Explore Red Lodge Holiday 2018 by Billings Gazette

INSIDE Christmas Stroll and Blade, Costume Parades Downtown storefronts stay open late for holiday shopping and fun festivities. Page 2 Carbon Fork Restaurant serves deliciousness Broadway Avenue earns another eatery. Page 3 What’s new at Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary Exhibits, events and more is in store. Page 4 Upcoming Events Red Lodge is host to exciting events year-round; read up on what’s happening. Page 4

Red Lodge Mountain uplifts spirits using ski lifts BY TARA CADY

tcady@billingsgazette.com

Snow prayers come answered Nov. 23, when Red Lodge Mountain opens for the 2018-19 season. Starting at 9 a.m., lifts turn toward a funfilled first day on the slopes. Those who snag first chair will earn a prize. And all ski bums can enjoy live music and refreshing beverages from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Bierstube. Live entertainment remains a thing throughout the season, with every Saturday featuring après ski tunes from 3 to 6 p.m., at the Bierstube. ‘Tis the season for an ugly sweater party, and Red Lodge Mountain’s comes packed with prizes courtesy of Red Lodge Ales from 3 to 6 p.m., Dec. 15. Santa is a skier, too. Between Dec. 22-25, kiddos can ride with the big guy in red and white and get photographic evidence to bring back to classmates once winter break is over. And yes, the mountain is open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Portland-based ON3P Skis want skeptics to test their products for free on Red Lodge slopes, Dec 22-23. Interested skiers should bring an ID and meet at the Base Area. Red Lodge Mountain skiers are in a league of their own. No, really. The community ski/ snowboard racing league, the Town Series Races, runs every Friday at 10 a.m. from Jan. 11 to Feb. 15. Each coed team is a mix of four to six skiers, tele skiers and snowboarders that traverse a changing layout on the mountain’s beginner run, Bobcat. Lifts open at 9 a.m. and close between 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m., daily. Additional information, including pricing, is available at redlodgemountain.com.

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

General Manager Dave Worstell Advertising Director Ryan Brosseau Advertising Manager Arcadea Scott Special Sections Coordinator Mandy Schillilng Content Editors Tara Cady Charity Dewing Section Designer Nadine Bittner Access Explore Red Lodge at www.billingsgazette.com/ specialsections

Photo courtesy of Red Lodge Mountain Red Lodge Mountain opens Nov. 23 to skiers, snowboarders and lodge lovers.

About the Cover Cover photo by Merv Coleman

JOY

Holiday gifts so good, you’ll jump for

Red Lodge

EXHIBITIONS

November 1-28, 2018

Beneath These Western Skies, paintings b by Trish Stevenson and Aft Afton Ray-Rossol Closing Reception, Wednesday, No November 28, 5-7 p.m. Meet artists St Stevenson and Ray-Rossol and hear about the inspir inspiration for the paintings they the create.

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Fun Run 15 for charities

Thank you

to all of the Fun Run participants, donors, sponsors and volunteers who raised over $290,000 for charities this year and $2.7 Million over the past 14 years.

November 30, 2018-January 12, 2019

Small Works and Winter Inspirations are two group shows featuring work by talented members of the Arts Guild.

January 19 February 25, 2019

Churchill: Land of Tundra, photography by Willow Brown on view in Main Gallery Big Stuff Group Show, Members of the Guild in North Gallery Opening Reception, January 26 from 3-5 p.m. with talk by photographer Willow Brown at 4 p.m.

Carbon County Arts Guild Open House Fr Friday, November 30 & Saturday, December 1 / 5-8 p p.m. both days

Enjo holiday treats while participating in an art Enjoy artist Janice Polzin at the Arts activity with local ar Guild during the Red LLodge Annual Christmas Stroll on Friday evening. On Saturday, stop at the Str Guild to watch artists Jack Ervin, Seidel Standing Elk, and others demo, plus see all the great fine art and fine crafts available for gifts. Exhibitions, Open House, and receptions are free and open to the public.

WORKSHOPS

Open Studio Figure Drawing Second Saturday, November – April / 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Cost $5

For more information, call the Carbon County Arts Guild in Red Lodge at (406) 446-1370. 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.

2 | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018

EXPLORE RED LODGE

PHOTO COURTESY OF MERV COLEMAN

Prepare for two holiday parades at the Red Lodge Christmas Stroll, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1

Christmas Stroll is a winter wander-land shovels, residents are encouraged to decorate their preferred blade and participate. Meet at the library at The annual Red Lodge Christmas Stroll is the epit- 5:30 p.m., no registration required. ome of holiday magic. Like a scene from an old ‘50s Evening festivities continue with The Alte KamChristmas movie, snow glistens against twinkling eraden Band performing Finnish, German, Italian and lights while barrels of fire crackle and horse-drawn American music at the Carbon County Steakhouse wagons carry patrons throughout the town. Nov. 30 from 6-8 p.m. and Dec. 1, downtown businesses keep their doors Dancers from The Red Lodge School of Dance will open to offer late-night treats to patrons. perform ballet and modern dance from 6-7:30 p.m., “I always say that main street looks like a Norman at Red Lodge Drug. Rockwell painting,” said Red Lodge Chamber of ComThe Absaroka Mountain Thunder Cloggers will merce marketing coordinator, Lauren Larson. BY CHARITY DEWING

cdewing@billingsgazette.com

Friday fun Friday events kick off at 5 p.m., Dec. 1, at the Elks Lodge, for the “Fallen but not Forgotten Blue Light Ceremony” honoring departed law enforcement. A community lantern walk begins at 5:20, at the Red Lodge Carnegie Library. Participants carry lanterns and stroll down Broadway Avenue. The Blade Parade begins at 6 p.m., at the library. From snowplows to snow

Saturday festivities

Saturday begins with pictures with Santa from 2-4 p.m., at the Elks Lodge. A Christmas Costume Parade starts at 6 p.m., at Broadway Avenue. Outdoor adventure group, Sisters on the Fly, display campers from 6-9 p.m., at the Pollard Hotel. Dancers will perform from 6-7:30 p.m., at the Red Lodge School of Dance. “This is truly a memorable event. There is charming Christmas music playing, hot chocolate, candied almonds and popcorn – it’s magical,” said Larson. “Kids remember this as they grow. It’s what Christmas is all about: family and community.” For more information PHOTO COURTESY OF RED LODGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE go to redlodge.com or call Blade Parade entries must have a durable blade for moving snow. (406)-855-4796.

Red Lodge Farmers’ Market moves indoors, Dec. 15 BY TARA CADY

tcady@billingsgazette.com

This is the second year Red Lodge has moved its farmers’ market indoors after the summer season, and market manager Sammy Wicks is trying to expand it even further. Wicks wants it to become more of a community event with music and community groups. “Red Lodge itself is very difficult to farm in; it’s located in a food desert,” explained Wicks. But in the summertime, farmers from as far as Cody and Clark, Wyo., flock to the small mountain town with their bountiful harvest. The season starts in July. “Red Lodge becomes a fresh, local produce food hub,” Wicks said. After 11 weeks of Friday markets, produce sales

knock your clogs off at 7 p.m., at Flash’s Photography. Santa Claus is coming to town from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, at the Elks Lodge. Beartooth Wagon and Sleigh Rides is offering free rides from 6:30-9 p.m., both stroll days.

move to a different location, indoors, with less frequent meeting times. Dec. 15 marks the last off-season market date in 2018, focusing more on crafts than storage crops like potatoes, onions and squash. Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., market-goers can head to the Old Roosevelt gym, located at 519 Broadway Ave. S. “The community is super supportive of it and the vendors do really good,” said Wicks.

EXPLORE RED LODGE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018

What’s new at Carbon County Arts Guild, Depot Gallery COURTESY OF THE CARBON COUNTY ARTS GUILD & DEPOT GALLERY

Exhibitions

Workshops

“Beneath These Western Skies,” paintings by Trish Stevenson and Afton Ray-Rossol will be on view in the Main Gallery of the Carbon County Arts Guild through Nov. 28. Stevenson and Ray-Rossol will be at the Arts Guild for a closing reception, Nov. 28, from 5-7 p.m. Refreshments will be served while the artists share their inspiration behind the paintings. “Small Works” and “Winter Inspirations” are two group shows featuring work by members of the Arts Guild. In the “Small Works” show there will be 50 to 60 pieces that are 8”x8” or smaller on view in a wide range of media and subject matter. The “Winter Inspiration” show will feature art work with a wintry theme. These shows will be on view in the Arts Guild Depot galleries Nov. 30 through Jan. 12, 2019. Instead of a reception the Guild is hosting an open house during Christmas Stroll. “Churchill: Land of Tundra,” photography by Willow Brown, will be on view in the Main Gallery Jan. 19 through Feb. 25, 2019. The photographs by Brown provide a view of polar bears and the polar bear habitat. The subject matter for Brown’s photographs consists primarily of wildlife and western lifestyles with an emphasis on black and white imagery. “Big Stuff,” a show of work by Guild members will also be on view at the Depot Jan. 19-Feb. 25, 2019. The idea for this show is to provide space for Arts Guild members who work in a large format, usually 24” x 36” or bigger. The subject matter will vary. The opening reception for “Churchill: Land of Tundra” and “Big Stuff” is scheduled for 3-5 p.m., Jan. 26, 2019, with a brief talk by Willow Brown, at 4 p.m. The reception and talk are free and open to the public.

perfect time to see the great gifts, lovingly created, by Guild member artists that include paintings, drawings, jewelry, greeting cards, wood turned bowls, wearable art and photographs. A schedule of partici pating artists will be available on the website as the event gets closer.

Open Studio Figure Drawing will be held the second Saturday each month, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Carbon County Arts Guild. Bring your drawing supplies and sketch pad to the Guild where you can draw from a live model. This is a terrific opportunity to meet other artists as you improve your drawing skills. All ability levels are welcome. The $5 fee covers the cost of the model. 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. Carbon County Arts Guild & Depot Gallery is located at 11 W. 8th St. For further information visit www.carboncountydepotgallery.org or call the Guild at (406) 446-1370.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CARBON COUNTY ARTS GUILD AND DEPOT GALLERY

“War Party”, a piece by Trish Stevenson, is on display through Nov. 28 in the Main Gallery of the Carbon County Arts Guild and Depot Gallery.

Events The Carbon County Arts Guild & Depot Gallery will be part of the annual Red Lodge Christmas Stroll, Friday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 1. To celebrate the Stroll, the Guild will have an open house from 5-8 p.m. both days. On Friday evening, the public will be invited to visit the Arts Guild to enjoy holiday treats and if desired, participate in an ongoing art project with artist and staff member Janice Polzin. It will be a fun evening of socializing, being creative and looking at art. On Saturday, artists will be at the Guild throughout the day to demonstrate their talents. In the evening from 5-8 p.m., the Guild will again serve refreshments and showcase members’ art as part of the Guild’s Open House for the Christmas Stroll. It will be the

Willow Brown’s polar bear photography is on display at the “Churchill: Land of Tundra” exhibit at the Depot Gallery, Jan. 19-Feb. 25, 2019.

Afton Ray-Rossol's "Bronze Bull" is part of the "Beneath These Western Skies" exhibit at the Carbon County Arts Guild and Depot Gallery, on display through Nov. 28.

Art is a gift at Red Lodge Clay Center

Carbon Fork reestablishes tradition

BY CHARITY DEWING

cdewing@billingsgazette.com

The Red Lodge Clay Center wants patrons to give art as a gift this holiday season. Unique ceramic artwork from the “Holiday Bling” exhibition will be for sale from 5-7 p.m., Nov. 30, as part of the Red Lodge Christmas Stroll. Featured artists include Pattie Chalmers, Rebecca Chappell, Wesley Harvey, Bryan Hopkins, Meredith Host, Yoonjee Kwak, Melissa Mencini, Yoko Sekino-Bove, Melanie Sherman, and Liz Quackenbush. The “Holiday Bling” exhibition will be open through Dec. 22. Resident artist Birdie Boone is hosting an artist reception the first night of the stroll. The center displays functional pottery, sculptures and home décor from more than 100 ceramic artists that take residency at the center year-round. In keeping with the center’s concepts and high-scale talent, 2019 will prove to raise the bar. Kicking off the New Year, a powerful exhibit titled “In Good Company” will call to feminine influences. Featuring the artwork of five strong female potters, Normandy Alden, Posey Bacopoulos, Chandra DeBuse, Elisa Di Feo and Gail Kendall, each piece represents their personal challenges and individual voice. Bold and unapologetic, their work is saturated with utility, history and life experiences. The exhibition is on display Feb. 1-24 with an artist’s reception from 5-7 p.m., Feb. 1, at the clay center. For more information call (406) 446-3993 or visit redlodgeclaycenter.com.

Tradition is valued in Red Lodge. It’s what keeps it charm, plants its roots and holds the community together. The Carbon Fork, a restaurant dedicated to maintaining a casual atmosphere with fine dining appeal, took residence at 116 S. Broadway Ave., former home to the longstanding eatery, Bridge Creek Backcountry Kitchen and Wine Bar. Eric Trager was a chef at Bridge Creek for many years before it closed its doors in 2015. The building stood vacant until something called to Trager to reopen the downtown restaurant as his own. “The restaurant is in the heart of downtown Red Lodge. When I found out Eric was going to reopen it, I wanted to be a part of it,” said Sherri Dunlap, office manager at Carbon Fork. Like Dunlap, many residents missed the well-known downtown restaurant. The Carbon Fork opened June 22, 2018, without any major remodels or overhauls, maintaining the familiar ambiance with a new menu and flair. “It balances a family-friendly atmosphere and great dining experience for a night on the town,” said Dunlap. The Carbon Fork also has a reserved room for as many as 12 guests who want to host a private party. With the holidays approaching, the

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RED LODGE CLAY CENTER

Liz Quackenbush will be a featured artist at the “Holiday Bling” exhibit at Red Lodge Clay Center, on display through Dec. 22.

Resident artist Birdie Boone is hosting an artist reception from 5-7 p.m., Nov. 30, at Red Lodge Clay Center.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CARBON FORK

Yoko Sekino-Bove’s work is included in the “Holiday Bling” exhibit.

Carbon Fork owner and chef, Eric Trager, has expanded downtown Red Lodge’s fine dining options.

TARA CADY, GAZETTE STAFF

The former home of Bridge Creek Backcountry Kitchen and Wine Bar is now Carbon Fork, located at 116 S. Broadway Ave.

Carbon Fork will take part in traditional holiday décor within and outside of the restaurant. And since Christmas is greatly celebrated in Red Lodge, the Carbon Fork will host a holiday event called, “The Great Songs of Christmas at the Carbon Fork,” Dec. 23. The Carbon Fork will close to the public for an exclusive concert and extravagant banquet as local musician Daniel Kosel joins cellist, Marley Ball, for an unforgettable evening of storytelling, Christmas music and extraordinary food. For $60 per person, the evening begins with a three-course dinner; reservations start at 4:30 p.m. A fine package upgrade is available for an additional $25. After dinner, a private concert with Kosel and Ball will take place upstairs. Front row seats are available for $15. Kosel will captivate the crowd with his musical talent and charming narrations before each song while Ball will enchant with her poignant cello recital. The evening is certain to provide excellent food, dynamic entertainment and cherished memories. For more information, visit carbonforkrestaurant.com or call (406) 445-3200.

4 | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018

EXPLORE RED LODGE

New animals, habitats and focus at Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary

RED LODGE CALENDAR OF EVENTS

BY TARA CADY

being transformed to house small animals like local amphibians, snakes Imagine mistaking puppies for and weasels. The coyotes. nonprofit That’s what one animal shelter sanctuemployee did before realizing ary is the “pups” didn’t belong. Once trying healthy, coyotes Scout and Lola their found their forever home at Yelhand at lowstone Wildlife Sanctuary in crowd funding to support October. the project. The Crowdrise “We also have a new raccoon,” fundraiser will stay active said education director Gary online until the money is Robson. raised. Cooper the raccoon came from Two other projects are in out-of-state, so there was a the works—a wolf habitat quarantine period to ensure he and a crane and vulture was healthy and non-threatening habitat. to other animals. But it’s not “We don’t have just disease that was cause for wolves at the Wildlife concern; this is the sanctuary’s Sanctuary now,” Robsecond raccoon. son said. “There are a “We can’t just dump two anilot of wolves in need of mals together and hope they get a home.” along,” said Robson. With the Mexican red Steps are taken to ensure the wolf recently declared raccoons are familiar and friendly extinct in the wild, outside before placing them in the same sanctuaries are rehoming habitat. Those include swapping their gray wolves to make room bedding from separate habifor red wolves. Once the habitat tats; setting a carrier nearby for and paperwork is completed, the animal-to-animal viewing only; santuary hopes to take three to switching habitats; placing a five gray wolves next spring. carrier close enough for physical The migratory bird habitat contact; and sharing a habitat. project is intended for existing A veterinarian stands by in case sandhill cranes and turkey vulthere is a fight. tures living at the sanctuary. “The other big piece of news “What we’ve been having to do right now—the Yellowstone is take them indoors to a heated Wildlife Sanctuary underwent a barn for the winter,” said Robson. philosophical change,” Robson “That is less than ideal for them said. “The focus has always been because it takes them off display providing lifelong sanctuary and they can’t go outside on nice to non-releasable wildlife. The winter days.” sanctuary still took in some aniThe crane and vulture habitat mals not native to the area. And will have a fenced in, flight-netover time, we’ve been slowly getted yard and indoor heating area. ting rid of the animals that don’t Small Business Saturday will live in this ecosystem.” be celebrated at the YWS, Nov. The sanctuary recently relo24. Gift baskets are for sale, and cated turtles to a rehabilitation animal baskets – treats for the center in Texas; the turtles are sanctuary’s residents – will be native to the southeastern United raffled off. States. Participants of the day-long “Now, all of the animals we have event receive a stamp at parhere at the Wildlife Sanctuary are ticipating retailers, including the native to the greater Yellowstone sanctuary. Stamps earn patrons ecosystem,” said Robson. discounts. The former turtle habitat is tcady@billingsgazette.com

NOVEMBER 22 22

Happy Thanksgiving! 9th annual Turkey Trot, Edgar Gruel building at Carbon County Fairgrounds, 10 a.m.

Red Lodge Mountain Opening Day, Red Lodge Mountain

Small Business Saturday, participating downtown stores

“Beneath the Western Skies” exhibit reception, Carbon County Arts Guild and Depot Gallery 5-7 p.m.

Blue Light Ceremony, Elks Lodge, 5 p.m.

Lantern Walk, Broadway Avenue 5:30 p.m.-6 p.m.

Blade Parade, Broadway Avenue, 6 p.m.

Christmas Stroll, downtown, 6-9 p.m.

DECEMBER 1

Christmas Costume Parade, Broadway Avenue 6 p.m.

Christmas Stroll, downtown, 6-9 p.m.

Indoor farmer’s market, Old Roosevelt gym 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Open Studio Figure Drawing, Carbon County Arts Guild and Depot Gallery, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

The Great Songs of Christmas at the Carbon Fork, Carbon Fork, 4:30 p.m.

Merry Christmas!

JANUARY PHOTOS COURTESY OF YELLOWSTONE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

The migratory bird habitat at Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary will allow sandhill cranes and turkey vultures to be on display during winter.

And in honor of the Red Lodge Christmas Stroll, the sanctuary is offering discounted admissions, Dec. 1. The first major event of the New Year is a post-Valentine’s Day fundraiser called, “Wild Love.” Happening Feb. 16, 2019, guests can learn about the love lives of animals while enjoying a chocolate and wine pairing courtesy of Carbon Fork Restaurant. The fundraiser, which takes place at the restaurant, is $75 per couple or $40 individually. Participants must be 21 and older, and can visit the restaurant ahead of the 7 p.m. event for dinner at a discount. During the winter months, the sanctuary is open only Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “The education department will still be doing school outreach and organized tours whether the sanctuary is open to the general public or not,” Robson said. More details are available by calling (406) 446-1133, visiting yellowstonewildlifesanctuary.org or stopping by the sanctuary at 615 2nd St. E.

Happy New Year!

Town Race Series, Red Lodge Mountain 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Open Studio Figure Drawing, Carbon County Arts Guild and Depot Gallery, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Town Race Series, Red Lodge Mountain 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

“Churchill: Land of Tundra,” “Big Stuff,” exhibit reception, Carbon County Arts Guild and Depot Gallery, 3-5 p.m.

FEBRUARY 1

Town Race Series, Red Lodge Mountain, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

“In Good Company” exhibit reception, Red Lodge Clay Center, 5-7 p.m.

Town Race Series, Red Lodge Mountain, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Open Studio Figure Drawing, Carbon County Arts Guild and Depot Gallery, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

MORE EVENT INFORMATION For exhibits, classes and events at the Carbon County Arts Guild & Depot Gallery, please see carboncountydepotgallery.org. For exhibits, classes and events at the Red Lodge Clay Center, please see redlodgeclaycenter.com. For Historical Walking Tours of downtown Red Lodge, Carbon County Historical Society and Museum, please see carboncountyhistory.com. For Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary information, please see yellowstonewildlifesanctuary.com.

Two coyote pups, Scout and Lola, are new to the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary.

This turkey vulture is gaining a new habitat at Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary. It includes a fenced in, flight-netted yard and indoor heating area.