Explore Red Lodge by Billings Gazette

Red lodge

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Explore

November 2015

Christmas Stroll and Blade Parade: 25 years and going strong

Cover photo by tom egenes flash’s studio

INSIDE

By Brenda Maas bmaas@billingsgazette.com

Yellowstone Wildlife sanctuary: Learn about native Yellowstone ecosystem wildlife while standing only feet from mountain lions, black bears and wolves. Page 5 Upcoming events: Red Lodge is host to exciting events year-round; read up on the upcoming events. Page 5 Red Lodge Mountain: Time to hit the hill! Opening day at Red Lodge Mountain is set for Friday, Nov. 27. Page 6 Explore Red Lodge is a special advertising section of The Billings Gazette

general Manager Dave Worstell Retail sales Manager Shelli Scott director of Major accounts, Classified & digital sales Ryan Brosseau director of Marketing Allyn Hulteng special sections Coordinator Linsay Foley Content editors Brittany Cremer Brenda Maas section designer Kara Peterson

It’s a sight to behold. The annual Christmas Stroll, held in conjunction with the Red Lodge Blade Parade, stands as the event of the season for 25 years running. “There’s not a dark store in the town,” Kathy Robson, owner of Red Lodge Books & Tea and Stroll coordinator, said. “The entire downtown participates. It’s a big party and everyone has so much fun.” Although the Stroll has evolved over the years from a daytime event to a two-evening celebration, which includes a “kick-off” Blade Parade, the impetus remains the same. Focusing locally, celebrating the season and welcoming one and all, the Stroll encompasses the entire community. Merchants, about 50 in all, stay open until 9 p.m. both Friday and Saturday evenings, five blocks of Broadway are closed to vehicle traffic and a jovial atmosphere permeates the air—often along with toe-tapping tune from local musicians. According to Robson, most intersections have fire pits for warming hands and toasting marshmallows. Community organizations offer everything from hot chocolate to gift wrapping and “Mr. and Mrs. Grinch” wander about, entertaining young and old alike with prose from Dr. Seuss’ timeless tale.

Courtesy of Red Lodge Christmas stroll The commemorative poster, which celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Red Lodge Anniversary Stroll, was created by local artist John Kosel.

CHRISTMAS STROLL & BLADE PARADE DETAILS Friday, Dec. 4 5 – 9 p.m. Stores stay open late; street blocked for horse-drawn rides 5:30 p.m. Community Lighting Ceremony – start at library 6 p.m. Blade Parade 6:30 – 9 p.m. Santa and Tricksy the Elf greet children at the Elks Club

Saturday, Dec. 5 5 – 9 p.m. Stores stay open late; street blocked for horse-drawn rides 6 – 9 p.m. Sisters on the Fly open holidaydecorated trailers to public 6 – 9 p.m. Santa and Tricksy the Elf greet children the Elks Club

Access Explore Red Lodge at www.billingsgazette.com/ specialsections

Continued on Page 2

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“Giving lifelong sanctuary to non-releasable native Montana wildlife and sharing a message of conservation and education.”

Saturday – Sunday 10am – 4pm Closed Weekdays November - February

Participants, Donors, Volunteers & Staff Raised

$234,085 for 59 charities during this year’s event! Learn how you can help at:

FROM BILLINGS TURN LEFT ON 2ND STREET IN RED LODGE.

www.RedLodgeFunRun.org email: funrun@rlacf.org

www.yellowstonewildlifesanctuary.org

The Red Lodge Fun Run for Charities is organized by: The Red Lodge Area Community Foundation – PO Box 1871, Red Lodge, MT 59068

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Thursday, November 26, 2015

Red lodge

Holiday Happenings at the Carbon County Arts Guild & Depot Gallery

gaZette staff The Carbon County Arts Guild features local and regional artist in a variety of mediums. Stop in this holiday season to simply peruse or for gift ideas.

Courtesy of the Carbon County Arts Guild & Depot Gallery

(1816-1887), The Blind Men and the Elephant serves as the text which accompanies this series of drawings. The exhibit is free and open to everyone during the Guild’s normal hours.

DECEMBER

Dec 1-31:The Art of Mike Kosorok continues In the Main gallery through the end of December, be sure to catch this beautiful exhibit. Western beauty, culture and color meld at the Carbon County Arts Guild & Depot Gallery. This holiday season, pop in to peruse a wide variety of exhibitions, attend a Nov 7: Artists’ Reception—Meet Mike Kosorok Dec 1-31: Rock Creek Miniature Exhibit class and uncover the perfect holiday gift for that someThe reception will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. and is free See artwork in small size created by many of the one special on your list. and open to everyone. Refreshments will be served. Guild’s artists. A challenge for most artists, the miniature Be sure to mark your calendars for these red-letter artwork will delight everyone. All works of art in this dates and events: Nov. 8: Create Holiday Cards to Treasure with Dolly show are 6”x8” or smaller. In the Guild’s North Gallery for December and continuing through Jan 31, 2016, the Frerichs Stuber NOVEMBER exhibit is free and open to everyone during the Guild’s Learn how to create delightful Holiday cards which normal hours. Nov 1-30:The Art of Mike Kosorok make special keepsakes. All levels welcome. Attendees This is an exhibit of retrospective and current work by may bring pictures for inspiration, but they are not necesRed Lodge artist, Mike Kosorok. Mike has been a profes- sary. Do, however, come equipped with ideas and your Dec 4-5: Red Lodge Christmas Stroll and Artists’ sional artist for over 40 years and is well-known in the Reception creative spirit. The event will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 region for his broad, sweeping landscape paintings of the p.m. Join us from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. for one of the best social Beartooth Mountains and the area around Red Lodge events of the year. Start at the Guild, have some holiday Dolly Frerichs Stuber, an experienced watercolorist and Bear Creek, Montana. libations, and do a bit of holiday shopping. Bring your and oil painter, will have examples to start your creative Mike works in oil, watercolor, pen and ink and mixed friends and family and stroll up Broadway and enjoy the process. She has won the Red Lodge Christmas Stroll media. He is recently retired from his teaching career in rest of the holiday festivities. Poster Contest twice and also owns and operates The the Red Lodge schools. This exhibit will be in the Guild’s Strawberry Patch Frame Shop in Red Lodge. Main Depot Gallery during November and December. Cost is $40 for members and $45 for non-member. December 12: How to Make a Painting Work with The exhibit is free and open to everyone during the E. Denney Neville Guild’s normal hours. November 21: Oil Painting with Elliot Eaton Do you have a painting sitting around that you just Elliott will be discussing and teaching oil painting, start- aren’t happy with or you know something is not quite Nov 1-30:The Blind Men & The Elephant, Drawings by ing with a demonstration then individual instruction and right? This is the class for you. Stephen Glueckert constructive critique. The event will be held from 10 a.m. Bring two or more paintings, not larger than 16 x 20 This series of 20 drawings was created using oil-based to 3 p.m. while everyone works on their own creation. and Denney will help you evaluate and make suggestions drawing materials, including oil pastel, cattle marker, (For intermediate to advanced levels.) Cost is $50 for to help you “Make that painting work.” Keno crayon and China marker. The drawings are directly Guild Members and $65 for non-members. Bring a sketch book to work out ideas and all of the supinspired by the ancient parable that has much to teach plies you normally work with. us today. The tale seemed a natural attempt to develop Nov 30: 6th Annual Holiday Bazaar Opens The event is held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and cost is in black and white, since at the core of the tale is the In its 6th year, the Holiday Bazaar offers patrons the $75. Call (406) 446-1370 to sign up or for more informametaphor of blindness, contrasting the worlds of light and opportunity to enjoy the arts and crafts of our artist tion. dark, the seen and unseen. The tale contrasts the ideas of members in a relaxed setting at the Guild. what we can actually grasp as real through evidence, with Browse the selection of scarves, socks, jewelry, pottery, For additional information about the Carbon County what we might perceive in our mind’s eye as truth. And notecards, small paintings, bags and more as you consider Arts Guild or its events, visit carboncountydepotgallery. in the end, the piece reveals how utterly wrong everyone everyone on your gift list. The bazaar runs through the org or call the Guild at (406) 446-1370. can be. end of the year during the Guild’s normal hours, Monday The original Blind Men and the Elephant parable origi- through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 nated in China sometime during the Han Dynasty (202 p.m. There is no cost to come by and shop, and gift wrapBC-202 AD). Over the years, the tale has evolved. The ping is available. relative modern poem by American John Godfrey Saxe

Blade Parade/Christmas Stroll continued from Page 1 Bright lights “Everyone loves a parade,” noted Gloria Mahan, veteran parade organizer, and the annual Blade Parade takes the celebration to another level. Anything that pushes snow is welcome to join the festive procession down Broadway. In previous years spectators enjoyed everything from plow trucks, four-wheelers and heavy snow-removal equipment to folks riding garden tractors and pushing shovels—even dogs pulling sleds. There are no rules—anything and everything goes. “As far as we can tell, we are the only ones who do a Blade Parade,” said Robson. Who knew there were so many ways to decorate a snow plow? The final entry, Santa and Tricksy the Elf, bring up the rear in a horse-drawn wagon, driven by master teamster Don Coutts of Beartooth Wagon & Sleigh Rides. They finish at the Elks Club, where they greet children until 9 p.m. both evenings. The joviality continues throughout both evenings with more horse-drawn rides while carolers and musicians, towns-people and visitors alike stroll about downtown, sharing the kind of holiday cheer and goodwill that keeps the hearth fires burning ‘til spring. “People come from all around for this weekend—the streets are packed and it’s just so much fun,” Robson said. “There’s no better way to kick off the holiday season.” The Stroll events go on, regardless of weather conditions. For more information or updated details see redlodge.com or follow Red Lodge Christmas Stroll on Facebook.

Santa and Tricksy the Elf bring up the rear in the 2014 Red Lodge Blade Parade.

Courtesy of Merv Coleman

Red lodge

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow! Red Lodge Nordic Center offer leisure alternative

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A b ou t us The Red Lodge Nordic

Center, in operation for over 25 years, is in partnership with, and is located on, Aspen Ridge Ranch. It is operated by Beartooth Recreational Trails Association, an all-volunteer non-profit organization.

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The day downed crisp and clear. No wind and a few inches of fresh snow overnight made the conditions perfect. The volunteer groomers were barely finished when the first skiers were strapping on their boots. In less than 60 minutes, the Red Lodge Nordic Center went from silent wonderland to cross-country skiing nirvana. Located just west of the city of Red Lodge, off highway 78, this wintertime play land boasts the only groomed trails between Bozeman and Cody, according to Beartooth Recreational Trails Association (BRTA) president, Grant Barnard. With approximately 15 kilometers of trails, the terrain varies enough to entertain beginners and experts alike. For those who want an extra challenge, look to the area called the “Far Side.” Beginners will likely prefer any of the “meadow” loops that are more flat. Barnard noted that BRTA, which is operated solely by volunteers, will once again offer “Learn to Ski” classes for children ages 4 to 12. Cost is $10 per child. “This is a really popular program and a great service,” he said. “We are improving the training program for our volunteer instructors, too.” He reported 70 participants the first year and more than 100 last season, the second year. BRTA also offers private lessons in both Nordic and skate-style skiing. When conditions and funds allow, BTRA volunteers may groom the trail at West Fork Road, which is barricaded at the Girl Scout Camp from Dec. 1 through April 15. Additionally, Nordic skiers may enjoy other local, ungroomed trails: Silver Run, Parkside, Lake Fork, Willow Creek and Palisades Trails.

RIDGE

By Brenda Maas bmaas@billingsgazette.com

Courtesy of BtRa The Beartooth Recreational Trails Association will once again offer “Learn to Ski” classes for children ages 4 to 12.

eve n ts We host a variety of special

events including ski clinics, moonlight skiing, kids programs, and race events. Check out our website for a current list of upcoming events.

Lessons Adult: info@beartoothtrails.org. Kids: ehfouts@msn.com

Full moon While most skiers enjoy the Nordic Center during daylight hours, the BRTA works with the National Forest Service to sponsor monthly moonlight gatherings that include a presentation by local experts. Past topics include the science of snow, ice climbing and local geology. Stay tuned for 2015-16 topics and date or watch the “Events” section on the BRTA website. The evening also includes fire pits for warming cold hands and sharing conversation— creating near-perfect camaraderie. Many bring snacks and hot cocoa to share, making it a pleasant, low-cost evening of fun, education and exercise along moonlit trails. For more information, directions, grooming reports or other details, see beartoothtrails.org or email info@beartoothtrails.com.

NORDIC CENTER FEES Daily rates: • Adult • Kids

$5 Free

Season Pass:

• Individual • Family • Seniors 65 and older

$50 $90 $25

The sign-in and money box are located at the parking lot. Everyone, including season pass holders, needs to sign in each day. Day pass users can deposit their daily trail fees in the money box.

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

CARBON COUNTY ARTS GUILD & DEPOT GALLERY 11 West 8th Street Red Lodge, Montana

406-446-1370

Come to the Christmas Stroll in Red Lodge and meet our featured artist Mike Kosorok on

Saturday, December 5 from 4-8pm. We’ll also have our Holiday Bazaar, starting on November 22 and Miniature Art show, December and January, with many great items for you to choose from for Christmas gifts.

Featuring... Condominium-Style Apartments & Studio Units 1505 South Broadway

406 - 446 -1601

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Reservations: (406) 425-2600

Give the Gift of Skiing Adult 6 & 10 Tix Starting at $265 Junior 6 & 10 Tix Starting at $220 Purchase Online at RedLodgeMountain.com/Tix Montana Skiing, Pure & Simple

406.445.0751

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Red lodge

Dig into History at the Carbon County Historical Society Museum By Brenda Maas bmaas@billingsgazette.com When you need a break from all the fabulous outdoor activities that the Red Lodge area has to offer, try digging into a bit of history at the Carbon County Historical Society Museum. Housed in the former Labor Temple building at 224 N. Broadway, the museum offers rodeo, mining, American Indian, homesteading and ranching exhibits specific to Carbon County. Learn how the Greenough and Linderman families influenced the Red Lodge rodeo and the impact of mining on life in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Stillwater Mine Exhibit gives insight into modern-day mining. For those who prefer a bit more adventure, or an outdoor excursion, try one of the 12 self-guided walking or driving tours that the historical society has researched, organized and published via Google maps.

To get started, log on to carboncountyhistory.com and click on the “Explore Red Lodge” box on the right side. The historical society also hosts a monthly lecture series the fourth Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. As is custom, the museum will be open until 9 p.m. during the Christmas Stroll on Friday and Saturday, December 4 and 5. Executive Director, Debbi Brown, encourages shoppers to consider the Mercantile Museum Store, which offers a new line of made-inMontana pewter Christmas ornaments, laser-cut wooden earrings and Montana huckleberry products, along with publications on local history. For more information on anything related to the historical society or museum, see carboncountyhistory.com or call (406) 446-3667.

2016 (tentative) Lecture Series: January 28: Clay Scott, historian and journalist, presents

“Our Voices, Places, Stories: The Art of Oral History” February 25: Jane Nibbler talks about her work with the

Pryor Mountain Wild Horses March 24: Shawn Stewart discusses “Grizzly Expansion” Winter Hours Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Christmas Stroll, December 4-5: until 9 p.m. Admission

• Adults: $5 • Seniors (over 60) & Students: $3 • Families (2 adults + 2 children under age 18): $12 • Members & Children (under age 5): Free • School & Group Rates: Call for rates/schedule

Red Lodge Calendar of Events Sponsored by

Real people. Exceptional Care. 2525 North Broadway – Red Lodge 406.446.2345 www.beartoothbillingsclinic.org Clinic • Hospital • Emergency

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER 4 Blue Light Ceremony, Lions Park, 5:30 p.m. Lantern Walk, downtown Red Lodge, 5:30 p.m. Blade Parade, downtown, 6 p.m. Christmas Stroll, downtown, 6 to 9 p.m.

NOVEMBER 1-30 The art of Mike Kosorok, Carbon County Arts Guild DECEMBER 5 The Blind Men & The Elephant – drawings by Gary Little, other live appearances, free drinks and Stephen Glueckert, Carbon County Arts Guild deals, Red Lodge Books and Tea, call (406) 446-2742 Pre-Stroll celebration, Yellowstone Wildlife SanctuNOVEMBER 6 ary, (406) 446-1133 First Friday Artwalk, downtown Red Lodge, Red Lodge Christmas Stroll & Artists’ Recepcall (406) 446-1600 tion, Carbon County Arts Guild, 4-8 p.m. Christmas Stroll, downtown, 6 to 9 p.m. NOVEMBER 7 Red Lodge Fringe Festival, St. Agnes Church, call DECEMBER 8 (406) 425-8922 Family Holiday class, Red Lodge Clay Center, Artists’ Reception – meet Mike Kosorok, Carbon 4:30-6 p.m. County Arts Guild, 3-5 p.m. DECEMBER 12 NOVEMBER 8 How to make a painting work with E. Denney Create holiday cards with Dolly Frerichs Stuber, Neville, Carbon County Arts Guild, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Carbon County Arts Guild, 1-5 p.m. DECEMBER 16 NOVEMBER 14 Friends of the Library book sale, Carnegie Library, Thanksgiving class, Red Lodge Clay Center, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 10:30 a.m.-noon Sky swap, Red Lodge Civic Center, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. DECEMBER 25 Merry Christmas! NOVEMBER 21 Oil painting with Elliot Eaton, Carbon County Arts DECEMBER 31 Guild, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. New Year’s Eve! live music, downtown Red Lodge NOVEMBER 26 Happy Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, 10 a.m., call (406) 860-3825

JANUARY

NOVEMBER 27 JANUARY 1 Red Lodge Mountain Ski Resort opens, lifts start Happy New Year! at 9 a.m., music at the Bierstube at 3 p.m. JANUARY 1-3 NOVEMBER 28 RMDS Agility Trials, Yellowstone Dog Sports, call Small Business Saturday, downtown Red Lodge, (406) 446-4777 all day JANUARY 8 Ullr Fest, Red Lodge Ales Brewing Company, 6 p.m.

DECEMBER

FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 5 First Friday Artwalk, downtown Red Lodge, 5-7 p.m. FEBRUARY 6 Monster Mini Jam, Red Lodge Mountain, 9 a.m. FEBRUARY 14 Happy Valentine’s Day! FEBRUARY 20 Triple Jump Jackpot, Red Lodge Mountain, 9 a.m. FEBRUARY 25 Jane Nibbler talks about her work with the Pryor Mountain Horses, Carbon County Historical Society Museum, 7 p.m.

MARCH MARCH 5 Winter Carnival, Red Lodge Mountain MARCH 6 Monster Dog Pull MARCH 16 Friends of the Library book sale, Carnegie Library, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. MARCH 17 Happy St. Patrick’s Day! St. Patrick’s Day Parade, downtown Red Lodge MARCH 19 Boarder Cross, Red Lodge Mountain, 9 a.m. MARCH 24 Shawn Stewart discusses “Grizzly Expansion,” Carbon County Historical Society Museum, 7 p.m.

APRIL

JANUARY 9 DECEMBER 1-31 Slopestyle: Part One of the Scrap Yard Park Rock Creek Artists Miniature Exhibit, Carbon series, Red Lodge Mountain, 9 a.m. APRIL 23 County Arts Guild Bede Clark and Julia Galloway workshop, The art of Mike Kosorok continues, Carbon JANUARY 20 Red Lodge Clay Center, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Friends of the Library book sale, Carnegie Library, County Arts Guild 10 a.m.-4 p.m. APRIL 24 North Plains Women Explored, Carbon County Bede Clark and Julia Galloway workshop, DECEMBER 1 Family Holiday class, Red Lodge Clay Center, Depot Gallery, 7-8:30 p.m. Red Lodge Clay Center, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 4:30-6 p.m. JANUARY 23-24 APRIL 30 Never Summer Snowboard Demo Days, Red 21st annual Beartooth Ball, Rock Creek Resort, DECEMBER 3 Family Holiday class, Red Lodge Clay Center, Lodge Mountain, call (406) 446-2610 5 p.m. 4:30-6 p.m. JANUARY 28 Clay Scott, historian and journalist, presents For more exhibits, classes and events DECEMBER 4 Gary Little, other live appearances, free drinks and “Our Voices, Places, Stories:The Art of Oral His- at the Red Lodge Clay Center, please deals, Red Lodge Books and Tea, call (406) 446-2742 tory,” Carbon County Historical Society Museum, see redlodgeclaycenter.com. Red Lodge Christmas Stroll & Artists’ Recep- 7 p.m. tion, Carbon County Arts Guild, 4-8 p.m. First Friday Artwalk, downtown Red Lodge, 5-7 p.m.

RED LODGE

Call of the Wild Provided by Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary

And while the winter time might not seem like the best time to visit the animals, it’s actually a great time. Several of the animals love the snow and thrive during dipping temperatures. Check out YWS’s website at yellowstonewildlifesanctuary. com for more details or call (406) 446-1133.YWS is open year-round with winter hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Closed on Mondays.) Admission rates are on the website, and all Montana residents receive a discount off their standard rates. To get there, head south on 212 and turn left immediately past the first gas station onto 2nd Street East.

Did you know that just a short drive from Billings there is an amazing wildlife sanctuary that is home to more than 70 rescued wild animals? The Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary (YWS) is nestled on the north side of Red Lodge, and a trip to visit the beautiful animals is sure to make everyone in the family smile. At YWS, you and your family will learn all about native Yellowstone ecosystem wildlife while standing only feet from mountain lions, black bears and wolves. It is the only place in Montana where you can see so many animals up close and also support their mission to save these beautiful creatures. Upcoming in 2016 Mission possible YWS will expand educational opportunities to The rescued residents are at Yellowstone Wildlife include offerings for outdoor enthusiasts. Watch for Sanctuary because they were injured, orphaned or water ecology and fire ecology field sessions along with imprinted on humans and can’t survive in the wild. more kids’ camps and workshops. During your visit, be sure to meet the elk, bison and mule deer. These characters are sure to make you laugh as you read their stories. For example, when the bison was just a calf, she actually rode around Red Lodge in a Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary staff were busier convertible before finding her way to YWS. than beavers in 2015. The end results include: If you visit soon, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of one of four black bears before they settle • New house and lounging ledge for down for a long winter’s nap. And then you’ll meet Sacajawea (mountain lion) Thor, the North American Lynx, Bobbie Sioux the • New house for Thor (Canada lynx) Bobcat, 10 species of native hawks and owls along with • Foxes relocated to an improved three sly fox. habitat • New enclosure for bears, including a Rescue and refuge hammock for afternoon naps and deck The mission of YWS is to provide these very special with pool creatures with a safe and loving place to live out the • New enclosure yard, along with shaded rest of their lives. While the animals love visitors, staff viewing area, for coyotes at the Sanctuary asks that guests follow the posted

2015 YWS UPDATES

rules and be respectful of the animals.

CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff A great horned owl is one of the many wild animals you will see while visiting the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary.

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Upcoming Events Winter Carnival (March 5, 2016) A red-letter date for all Red Lodge Mountain devotees, the Winter Carnival is about so much more than just skiing. Come for the day to enjoy food, frivolity, costume contest, the famed Cardboard Classic race, live music, torchlight parade and fireworks. The day kicks off at 9 a.m. with festivities running until 7 p.m. Log on to redlodgemountain.com for more information. St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 17, 2015) Calling all leprechauns to join the fun in “Green” Lodge. The annual parade starts at 5:30 p.m. near Pizano’s and ends at the Elks Lodge. Afterward, enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day-style dinner at the Elks Club. See redlodge.com for more information. 21st Annual Beartooth Ball (April 30, 2016) A fundraiser for the Beartooth Billings Clinic Foundation, this over-the-top event includes silent and live auctions, fabulous hors d’ oeuvres, costumes, music and dancing. Dress up, dress down, or dress in costume. Be a part of Red Lodge’s finest fundraiser! National Finals Ski-Joring (Date TBD) What came first…the horse or the skier? When it’s time for National Finals Ski-Joring in Red Lodge, it’s the horse, of course! For some winter fun, western style, head up to the fairgrounds for this Scandinavian team-sport specialty in which a horse and rider help navigate a skier through a course of slalom gates and jumps at breakneck speed. See redlodgeskijoring.com for more details. Peaks to Prairie Adventure Race (Date TBD) The training starts NOW for the 37th annual Peaks to Prairie Adventure Race. Form a team and compete in one “leg” of the race, or do all three yourself. Either way, “Peaks” has evolved into an epic adventure, and you will want to be part of it. See peakstoprairie.org for entries and other details.

HANNAH POTES/Gazette Staff The annual Peaks to Prairie Adventure race features three segments—a running portion, kayaking portion and biking portion. Stay tuned for specific event dates and times.

Thursday, November 26, 2015

RED LODGE

Opening Day at Red Lodge Mountain: Time to Hit the Hill

By Brittany Cremer bcremer@billingsgazette.com

Black diamond hunters Red Lodge Mountain is touted as being familyfriendly, but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let that mislead you into thinking Here in eastern Montana, the term â&#x20AC;&#x153;Opening Dayâ&#x20AC;? all they have are bunny slopes. has nothing to do with baseballâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and everything to RLM offers a vast array of challenging runs and terdo with downhill skiing and snowboarding. rain for the expert skier. With an annual average of 250â&#x20AC;? of white stuff and There are several areas on the back side of the an average temperature of 31 degrees, Red Lodge mountain that are heavily-gladed with steep pitchMountain (RLM) is all about snow. esâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;remote and beautiful. Opening Day is set for Friday, Nov. 27, depending However, for safety reasons, staff at RLM does on conditions, according to Jeff Carroll, Red Lodge recommend you ski with a friend into these areas. Mountain director of sales and marketing. For many, a day at the slopes following Thanksgiving Day dinner Tickets, please! has become a tradition. And for those budding famiThe season pass remains a popular option for lies looking to create one, the mountain is ripe with many local snow hounds, and the Grizzly Peak Club fun for everyone (and plenty of spots for the perfect remains a popular option for the diehard skier. photo-opp.) For more details about ticket prices, lessons, rentThe lifts will start running at 9 a.m. with live music als or information on how to get to RLM, check out at the Bierstube in the main lodge area starting at 3 redlodgemountain.com. p.m. Let the skiing begin! Learn a little RLM is a perfect place to learn to ski or snowboardâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;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. RLMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Learn to Ski program offers 1.5 hours of instruction, a lift ticket and ski or board rental for a very modest fee. Reasonable prices and a laid-back atmosphere make Red Lodge Mountain perfect for families. In addition, Red Lodge Mountain offers private, snowboarding and adaptive lessons and 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.

Visit REDLODGE.COM for more information on upcoming events

CASEY PAGE/Gazette Staff Red Lodge Mountain features premium powder for snowboarders and skiers alike. Opening day is slated for Friday, Nov. 27.

HANNAH POTES/Gazette Staff Ride one of Red Lodge Mountainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chair lifts up to scenic, challenging runs.

Ski & Stay at The Pollard Hotel Check out our new Red Lodge office and put our experienced team to work for you and locate that perfect property!

Residential | Rural | Resort | 2nd Homes

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got an early bird package just for you. Grab your cold weather gear, wax up those skis and hurry to Red Lodge! Pat Hoffman 406-425-2600

pat.hoffman@floberg.com

Martha Ridgway 406-208-4658

martha@floberg.com

â&#x20AC;˘ One night stay in a Grand Queen room â&#x20AC;˘ Made to order breakfast for two the following morning in our dining room â&#x20AC;˘ Two lift tickets to Red Lodge Mountain Resort

Only $220 per night Plus tax based on double occupancy.

Nancy Curtiss 406-696-2434

nancy@floberg.com

Package Includes

Maya Burton 406-591-0106

maya@floberg.com

Going to be in town? Stop by and visit â&#x20AC;&#x153;Scoutâ&#x20AC;? our interactive window display and see what listings are available! 111 S. Broadway Suite C. Red Lodge, MT 406-869-7676 Floberg.com bhhs@floberg.com ÂŠ2015 BHH AfďŹ liates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH AfďŹ liates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.ÂŽ Equal Housing Opportunity.

2 North Broadway â&#x20AC;˘ Red Lodge Call 1-800-POLLARD today. Visit www.thepollard.com for upgrades and other offers.