INSIDE Oktoberfest at Red Lodge Ales If you can’t go to Germany, come to Red Lodge PAGE 2
16th annual Fun Run Lace up your sneakers and run for a cause PAGE 2
Hidden Gems in Red Lodge Discover your sweet spot at Katie Cakes
40TH ANNUAL
LABOR DAY
ART FAIR COURTESY OF THE CARBON COUNTY ARTS GUILD & DEPOT GALLERY
PAGE 4
Upcoming Events Red Lodge is host to exciting events year-round; read up on what’s happening. PAGE 4
Explore Red Lodge is a special advertising section of The Billings Gazette Content Editor Charity Dewing Publisher Dave Worstell Advertising Director Ryan Brosseau Advertising Manager Arcadea Scott Access Explore Red Lodge at www.billingsgazette.com/specialsections
Visit Lions Park in Red Lodge for the 40th Annual Labor Day Arts Fair. This one day arts fair will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Sept. 2, and is organized by the Carbon County Arts Guild & Depot Gallery. More than 90 artists will converge on Lions Park, which is adjacent to the historic train depot, to offer a creative assortment of art and fine crafts. This year’s group of artisans will bring their very best items to include fine art, sculpture, glass, photography, jewelry, pottery, wood carving, metal art, furniture, greeting cards and so much more. Plan to meet the artists and get to know more about their work. Also take time to shop for that special occasion or indulge in something just for yourself. In addition to the arts and fine crafts, there will be entertainment at the gazebo throughout the day. And, of course, the Arts Fair wouldn’t be complete without food. Try kettle
corn, barbecue, Crepes and Asian cuisine while enjoying the event. This year will be another great year for the Labor Day Arts Fair. Mark your calendar now to be at Lions Park in Red Lodge, Monday, Sept. 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. We encourage you to bring your friends and family and enjoy the last, best summer event in Red Lodge, the Labor Day Arts Fair. Admission is free. Rain or shine. Lions Park is located next to the historic Carbon County Arts Guild & Depot Gallery in Red Lodge, one block west of Broadway on 8th Street – just watch for the crowd. The mission of the Carbon County Arts Guild & Depot Gallery is to support, inspire, and encourage all artists. Reaching out, the Carbon County Arts Guild & Depot Gallery provides art education and exposure to the visual, performing and literary arts for the benefit of the broadest possible audience. For further information visit carboncountydepotgallery.org or call the Guild at (406) 446-1370.
COURTESY OF THE CARBON COUNTY ARTS GUILD & DEPOT GALLERY
“Early Spring Calves” by Carol Hagan.
Romance & Luxury
Red Lodge
Carbon County Arts Guild & Depot Gallery
LAbor DAy Arts FAir
Monday, september, 2, 2019 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Lions Park, red Lodge, Mt
Free
over 90 art and fine craft booths, food, music and fun http://www.carboncountydepotgallery.org
406-446-1370
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in the Wild West
After a long ride on the trail, try a luxurious soak in our new copper tub.
16
The Moose is Back & Ready to Run!
Saturday August 31st
Save the Date!! Don’t Miss
Fun Run 16 for Charities!
The past Fun Run donors, sponsors, and volunteers helped raise $290,346 for 61 charities in the Red Lodge area!! Over the past 15 years you have helped us raise over $2.5 million!!
Learn More
www.rlacf.org 406-446-2820 122 S Hauser Ave info@rlacf.org
Be sure to check out our new Sundance Cabin! www.blueskycabins.com 32 Blue Sky Lane Red Lodge, MT 59068
406-446-0186
EXPLORE RED LODGE
I2 | Sunday, August 11, 2019
Red Lodge Ales brings Germany to Montana BY CHARITY DEWING
cdewing@billingsgazette.com
Bring the whole family to Red Lodge Ales from 2 to 9 p.m., Sept. 7, for Oktoberfest. There is something to be said about the fun of dressing up in Dirndl dresses and Lederhose to celebrate this time-honored German tradition. The family-friendly celebration will offer a variety of children’s activities like a bouncy house and face painting. Adults can participate in the Oktoberfest Olympics with games like the keg toss, stein
hold and cornhole event. Sink your teeth into German fare like bratwurst sausages with sauerkraut and potato salad. Don’t forget to grab a tall Oktoberfest lager, while the MSUB band, Soul Funk Collection wraps up the celebration. Proceeds benefit the Beartooth Recreational Trails Association, a nonprofit that develops and preserves hiking and bike trails in the Red Lodge area. Admission is $5 for adults, kids 12 and under are free. For more information, call Red Lodge Ales at (406) 446-0243.
The Fun Run Moose.
Lace up your sneakers for the
16th annual Fun Run BY CHARITY DEWING
cdewing@billingsgazette.com
As many as 1,000 runners and walkers fill the streets of Downtown Red Lodge over Labor Day weekend for the annual Fun Run. The race begins at 9 a.m., Aug. 31, at the corner of 8th street and Broadway. Racers of all ages and ability are invited to participate in the 10K, 5K, and 2 mile courses.
Racers are welcome to bring their canine companions, as long as they remain on a leash. The finish line brings racers to Lion’s Park for a barbecue with burgers, music and family-friendly activities like the rascal relay. Race mascot, Fun Run Moose will be there to congratulate participants. Racers whom place top in their category will receive a prize.
In its 16th year, the Red Lodge Fun Run has raised as much as 2.7 million dollars for local non-profits. The community-wide fundraising event is a way to give back to as many as 50 local charities. Registration is free until day of event. Children 6 and under are free. For more information call (406) 446-2820 or go to rlacf.org.
PHOTO COURTESY OF RED LODGE ALES
Traditional Bavarian attire is encouraged on Sept. 7 to celebrate Oktoberfest.
Turkey Trot raises awareness for American Cancer Society BY CHARITY DEWING
cdewing@billingsgazette.com
CASEY PAGE, BILLINGS GAZETTE
Black Friday at Red Lodge Mountain BY CHARITY DEWING
cdewing@billingsgazette.com
For some, the day after Thanksgiving means hitting the stores for hot deals. For others, it means hitting Red Lodge Mountain to shred some fresh snow. There is something for everyone at Red Lodge Mountain, no matter ability or availability. Kelsey Borge, marketing manager at RLM, recommends planning ahead to receive discounts on lift tickets for the 2019/2020 season by purchasing online in August. For those who just want a day of play on the slopes, single-day tickets start at $67 for adults, $52 for juniors (13-18), $28 for children (6-12) and $52 seniors (65-69) and $22 for 70 and above. If you can only spare a couple of days for the season and want more bang for your buck, there are multi-day options including 4-packs (four days of skiing) for $199, and 6-Tix (six days of skiing) for adults
(19-69) $309; juniors (1318) $245; children (6 - 12) $125. There are two options for season passes. The Multi-Mountain Pass allows access to eight partner resorts across five states, including Whitefish and Grand Targhee with discounts on food, retail, lessons and rentals. The Local’s Pass is great for devoted RLM skiers and riders who want to stay close to home. It includes discounts on food, retail, lessons and rentals. Both season passes include 10 percent off all greens fees at Red Lodge Mountain Golf Course during the summer. Prices vary per age. RLM offers three onsite dining options, ranging from table service to cafeteria-style. The Main Lodge Cafeteria is located in the base area and offers burgers, soups, sandwiches, chili, snacks, an assortment of soda, beer and wine. The Midway Chalet is located at mid-mountain with unbeatable views. The
Condominium-Style Apartments & Studio Units 1505 South Broadway
406-446-1601
www.chateaurouge.com
Bierstubè is a full-service restaurant, open for lunch and après ski, with live music on Saturdays from 3-6 p.m. Kids 5 and under ski free and the learning area at the Magic Carpet is free to beginner skiers and riders of all ages. Red Lodge Mountain opens Nov. 29. For more information call (406) 4462610 or go to redlodgemountain.com/tickets.
Before you stuff yourself with turkey, spend Thanksgiving Day at the 10th annual Turkey Trot, hosted by Beartooth Billings Clinic and the Beartooth Recreational Trails Association (BRTA) for the Carbon/Stillwater Tobacco Prevention Program. The 5k begins at 10 a.m., Nov. 28, at the Edgar Gruel building at the Carbon County Fairgrounds. Participants can walk or run Airport Loop of the Rocky Fork Trail, near Red Lodge Airport and return to the fairgrounds. The race highlights the Great American Smoke Out, a one-day challenge to all tobacco users, including e-cigarettes and vape products, from the American Cancer Society to consider the pros and cons of quitting for good. There is no entry fee for the race. Instead,
PHOTO COURTESY OF BEARTOOTH BILLINGS CLINIC
Racers bring awareness to the Great American Smoke Out and encourage others to quit smoking for good. racers are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for BareTooth Cupboards. For more information call (406) 860-3825 or email TurkeyTrot@
BeartoothBillingsClinic. org. For more information about quitting tobacco, call the free Montana Quit Line, 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
50% OFF
A ROUND OF GOLF FOR TWO
Offer good for 50% off greens fees for a twosome. Coupon required at time of purchase to redeem discount. 406.446.3344 | RedLodgeMountain.com/golf | Valid through Sept 2019
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EXPLORE RED LODGE
Sunday, August 11, 2019 | I3
Getting down to the Nitty Gritty BY CHARITY DEWING
cdewing@billingsgazette.com
Get down and dirty at The Nitty Gritty Off Road Races from at 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sept. 8, at Red Lodge Mountain. Made for newbies and hardcore marathon attendees, the Nitty Gritty has a race course for everyone. There are three tracks and while laps and distance remains the same, the courses change every year. “By changing the course, no one has an advantage,” said Kristen Hollum, race director at Red Lodge Events. “It also shifts the scenery.” Distances vary from the Solo Hot Lap at 4.3 miles, the Solo Half at 13.1 miles, and the Solo Full at 26.2 miles. Runners can take their pick of courses; teams of two, three and six compete in the Solo Full. “There is a track for every kind of racer. The Hot Lap is built for entry-level walkers or runners looking for a great experience,” said Hollum. “The half and full are for diehards – the courses are so fun and racers get their butts kicked.” Courses include single track, access road and bushwhacking trails that travel all over Red Lodge Mountain. “The race is smaller than some of our other races (like the COURTESY PHOTO Beartooth Run and The Nitty Gritty Off Road Race is Sept. 8, at Turn Pedal Burn). We only get about 100 Red Lodge Mountain. racers for the Nitty Gritty but we’d love to have more,” said Hollum. The Nitty Gritty also permits dogs to participate in the race. “Well-behaved dogs do not require a leash, otherwise use a leash and bring your four-legged companion on the course with you,” said Hollum. Runners and spectators are encouraged to attend the after party at the deck of the BeirStube for music, food and drinks. Start times are 8:30 a.m., for teams; 6 a.m., for Solo Full; 11 a.m., for Solo Half; noon for Hot Lap. Racers should arrive 45 minutes before start time to register. For more information call (406) 446-1718 or go to redlodgeevents. com.
COURTESY PHOTO
Businesses host events and a scavenger hunt for the Autumn Walkabout in Red Lodge, Sept. 14.
Autumn Walkabout
highlights Red Lodge history BY CHARITY DEWING
cdewing@billingsgazette.com
The Humanities Montana program ‘Hometown Humanities’ will celebrate this year’s humanity-based outreach in Red Lodge, Sept. 14, with the Autumn Walkabout. With the goal of fostering arts, culture and ethics within Montana, the program is designed to bring events to a chosen town and
spread the artistic love. The Carbon County Arts Guild will be at Sam’s Tap Room Brewery from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., giving two one-hour tours through the brewery and exploring the brewing process. The tour will highlight the business’ history in Red Lodge. A scavenger hunt will take place at noon beginning at the Roosevelt Center, where participants will receive their first clue and a tote bag.
From there, participants go from business-to-business to learn a little history and get the next clue. The Roosevelt Center will host the Red Lodge Theater Company from 5-6 p.m., for the stage production “Mining Coal: Mining Creativity,” a play about the history of Red Lodge. For more information call (406) 243-6022 or visit humanitiesmontana.org.
Hometown Humanities lecture events Apsaalooke Respect, Enroll2475 Broadway Ave. N. ment, and Contemporary EducaPenny Postcards and Prairie tion with Dana Wilson Flowers with Philip Burgess 2-3:30 p.m.; 7-8:30 p.m., Aug. 28, Noon-1:30 p.m.; 3:30-5 p.m., Sept. The Willows, 2475 Broadway Ave. 17, Carnegie Library, 38th St N. Into the Sunset: The Forgotten Cowgirl Singers with Almeda Bradshaw 2-4 p.m., Aug. 29, The Willows,
Living With the Land with Louise Ogemahgeshig Fischer Oct. 15, The Willows, 2475 Broadway Ave N, Red Lodge Montana Towns: Then, Now, Tomorrow with Hal Stearns
Kid Gloves and Brass Knuckles: The Life of Nancy Cooper Russell 3-4:30 p.m.; 7-8:30 p.m., Oct. with Mary Jane Bradbury 30,The Willows, 2475 Broadway Sept. 22, 2-3:30 p.m. Ave N, Red Lodge
ProPerties for sale 130 Spring Creek Rd. - $239,900 Listed By:
$897,000 | #298089
Gorgeous secluded cabin in the woods! 8 miles South of Red Lodge, hard to find end of the road location with amazing views of Beartooth Canyon. Beautiful rock fireplace in living room and a gas fireplace in the kitchen, plenty of warmth for winter days and large windows supply all the cool mountain breeze you need for the summer days! Own a piece of mountain paradise with stunning views and endless woods to explore!
Jenna Monson 406-672-4089
K-s
ee
Nancy Curtiss 696-2434
Silver Run Oasis
Architecturally designed home on 14+/- acres on both sides of Rock Creek at Silver Run in the Custer National Forest. Drive across Rock Creek on the private bridge to the secret pond and waterfall in this magical mountain setting. Lighted paddle tennis court, extra shed/garage add to this 1975 Claude Gerbase designed and built home. 4 bdrms, 3 full baths, rough sawn oak interior, gorgeous flagstone hearth and foyer, 2 fireplaces, den, large master suite, bedroom sliders open to expansive south facing deck of this low profile, one level home. Clean, well maintained. A legacy home at Silver Run. Price reduced to $975,000
53+/- Acres Near Roberts
Productive hay ground, 1893 water rights, 3 ponds, home sites and fishable Dry Creek runs through it! Views, views, views from this mostly level parcel – mountains, trees, water, wildlife, birds and the great big sky all around. No CCR’s on this pretty parcel. Large enough for your small ranch plans, or divide it in to two parcels. North of Roberts with access off Shorey Rd. Offered at $389,250
16 N Broadway PO Box 13 Red Lodge, MT 59068 Office: (406) 446-3535
A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC
JennaMonsonRealty@Gmail.com
CR
4 Creek Hill Lane This spectacular contemporary home balances the convenience of modern technology w/exceptional craftsmanship & time-honored rustic beauty. Post & beam construction w/timber frame accents & SIPS panels completed in 2018. Enter the property beneath a handcrafted pergola & walk through a 7 foot mahogany pivot door to clean lines & an overall modern design adorned w/luxurious accents. Main floor master, custom gourmet kitchen, butler’s pantry w/prep sink, large quartz island w/waterfall edge, high end appliances. Slimline gas fireplace w/remote thermostat. Secluded deck w/waterfall & string lighting just steps from Willow Creek. Landscaping complete prior to close. Spectacular mountain views.
Anner Marble Broker/Owner (406) 425-0098 amarble@hbars.com
See more listings at www.hbars.com
Ay tAw Ge e ID
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Listed by:
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Listed By:
Island at Rock Creek $895,000 | #297560
Rhonda Grimm
$569,950 | #297410
Broker, GRI 661-7186 rsgrimm@aol.com www.Montanamovesu.com
109D Kainu Ave • Red Lodge Luxury creek-side townhome… End Unit! Spacious 3 bd, 3 ba + bonus loft/4th bd. Beautiful custom interior. Master en-suites (2) with balconies. F/P up & down. Relaxing setting, mountain views from every room. Walk to downtown, minutes to ski hill. Perfect lock & leave, VRBO. A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC
28 Upper Wapiti Valley Road Privacy, water, mountains, wildlife in a pristine one-of-a-kind setting, this home gracefully wraps around a trout-filled pond and shares habitat with deer, moose, fox, elk & bear. Wilderness just minutes from town, an authentic piece of Montana, refurbished (2012) 3 BR, 3 Bath, 3925 SF home on 5 acres in secluded Wapiti Valley. 6100 feet high in the Beartooth Mts bordered by the Custer Natll Forest. 4 miles from the ski lifts of Red Lodge Mtn. National Geographic called Red Lodge “one of America’s top 100 adventure towns.“ Large designer gourmet kitchen w/pecan cabinetry, Warm woods, Custom stained glass & tile, Slate flooring, 700 yr-old heart pine flooring, 3 gas fireplaces, 1600 SF of Trex decking, Hardie Plank Lap Siding, 3 Rinnai Tankless Water System Heaters, Finished 850 SF double garage, heated studio/shop, loft/office, 12kw Kohler Power System Generator. A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC
Nancy Curtiss 696-2434
$310,000 | #297392
0 Starlight Dr - Red Lodge
New construction home in the heart of Red Lodge. Planned completion is September 2019 so don’t wait till it’s sold. One level living with 3 bed, 2 bath, and 2 car oversized attached garage. Call agent for additional photos and finishes. Area 16--Red Lodge
Dan Patterson 406-321-4182
A member of the franchise system of bHH Affiliates, LLC
Let us help you market your listings to the right audience. More than 30,000 copies of Montana Land Magazine are distributed over a two month period. Plus, we reach online users looking for their perfect piece of paradise. Contact Tom and Mandy today for rates & deadlines.
406-657-1580
or bigsky@montanalandmagazine.com M 1
www.montanalandmagazine.com
EXPLORE RED LODGE
I4 | Sunday, August 11, 2019
HIDDEN GEMS Katie Cakes BY CHARITY DEWING
cdewing@billingsgazette.com
Where the wild things go
COURTESY OF THE YELLOWSTONE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Events at the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary COURTESY OF THE YELLOWSTONE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
will be available at the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary. Adults only, no one under 21.
Nocturnal Life Tour: 7-9 p.m., Sept. 20 & Oct. 11
Have you ever wondered what our animals are up to early in the evening? Rarely do we offer the Critter Care: opportunity to experience the 1-3 p.m., Aug. 3 Yellowstone Wildlife SanctuDoes your stuffed animal need ary as the sun sets. Cost is $5 for a veterinary check-up? Vets children ages 4-12 and $12 for from the Grizzly Peak Animal adults. Hospital will be at the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary to give Bear Awareness Day: your stuffie the care it needs. If 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 28 your stuffie is part of the Stuffie Passport program, then be sure How bear-proof is your campto bring your passports with you! site? On this National Public Cost is regular admission to the Lands Day, the Yellowstone Sanctuary. Members are free. Wildlife Sanctuary’s four black bears want to teach you how to be more bear aware. Special Sanctuary Explorers: guests, and activities will 10:30 a.m. to noon, Aug. 17 talks, be hosted throughout the day. Explore the world of insects Cost is regular admission to the around the Yellowstone Wild- Sanctuary. life Sanctuary. Designed for ages 4-6, this program includes story Halloween Fright Night: time from the Cat in the Hat’s 5:30-7:30 p.m., Oct. 26 Learning Library series, time outside searching for insects, Have you ever wondered what and a take home craft. Cost is wild animals might do with a regular admission to the Sanc- pumpkin? Halloween at the Yeltuary. Members are free. lowstone Wildlife Sanctuary is your chance to see. We encourEvening of Wine & Wildlife: age you to wear your costume during this festive fall evening of 5-7:30 p.m., Aug. 28 games, crafts, special talks and The Yellowstone Wildlife tours. Cost is $5 for children ages Sanctuary presents our second 4-12 and $12 for adults. annual Evening of Wine and For more information about Wildlife, featuring wine pairings events and tours call (406) 446with appetizers from a variety of 1133 or visit yellowstonewildlifeRed Lodge restaurants. Tickets sanctuary.org.
It’s new to you at the Annual Ski Gear and Swap BY CHARITY DEWING
cdewing@billingsgazette.com
Beartooth Recreational Trails Association will hold its annual Ski and Gear Swap from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Nov. 16, at the Red Lodge Veterans Memorial Civic Center. Bring gently used gear from 6-8 p.m., Nov. 15, or from 8-10 a.m., Nov. 16 for drop off. Experts in the field examine each piece to determine if equipment is safe and meets swap standards. Swap gear includes: outdoor-related equipment and clothing; nordic and alpine ski gear; camping gear; sports gear like hockey, swimming, climbing, rafting, canoeing and kayaking.
GAZETTE STAFF
The annual ski swap is a great place to pick up used gear at a reduced price. A portion of the proceeds goes to Beartooth Recreational Trails Association. For more information go to beartoothtrails.org
CALENDAR OF EVENTS AUGUST
free. Time: 2 – 9 p.m. For more information call (406) 446Aug. 15-18 4607 or visit redlodgeales.com Beartooth Rendezvous BMW Sept. 8 Motorcycle Rally15. For more The Nitty Gritty Off Road Race information call (406) 696at Red Lodge Mountain Resort. 2114 or visit beartoothbeemFor more information email ers.org redlodgeevents@gmail.com. Aug. 31 Sept. 14 16th Annual Red Lodge Fun Autumn Walkabout: 10 – Run for Charities through 11 a.m., Willow’s Performances; downtown Red Lodge, Lions 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Carbon Park (across from Beartooth County Arts Guild Demos; Market). 9 a.m. For more infor11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Red Lodge mation call (406) 446-2820. History Carriage Rides in Downtown Red Lodge; noon to SEPTEMBER 4 p.m., scavenger Hunt/ DownSept. 2 town Red Lodge; 1-3 p.m., Sam’s 40th Annual Labor Day Arts Taproom Brewery Tour (Two Fair at Lion’s Club Park and Deone-hour tours). pot Gallery. Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 27-28 Entry is free. For more infor MINT, Montana International mation call (406) 446-1370. Film Festival at the Historic RoSept. 7 man Theater. For more informa Oktoberfest at Red Lodge Ales. $5 Adults, Kids 12 and under are tion visit mintfilmfestival.org.
When Katie Moldenhauer was 6 years old, she received her first set of baking pans. Baking and cake decorating have always been part of her life. She dreamt of making beautiful cakes and soon began taking classes, even traveling to Los Angeles to work with topnotch cake decorators. Recently, Moldenhauer opened her first bakery, Katie Cakes, at 24 S. Broadway Suite 4, in Red Lodge — and customers are lining up to have her create that special centerpiece for their events. “I started making cakes for family members and would post them on social media. Apparently it caught other attention. I started getting asked to do kid’s birthday cakes and whatnot. In 2018, I licensed my home kitchen in Belfry and I outgrew my little kitchen so fast that I thought it was time to seek a commercial space,” said Moldenhauer. Undeniably, the cake is the celebratory piece that ties a party together, it somehow encapsulates the identity of the individual(s), the party theme and the dessert factor, all in one. “The cake is always the highlight of any party,” said Moldenhauer. “I know my favorite part of a wedding is eating delicious cake. I also think the cake at a child’s birthday party is the ‘icing on the cake.’ I love to hear the ideas of these little ones who know exactly what they want their cake to look like — and I get to make their dreams come true.” Currently, Katie Cakes is booked out for orders by at least two months, but the bakery does serve espresso and cupcakes to go. Moldenhauer works tirelessly to create beautiful, imaginative and delectable cakes and cupcakes for her clients. For Moldenhauer, it’s more than just a dessert course, it is artist expression. “I believe each cake decorator has their own inspiration to create their business. If you look at any cake decorator in Billings,
COURTESY PHOTO
Wedding cake design by Katie Moldenhauer of Katie Cakes.
COURTESY PHOTO
Cupcakes and espresso are available to go at Katie Cakes. they all have their own style. Inspiration comes from the soul. Not sure how it can be explained. It’s just there,” she said. Katie Cakes is open from
8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call (406) 475-0612 or visit katiecakesmt.com or her Facebook page.
A COWGIRL’S DREAM BY CHARITY DEWING
cdewing@billingsgazette.com
It’s something movies are made of – a rancher’s daughter, brought up to believe her size and gender had nothing to do with her willingness and ability. Born and raised in Red Lodge, Alice Greenough was 14 years old when she rode her first rodeo. According to 1966 Billings Gazette archives, she grew up in a family that “learned to ride before they learned to walk.” She mostly rode bareback and was also a trick-rider. She spent a year in Spain, circa 1932, where she rode Brahma bulls in the ring before their match with a matador. She set a tone for the rodeo industry, when conditions were rough and correlated with daily life. In a 1966 interview, Greenough said it wasn’t always a man’s game. In her heyday, the female competitors were just as many in number and just as strong. She noted that things had changed in rodeo, and for women. Greenough said it was because women “weren’t raised with a ranch girl’s guts anymore.” She added that rodeos were “a lot tougher than they are today.” As rodeo evolved, so did a woman’s role – eventually becoming primarily barrel racing. Throughout her career, Greenough suffered leg, nose, rib and hip fractures. She became famous around the world for her resilience and talent. She won numerous trophies, titles and international prizes – but it was never about fame and fortune. It was her livelihood. “When we rode, it was a living. It was fun and exciting. We got along but nobody got rich,” Greenough said in a 1966 Gazette interview. Greenough has been celebrated throughout the country and inducted into The Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame in Wolf Point; the Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Hereford, Texas; Hall of Fame National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City; The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas. She was the first and only
GAZETTE ARCHIVES
Archive photo of Alice Greenough.
Did you know? Alice Greenough founded the Carbon County Historical Society Museum in 1959 to display the history of her family and their love for rodeo. Greenough relics are still on display at the museum. Visiting hours are Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for students, seniors and children up to 10 years. woman during her time to own bucking stock, produce shows and also perform in them. Greenough’s last ride was in 1959. But she stayed in the stands, at every Home of Champions Ro-
deo, where the truest expression of her soul mingled in the dust, sweat, fear, joy and excitement. She died in 1995, at age 93, the exalted and still beloved “Queen of Rodeo.” M 1