understands the satisfaction and financial rewards of buying and selling property for her customers in the Flathead Valley. Integrity, a passion for her work, and attention to detail describes Jill’s approach to providing excellent customer service for her clients. She provides a perfect blend of integrating the newest technology with proven business skills to ensure her client’s receive cutting edge support in buying and selling real estate. An avid hiker and skier, as a teenager Jill was a member of the U.S. Ski Team. She is devoted to her family and community.

JULIE CONSTENIUS Real Estate Agent/Broker Cell: (406) 250-8023 Office: (406) 862-0332 julie@nationalparksrealty.com

DALEY McDANIEL Real Estate Agent (406) 249-9160 daley@montanasky.net

I have been a licensed Broker or Real Estate agent in 10 states for over 40 years. Many of my clients have become lifelong friends and I don’t intend to stop now. I have been a Flathead property owner for 26 years. My interests are aviation, motorcycles, fly/spin fishing, photography and a (wana-be) golfer.

FOUR LOCATIONS HERE TO SERVE YOU! Bigfork Office 406-837-1249 8270 MT Hwy 35, Ste 5 Bigfork, MT 59911

A Montana Native, Julie has resided in the Whitefish area for 30 plus years. She and her husband, a prominent local architect, have raised two sons. Together the family enjoys the bounty of Montana’s outdoor playground. Skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, hiking and golfing are seasonal pleasures. Prior to her real estate career, Julie was a school teacher and ski instructor.

Julie, a licensed Broker, has a long list of experiences in the real estate world. Over the past 30 years, the family business, J Constenius Architects, has exposed her to an array of unique projects that have taught her invaluable knowledge in regards to the building and real estate industry.

Julie believes in customer service and makes it her top priority to make your goals her own.

Columbia Falls Office Meadow Lake Gof Course Columbia Falls, MT 59912

Whitefish - Downtown Office 406-862-8458 205 Spokane Ave Whitefish, MT 59937

DENISE LONG Real Estate Agent/Broker 406-249-1758 Denise Lang@NationalParksRealty.com In 2000, my family and I yearned for a small town atmosphere with friendly folks and great natural beauty. We found all of that in Bigfork--a community with heart, brains, and beauty. It was a natural extension to share my passion for Montana by entering the Real Estate profession in 2001. Previously, I was a mortgage broker and hold a degree in Psychology. My extensive experience in the finance industry facilitates the home buying process. Outside the office, you can find me hiking, biking, reading, and walking my beloved Bernese Mountain dogs in the Bigfork 4th of July Parade.

Whitefish - Mountain Mall Office 406-862-8458 6475 Hwy 93 So, Ste 17 Whitefish, MT 59937

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Return of the

Dragons

PHOTO BY KALISPELL CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU/GRAVITY SHOTS

WRITTEN BY LUCY SMITH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR-FLATHEAD COMMUNITY FOUNDATION After its legendary inaugural in 2012, the Montana Dragon Boat Festival is primed for a return to Flathead Lake on September 7-8, 2013. Ask anyone who attended last year’s Festival and you will hear about an event that was the stuff of fairy tales, from outstanding organization to supreme venue to the picture perfect weather that greeted the day of the Dragons.

The legend of Dragon Boat racing dates back more than 2,300 years ago to a time of treachery and shifting alliances in Chinese history known as the Warring States Period. When patriot and poet Qu Yuan championed political reform and truth as essential for a healthy state, the King banished him from the kingdom and left him to wander the countryside.

Through his poetry, Qu Yuan continued to express fervent love, loyalty and grave concern for his country’s future. When the kingdom was destroyed at the hands of a rival kingdom in 277 B.C., Qu Yuan threw himself into the Mei Lo River. The villagers loved Qu Yuan and raced their fishing boats to the middle of the river in a vain attempt to save him. They beat on drums and splashed their oars in the water to keep fish away and to ward off evil spirits, and they scattered rice into the water to honor Qu Yuan’s soul and ensure that it didn’t go hungry.

Today dragon boat racing is found in 64 countries and is the 8th fastest growing competitive sport in the world. While modern dragon boat races are primarily held for fun and sport, they still highlight the event’s history and culture. Teams

of 20 paddlers, a drummer, and a steersperson compete against each other in traditionally ornamented, 46foot long, Hong Kong style dragon boats.

The ceremonial Dotting of the Dragon’s Eye before the races begin awakens the Dragon and unleashes its fire, giving the boats and their crews the strength of the dragon.

Dragon Boat racing is replete with adrenaline-pumping action, excitement, friendly competition and community spirit. It is also highly inclusive. People of all ages, skill levels and physiques can participate because success lies not in brute strength, but in perfecting the team’s stroke rhythm and timing.

Dragon boat racing is truly, the ultimate team-builder.

The story of the Montana Dragon Boat Festival began once upon a time in 2012, at the Kalispell Convention and Visitors Bureau (KCVB). Diane Medler and Rob Brisendine were searching for a brand new destination event for the Flathead Valley, and their requirements were rigorous.

The event was to run successfully during shoulder season, attract thousands of overnight visitors, showcase and honor the Flathead’s pristine natural beauty, encourage people to shop, dine and stay in Kalispell and surrounding towns, and welcome local participation and support.

“Paddles Up!” our heroes cried one day.

“We will bring Dragon Boat racing to Flathead Lake!”

And they all lived happily ever after.

Last year’s single-day event attracted 56

teams for a total of 1,200 participants.

Racers came from 12 states and 2 Canadian provinces. There were more than 3,000 spectators. The Festival created and spent $770,788 in the Flathead Valley, according to the University of Montana Institute for Tourism and Research.

Area hotels were completely or nearly filled, and restaurants and local retailers were busy with the additional traffic.

Strategic event marketing - local, regional, national and in Canada created excitement and buzz for months before and after September 8th. The Montana Dragon Boat Festival was headlined in virtually every media format and public forum. Marquees across the Flathead cheered, “Paddles Up! “Unleash Your Inner Dragon!” and “Welcome Dragon Boaters!” Restaurants and bars created special menu and beverage items and retailers made special overtures to the Dragon Boat contingent. Dragon Boats starred in local parades, street fairs and markets. Everyone jumped on the Dragon Boat.

Out-of-area teams declared Flathead Lake Lodge the most beautiful and Flathead Lake the best venue for racing they had ever experienced.

They hailed the Montana Dragon Boat Festival organizers, volunteers and local community as the friendliest anywhere. “Shopping, said visitors, was “awesome” and the surroundings were “breathtaking!” The Montana Dragon Boat Festival was our Valley’s chance to shine, and to share our gifts with others.

It was also a chance for everyone to fall in love with our homeland and the people who live here. Perhaps this is the greatest part of the Montana Dragon

Boat Story.

The inaugural Montana Dragon Boat Festival was sponsored by the Flathead Community Foundation (FCF), a taxexempt public charity established in 2005 with a mission to improve quality of life in the Flathead, forever. FCF works with donors to achieve their philanthropic goals through donor advised funds and permanent endowments, and it partners with local nonprofits to address community needs and community opportunities.

For the Foundation and everyone concerned, it was rewarding to see momentum build across the Flathead Valley as 56 teams organized, dozens of sponsors stepped up in support, and people from every corner of the community asked how they could help make the Dragon Boat Festival a success. “The Dragon Formula” blend of cooperation, commitment and investment made the inaugural event a triumph before the first paddles hit the water.

Flathead Community Foundation leveraged the visibility of Title Sponsorship to raise awareness and support for area nonprofits. The Foundation rallied charitable organizations to form teams of their own, and hosted Community Spirit Boats for smaller nonprofits and individual citizens wishing to support a good cause. FCF became the Nonprofit Division “go to”, a direct way to engage with outstanding organizations that serve community’s needs. Several nonprofits formed teams and raised pledge dollars for their racers. Representatives from smaller organizations joined the Foundation’s

PHOTOS BY KALISPELL CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU/VALERIE McINTYRE

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Triple Threat Team and raised funds as well. In all, $75,000 were raised and pledged in support of area nonprofits, including our local Save-a-Sister breast cancer screening service. The Dragon Boat Festival became a metaphor for the potential in every community to rally for fun and shared benefit, to contribute when and where help is needed most, and to take pride in pulling together as friends and neighbors.

Because virtually every one and every age can participate in the Montana Dragon Boat Festival as a paddler, spectator, volunteer or sponsor, the event created common ground and new alliances across a broad spectrum of business, academic, institutional, and nonprofit interests.

The 2012 Festival raised the morale of an entire community and generated new consumer and visitor traffic. It honored the pristine environment of Flathead Lake and celebrated the precious natural wonders that we enjoy and cherish.

Like many great stories, this one has an exciting sequel. The 2013 Montana Dragon Boat Festival will feature two days of racing and accommodate at least 80 teams, bringing more out of area competitive teams to the event and more overnight visitors to the Flathead Valley. The post-race Dragon Bash, organized by the Lethbridge Dragon Boat Association is back by popular demand, and the Flathead Community Foundation is the 2013 Title Sponsor.

Everyone is on board to ensure that the 2013 Return of the Dragons will be legendary for the tremendous good will, good fun and good fortune it brings to the Flathead Valley.

Visit www.montanadragonboat.com for information about the 2013 Montana Dragon Boat Festival and for news and photos from the 2012 Festival.

Nonprofit organizations and individual paddlers may register for FCF’s Triple Threat Community Team at www. flatheadcommunityfoundation.org

PHOTOS BY KALISPELL CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU/VALERIE McINTYRE

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Find Kettle Care at Bigfork Harvest Foods, Good Food Store, Mountain Valley Foods, Sun Drop Health Foods, Third Street Market, Withey’s Health Foods, and our NEW location at 3575 Hwy 93 in Kalispell this summer!

September

2 Labor Day| 8 Grandparent’s Day | 22 Autumnal Equinox

FUN FREE ACTIVITIES The Montana Dragon Boat Festival on September 7 & 8 is a tremendous community activity that is as much fun to watch as it is to participate. Flathead Lake Lodge is the host location to see all the action of local and regional dragon boat teams. Vendor booths, food and beverage is available.

Sunday Streets Missoula is a free community event that celebrates Missoula as a bikeable and walkable community.

On Sunday, September 8 at 10:00AM, Missoulians can enjoy walking, biking and using all other forms of human powered transportation on Higgins Avenue from the X's to 5th Street.

By providing a venue for safe on-street activities like walking, biking and opportunities to support local businesses, Sunday Streets encourages spontaneous fun & festivities, games & activities, and dining & shopping in the Downtown Missoula area. Sunday Streets Missoula promotes healthy physical activity and supports active transportation choices for everyone who lives, works or plays in Missoula.

GIVING BACK EVENTS

FEAST – Farm Hands Recipe for SEPTEMBER BACK TO SCHOOL HARVEST HUMUS

1 cup chickpeas, reserve some liquid for consistency 1 med. sweet potato, cubed and roasted for 40 min. til soft 1 clove garlic 1 heaping T. tahini 1 T.olive oil 1 t. lemon zest 3/4 t. smoked paprika 1/4 t. cumin salt to taste

Blend in food processor until creamy, add a bit more liquid if needed.

Use as a dip with pita bread, or crackers, corn chips or veggies. This hummus is creamy and vibrantly orange. The flavor is a nice balance of savory and sweet.

The Whitefish Chamber is busy in September with a couple awesome events that help support our community. The Taste of Whitefish is celebrating 26 years of great food from local restaurants on September 5 and the Great Northwest Okoberfest is September 26-28 and October 3-5.

The 3rd Annual Rockin' Race for AIDS Awareness is September 29 in Missoula. 5k and 10k courses with run or walk for participants. Featuring a live band at every mile plus serious fun with hand-picked entertainers throughout the course to keep your mind off the miles.

All proceeds from this event benefit Open Aid Alliance and their work to support people living with HIV/AIDS. Also support the Flathead Valley Community College – Festival of Flavors Grand Wine Tasting Event on September 28th at the Hilton Garden Inn. 406 Celebrations Summer/Fall 2013 | Page 20

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Halt Cancer at X

An initiative to battle a disease that hit home, from the heart of the sport WRITTEN BY BRIAN SCHOTT PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK COLTON & RICK SHEREMETA

For over 500 competitors and thousands of spectators— The Event at Rebecca Farm brings the sport of Eventing to the heart of the West, giving developing riders a shot at valuable world class competition and allowing American riders much needed experience in their backyard. It’s a legacy that the Event’s founding force, Rebecca Broussard, started in 2002 while she was mounting her own private battle.

This year, July 25-28, 2013, horses and riders of all ages and levels from across the continent will again gather here to show their talents. But the excellence and excitement of The Event will also be a platform for breast cancer research.

‘Halt Cancer at X’—an initiative to raise money for cancer research—will enter its second year in ©Rick Sheremeta memory of The Event’s beloved namesake. Becky passed away in 2010 after a brave battle with breast cancer.

The initiative takes its name from the first competition and the first station in Eventing. During the dressage competition, riders halt at the ‘X’—a spot in the center

of the arena—where horse and rider stop before performing their first test movement.

Like the riders that pause their horses before they officially enter into official competition, Becky’s daughter Sarah Broussard wanted the initiative ©Nick Colton wrapped into the heart and soul of The Event as a way to bring a larger awareness to a disease that affects so many women, mothers and families.

“I felt that The Event was such a wonderful thing for eventers—that it really added to the world of Eventing.

I wanted The Event at Rebecca Farm to have more of an affect on a bigger scale…to continue to build on the vision of my mother.”

Becky’s first diagnosis of breast cancer came three years before The Event was even created, but in her elegant and determined way, she fought off her first bout and proceeded to build The Event.

Becky passed away December 24, 2010 after a battle that lasted over a decade—but she lived to see her dream turn into reality.

That dream started in the 80s at Flathead equestrian course, Herron Park. When Becky and her husband Jerome realized that the course had limitations on its size and number of competitors, her dream to bring international competition to the Flathead Valley began.

“She wanted to create this platform for equestrians in the Northwest to show off their talents. The Event was

her vision…She left behind a legacy that will live on forever,” Sarah observed.

In her daughter’s hands, that will-to-leave-alegacy now takes the shape of providing funding for research so that other women can continue to fight breast cancer and have the chance to build their own dreams and legacies. In its first summer, Rebecca Farm awarded $65,000 to national and local organizations for cutting edge national research as well as local education and patient support.

“Now The Event means something more than just an equestrian competition,” says Sarah. “My mom’s vision has another branch—one that reaches into the world of Eventing and beyond.”

A $5 parking donation is collected to help support this campaign. Participating competitors also raise money through soliciting pledges and a calcutta at the Saturday evening barbecue helps raise additional funds.

“We’re thrilled to take this great platform we have created and make it mean something more,” added Sarah.

For more information, visit www.rebeccafarm.org

THE EVENT AT REBECCA FARM DETAILS JULY 24 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The USEA Spalding Labs Young Event Horse Series.

JULY 25 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dressage, all FEI Levels. Dressage, National Horse Trial Levels.

JULY 26 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dressage, all FEI Levels.

National Horse Trial Levels Dressage continues.

Cross-Country phase begins at 8 am.

National Horse Trials Novice and Training Levels.

JULY 27 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cross-Country phase all day.

All FEI Levels.

National Horse Trial Levels continue. ©Rick Sheremeta

JULY 28 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Show Jumping phase, all levels.

Awards ceremony at end of each division.

Photo by Crown Photography

Andre Floyd

Montana’s Original Blues Artist

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FUN FREE ACTIVITY

October

Halloween festivities abound this month with a lot of great opportunities to take the kids trick or treating in a safe and friendly environment. One of the favorite stops is going to downtown Whitefish on Halloween Eve and visiting all the stores along Central Avenue. Get the kids all dressed up and have a ball!

Elegant events begin here...

14 Columbus Day| 16 Boss’ Day | 31 Halloween Saturday and Sunday is open to the public with the opportunity to purchase beautiful hand-crafted Made in Montana gifts. All proceeds for this fund-raiser directly benefit the Mansion.

Special Events • Weddings Rehearsal Dinners

FEAST Farm Hands Recipe for OCTOBER

Beautifully landscaped grounds

ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLES

Root vegetables are found in abundance in Montana from mid summer through late fall. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness.

Preheat oven to 375 Use a 2-3 lb. combination of any of the following vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, baby beets, turnips, parsnips rutabagas, celery root

Elegant interior function space

Scrub and peel if needed and cut into 1-inch pieces.

Sprinkle with 1/4 cup olive oil, mix with hands or large spoon and spread into single layer on baking sheet, salt and pepper to taste.

GIVING BACK EVENT

Celebrating the 30th year, Christmas at the Mansion is the first and original arts and crafts bazaar. The Mansion is fully decorated for the season with a 2-story live tree in the grand hall. This year’s event features the restored nativity scene that used to grace the mansion grounds. Friday is a special preview party and reservations are required.

Bake 30-40 minutes until fork tender.

Optional- add rosemary or chopped parsley or garlic halfway through baking.

From Par to Fore!

Conveniently located

Golf Tourney Adds Fun to Events

When a group of family or friends get together its always difficult to think of an activity that will entertain (but not frustrate) everyone.

A scramble golf tournament can be a fun way to include everyone whether it’s your cousin Scott who has a 4 handicap or younger sister who hasn’t played in years. Even the non-golfers can have fun by driving a cart and being the course marshal or group photographer during the event.

Here are some ideas to make the most of a casual fun golf tourney.

Pick a course that has some variety but isn’t necessarily the championship course in your area. Call them and ask about policies for groups and explain the dynamics of your group – if the course isn’t suited, they can recommend a course that is. Make your reservations early and be prepared to give an estimate of players as well as a deposit. A few that might fit the bill: Cameron Nine at Buffalo Hill Golf Club in Kalispell

330 Woodland Avenue • Historic Downtown Kalispell

406-755-2166 conradmansion.com Gifts, Teams, Corporate Reunions, Weddings...

Make it EXTRA SPECIAL!

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Hats Shirts Jackets

Double Arrow Resort in Seeley Lake Glacier View Golf Club in West Glacier Highlands Golf Club in Missoula Indian Springs Ranch in Eureka Trestle Creek Golf Course in St Regis DECIDE ON THE FORMAT. The first decision should be 9 or 18 holes.

That will depend on the stamina of the players.

Mix up your teams – 3 people with different ability levels works well with a non-golfer driving a cart.

Scramble tourneys match up experienced players with beginners and give everyone an opportunity to play the best ball for each shot. Even the beginners hit a wonderful shot or make a great putt occasionally.

With a scramble you can also require that at least 1 drive be used from each player on the team.

If you’ve got some ringer golfers be sure they realize ahead of time that the tourney is meant to be fun first and to be patient!

GATHER SOME PRIZES. The course you choose might donate a sleeve of balls or a golf towel.

Come up with a first place team prize – medals, t-shirts, etc.

Set up a few prizes for “closest to the pin” on a par 3 hole and perhaps a “longest putt” – that will include all the golfers more so than a “longest drive”.

A trip to the dollar store might be in order for some fun prizes like best-dressed, shortest shot, wettest shot (most number of balls in the water), etc.

KEEP THE RULES SIMPLE. Set up a cheat sheet that each team gets beforethetourney and do a quick review to be sure everyone understands.

Plan an after tourney BBQ to gather all the golfers and non-golfers together for prize giveaways and reliving the day. With today’s technology the photos might even be able to be coordinated into a slide show for the family dinner. Most of all – Have Fun!

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Aprons Sweatshirts Beach bags

Golf Towels Beach Towels And much more!

Thanks to our models from CLASH Fastpitch 14U

Come See us at INSIGNIA for a Great Selection of Custom Promo Items and Gifts!

525 R ST,Ave STE 100 22AILWAY Spokane HITEFISH, MT 59937 WWhitefish, Montana

(406)253-3084 406-253-3084 MARIEKRAFT@YAHOO.COM mariekraft@yahoo.com

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Massage…

Going to the dentist isn’t what it used to be!

When people are asked what they worry about most when a dental appointment is looming in their future, this is what we hear the most….

THE TOP TEN DENTAL NIGHTMARES: 1. The awful sound and the smell of using the drill 2. Getting a shot and leaving with a fat lip and drooling 3. They tell you “this won’t hurt,” and sometimes it does 4. The cost, I don’t have insurance 5. I haven’t been to the dentist in years, I’m afraid I’ll need a lot of work 6. I need “the dreaded root canal” 7. My Hygienist lectures me on flossing, brushing and fluoride 8. My dentist doesn’t listen to MY concerns 9. My temporary fell off before my second appointment (and I choke on that goopy stuff to take the impression) 10. I am holistic and I don’t want metal in my mouth, also the radiation in X-Rays concerns me We think going to the dentist can be a really positive and educational experience, for people of all ages.

There are so many great advancements in dental care and equipment that you should be aware of and ask for that are minimally invasive.

We, at the Montana Center for Laser Dentistry, know that when a patient has a negative dental experience that memory stays with them a long time. That is why we listen to the patients concerns. We use lasers instead of needles and drills to complete your dental procedures. (in most cases.) This eliminates the noise of the drill and there is less discomfort. We believe in teaching prevention so that less dental work is actually needed and your natural tooth structure stays intact.

With regard to root canals, Drs. Mark Colonna & David Dodrill use a patented procedure that eliminates 99% of the bacteria which enhances the chance of the success of the root canal. Dr. Colonna was instrumental in the patent development.

not just for special occasions

WRITTEN BY JENNIFER KRACK REMEDIES DAY SPA

I have been giving and receiving massages for many years now and it occurs to me that, like mainstream America, I too consider getting a massage a special event. Now, I understand all the many benefits of regular massage for health care and wellness, and tell friends, family and Spa guests repeatedly about them. For myself, however, I find that I wait for that special day when I really need a massage, or when it is my birthday, or I am on vacation.

Now this last one always has a way of making me regret my choices, as invariably I end up with a Massage Therapist with no muscles at all, and an obsession with covering me with as much oil as humanly possible. I always lay there thinking about all of the fantastic Massage Therapists I know at home, and how if I just got massage on a regular basis from a great Therapist that knew me and my sore spots, I would not be paying an obscene amount of money only to be about to slide off the table.

Bottom line is this… find a Massage Therapist that you like. There are many out there, and take the time. Maybe not every week, but monthly or even quarterly to get a tune-up, from someone you know, and that knows you and all of your aches and pains. This will help you avoid the special-occasionlast-minute-dang-it-that-was-not-what-I-wanted massage! Now I am not saying that you shouldn’t get the special occasion massage, but you can just relax and enjoy it, or even indulge and get a wrap or a pedicure… your body is already taken care of!

PHOTO COURTESY OFREMEDIES DAY SPA

We utilize a full complement of state of the art technology to diagnose and treat the patient more efficiently.

Aside from lasers, we use a dental operating microscope and a Cerec, which is a CAD/CAM system that provides minimally invasive restorations that mimic the patient’s natural biology.

This technology eliminates temporary restorations and provides metal free crowns, veneers, and other fixed prosthetics in a single appointment. We also use the Tekscan, which is a computer assisted bite analysis that quantifies whether a patient’s bite is balanced. This helps to diagnose and treat things like TMJ and chronic headaches. We utilize digital X-Rays, reducing the amount of any radiation exposure.

There are also many other areas we offer the latest in technology.

You won’t need to be referred out for an extraction, an implant, or periodontal surgery in most cases. It can all be done in the office with a high level of care.

Please visit our website to learn more about the technology available: The Montana Center for Laser Dentistry Drs. Mark Colonna & David M. Dodrill 6516 Highway 93 S Whitefish, MT 59937 406-862-1010 OR 1874 Highway 93 N. Kalispell, MT 59901 406-730-1010 www.mtlaserdentistry.com 406 Celebrations Summer/Fall 2013 | Page 23

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Great Northwest Oktoberfest When the weather turns cool and the leaves start to turn each September, it’s time to dust off your lederhosen, grab your best beer stein and break-out your dancin’ shoes … it’s Oktoberfest time in Whitefish!

Two weekends of Bavarian-style revelry in Whitefish!

Set for the weekends of Sept. 26-28 and October 3-5 under the Oktoberfest Bigtop in Depot Park, the 4th Annual Great Northwest Oktoberfest brings the best of Old Germany and the Wild, Wild West together for six great days of authentic Bavarian food, drink, music and dancing ... along with the Whitefish Waitress Races, a host of kid- and family-oriented activities, and the wildest array of audience participation contests that Montana has ever seen!

Two hundred and three years later, the 2013 Great Northwest Oktoberfest will be a “wedding” as well -- a wedding of Old Bavarian and New Montanan cultures, meshing Old World customs with Wild West traditions in a festival unlike any other the Flathead has ever seen!

A trio of top-notch bands will entertain the “festers” at this year’s event, beginning with one of the most sought-after polka bands in all of Canada …

The Western Senators.

Fiddling phenom Brian Sklar and the boys will keep the dance floor hoppin’ the first weekend of Oktoberfest, playing a variety of high-energy dance tunes and western swing in addition to the traditional German polkas, waltzes … and the Chicken Dance!

Make sure you’re “under the Bigtop” on Thursday Sept. 26 – Local’s Night – when all Flathead Valley residents get in free of charge. We’ll have a number of surprises in-store for the Opening Night crowd … including a ceremonial kegtapping by Whitefish Mayor John Muhlfeld!

The following weekend – Oct. 3-5 – one of America’s most popular Oktoberfest bands – Europa -- returns to Whitefish by popular demand.

Accordianist extraordinaire John Kolbrich and his lederhosen-clad crew will keep you on your feet with traditional music from across the European continent … and then some!

Performing on Saturday afternoons at Oktoberfest is the Flathead’s own Bavarian Echoes, a 17-piece band that specializes authentic German oom-

Great food, beer & more!

Of course, what would Oktoberfest be without great Bavarian food? Have no fear, the Craggy Range Grill will be here to serve up the “real deal” – authentic German bratwurst, smoked brats, and the sweetest sauerkraut, red cabbage and German potato salad this side of Stuttgart!

The folks from Café Max Soup Company will be on-hand as well, with a variety of traditional German soups … including: Beer, Cheese & Bacon Soup (made with local beer!), Sauerkraut, Sausage & Potato Soup, Chicken Corn Chowder, and their legendary Gurken Und Kartoffelsuppe (a vegetarian German soup).

So, you ask, just exactly how did little ‘ol Whitefish suddenly become Munich in the Mountains? To tell you the truth, we have no idea! But as for the history of Oktoberfest itself, well, that’s a completely different story ...

Way back on October 12, 1810, the event which the world now knows as “Oktoberfest” began as a simple wedding reception. OK, so maybe it wasn’t so simple. After all, the participants were Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony, and every man, woman and child in the city of Munich was invited.

half-dozen one-liter beer steins on your table, you could wind up getting wet!

If you’ve still got room for dessert, you’ll have a decision to make there, too – try either the Pflaumenkuchen (Plum Cake), the Mandehorchen Almond Horseshoe Cookies (with ends dipped in chocolate!), or the triedand-true Apfelstrudel (Apple Strudel). And never fear … hot, soft pretzels will be here! pah, and brings along a pair of 20-foot Bavarian alpenhorns-- the perfect touch for an Oktoberfest in the American Alps!

It’s your turn – get into the act!

Each night at Oktoberfest, you’re invited

to get “into the act” by participating in one of the hourly contests on (and around) the Main Stage. Early sign-ups are encouraged for the Stein-Holding and Log-Sawing Contests, where burly guys and gorgeous gals go head-tohead in contests of strength, endurance and sheer determination.

Then there’s the World Keg Hurling Championships, with qualifying rounds each afternoon … and the 2013 Finals on the evening of Saturday Oct. 5.

Be outside the Oktoberfest Bigtop – in the Keg-Hurling Pit – at 6 p.m. each evening to catch all the action. One word to the wise,

however – pay attention to the hurlers when they step into the pit and start swinging that keg back-and-forth. Most of these guys put more emphasis on distance than they do on accuracy, and a wayward keg “up side o’ the head” will give you a headache

that a dozen Warsteiners won’t get rid of.

Last – but certainly not least – is another Oktoberfest tradition, which you won’t want to miss ... the Whitefish Waitress Races.

The event features three-woman teams from some of the valley’s top watering holes and restaurants going “headto-head” in a no-holdsb a r r e d , stein-toting relay race on Thursday, Oct. 5 under the Bigtop.

Again, make sure to get a seat early ... but watch where you sit! If Waitress Race “officials” walk up and place a

Oh yeah … we almost forgot about the beer! And, as everyone knows, at Oktoberfest it’s all about the beer! We’ll have you taken care of on that score as well, with a fully stocked beer and wine bar overflowing with traditional German, -- and Montanan -specialty brews. On the German side, we’ll have plenty of Warsteiner – one of the most popular German beers in Germany!

The bar crew will be pouring three different Warsteiner “flavors”: a pilsner, a dunkel (dark) beer, and a specialty Oktoberfest brew.

A little closer to home, we’ll have four different local micro brews on tap, including a special Oktoberfest beer from Whitefish’s hometown brewmasters -- the Great Northern Brewery. GNB will also be pouring their popular Black Star, Frog Hop and Wheatfish brews … that should keep you beer junkies busy for a while!

When, where and how much?

Admission to the Oktoberfest Bigtop is just $3 for adults, with kids under 12 (accompanied by parents) absolutely free! And don’t worry about the weather … come sunshine, rain, sleet or snow, it’ll be warm and toasty under the climate-controlled Oktoberfest Bigtop.

The Great Northwest Oktoberfest is proudly sponsored by the Daily Interlake, DePratu Volkswagon, Grouse Mountain Lodge, Fun Beverage, Glacier Bank, Flathead Electric Co-op, Warsteiner Beer and the Great Northern Brewery, and hosted by the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, call the Whitefish Chamber at (406) 862-3501, or check out their website at www.WhitefishOktoberfest.com

 FULL BAR IDEAL LOCATION FOR PRE-THEATER DINNER, WEDDING REHEARSALS AND FAMILY GATHERINGS LOCATED IN THE HEART OF BIGFORK OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER DAILY 475 ELECTRIC AVENUE BIGFORK, MT 406-420-1017 OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER DAILY 475 ELECTRIC AVENUE • BIGFORK, MT • 406-420-1017

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Christmas at the Mansion

Celebrating 30 Years!

WRITTEN BY CINDY CONNER Christmas has always been a spectacular event at the Conrad Mansion. Construction was completed in November of 1895 on the large elegant home and even the first Christmas was a festive gathering of family, friends and area residents who were alone during the holidays.

Charles Conrad, his wife Alicia and their children had moved from Fort Benton to the Flathead Valley in the early 1890’s.

Conrad helped to found the city of Kalispell, developing his properties into home and business sites east of the current main street. Construction of the new family home was begun in 1892 and completed 3 years later. The 13,000 sq ft home was amazing, with indoor plumbing (3 complete bathrooms!) electricity, sinks in each of the 9 bedrooms and central heating.

With the completion of the home so close to Christmas the Conrad’s knew it would be the perfect time to unveil the house and also themselves to the new community.

They were not ostentatious people, but did love to share and entertain, especially at Christmastime, Alicia’s favorite time of the year.

The tradition of a two story Christmas tree in front of the oak staircase began that first year. It was a tradition that I’m sure they had no idea would be observed a century later. The house is now the Conrad Mansion Museum and in mid-October each year, volunteers begin the daunting process of lavishly decorating the house for the biggest fundraiser of the year, the Artisan and Holiday gift Bazaar. Christmas 2013 is the 30th anniversary of this very special event.

It all began in 1983 when Lorraine Stenseth, a museum board member and floral shop owner, thought of the plan to decorate the house and invite venders in to provide fine crafts for sale. A percentage of the sales were used to support operation of the house. It was a great plan, venders had a

beautiful venue to set up shop, guests to the house saw it in a new light and the proceeds were invaluable to maintaining the museum.

Nikki Sliter was and is an instrumental part of the process. She was member of the first planning team and is the head of the operation now.

Along with her staff of volunteers, she works long hours planning and organizing to make the event beautiful and successful.

Perhaps the most ambitious part of the decorating is the two story live grand fir Christmas tree erected in the grand hall just as the Conrad’s did. Bringing in the tied 20 ft tree, setting up a sturdy stand and dropping its branches is a spectacle in itself. Next begins the process of adding thousands of tiny lights and hanging a vast collection of Christopher Radko blown glass ornaments.

Actual Conrad antique toys are set beneath the tree and it becomes the centerpiece to a grand display.

The Bazaar is presented to a limited number of reserved guests at a champagne and hors d’ oeuvre reception on Friday evening (October 25).

Saturday and Sunday (October 26 & 27) are casual and all are welcome for shopping and viewing the decorations. Beautiful music of the season is scheduled throughout the event, artists changing hourly. Begin your holidays in late October with the Conrad Mansion Bazaar, like Alecia Conrad it will become your favorite time of the year, too.

New

this summer, the Mansion is offering a specialty tour called the “Nooks and Crannies Tour” in the evenings on the fourth Thursday of June (27th), July (25th), and August (22nd). This special tour will showcase areas in the Mansion not seen on regular tours. The tour will be limited to 10 guests and reservations are required.

The Conrad Mansion was built by Kalispell’s founder, Charles E. Conrad in 1895. It is the most beautifully preserved pre-1900 mansion in Montana.

The mansion has 26 rooms and features over 90% of the original family furnishings and belongings. Located on Woodland Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets East.

The Conrad Mansion Museum opened to the public in 1974 and will be celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2014. The museum is owned by the city of Kalispell but relies completely on proceeds from tours, special events, and donations to stay open for the public.

Guided tours run through October 13th for the summer season. Visit www. conradmansion.com or call 406-755-2166 for more information and special event information.

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November

11 Veteran’s Day | 28 Thanksgiving

FUN FREE ACTIVITY Get in the holiday spirit with the Bigfork Tree Lighting ceremony on Saturday, November 23rd. The activities start in the morning with volunteers meeting at 8am to decorate the town. Then at 7pm, gather by the tree for the lighting ceremony at the Bigfork Inn. This annual event brings out the best in everyone!

GIVING BACK EVENT There are many free community dinners offered on Thanksgiving that provide the opportunity to give back and feel great at the same time. Please consider volunteering your time to help serve or donating money to help cover the costs for those less fortunate. You will always be rewarded when you pay it forward and give to others.

FEAST - Farm Hands Recipe for November Winter squash have thick hard shells that protects the soft orange flesh inside, making them great for storage up to several months in a cool, dry place. Pick one that feels heavy for its size. This delicious soup warms you up on a wet, cool November day.

WINTER SQUASH SOUP

One med.-large size winter squash such as acorn, butternut, or Hubbard 3 cups vegetable or chicken stock 2 T. olive oil 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 jalapeno or similar pepper, chopped Pinch of nutmeg Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste Optional: 1/4 cup cream or fresh grated Parmesan

Cut the squash in half, scoop out seeds, brush with oil and turn flesh side down on baking sheet. Bake 35-45 min. at 375 until soft. Spoon out of shell.

Heat oil in large saucepan. Sautee onion, pepper and garlic 5-10 minutes until soft, Add stock and baked squash (about 2 1/2-3 cups) and simmer 10 min. Blend with an immersion blender right in pan OR slightly cool and add in batches with standard blender until smooth.

Stir in cream or top with grated Parmesan if using.

Season to taste

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A Historical Gem Buffalo Hill Golf Club “Rich in tradition”. That’s what best describes the beautiful Buffalo Hill Golf Club and the members of the Kalispell Golf Association - responsible for development and enrichment of Buffalo Hill Golf Course. Dating back to 1915, when a few ambitious players hit the sand greens, Buffalo Hill has seen seven major renovations and layouts and has evolved into one of the best golf courses in the State of Montana.

In the early 1930’s, land was purchased where part of the Cameron 9 now stands. Another nine holes was built with sand greens and no irrigation on the fairways. Previous to becoming a golf course, the land was owned by the Conrad family and used as a buffalo pasture. This 18 hole course continued to operate until the late 1930’s when the Works Progress Administration (WPA) built the rustic log clubhouse we still enjoy today. The WPA also improved the golf course by building a nine hole irrigated green grass course, some holes are still in service today while others have been modified during subsequent expansions.

In 1964, the club made a major improvement with the construction of nine more holes, four of which are incorporated into the Championship 18 course. In 1974, dedicated members of the Kalispell Golf Association decided to expand the course to 27 holes with construction of new golf holes around and over the Stillwater River (lower holes leading down to present #5 and out near River View Greens and Fairway Blvd. residential sub-divisions). The nearly $1,000,000 expansion project was financed by donations from the Buffalo Hill members, sales of debenture bonds and matching funds from the Bureau of Outdoor

BUFFALO HILL GOLF CLUB 1176 North Main Street Kalispell, MT 59901 Tee Times 406-756-4530 www.golfbuffalohill.com

Recreation. The cooperative efforts and commitment to the completion of this expansion, reflects the heart, dedication, and vision of the leaders of the Kalispell Golf Association of that era.

On August 11, 1978, the great Arnold Palmer was on hand to celebrate the Grand Opening of the “Championship 18 Golf Course.” Designed by Robert Muir Graves, the course was referred to as a “monument” and rivals as one of the best golf courses in the northwest.

Over the last twenty years, the golf course has continued improvements by rebuilding tee boxes, upgrading irrigation systems, re-shaping bunkers, improving sand quality, and most recently in 1999, rebuilding of four new greens on #12, 13, 16, and 17.

In 2011 The Cameron 9 Golf Course was remodeled to accommodate the new Driving Range and Practice Facility.

The new Practice Facility is complete with sand bunkers, target greens and boast the largest, all grass teeing area in the state of Montana.

Buffalo Hill Golf Club is fortunate to have such a dedicated, loyal membership to share the joys of the great game of golf. Enjoy your round, and remember to give back to the game for the benefit of future generations.

We owe it to them!

Buffalo Hill is named appropriately enough after the herd of buffalo that roamed the hills where the present course is located. This herd belonged to Kalispell’s founder, Charles E. Conrad.

On September 12th, the Conrad Mansion Museum has organized a wonderful event to celebrate the museum and the buffalo. The C.E. Conrad Buffalo Bash and Sideshow will be held at Spring Brook Ranch with only 100 tickets available. Make plans to join the fun and get your tickets early for this great benefit.

Visit www.conradmansion.com or call 406-755-2166 for more information.

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These soothing and wonderfully fragrant lavender products are available from Kettle Care. Kettle Care Organics is celebrating 30 years of providing natural therapeutic body care products using botanicals that are locally grown and harvested at peak for essential oil production.

Their products are available at fine health food stores in the area, online and this summer at their new retail location at 3575 Hwy 93 N in Kalispell. 408-862-9851, www. kettlecare.com.

Life is like a box of chocolates…. and for the best selection of delicious handcrafted g o u r m e t chocolates, visit Copperleaf Chocolat in downtown Whitefish. They also have a great selection of gift baskets that suit every occasion for every chocolate lover. (406) 862-9659, www. copperleafchocolat.com.

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SM Bradford is a truly extraordinary shopping experience.

They have an incredible selection of gorgeous boots and boot jewelry that add style to any outfit. SM Bradford also has a stunning collection of jewelry, men’s and woman’s apparel, accessories, gifts for home, and art. Stop by either location to shop til you drop…

On Central Avenue in Whitefish 406-862-6333 and Electric Avenue in Bigfork 406-837-6444.

Find SM Bradford on Facebook.

Stop by Roma’s Gourmet Kitchen Store in Bigfork for a great selection of gift items for the host or hostess at your next party.

These gourmet crackers and delicious colorful sea salts are just a few of the items you can pick up at Roma’s. Be sure to check out this intriguing shop with everything for the chef on your list.

Downtown Bigfork, Roma’s, 406-837-2332.

Great Karma creates these unique soaps that are sure to put a smile on the receivers face. Every product featured is hand-crafted from all natural sources to ensure your satisfaction. Find these and many other one of a kind gifts at Great Karma on 291 3rd Ave EN in Kalispell. 406-871-2902, www.greatkarmashop.com.

Master Italian Artisans create Vietri’s unique dinnerware collections and coordinating accent groups to add color, design and pizazz to entertaining and daily use. Vietri is considered the #1 Bridal Registry Dinnerware Collection… its the best choice for today’s b r i d e !

Find it at Beckman’s Fine Furnishings where there is so much more than custom furniture!

Beckman’s is located on Main Street in downtown Kalispell.

406756-8555, www. kalispellfurniture. com.

These Spa Apetit Lip Balms are more than 3 times the size of a regular lip balm. These amazing tubes are full of great stuff to moisturize and smooth your lips! Hand poured in batches of just 30 tubes at a time (it is a very messy business:)) they are made of just a few ingredients. Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Beeswax, Castor Oil (for extra shine) Vitamin E (to preserve the oil) and flavour oil... yum!

Available at Remedies Day Spa at any of their 5 locations or shop online. 406-863-9493, www.remediesdayspa.com

COOPER’S EATERY & DRINKERY

A Tour of Europe & A Taste of Home

Banquet room now available for your next event

115

Central Avenue Whitefish, MT 59937 406.730.1018 coopersmt.com

Sunday - Thursday 11-9pm Friday & Saturday 11-10pm

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Sage & Cedar is not only home to some of the finest skin care offered today, it’s a great place to find unique & wonderful things for yourself and others. This candle by Lafco is a soy based wax and is presented in a beautiful hand blown glass vessel (approximately 100 burning hours with many incredible fragrances). Sage & Cedar in Central Avenue in Whitefish, 406862-9411 www.sageandcedar.com

Insignia Embroidery is the place to go for custom gift items like our 406 Celebrations tote bags and golf towels. Visit Marie for a great selection of promotional items custom embroidered for friends, family and customers. The new retail store has a great selection of items for gifts. Insignia is located at 22 Spokane Avenue in Whitefish. 406-253-3084, Find Insignia on Facebook.

If your heading to a party and looking for a great gift that keeps on giving, stop by Angie’s Greenhouse.

The spring and summer you’ll find beautiful annual flowers that will brighten any surroundings. Angie can also create a special memory basket of perienial flowers to keep a loved one’s memory forever in bloom. Angie’s Greenhouse at 1722 Hwy 2 in Columbia Falls, 406-253-7888, find Angie’s on Facebook.

For all your activities – whether playing at the beach or watching a ball game – the Sport-Brella can protect you from the elements. It’s available in two sizes. The Sportsman Ski Haus in Whitefish and Kalispell has Sport-Brellas and everything you need to enjoy the outdoors.

Visit the valley’s favorite sporting authority! Sportsman Ski Haus in Kalispell at Hutton Ranch, 406-755-6484 or in Whitefish at Mountain Mall 406-862-3111, www.sportsmanskihaus.com.

Smooch, the C h i l d r e n ’ s Boutique, located inside the Fifty Seven Boutique on Central Avenue in Whitefish has this adorable pink and black onesie and birthday hat for the princess in your life. Find the most unique stylish selection of children’s clothing and accessories at Smooch! 406-4713278. Find Smooch on Facebook.

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Find this adorable and sexy night shorts and cami at Fifty Seven Boutique in Whitefish. They have the trendiest fashions for going out, casual everyday wear, or lounging at home. The boutique setting offers an intimate shopping experience.

Stop in and check out the latest styles at Fifty Seven Boutique on Central Avenue downtown Whitefish or their second store inside that lobby at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake. 406-862-5779, www.fiftysevenboutique.com.

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f O t s Be ACTIVITIES & INFORMATION

Buffalo Hill Golf Course 406-756-4545 www.golfbuffalohill.com Championship 18-hole course plus challenging 9-hole course with great views.

EVENT PLANNERS Tanya Gersh Event Design, LLC 406-261-4830 www.tanyagersh.com Distinguished, mountain-chic, vintage weddings around the Flathead Valley.

33 Baker Salon 406-555-1212 www.33baker.com Full service salon and spa to look your best for every event.

Great Karma 406-871-2901 www.greatkarmashop.com Hand-crafted beauty products that make wonderful gifts.

Whitefish Chamber of Commerce 406-862-3501 www.whitefishchamber.com Your resource for the community of Whitefish.

Kettle Care Organics 406-862-9851 www.kettlecare.com Providing natural therapeutic body care products for over 30 years.

ARCHITECTURE

AUTOMOBILES DePratu Ford/VW, Bob Hamilton 406-863-2585 bobh@depratu.com Don K Subaru 406-862-2571 www.DonKsubaru.com Great selection of all-wheel drive Subaru cars. Locally owned and community involved.

BEVERAGES O’Briens Liquor & Wine 406-892-5335 www.obriensliquor.com Over 900 wine labels and a liquor selection that is second to none.

BRIDAL SHOPS Beautiful Weddings Bridal & Eveningwear 406-549-9060 www.beautifulweddingsbridal.com Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and accommodating service while searching for a wedding dress.

EVENT RENTALS Empress Tents & Events 406-892-7600 www.empresstentsevents.com Full service event rentals, decorating and set up for all Flathead Valley events.

FASHION & CLOTHING Insignia Embroidery 406-253-3084 Find us on Facebook!

Custom embroidery for personal and business.

Fifty Seven Boutique 406-862-5779 www.fiftysevenboutique.com A customized shopping experience specializing in trendy LA Fashion. Two locations in Whitefish.

Sappari 406-862-6848 Downtown Whitefish Contemporary clothing, jewelry, antiques, furnishings.

SM Bradford Whitefish 406-862-6333 and Bigfork 406837-6444 Find us on Facebook!

A truly extraordinary shopping experience in two locations.

Smooch Children’s Boutique 406-471-3278 Find us on Facebook!

Adorable fashions for children in downtown Whitefish.

Sportsman Ski Haus Kalispell 406-755-6484 and Whitefish 406862-3111 www.sportsmanskihaus.com Sporting goods store featuring highquality brand names in Hunting, Fishing, Camping, Action Sports, Footwear, Clothing and Athletics.

FLOWERS CATERERS Bonelli’s Bistro 406-257-8669 www.bonellisbistro.com The best Italian/Mediterranean cuisine in the valley. We deliver.

John’s Angels Catering LLC 406-270-4600 www.johnsangelscatering.com Weddings, corporate events, and intimate dinners…Not your ordinary caterer.

Qdoba 406-755-8150 www.qdoba.com Fresh, affordable Mexican fare for every occasion.

Taste This Flathead 406-260-6093 www.tastethisflathead.com Fine cuisine delivered. Amazing events from 1 to 100 guests.

Walking Man Gallery 406-863-2787 thewalkingman@cyberport.net A full service frame shop and contemporary gallery in Whitefish.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Find It Montana 406-871-4546 www.FindItMontana.com Find what you are looking for with Find It Montana’s online business directory.

Phillips Architecture and Planning, Inc 406-407-0247 www.phillipsarchitecture.com Architectural grace that touches with soul… residential and commercial.

Ted’s Beds Furniture Showroom 406-755-2934 www.tedsbeds.com The highest quality mattresses, beds, cabinets, home furnishings and pool tables.

Angie’s Greenhouse 406-253-7888 Find Angie’s on Facebook!

Beautify your surroundings with the help from gorgeous flowers from Angie’s.

GIFTS & HOME Beckman’s Fine Furnishings 406-555-1212 www.kalispellfurniture.com Fine furniture, lighting, bedding, home and women’s gift accessories.

Roma’s 406-837-2332 Electric Avenue in Bigfork The best selection of kitchen items and gourmet food gifts in the valley.

Sage Interior Design 406-730-1518 www.sage-id.com Anything but ordinary design!

Mary Wallace, Independent Distributor, It Works Global 406-261-7253 www.wrapwithme.itworks.net Slimming Body Wraps – Results in 45 Minutes The Montana Center for Laser Dentistry 406-862-1010 www.mtlaserdentistry.com Dentistry with no shots, no drills, no kidding using today’s latest technology.

Remedies Day Spa 406-863-9493 www.remediesdayspa.com With seven locations, we look forward to spoiling you soon.

Sage & Cedar 406-862-9411 www.sageandcedar.com Customizing pure, natural and organic bath and body products. Plus top name brands too.

Amanda Wilson Photography 406-314-4590 www.amandawilsonphotos.com Capturing all that’s precious.

Carrie Ann Photography 406-471-5076 www.carrieann-photography.net Fine art weddings…every moment…every time.

Scott Wilson Photography 406-890-5688 www.scottwilson-photography.com Specializing in products, headshots, events, portraits, and family photographs.

REAL ESTATE & RENTAL PROPERTIES Aspen Real Estate – Debbie Street 406-555-1212 www.aspenrealtymt.com Buying or selling…give us a call. We will earn your trust!

Five Star Rentals 406-862-5994 www.fivestarrentals.com Property management for short and long term rentals.

National Parks Realty Bigfork 406-837-1249 Whitefish 406-862-8458 www.nationalparksrealty.com Your real estate specialists in Northwest Montana.

RESTAURANTS Coopers 406-730-1018 www.coopersmt.com Bistro style restaurant with great lounge and private dining areas in downtown Whitefish.

Grille 459 406-420-1017 Ideal for dinners, wedding rehearsals, and family gatherings in the heart of Bigfork.

North Bay Grille 406-755-4441 www.nbgrille.com Make your special occasion effortless with delicious food, inviting atmosphere, and terrific service.

Whitefish Plastic Surgery 406-862-6808 www.whitefishplasticsurgery.com Do something for yourself. Board certified, Sarah Nargi, MD.

JEWELRY McGough & Company 406-862-9199 www.mcgoughandco.com Where Montana gets engaged. Beautiful Tacori jewelry.

Wheeler Jewelry 406-752-6809 www.wheelerjewelrymt.com Hand picked diamonds for your one of a kind ring.

LODGING Belton Chalet 406-888-5000 www.beltonchalet.com The finest lodging and dining experience in the Glacier National Park area.

Haymoon Resort 406-270-8771 www.haymoonresort.com A unique lodging experience in a private, beautiful setting on 22 acres.

MUSIC Andre Floyd 406-890-8559 www.andrefloyd.net Montana’s Original Blues Artist. Solo or full band available.

Don Caverly 406-261-2782 www.doncaverly.com Music for every event plus private teaching and workshops.

PHOTOGRAPHERS Be Still Photography (Molly Claridge) 406-212-3929 www.bestillphotographyMT.com Beautiful photography for every occasion.

VENUES Belton Chalet 406-888-5000 www.beltonchalet.com Our historic chalet in the Glacier National Park area is perfect for weddings and events.

Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts 406-837-4885 www.bigforkcenter.org Beautiful venue located in the heart of the village of Bigfork. Available October – April.

Buffalo Hill Golf Course 406-756-4545 www.golfbuffalohill.com Wedding receptions and special events in our historic clubhouse or outside patio.

Conrad Mansion Museum 406-755-2166 www.conradmansion.com Experience the elegance of a by-gone era at the historic Conrad Mansion.

Crush Wine Bar 406-730-1030 www.crushwinebar.com Full rental facility for up to 150 and private space for 30. Cocktails, wine & beer.

Whitefish Community Center 121 E. Second Street in Whitefish 406-862-4923 www.whitefishcommunitycenter.org Affordable venue: Parties, receptions, reunions.

Kitchen, tables & chairs included.

PHOTOS BY SCOTT WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY

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Fourth

Annual

Loud at the library a Lively Success

PHOTOS BY SCOTT WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY

On March 21, the Flathead County Library Foundation held the fourth annual Loud at the Library fundraiser in Kalispell. The event has a history of attracting a wide array of enthusiastic library supporters, and this year was no exception.

The approximately 300 attendees enjoyed live music, food and drinks, a chance to win 17 unique raffle baskets and a door prize, as well as a live auction featuring items decorated by local artists, including six oak chairs, a bench and a side table.

The most coveted raffle basket included an iPad Mini donated by Glacier Bank.

This year’s event raised approximately $11,000, which will help support the Flathead County Library System’s programs and events.

The Flathead County Library System has a Main Library in Kalispell and branches in Bigfork, Columbia Falls and Marion.

FCLS offers books, movies, music, audiobooks,

and downloadable ebooks and audiobooks, as well as public computers and wireless Internet access. FCLS offers regularly

scheduled programs for children and teens. For more information about FCLS services and locations, visit www.flatheadcountylibrary. org.

The mission of the Flathead County Library Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit o r ga n i za t i o n , is to enhance and support the programs, facilities and patron services of the Flathead County Library System through fundraising and acceptance of charitable gifts. For more information, visit www. flatheadcountylibraryfoundation. org.

Get in. Get happy.

He’ll help you find the right vehicle at the right price!

Bob Hamilton Direct: 406-863-2585 Cell: 406-212-7561 Email: bobh@depratu.com 406 Celebrations Summer/Fall 2013 | Page 31

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