Billings Gazette
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Thursday, November 28, 2013
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CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff
Red Lodge Blade Parade & Christmas Stroll
INSIDE Blade Parade and Christmas
By Brenda Maas bmaas@billingsgazette.com
Stroll: Get the family ready for two festive evenings filled with shopping, good eats, Santa Claus and much more.
It simply must be seen to be believed. The Blade Parade in Red Lodge has grown into a much-anticipated annual event that celebrates community, the holiday season and those who dedicated hours and hours to move mounds of snow—the white stuff that most relish in this quaint, historic mountain town. “To our knowledge, the Blade Parade is the only one of its kind in the world,” said Patty Davis of the Red Lodge Chamber of Commerce. “Anything that can move snow can be a part of our Blade Parade—dogs who like to push snow with their snouts, little red wagons with foil snowplows attached, tractors, anything that can attempt to shovel snow may enter.” Glory Mahan, parade chair, noted that the Lion’s Club donates four $25-dollar prizes every year. Categories may span from oldest vehicle, to best lit, to zaniest, for example. “The people who push snow get out there early in the morning and work late into the night, so this is really dedicated to them,” Mahan noted. Plus, it’s just plain fun, she said. Typically, the parade draws 40-60 entries but it depends on weather. Mahan noted that, ironically, snow and cold bring more entries and more parade-watchers. The Blade Parade starts at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6. It ends with Santa’s arrival in a horse-drawn wagon. He finds a cozy spot at the Elk’s Club and takes time to listen to children there until 9 p.m.
Page 1 Carbon County Arts Guild: Expand your creative horizons and attend an artful event at the Guild this holiday season. Page 4 Upcoming events: Red Lodge is host to exciting events yearround; read up on the upcoming events. Page 4 Explore Red Lodge is a special advertising section of The Billings Gazette
painting,” said Kathy Robson, Stroll committee member and owner of Red Lodge Books & Tea. The entire downtown area, including the vintage light poles, is decorated and festive with holiday finery. Five blocks of Broadway—the main street in Red Lodge—are closed off to vehicle traffic from 8th to 15th so that visitors can safely traverse the streets. In addition, local non-profit organizations may set up temporary booths to share information, sell items for fundraisers, offer services like gift wrapping or to say thank you. For example, a local church group distributed s’mores last year as Take a walk a way to show appreciation for the commuImmediately after the parade, visitors are nity’s support throughout the year. invited to stroll about the town. ApproxiEach intersection has fire pits for physical mately 50 businesses—retail, restaurants and warmth and community lingering. bars all decorate their storefronts, stay open late and offer specials on Friday and Saturday More than strolling nights. “The Christmas Stroll is a draw to ev“It’s a scene out of a Norman Rockwell eryone around the region and nation,” said
Sales and Marketing Director Dave Worstell Retail Sales Manager Shelli Rae Scott Classified & Digital Sales Manager Ryan Brosseau Director of Marketing Allyn Hulteng Special Sections Coordinator Linsay Duty Content Editor Brittany Cremer Brenda Maas Section Designer Nadine Bittner Access Explore Red Lodge at www. billingsgazette.com/specialsections
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Davis. “We have folks who return to Red Lodge all the way from North Carolina for this annual event. Businesses report that this is their second busiest weekend of the year.” “I came from a large city but I fell in love with this event,” said Robson. “Everyone gets busy with their lives, even in a town of 2,500 people. This really brings people together.” Rumor has it that area merchants may even be in cahoots with parents of young children, setting aside special gifts that bring smiles to little faces. Even after the retail businesses close and street musicians put away their instruments to warm their fingers, the bars and restaurants stay open with most hosting more live music. It is yet another celebration, Red Lodge-style. This town is so unique—the Blade Parade and Christmas Stroll really do set us apart, Robson added. continued on page 4
Winter Hours Open Daily 10AM-2PM Location: Just north of downtown Red Lodge at 615 2nd Street East 406-446-1133 | www.yellowstonewildlifesanctuary.com
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The Red Lodge Fun Run for Charities is organized by: The Red Lodge Area Community Foundation – PO Box 1871, Red Lodge, MT 59068
www.redlodgeareacommunityfoundation.org
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Opening Day at RLM: Time to Hit the Hill BOB ZELLAR/Gazette Staff
Grant program
By Brittany Cremer bcremer@billingsgazette.com Here in eastern Montana, the term “Opening Day” has nothing to do with baseball—and everything to do with downhill skiing and snowboarding. With an annual average of 250” of white stuff and an average temperature of 31 degrees, Red Lodge Mountain (RLM) is all about snow. Opening Day is set for Friday, Nov. 29, depending on conditions, according to Jeff Carroll, Red Lodge Mountain director of sales and marketing. For many, a day at the slopes following Thanksgiving Day dinner has become a tradition. And for those budding families looking to create one, the mountain is ripe with fun for everyone (and plenty of spots for the perfect photoopp.) The lifts will start running at 9 a.m. with live music at the Bierstube in the main lodge area starting at 3 p.m. Let the skiing begin!
Red Lodge
CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff
Tickets, please! The season pass remains a popular option for many local diehards and this year, it includes even more perks. In addition to unlimited skiing at Red Lodge Mountain, season pass holders can enjoy unlimited skiing at Homewood Mountain Resort in California. They can also enjoy five free days at Whitefish Mountain Resort, four free days at Diamond Peak in California, and 1/2 price lift tickets at Alta in Utah. For those who might not make it up to the mountain as often, try the 6 Tix or 10 Tix option. These passes are nearly a 30 percent savings from the daily pass price and are re-loadable. The Grizzly Peak Club remains a popular option for the diehard skier. For a $25 membership during the 2013-14 season, members receive First Tracks tickets—access to lifts an hour early (at 8 a.m.) each Wednesday and Sunday (depending on weather); 15 percent off purchases in the downtown store; one free ski wax per month; and, free weekend bag checking. For more details about RLM, its programs, ski classes or current conditions, check out www.redlodgemountain.com.
Red Lodge Mountain features premium powder for snowboarders and skiers alike.
Ride one of Red Lodge Mountain’s chair lifts up to scenic, challenging runs. BOB ZELLAR/Gazette Staff
Learn a little RLM is a perfect place to learn to ski or snowboard—or to work on skills that may have room for improvement. The RLM Ski School offers classes for little tykes, children, teens and adults at every level, from newbies to advanced skiers. In addition they offer private, snowboarding and adaptive lessons and they are part of the Professional Ski Instructors of America. If you are the type that lives on the edge, be sure to check out the Miami Beach Terrain Park, for beginners, or The Scrap Yard for those with intermediate to advanced skills.You will find plenty of jumps, boxes and rails to keep you coming back.
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Provided in part by billingsgazette.com This season, skiers and boarders will notice the widened runs, thinned out glades and extra protection around the communication towers.These improvements were offered as part of a grant program offered through the Beartooth Resource Conservation and Development Economic Development District. So far, the RLM crew has widened out the edges of Bobcat and Turnpike runs, thinned the tree islands between the runs, thinned the trees below Tipi Trail and will finish the season on the steep slopes between Bucking Chute and East Side Mine between the crests of 9,416-foot Grizzly Peak and 9,390-foot Nichols Peak. The grant, covered under a larger fuels reduction project, was available to the ski area for work on its private land because the Forest Service had done similar work on its adjacent property. The ski area is made up of mostly federal land with some private land mixed in. The work serves three main purposes: reducing the amount of fuels for wildland fires and clearing standing trees to lessen the chance of a crown-driven fire; employing a seasonal saw crew to boost the local economy; and improving the ski terrain of Red Lodge Mountain.
Much of the charm of Red Lodge Mountain is that it is affordable and offers a wide variety of runs for beginners to expert skiers.
Not sure about conditions? Call the Snow Phone at (406) 255-6973 or get a live shot of both the base and downtown Red Lodge with the RLM web cam at www.redlodgemountain.com
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More Snow = More Fun Wintertime is playtime in Red Lodge By Brenda Maas bmaas@billingsgazette.com There’s no doubt it’s a primo calorie burn. Cross-country skiing burns 496 calories per hour in a 160-pound person; for a 240-pound individual, crank that up to 741 calories. And, experienced, able and eager teachers make this year, THE year to learn to cross country ski. The Red Lodge Nordic Center, located at west of town on highway 78, includes more than 15 kilometers of groomed cross country ski trails, shelters and inspiring view across relaxing terrain for both classic skiers and those who prefer the skate-style sport. “Grooming is pretty much required for skate-style skiing,” said Grant Barnard, president of Beartooth Recreational Trails Association (BRTA) that operates the Nordic Center. “Users are probably 50/50 between classic and skaters.” He noted that about six volunteers generally groom the trails about twice a week, sometimes more often, depending weather condition such as snowfall and wind. More volunteers help with the annual swap, and about 15 instructors donate their time for four Saturdays in a row to teach the Kids Free Ski Lesson. Now in its third year, the program is growing rapidly in popularity. “The first year we had 25; last year we had 60 kids,” Barnard said. “Some of those kids are just amazing. They love it—they get up, get going and before you know it they are buzzing around. This has been a very rewarding program.”
LLOYD BLUNK/Gazette Staff Grab your skates and head down to the ice rink at the Lion’s Park for some ice-inspired fun for all age. See the Red Lodge Ice Rink page on Facebook for schedule updates.
Nordic Center Fees • Daily: $5 for Adults; kids 17 and under free • Season Pass: $40 for single pass; $80 for a family pass • Seniors 65+ are also free, but please complete a season pass form (website). The sign-in and money box is located at the parking lot. Everyone needs to sign in every day, including season pass holders. Day pass users can deposit their daily trail fees in the money box. The more registered skier users signed in, the better it is for grant applications, plus it’s required for insurance purposes. Please do your part and register. Nordic Center Events Kids Free Learn to Ski: A four-week continuous program, every Saturday from Jan. 1-Feb. 1, 2014 Adult Learn to Ski Clinic: Jan 11 or 18, 2014 To register, for more information or for a grooming report, see beartoothtrails.org and click on “Nordic Center.” Red Lodge Outdoor Ice Rink For those who prefer a blade to a ski, the Red Lodge Outdoor Ice Rink in the Lion’s Club Park is the place to be. For the past seven years, a group of skating enthusiasts and dedicated volunteers have built and maintained the rink for winter-time family fun. So, lace up your skates—or rent a pair at the Ski Station—and head downtown to glide across the ice with the wind in your face. Sticks are optional. While rink conditions are dependent mainly on weather and volunteer hours, it is open 24/7 during winter months. However, some times are blocked for youth or adult hockey. For more information on the rink, the schedule or to volunteer to help out, go to facebook. com and search “Red Lodge Ice Rink.”
The young and young-at-heart Cross country skiing is true lifetime sport with individuals in their 70s and 80s enjoying a clear winter afternoon ski. Barnard, who has been teaching some sort of skiing for more than 13 years, emphasized that it’s never too late to learn, or to learn a different style of skiing. The Nordic Center also offers private, semi-private or group lessons for adults, families and small groups. In addition, the Center hosts Moonlight Skis in conjunction with the Forest Service, who brings in a speaker once a month for an outdoor experience that stimulates both the body and the brain. Now that the calories are burned, please pass the hot chocolate. LLOYD BLUNK/Gazette Staff
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Courtesy of YWS Be sure to visit Clark, Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary’s 14-year-old mountain lion.
Courtesy of YWS Meet and greet one of four of the Sanctuary’s black bears.
Call of the Wild By Brittany Cremer bcremer@billingsgazette.com
We are the only place in Montana where you can see so many animals up close and also support our mission to save these Did you know that just a short drive beautiful creatures. from Billings there is an amazing wildMission possible life sanctuary that is home to more Our rescued residents are here because than 70 rescued wild animals? they were injured, orphaned or imprinted on humans and can’t survive in the wild. The Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary During your visit be sure to meet our (formerly the Beartooth Nature Center) wolf girls who were rescued from a breedis nestled on the north side of Red Lodge, ing situation.You will also meet our elk, and a trip to visit the beautiful animals is bison and mule deer. These characters are sure to make everyone in the family smile. sure to make you laugh as you read their At Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary stories…when our bison was just a calf, (YWS), you and your family will learn all she actually rode around Red Lodge in a about native Yellowstone ecosystem wild- convertible before finding her way here! If you visit soon, you might be lucky life while standing only three feet from enough to catch a glimpse of one of our mountain lions, black bears and wolves!
four black bears before they settle down for a long winter’s nap. And then you’ll meet Thor, the North American Lynx, Bobbie Sioux the Bobcat, 10 species of native hawks and owls along with our three sly fox. Don’t forget Maven, our talking crow, and Harry the chatty magpie. Harry was rescued by Ted Turner on his ranch and found his way to us. Harry has been entertaining visitors for more than 12 years.
residents help people see just how special and valuable our local wildlife is. So come out and see our critters. The animals love visitors, and it’s a wonderful time of year to make a trip down to Red Lodge. In fact, Charlie the raccoon gets very upset when he doesn’t have visitors to watch! Check out our website for more details at www.yellowstonewildlifesanctuary.com or call (406) 446-1133.YWS is open year round with winter hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rescue and refuge Admission rates are on the web, and all Our goal at the YWS is to provide these Montana residents receive a discount off very special creatures with a safe and our standard rates. We can’t wait to see loving place to live out the rest of their you. Just head south on 212 and turn left lives. We ask our animal ‘kids’ to act as immediately past the first gas station onto 2nd Street East. ambassadors for their wild cousins; our
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Courtesy of Montana Photographic Arts Who can resist a s’more? There are plenty of sweet treats during the Red Lodge Christmas Stroll.
Blade Parade Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. Christmas Stroll Dec 6-7 at 6-9 p.m.
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Courtesy of Montana Photographic Arts The main street of Red Lodge is closed to all but emergency vehicles, horse-drawn carriages and foot traffic during the Christmas Stroll, adding to the safe and celebratory atmosphere.
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Courtesy of Montana Photographic Arts Not all strolling about Red Lodge are from this century, so keep an eye out for some “originals.”
The Blade Parade The parade is sponsored by the Stroll Committee and the Red Lodge Lions Club.The Stroll is sponsored by the Red Lodge downtown merchants, the Red Lodge Area Chamber of Commerce and the Red Lodge Merchants & Lodging Association.
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Carbon County Arts Guild features the fun and fantastic Nov 23-30: 5th Annual Holiday Bazaar
Expand your creative horizons and attend one of these signature, artful events at the Guild this holiday season. Keep your eyes peeled for special events featuring unique and interesting holiday gifts, perfect for all those hard-to-buy-for recipients on your list.
Enjoy shopping in a relaxed environment in our North Gallery. We’ve assembled a great selection of holiday gifts made by many of our Guild artists for everyone on your list. The Bazaar is open during normal Arts Guild hours and continues through the end of December.
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
Nov 1-30:The Art of Linda Burwick & E. Denney NeVille Linda is a Wyoming girl to the core, proud of her western heritage and grateful to enjoy the western way of life. She is an artist at heart beginning at a very early age with crayon murals on the wall. In grade school, the teachers were thrilled to learn that she could color inside the lines. Her career took a leap when she discovered she could make her own lines. And in 2008, she started her professional career when galleries, like the Arts Guild, took a leap of faith to represent her, an unknown artist. Linda’s art education is not a formal one, but is one of constant observation, dedication and perseverance. Denney earned a BFA from The Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, Calif. He spent several years working at Hughes Aircraft in Culver City doing illustrations of military hardware and the early technology for travel to the moon. Then he moved into the field of animation, working with Filmation Studios in Reseda, Calif. In 1970, he moved to Red Lodge, where he worked with Stan Lynde on Stan's nationally syndicated cartoon strip, “Rick O'Shay and Hipshot.” In 1976 he moved his family to his hometown of Byron, Wyo. and began a career of teaching art and "doing some serious painting." Burwick and NeVille were both featured at the 2013 Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale in Cody, Wyo. The exhibit is free and open to all during the Guild’s normal hours, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. -5 p.m. and Sunday, 12-5 p.m.
Dec 1-31: Rock Creek Artists Miniature Exhibit See artwork in small size created by many of the Guild’s artists. Painting 6”x8” is considered a challenge for most artists, but make fantastic holiday gifts. Expect to see more than 200 miniatures for this annual exhibit. The exhibit will be on display In the Guild’s Main Depot Gallery for the month of December and will continue in through the end of January 2014.
Dec 1-31: 5th Annual Holiday Bazaar Continues
Courtesy of Carbon County Arts Guild Come sit on Santa’s lap and have your photo taken with the jolly ol’ soul on December 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Carbon County Arts Guild.
Enjoy shopping in a relaxed environment in our North Gallery. We’ve assembled a great selection of holiday gifts made by many of our Guild artists for everyone on your list. Bazaar is open during normal Arts Guild hours and continues through the end of December.
This holiday season, give the gift of extraordinary food & wine.
Dec 6 and 7: Red Lodge Christmas Stroll Open House and Artists’ Reception Meet family and friends at the Arts Guild in Red Lodge at the start of both nights of the Red Lodge Christmas Stroll. Enjoy the annual miniature exhibit and meet the artists who have their work on display from 4 to 8 p.m. Refreshments will be served, and admittance is free and open to everyone.
Buy a $100 Gift Card for only $80* *Some restrictions apply.
Legendary dining in the heart of downtown Red Lodge.
Dec 21: Santa Visits the Arts Guild Kids of all ages are welcome to meet with Santa here at the Arts Guild for his annual visit from 2 to 4 p.m. Have your photo taken with the big guy and enjoy some light refreshments. Family pets are also welcome.
116 South Broadway (406) 446-9900 EatFoodDrinkWine.com
For more information about any of the exhibits or programs, call the Arts Guild at (406) 446-1370.
Courtesy of Carbon County Arts Guild A vast array of hand-crafted art will be available for purchase at the annual Holiday Bazzar at the Carbon County Arts Guild, held November 23-30.
Visit Red Lodge Calendar of Events JANUARY NOVEMBER 1-30 The Arts of Linda Burwick & E. Denney NeVille, Carbon County Arts Guild 23-30 5th annual Holiday Bazaar, Carbon County Arts Guild 28
Happy Thanksgiving
29 Red Lodge Mountain Ski Resort opens, lifts start at 9 a.m., music at the Bierstube at 3 p.m.
deceMBER 1-31 Rock Creek Artists Miniature Exhibit 5th annual Holiday Bazaar continues, Carbon County Arts Guild 6 Red Lodge Stroll open house & artists’ reception, Carbon County Arts Guild, 4-8 p.m. Blade Parade, downtown, 6 p.m. Christmas Stroll, downtown, 6-9 p.m. 7
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Happy New Year!
23 Houses of Carbon County (lecture), Carbon County Historical Society Museum, 7 p.m.
FEBRUARY
BRADLEY FOUTS, MD
14 Happy Valentine’s Day! 28 Winter Carnival, Red Lodge Mountain
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.
MARCH 1 Winter Carnival, Red Lodge Mountain
St. Vincent Physician Network Mountain View Clinic
7-8 National Finals Ski-Joring, Red Lodge Fairgrounds
10 Robinson Lane - Red Lodge, MT 59068 | 406-446-3800
17 Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Office Hours
ed Lodge Stroll open house & R artists’ reception, Carbon County Arts Guild, 4-8 p.m. Christmas Stroll, downtown, 6-9 p.m. 27 Peaks to Prairie
APRIL
Monday-Friday 8am-5:30pm
After Office Hours
If you need medical attention after office hours, call 406-446-2345 and the provider on call will be contacted.
21 Santa visits the Arts Guild, Carbon County Arts Guild, 2-4 p.m. 25
DEIRDRE MCNAMER, MD
Merry Christmas!
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Red lodge
Upcoming Events
By Brittany Cremer bcremer@billingsgazette.com
and Brenda Maas bmaas@billingsgazette.com
PAUL RUHTER/Gazette Staff Kayakers stage for the final leg of the Peaks to Prairie Adventure Race.
Courtesy of Red Lodge Mountain Resort The spectators at Winter Carnival have as much fun as participants, as they view the creative cardboard crafts and partake in the activities of this two-day event.
Christmas Stroll at the Museum (Dec. 6-7, 2013) Stop by the Carbon County Historical Society Museum from 6 - 9 p.m. and experience the incredible wealth of history and archives offered at the museum. Admission is free, and refreshments will be served.
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with the creative cardboard crafts careening down the mountain to the delight of all. Even for the non-skier/boarder/cardboard rider, there is plenty of entertainment, food and drink for all during the course of the day.
Red Lodge hosts National Ski-Joring competition (March 7-9, 2014) Winter fun and western style collide on March 7-9 in Red Lodge during the National Finals Ski-Joring competition. Ski-joring, the sport of towed skiing behind horse and rider, originated in Scandinavia as a form of winter transportation. In the mid-1950s, ski-joring found its way to North America, where ranchers attached a long Winter Carnival rope to the saddle horn of a horse that was ridden at Good-natured snow fun is the name of the game during high speeds down a long straight-away, according to the Winter Carnival at Red Lodge Mountain Resort. North American Ski-Joring Association. (Feb. 28-Mar. 1, 2014) The competitive sport of ski-joring is timed, featuring a Winter Carnival is a much-anticipated annual event at horse and rider pulling a skier over a speed course with Red Lodge Mountain Resort. Participants and spectators jumps and racing gates. alike revel in the zany antics, crazy costumes, cardboard A trusted horse and rider and a good pair of goggles concoctions, live music and tons of events during the are essential. Just ask sport organizer and participant, course of two days. Tammy Stevens. The theme of this year’s Carnival, which takes place “It really is a one-of-a-kind sport,” Stevens said. “If you February 28 and March 1, is yet to be determined, so haven’t had the chance to come out and watch the acbe sure to log on to www.redlodge.com for additional tion, this year is the perfect time. It’s wildly entertaining.” information as the event date approaches. The horse typically travels around the inside of the The two-day event kicks off with a parade and creative course, while the skier negotiates the gates and soars float competition on Friday night, February 28. Float over the jumps in hopes of completing two successful judging will take place at 5 p.m. in the True Value parkruns. ing lot, after which the parade will depart for its trek The skier must be upright and on at least one ski while through town at 6 p.m. crossing the finish line. A five-second penalty is incurred On Saturday, the Cardboard Classic will be in full swing for each gate the rider misses. Schoolhouses of Carbon County (Jan. 23, 2014) Join us at the Carbon County Historical Society Museum on January 23 at 7 p.m. for a lecture by Richard Thayer on “Schoolhouses of Carbon County, Montana; 1876 to the Present.” Winter hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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The event is held at the Home of Champions Rodeo Grounds off Highway 87, about a quarter mile west of Red Lodge. Admission to the one-of-a-kind event is $5, and parking is free. The competition begins around noon each day, but be sure to get there early to reserve a good spot. For additional information, please log on to www. redlodge.com/ski-joring. St. Patrick’s Day Parade (date TBD) It’s the luck-o-the-Irish in Red Lodge and it comes in the form of a parade. While the real day is a Monday, the parade date is to be determined, so watch redlodge.com or the Festival of Nations’ Facebook page for specifics. But if it’s the Irish you be a‘wanting, head downtown for a look at bagpipe players, traditional dress and the flag of the Green Isle. Peaks to Prairie Adventure Race (April 27, 2014) A race with a 36-year history is more than an average race. The Peaks to Prairie Adventure Race, from south of Red Lodge to the Yellowstone River, takes the adventure from far-above-average to epic. Mark your calendars and start training for “Peaks” as it is affectionately called, because spring will be here before you know it. Take on the entire race yourself or create a team for each leg—run; bike; paddle. But remember—it’s all downhill. Registration opens Jan. 31, 2014. Log on to peakstoprairie.org for entries, details and more information.