Explore Red Lodge August 2014

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Billings Gazette

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08/12

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AUGUST 2014 Courtesy of Red Lodge Area Community Foundation

11th Annual Red Lodge Fun Run for Charities INSIDE Oktoberfest: The 17th annual celebration will feature beer, brats, music and musing on September 13. Page 2 Upcoming events: Red Lodge is host to exciting events year-round; read up on the upcoming events. Page 3 Nitty Gritty Off-Road Race: Head up to Red Lodge on September 21 for the nitty-est, grittiest, climbing-est marathon in Montana. Page 3

By Brenda Maas bmaas@billingsgazette.com There’s a moose on the loose! And, it’s wearing running shoes! Well…there will be, at 9 a.m., Saturday, August 30, when the Red Lodge Fun Run for Charities kicks off in downtown Red Lodge. Now in its 11th year, the run is a joint fundraising event with a twist…or, perhaps with a few errant shin-splints. The “moose on the loose” will help runners, walkers and strollers start their choice of a 10K, 5K run/walk, 2-mile fun walk or toddler trot. According to Tracy Timmons, executive director, the Fun Run gives local non-profit organizations a platform for awareness, cooperation and fundraising. Plus, it’s a whole lot of fun. “The Fun Run has become the largest fundraising event in Carbon County,” she said. “It started with 10 grassroots organizations and

has grown to include 59 charities and seven funds.” The event is free, but donations to a charity of the participant’s choice are strongly encouraged. Timmons expects more than 1,200 participants in 2014. “The 2-mile fun run attracts people of all ages, folks with strollers, people with leashed dogs,” she said. “Last year we even had a 99-year-old participant. We see multi-generational families participate together—it’s really a festive event. “ The Fun Run has been volunteer-driven since its inception.Timmons noted that it takes 900 staff hours and 1,655 volunteer hours but that bringing so many non-profit organizations together, into one place, at the same time, makes this event worth all that work. The Fun Run has raised $1.4 million over 10 years, with $195,000 netted last year. In ad-

Explore Red Lodge is a special advertising section of The Billings Gazette

dition, donors and supporters can know that their funds are being leveraged in the best way possible. The Sally Martin Match Fund (named for one of the original volunteers) will match $.25 of every dollar that each charity raises. The Fun Run removes the stigma that each charity is on its own, competing with others for the same donor dollars,” she said. “This is the exact opposite—and it’s a true community event.” For more information, see rlacf.org/fun-run/ details or call (406) 446-2820.

Boo!

Ghosts and ghouls hit the streets in Red Lodge Sales and Marketing Director Dave Worstell Retail Sales Manager Shelli Scott Classified & Digital Sales Manager Ryan Brosseau Director of Marketing Allyn Hulteng Special Sections Coordinator Linsay Duty Content Editors Brittany Cremer Brenda Maas Section Designer Kara Peterson Access Explore Red Lodge anytime at www.billingsgazette.com/ specialsections

By Brittany Cremer bcremer@billingsgazette.com Lions, tigers and goblins…oh my! Halloween done Red Lodgestyle is a sight to behold. Similar to the celebrations of years gone by, the entire community gets in on the fun of the season on October 31. The Red Lodge Rotary will host the annual Trick-or-Treat for Tots from 3-5 p.m. in the downtown area. Designed specifically for ages 7 and under, this time slot gets the evening rolling but allows those younger folks to have some fun and still make curfew. The annual Haunted Halloween Fun Day, hosted by the Red Lodge School District, is open to all children and families. Challenge your eye-mouth coordination skills with the traditional apple bob or gamble a bit in the cake walk. In true Halloween spirit, the older kids will create a haunted house area for the “youngers,” so all ages get in on the scary festivities. And, Halloween isn’t just for the kiddos. Several area restaurants

and bars will offer costume contests and dining and drink specials along with live music. There’s no doubt that Red Lodge loves a party and the wild, wacky and wonderful will be rewarded. So, don your costume and don’t miss the fun in Red Lodge this Halloween Night! For more details, contact the Red Lodge Area Chamber of Commerce/Visitors Center at (406) 446-1718 as the date approaches. And, be sure to slow down and watch for miniature sized trick-or-treaters on this festive evening. For a safe ride home, call the Red Lodge Tour and Taxi at (406)4253091.

Courtesy of Red Lodge Chamber Take advantage of downtown Trick-or-Treating in Red Lodge from 3 to 5 p.m. on October 31.

Creekside Escape…

Benefitting 59 local charities and 7 funds.

Catch the Spirit please mark your calender

august 30, 2014 Red Lodge, Montana

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The Red Lodge Fun Run Charities is organized by: The Red Lodge Area Community Foundation PO Box 1871, Red Lodge, MT 59068 www.redlodgeareacommunityfoundation.org

Join us this summer! CYAN

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Sunday, August, 17, 2014

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35th Annual Labor Day Arts Fair: The Tradition Continues By Brenda Maas bmaas@billingsgazette.com Traditions are wonderful – and, the annual Labor Day Arts Fair in Red Lodge is no exception. Now in its 35th year, the fair has a strong, loyal following. “The fair is always so well-attended,” noted director Deborah Kline Sonderman. “It’s so great that this is a tradition for Red Lodge and for those who travel here specifically to attend.” The fair runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, September 1 at Lion’s Park and the Depot Gallery. Kline Sonderman expects approximately 2,000 attendees. At the heart of the fair is the Carbon County Arts Guild and Depot Gallery. Founded in 1973, the arts guild and gallery moved into its current space in the Depot in 1983. This grassroots beginning weaves through the fair and all its offerings. Kline Sonderman noted that all items for sale must be hand-made, not something produced commercially. And that restriction makes this unique. With 90 booths, the maximum available, already reserved, visitors will see a plethora of handicrafts—jewelry, sculptures, prints, sketches, paintings, leatherworks, photography, metal works, pottery plus more. The artisans are there, happy to demonstrate their trade or answer questions. The Depot Gallery and exhibits will also be open for perusal. In addition, visitors will enjoy Zumba dancing, belly dancers, cloggers, local Scandinavian dancers plus local musicians. Admission to the fair is free, as is the festive atmosphere this end-of-the-summer celebration. Plan now to make the short drive to Red Lodge to take part, the fair goes on—rain or shine! For more details see carboncountydepotgallery.org or call (406) 446-1370.

Courtesy of Carbon County Arts Guild Arts Fair visitors will enjoy live entertainment such as belly dancers, Zumba dancing, cloggers, local Scandinavian dancers plus local musicians.

Courtesy of Carbon County Arts Guild At least 90 artisans will demonstrate and sell their crafts and art at the 35th Annual Labor Day Arts Fair in Red Lodge on Sept. 1st.

Gotta Gig! Gotta Go!

35th Annual Labor Day

By Brenda Maas bmaas@billingsgazette.com

Monday, Sept 1, 9am-4pm Lions Park, Red Lodge Enjoy original arts & crafts from 90+ artists & fine craftsmen Great Food & Entertainment sponsored by the Carbon County Arts Guild

Free for more info, call (406) 446-1370 Admission!carboncountydepotgallery.org carboncountydepotgallery.org

the event, is dedicated to giving back to the Red Lodge Community, with a focus on local youth as they pursue their athletic, artistic A little “JuJu” helps. At least that is what and academic endeavors. Stanley “Stano” Bustos believed. And lived. The Legacy Continues An incredibly acKeep the JuJu flowing into September with tive, giving individual, Stano passed away the Gotta Gig! Gotta Go concert featuring in 2007 when he was Billy Waldo and the Flying Grizzlies with spejust 56 years old. Sta- cial guests Lee Moran and We Ski Cousins on no was an unofficial Saturday, September 20. The music starts at 7 ambassador for the p.m. in the Bueg Arena and Event Center in Red Lodge commu- Red Lodge. Tickets are $15 and are available nity in every way. Fol- at The Glass Rabbit and The Village Shop. For more information on the event, log on lowing his passions of skiing, playing mu- to stanobustos.com or contact Steve Aga at sic and golfing, Stano augieaga@yahoo.com or (406) 855-6664. Organizers say there is no doubt that the lived a full life helping others. The Stano Bustos Memorial Foundation, event will be a Stano-style party—so be sure the non-profit organization that sponsors to join in the fun!

Oktoberfest: 17 years and going strong

trust ust commitment knowledge wledge

opportunity opportunity experience

First Interstate Bank offers personalized service and community involvement only found at a local bank along with the technology, products, services, and conveniences of a national bank.

By Brenda Maas bmaas@billingsgazette.com

be used any day, not just at Oktoberfest, will be given as prizes.

Gentlemen: don your lederhosen. Ladies: gather your dirndls. The 17th Oktoberfest is scheduled for Saturday, September 13 from 2 to 9 p.m. at the Red Lodge Special Event Center behind Red Lodge Ales Brewing Company. A traditional way to toast the season, beer, brats, music and musing will all flow at this much-anticipated celebration.

The elephant in the room And, what would Oktoberfest be without beer and brats? Volunteers with Beartooth Recreational Trails Association (BRTA) will be on-hand, serving up the eats. Of course, the more brats you consume, the more trails they can build, so be sure to arrive hungry… and thirsty! Red Lodge Ales will launch its Oktoberfest lager, using a modified recipe. Feedback is encouraged. When it’s time to get moving, kick up your heels to “umpa” music from old friends, the Alte Kameraden Band, with a few polkas—there’s no standing still when these folks are playing. As usual, a taxi service from the brewery to Red Lodge will be available to keep everyone safe. All ages are welcome and admission to the event is $5 at the gate; event proceeds will benefit BRTA. So, brush off your tracht and mark Sept. 13 on your calendar. For more information call (406) 446-4607 or see redlodgeales.com. Prost!

Bring the peeps As a family activity, kids will enjoy the bounce house, face painting and hair braiding. Judges will circulate, looking for the best-dressed, although unique costumes have their own rewards. At 4 p.m., gather for the Oktoberfest Olympics, including the keg toss, tug-of-war and scavenger hunt. Beer tokens, which can

Courtesy of Red Lodge Ales Oktoberfest participants sport their lederhosen and dirndls at the annual autumn celebration.

visit your local branch or firstinterstate.com

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CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff Mother Nature may need a bit of help but, local skiers and snowboarders always look forward to Opening Day at Red Lodge Mountain Resort, slated for Friday, November 28.

Waiting on the white stuff Opening weekend at RLM is as sure as the Thanksgiving turkey By Brittany Cremer bcremer@billingsgazette.com

Amid sunburns and backyard barbeques, ski bums from across the region yearn for snow. But they won’t have to daydream for long. As is tradition, Opening Day at Red Lodge Mountain (RLM) is set for the Friday after Thanksgiving (November 28). So, don’t let that Thanksgiving turkey settle too much—plan to head up the trail because the lifts will lurch to life at 9 a.m. and run until 4 p.m. During your first glorious weekend of slushing down the slopes, be sure to stop in for some eats and drinks at one of the four RLM dining options.The Main Lodge has room for 300 and is a great spot to set up your “camp” if you are with a larger group. The Midway Chalet is located mid-mountain atop the Willow Creek chairlift and offers burgers,

sandwiches, beverages and snacks with a killer view of five mountain ranges. The newest dining option, Willow Creek Yurt, proved incredibly popular last year. Located at the bottom of Triple Chair, the Yurt offers quick burritos, salads, nachos and the like. And, don’t forget about the Bierstube—RML’s iconic gathering place. With 10 beers on tap, pub fare and a burger bar on the deck, the “Stube” is the place to be when you are not on the hill. After you take off your boots, be sure to wind-down and enjoy live music from 3-6 p.m. every Saturday throughout the season.

“It literally is the best-kept ski secret in Montana,” said Paul Otsu, marketing coordinator for RLM. “Our family pricing is reasonable and keeps folks coming back. Plus, you never have to wait in line.” You truly can conquer the mountain at RLM—day after day. That is, if you have the 2014-2015 Season Pass. Adult (ages 19-69) pay only $539; juniors (13-18) pay $329; children (age 6-12) pay $189; and seniors (age 70+) pay $179. If you break it down by each run, it is likely less money and more fun than a latte. In addition to unlimited skiing at Red Lodge Mountain, Season Pass holders also ski free at Homewood Mountain

Resort in California, plus they can enjoy five free days at Whitefish Mountain Resort, and four free days at Diamond Peak in California. See redlodgemountain.com for specific details and restrictions.

Red Lodge Mountain is a point of pride for area ski enthusiasts. Visitors and guests from out-of-state are often wowed by the variety and quality of the mountain.

Red Lodge

September 6: Yellowstone Alpine Klimb, begins and ends in Red Lodge

September 13: 17th annual OktoAugust 21: Historic Walking Tours berfest, Red Lodge Ales, 2-9 p.m. of Red Lodge, Carbon County Historical Society and Museum, 5 p.m. September 20: Gotta Gig! Gotta Go! Concert, Bueg Area & Event August 22: Red Lodge Fringe Fes- Center, 7 p.m. tival, St. Agnes Church, 7:30 p.m. September 21: The Nitty Gritty August 29: Mike Lenning Memori- Off Road Race, Red Lodge Mountain al, Red Lodge Rodeo Grounds, 7 p.m. August 30: Clint Branger Invitational PBR Touring Pro, Red Lodge Rodeo Grounds, 7 p.m. August 30: Fun Run for Charities, 10K run, 5K run/walk, 2-mile Fun Walk, Toddler Trot, free BBQ, Historic Downtown Red Lodge and Lion’s Park, 9 a.m.

OCTOBER

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October 31: Happy Halloween October 31: Annual Halloween Festivities, downtown, fun games, animal encounters, candy and prizes

September 1: Happy Labor Day

NOVEMBER

September 1: 35th annual Labor Day Arts Fair, Carbon County Arts November 27: Happy Thanksgiving Guild and Lion’s Park, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. September 4: Historic Walking November 28: Red Lodge MounTours of Red Lodge, Carbon County tain Ski Resort opens Historical Society and Museum, 5 p.m.

Back by Popular Demand— the Nitty Gritty Off-Road Race An epic adventure that found the perfect place to happen “If you can hear the banjos playing, slow down.” That is the mantra for the 3rd annual Nitty Gritty Off-Road Race to be held on September 21 at Red Lodge Mountain (RLM). In unique fashion, participants at this event can enjoy bluegrass and countryinspired live music as they tackle the mountainous terrain. Musical groups will be stationed at the start of the race and in little alcoves throughout the race—like a backwoods cross country concert. With a 3,000-foot elevation gain, this race covers dirt roads and single track trails across Red Lodge Mountain to offer the nitty-est, grittiest, climbing-est marathon in Montana. Event director, Paul Otsu, pointed out that at summer’s end, many runners are looking for something different, something a bit more challenging and something a bit less stressful—and this is it. “The most unique aspect is that this race is the only altitude trail race in Montana,”

ReseRvations BiLLings is Hot, Red Lodge is CooL, CaLL oR BooK onLine todaY

1505 South Broadway

October 25: Feast with the Beasts, Red Lodge Mountain Golf Course, VIP pre-party starts at 4 p.m., event at 5 p.m.

SEPTEMBER

By Brittany Cremer bcremer@billingsgazette.com

Call the Snow Phone at (406) 2556973 or get a live shot of both the base and downtown Red Lodge with the RLM web cam at redlodgemountain.com

Conquer the mountain

Red Lodge Calendar of Events

AUGUST

Not sure about conditions?

Otsu said.“Even though participants can enter the race in teams, it stages runners so that they are out on the trail alone—affording them the opportunity to take it all in.” The race begins at the base of RLM and heads up Miami Beach and circles back through the Palisades—weaving through lush trees and backcountry tails. “It’s a definite departure from snowcovered mountain that visitors are used to seeing,” Otsu said. Runners can sign up for the half or whole marathon and also choose between solo, two-runner, four-runner or six-runner team formats. Otsu also points out that late-summer is a great time for this race because the participants have a whole season of races under their belt in preparation for this “battle royal” event. And even though Otsu describes the course as “challenging,” he said the race is very “low-key and low pressure.” To register (all done online, no mailing forms) or for more information, go to headwatersstudio.com/headwatersevents/ index.php/the-nitty-gritty or register via www.active.com.

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ADMISSION RATES:

The call of the wild permeates Red Lodge this fall The eclipse of summer into fall is a fun time at the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary (YWS).With 45 ambassador animals who represent the Yellowstone Ecosystem, the Sanctuary is literally a world to be explored. The spring and summer months brought some welcomed changes to the Sanctuary. Executive Director Emily Bertino was excited to unveil new solar panels in June, making use of the new, easier-to-navigate pathways. Bertino and her crew also updated signage, better educating visitors about the residents. Guests to YWS will enjoy the infusion of new, creative souvenirs in the gift shop. Montana drivers may also notice the newlylaunched YWS license plate across the state. Merv Coleman provided

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Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary By Brittany Cremer bcremer@billingsgazette.com

YEL

• Montana adult: $7 • Montana senior: $6 • All children 3-12: $3 • Children under 3: Free • Military/Veteran ID: $6 *Call for educational group rates

the background photo, “East Rosebud with Wood Lilies” and YWS’s mountain lion, Sacajawea is the Sanctuary’s “poster child.” A portion of every plate purchased is returned to YWS, with a goal of 500 plate purchases total. Open noon to 4 p.m. from Tuesday through Sunday, the Sanctuary welcomes locals and travelers alike—whether it is your first trip or your fifteenth, there’s always something new happening.

Captivating critters The newest edition to the YWS is a porcupine yet to be named. “He’s currently in quarantine, but we’re excited to share him with the public,” Bertino said. The new coyote habitat is also nearing completion. “Our three coyotes will soon have a home designed to ASA (American Sanctuary Association) standards and an improved quality of life,” Bertino said. Other popular favorites at the Sanctuary include foxes, owls, crows, black bear, raccoons, elk, a bobcat, turtle and more. Feast for the Beasts Montana means wilderness to many—residents and visitors alike. But sometimes that wilderness, and its inhabitants, needs a little bit of help. YWS is home to more than 45 animals who have been hurt, socialized by humans or permanently disabled and cannot be returned to the wild.As the only public refuge in Montana, the Sanctuary fills a great need. Yet, the “resident” animals themselves act as ambassadors to help their own kind. On Saturday, October 25, take the opportunity to support the YWS by attending the annual “Feasts for the Beasts” at Red Lodge Mountain Golf Course.This year’s event will again include an invitation for optional costumes. Although guests are free to wear whatever outfits and costumes they choose, an animal theme dominated last year’s event; the “guests” included a raccoon, a jellyfish and a handmade pink flamingo.The YWS Board will again serve as judges and award prizes in a variety of categories. A VIP pre-event starts at 4 p.m. and includes wine tasting, some one-on-one with YWS residents and a guest speaker. The VIP event offers a more intimate look at what is going at the Sanctuary and is very popular. The event commences at 5 p.m. and will include dinner, a silent auction, a live auction, a raffle and, of course, dancing. Tickets are $100 for VIPs or $50 for just dinner and dancing. Funds raised at Feasts for the Beasts will ensure that the YWS continues to provide the nurturing environment for its furry and feathered residents while educating visitors about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem right here. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call (406) 446-1133 or visit the Sanctuary at 615 2nd St. E. in Red Lodge.

WHILE VISITING Courtesy of YWS For the safety of you and your family and friends, please follow these simple rules when visiting YWS. • Absolutely no running in the sanctuary at any time. Sudden movements can cause stress for the animals. • Please keep voices to a normal talking level. Loud noises and yelling can disturb our resident wildlife friends. • No other animals (other than guide and service animals) are allowed in the gift shop or on the grounds of the sanctuary. • There is no climbing on the fences. Please stay on the trails and paths. • Do not howl at our wolves and coyotes. It is their form of communication, not ours. • If a crow or magpie says hello (in English or Spanish), please feel free to say hello back - it means they like you! • Only YWS staff may feed our animals, please do not throw food or other objects into their habitats. • Be sure to pick up a map when you check in at the register. • Feel free to ask our staff questions.

JAMES WOODCOCK/Gazette Staff Captain the owl at Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary.

To subscribe to The Billings Gazette call (406) 657-1298 or 1-800-762-6397.

Yellowstone Alpine Klimb By Brenda Maas bmaas@billingsgazette.com

BRADLEY FOUTS, MD

DEIRDRE MCNAMER, MD

CAROLYN SMITH, PA-C

St. Vincent Physician Network - Mountain View Clinic is dedicated to providing primary and same-day care for your entire family with quality and compassion, right here in the Red Lodge community. Our clinic is equipped with several on-site services including laboratory and X-ray services, ensuring you receive the best care close to home.

Yaks are known for living and thriving at high elevations. The same is true for participants in the third annual YAK—the Yellowstone Alpine Klimb. With more than 10,600 feet of ascent over a 141-mile race, this epic ride is not for the faint-of-heart. But, for those brave competitors who like adventure, dares and incredible “highs” (elevation, that is), the YAK is a real adrenaline rush. Formerly hosted by Montana Cycle and Ski, BYK Limo now hosts and supports the ride, which begins in Red Lodge, travels through the Beartooth Pass, into Wyoming via the Chief Joseph pass, then loops north to Belfry and back to Red Lodge—all in one day. According to Troy Charbonneau, owner of BLK Limo and race director, the most challenging aspect of the ride is the last leg. “After 138 miles, the last three, the climb into Red Lodge are the toughest,” he said. Talk about conquering the mountain. Few can make that claim

St. Vincent Physician Network Mountain View Clinic

Charbonneau has 20 participants (as of print time), including riders from Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, North Dakota, Minnesota and California. Lawrence Perry Birch, Jr. of the California Bay Area travels 1,200 miles, one-way, for this ride, which he describes as “beyond compare” for challenge and scenery along with fuel stops, food selection and volunteer support. “The Yellowstone Alpine Klimb has something you just can’t get

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anywhere else,” said Birch. “I will continue participating in the ride as long as it keeps taking place and I’m able to throw a leg over my bike!” Charbonneau notes that riders’ span ages 25-60, with the majority being 5054. More men than women ride; men typically finish in 8-12 hours and women in 12-14 hours. He’s hoping for 25-30 riders total. With eight rest stations scattered across the course, the director’s vehicle, the SAG wagon and 20 amateur (ham) radio operators constantly communicating course conditions, the ride is designed to be safe, in addition to epic. Juldie and Tim Bohmer Detroit Lakes, Minn., travel over 700 miles to participate. “This ride is absolutely gorgeous. It would be hard to ride someplace with more beautiful views,” said Juldie. “The length, elevations and distance make this ride more of a challenge than most but the support available is amazing, and everyone is very friendly and encouraging.” To register, go to iamathlete. com or contact Charbonneau directly at (406) 646-6043. The YAK takes place on Sept. 6 and the ride starts in Red Lodge. The $145 registration fee covers breakfast, lunch and dinner (cook-out at the finish line), snacks, rest stations, ride support and a T-shirt. Riders will receive maps and additional information in their race packets. “This is an excellent opportunity for cyclists to travel to Montana with their family, participate in an epic ride and then enjoy the rest of their vacation,” noted Charbonneau. “It’s a destination ride.”


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