RED LODGE
Billings Gazette
INSIDE Peaks to Prairie The annual race returns to Red Lodge on April 30, covering more than 68 miles. Page 3
Sunday, February 12, 2017 | H1
Yellowstone Dog Sports Barking at Big Sky Country BY MARLISA KEYES
Skijoring Catch a mixture of extreme skiing and cowboy life at Red Lodge Mountain on March 11 & 12. Page 4 Upcoming Events Red Lodge is host to exciting events year-round; read up on the upcoming events. Page 4
Explore Red Lodge is a special advertising section of The Billings Gazette General Manager Dave Worstell Advertising Director Ryan Brosseau Advertising Manager Shelli Scott Special Sections Coordinator Spencyr Knatterud Content Editors Tara Cady Tiffini Gallant Marlisa Keyes Access Explore Red Lodge at www.billingsgazette.com/ specialsections
mkeyes@billingsgazette.com
Guided by its owner’s voice, hand signals and body language, a dog trained in agility sports can compete at its best. The dog’s performance depends on how well an owner communicates with and provides direction to their dog, said owner Elaine Osmun, who has hosted dog skills events for six years at her business, Yellowstone Dog Sports. It’s the handler’s job to memorize the route and give commands at the right time as the dog moves quickly through the course. “What I think is cool about agility is that you and your dog work as a team,” Osmun said. She said 90 percent of the teamwork is up to the handler. “Sometimes it’s the dog that makes the mistake, but most of the time it’s the person,” she said. Agility work gives the animal a PHOTO COURTESY OF YELLOWSTONE DOG SPORTS sense of purpose. “Dogs aren’t used as much in Michelle Hardman’s Portuguese water dog takes a flying leap during a dog diving trial. ranch work or hunting, so agility gives dogs a job to do,” Osmun here,” Osmun said. said. New this year is a North American Dog Agility Council sancAn excuse tioned trial. It takes place Feb. 17-19. Later this year 10 North for a vacation American Dog Agility Council Part of Yellowstone Dog trials and a four-day American Sports’ draw for attendees is its Kennel Club Labor Day Trial will beautiful Montana setting. be held. People bring their furry Yellowstone Dog Sports also friends to compete and train presents dock diving trials, while mixing in vacation time multi-sport dog vacation camps for themselves, Osmun said. for pets. A dog can test his Returnees camp and hike in the Owners and their pups can also or her agility skills Beartooths and explore Yellow- explore hiking trails or use sheep at Yellowstone Dog stone National Park. Red Lodge for training herding dogs. Sports. Yellowstone Dog Sports is lois also a popular shopping and dining stop. cated between Roberts and Red PHOTO COURTESY OF YELLOWSTONE DOG “They often go fly fishing and Lodge. The events are open to the SPORTS white-water rafting while they’re public.
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RED LODGE
| SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2017
BILLINGS GAZETTE
ALES and tails
PHOTO COURTESY OF RED LODGE ALES
The Monster Dog Pull BY TIFFINI GALLANT
tgallant@billingsgazette.com
No, they’re not really monster dogs, as the name of this quirky event suggests. Instead, these competing canines show some monstrous strength. Cheer them on as they chase after their prey… er…owners during this year’s Monster Dog Pull on March 5. Furry fidos of all sizes take part in the 50-foot-long race. To make things interesting, each dog is leashed to a sled. The sled is loaded with a frozen keg according to their weight class, and they’re off. Owners encourage their pups down the track, but some listen better than others. The dog with the fastest time from the start line to the finish line takes first prize in each division. Races begin at noon and usually draw a big crowd of fans who come to enjoy the laughs and the Red Lodge Ales libations. If your dog is more of a participant than a spectator, sign them up to race. Simply bring your powerful pup to Sam’s Tap Room at 1445 N. Broadway in Red Lodge.
Race Divisions Weight class
Keg weight
0-20 lb.
10 lb.
20-40 lb.
30 lb.
40-60 lb.
50 lb.
60-80 lb.
70 lb.
80-100 lb.
90 lb.
100+ lb.
110 lb.
Registration begins at 10 a.m. on race day, and the $5 entry fee means you’ll have more to spend on brews and food. After last year’s event was cancelled for a lack of snow, the team at Red Lodge Ales Brewing Company is looking forward to its comeback. “We are simply excited to hold the event once again,” said Andy Simpson, event organizer for the brewery. “Having it cancelled last year was a real bummer.” You won’t want to miss this anticipated race. And don’t forget PHOTO COURTESY OF RED LODGE ALES man’s best friend – a monster dog in the making. Although they’re not really monsters, these dogs know how to chase – and race – to the finish line.
Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary A 30-year critter community BY TIFFINI GALLANT
tgallant@billingsgazette.com
This is a special year for the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary. For three decades, the organization has provided a safe haven to non-releasable native Montana wildlife. Habitats have evolved along with animal care standards and outreach initiatives to meet the needs of their “rescued residents.” Mark your calendars for their 30th anniversary celebration on July 1. They are commemorating the occasion with games and activities, a silent auction, barbecue and free admission for visitors. But 2017 is not all about celebrating – there is work to be done. The first portion of the year has been dedicated to revamping their website, including photographs of current projects. In the coming months, the sanctuary will be looking to complete a new marmot habitat as well as year-round sandhill crane and vulture habitats. The organization values the Red Lodge community, donations and volunteers. They can
Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary Hours (until March 1): Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours (after March 1): Wednesday-Monday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Tuesday Admission: Adults $8 Seniors $6 Kids 4-12 $4 Kids 3 and under FREE Military $6 always use building materials and tools. Trees, shrubs and grass seed are also helpful, but sanctuary staff suggests calling ahead to confirm which varieties are of most use. “Enrichment items for our animals are very welcome,” said Sue Glock, an administrator. “As far as volunteers, gardeners are always appreciated.”
Carbon County Arts Guild Student art show opens March 1 BY MARLISA KEYES
mkeyes@billingsgazette.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE YELLOWSTONE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Pictured here is Rocky, a three year-old porcupine who’s spent most of his life at the Sanctuary. Rocky enjoys chatting with visitors, but not quite as much as he enjoys his favorite food, sweet potatoes. And there is no shortage of gardens to get your green thumb dirty. The organization says its garden spaces are part of what make the sanctuary appealing for animals and visitors alike. Looking ahead, they will continue a mission to share a message of conservation and education. Offering informative tours, animal encounters and summer camps are a few ways the sanctuary engages wildlife enthusiasts of all ages and from around the world. “We also strive to give our visitors an educational and amazing experience,” said Glock. Summer hours resume March 1. Check out their website at yellowstonewildlifesanctuary.org for news and information.
The Carbon County Arts Guild’s winter and spring calendar for the Depot Gallery has enough going on to warrant repeat visits. The Guild will showcase photography, bronze sculptures and art from students and members now through May, said staff member Kristan Apodaca. The All Artists Exhibit is open through February and features never-before-seen art from 32 guild members. It displays a mixture of mediums from photography and sculpture to acrylic and oil paintings, she said. Art by part-time landscape photographer Ken Minnie and Montana-based bronze sculptor Gerry Wempner is also on display through February. Minnie shoots Montana images and likes to take photographs of old cars and barns, while Wempner creates cowboy-related small bronzes. He is especially known for sculpting horses, Apodaca said. One of the season’s most anticipated events is the annual student art show. The Carbon County, Fishtail & Nye Student Exhibit is March 1-30. It includes an artists’ reception on March 4 from 3 to 5 p.m. “It’s kind of a big deal for kids,” Apodaca said. “It’s a little mixture from each school.” Next up is the Rocky Mountain Regional Juried Show, April 1-30. It will include a cross-section of artists selected by juror and Red Lodge artist Mike Kosorok. In May, the Guild will hold the All Member Artist Show with a different slate of artists from the February exhibition.
Gallery schedule: Through Feb. 28 All Artist Exhibit, North Gallery Ken Minnie landscape photography Gerry Wempner bronzes March 11 Student Exhibit reception, 3 to 5 p.m. March 1-30 Carbon County, Fishtail & Nye Student Exhibit Grades K thru 12 April 1-30 Rocky Mountain Juried Exhibit, Depot Gallery MAGDA Exhibition, North Gallery April 8 MAGDA & Rocky Mountain Juried Exhibit reception, 3 to 5 p.m. May 1-30 All Member Artist Show May 8 All Member Artist Show reception, 3 to 5 p.m. Also set for May is the Montana Peepshow, a time-traveling journey about Queen Elizabeth I‘s first four visits to Montana from 1805 to 1911, presented by artist Leslie Van Stavern Millar II of Arlee. Carbon County Arts Guild membership includes 250 artists from throughout the United States. Located at 11 W. 8th St., it is open daily. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit carboncountydepotgallery.org. M 1
Red Lodge
Billings Gazette
Sunday, February 12, 2017 | H3
Winter Carnival: Under the Sea Riding the waves on Red Lodge Mountain BY MARLISA KEYES
mkeyes@billingsgazette.com
Strap on your scuba gear and snow skis before diving into Red Lodge Mountain’s annual Winter Carnival. The March 4 “Under the Sea” shindig takes on a watery theme this year, said Jeff Carroll, the ski hill’s general manager. The Cardboard Classic is on tap again after 2016’s hiatus. While warm and windy conditions made it impossible to have enough snow a year ago, this year’s weather is providing winter sports aficionados with a bit more love. “The cold weather is helping us keep the snow,” he said. Winter Carnival is one of Red Lodge Mountain’s biggest draws of the season. Enjoy a drink and food on the Bierstube deck and watch costumed competitors hurl handmade paper crafts down the slope in a battle for king of the hill. This year’s Cardboard Classic has almost $1,000 in prizes. It is a competition where one-upmanship is the goal. Limited to using cardboard, glue and tape, entrants vie for honors that include the fastest and most creative craft in each age category. A knack for innovative costume construction will help those who compete for the best look. Hint: stick to Winter Carnival’s liquid theme to make yourself the apple of the judge’s eyes. The day’s festivities include live music with Milton Menasco Photos courtesy of Red Lodge Mountain and the Big Fiasco, a Rail Jam and Torchlight Parade capped off by The Torchlight Parade and Fireworks cap off Winter Carnival festivities. Inset: Cardboard Classic competitors race down Red Lodge Mountain during fireworks. Winter Carnival. Winter Carnival is an excuse to get outside, socialize and have Saturday, March 4, 2017 fun. The event always attracts many people who don’t ski, Car4 p.m. Rail Jam at Lower Miami 8 a.m. Cardboard Classic & Rail 11:30 a.m. Cardboard crafts make Noon Cardboard Classic Race at roll said. Beach Jam, registration at Courtyard their way to the starting line at the Showoff Alley and Costume con“Expect a great time to get out test at Bierstube deck bottom of Willow Chair 7 p.m. Torchlight Parade & Fire11 a.m. Craft contest at Courtyard and enjoy winter,” he said. works 2 p.m. Music by Milton Menasco & For more information or to regthe Big Fiasco at Bierstube deck ister for Winter Carnival events, go to redlodgemountain.com.
Winter Carnival schedule
Peaks to Prairie Adventure Race BY TIFFINI GALLANT
tgallant@billingsgazette.com
Adventure awaits! Kickstart race season with the 39th annual Peaks to Prairie Adventure Race on April 30. With five Sundays this April, organizer Kendra Baker-Keener is taking advantage of potential fair weather by pushing the event back by one week. But don’t worry – rain or shine, this event is sure to be a challenge. Peaks to Prairie events begin with a 9.3-mile run from the Beartooth Pass above Red Lodge to the heart of town. Participants can choose to continue to the next two legs. That’s right, a single-leg run is new this spring. “In previous years, a couple boyfriends or girlfriends wanted to run alongside their significant others during that first part of the race,” said Baker-Keener. “So I thought, HANNAH POTES/Gazette Staff we should just open this The intense Peaks to Prairie Adventure Race covers 68.3 miles; with a 9.3-mile run, a 49up.” mile bike ride and a 10-mile boat row. Brave athletes can continue the gauntlet with the “In previous years, a couple boyfriends “We had 375 (participants) in last year’s race,” bike leg, which departs from Red Lodge and cov- or girlfriends wanted to run alongside said Baker-Keener. But she ers 49 miles to Columbus. their significant others during that hopes the later race date will Next, racers transition to bolster that number closer first part of the race. So I thought, we the boat leg, in which they to the 500 mark this year. row 10 miles from Itch- should just open this up.” Registration opens Kep-Pe Park to the SpeOrganizer Kendra Baker-Keener, Feb. 14 and volunteers are cial K Ranch just outside on adding a single-leg option needed to make it successof town. ful. For more information A celebration is held at concludes. a fresh competitor can take or to sign up to help, visit the ranch when the race Teams are encouraged so part at each transition. peakstoprairie.org. M 1
St. Patrick’s Day Parade, celebration BY MARLISA KEYES
mkeyes@billingsgazette.com
Fill up on corned beef and cabbage and top off your glass of green beer during the Elks Lodge’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celebration. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with the parade, said organizer Tera Reynolds. The parade starts on 13th Street and heads north to Elks Lodge No. 534 for a traditional catered Irish meal. Dinner is $12 for adults or $7 for a half plate. Afterward, kick up your heels and work off dinner during the dance. Entertainment includes Celtic Fusion Dancers. Proceeds from the dinner go to college scholarships and making the Lodge handicap accessible, Reynolds said.
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RED LODGE
H4 | Sunday, February 12, 2017
Billings Gazette
BACK IN ACTION Skijoring returns to Red Lodge
COURTESY PHOTO BY TIFFINI GALLANT
tgallant@billingsgazette.com
T
he Red Lodge skijoring event has a new person in charge – but organizer Kristen Beck is taking her duties seriously. “I think it is just the coolest sport ever,” said Beck. “(Skijoring is) a really neat mixture of extreme skiing and cowboy life.” The crowd will rally as skiers are pulled behind a horse with a rope, navigating a course in hope of the fastest time to the finish line. Part of the excitement is the recognition Red Lodge skijoring has received. After more than 50 years hosting the final race of the season, Ski Joring America has officially sanctioned the Red Lodge competition as the last race of their circuit. This year’s skijoring commences at high noon on both March 11 and 12. Tickets are sold at the gate and are $5 for adults. Kids under 12 are admitted for free.
Skijoring races typically have a straight track or one shaped like a horseshoe. The Red Lodge horseshoe track is about 700 feet long with more than 20 slalom gates and four jumps. Teams get two runs each day, and the top three fastest times in each division are awarded. This year’s divisions are open, sport, novice, junior (ages 12-17), peewee (under 12) and long jump. At the end of the first race day, get in on the action by bidding in the Calcutta. Bogart’s restaurant will host the betting, where spectators wager on the second day’s times. Part of the proceeds benefit two Red Lodge charities, and the rest of the pot goes to the winner. After the Calcutta, enjoy live music and dancing at Snow Creek Saloon. When the final race is over on day two, congratulate participants at the award celebration hosted at Foster & Logan’s Pub & Grill.
COURTESY PHOTO
“Skijoring is a really neat mixture of extreme skiing and cowboy life,” said Kristen Beck, this year’s event organizer. Both the local event and national cient,” said Beck. There will be more seating and championship finalists will be parking than ever before. honored. “We are trying to streamline “One goal this year is to pizzazz and make (the event) more effi- (the event) with family-fun activ-
ities and things for kids,” she said. Between race divisions, there will be a kids’ activity tent and games. On day one, look out for the s’mores station. The next day, eat or compete at the chili cookoff. It benefits Beartooth Cupboards, the local food bank. Beck says she can’t take all the credit for putting the event together. She is grateful to predecessor Tammy Stevens, who coordinated skijoring in Red Lodge for 25 years and showed her the ropes. She has a solid team of organizers helping with the details. “There’s no way in the world this could happen without them,” said Beck. Beck sees more skijoring in her future. “Oh, I’ll be a lifer for sure,” she said. Learn more about this unique sport at skijoringamerica.com and check out redlodgeskijoring.com for additional event details.
22nd Annual Beartooth Ball BY TIFFINI GALLANT
tgallant@billingsgazette.com
A Cinderella story of your own is just around the corner. Break out your best dress or black tie and catch the next pumpkin carriage to the 22nd annual Beartooth Ball on Saturday, April 29. The event is a fundraiser for the Beartooth Billings Clinic Foundation endowment and cardiac care fund. Rock Creek Resort will host the gala again this year. “It’s hard to beat that location,” said Maggie Karas, community relations coordinator. Guests are encouraged to dress in their finest formal wear and enjoy a no-host bar and hors d’oeuvres. Dance the night away with live music from the Midlife Chryslers. Place your bid during the live and silent auctions, or purchase a raffle ticket for a
Calendar of Events FEBRUARY 1-28 All Member Artists Exhibit, Carbon County Arts Guild & Depot Gallery 17-19 Yellowstone Dog Sports NADAC Agility Trials
chance to win a special jewelry item from Montague’s Jewelers. Sponsorship opportunities are available and start at $250. Tickets for the ball go on sale March 20 and are $100 each. Advanced purchases are recommended. The event starts at 5 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m. – so you’ll be home before the stroke of midnight. For additional information, contact the Beartooth Billings Clinic Foundation at (406) 446-0610. With a theme like “Experience It!” you’re sure to have a memorable time.
merchants and galleries, 5-7 p.m. 7-10 Yellowstone Dog Sports NADAC Agility Trials 15 Rocky Mountain Chef’s Invitational, Carbon County Steakhouse 16 Happy Easter!
18 Grizzly Peak Gala, Beartooth Elks Lodge 16 Red Lodge Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt, Lions Club Park, starts promptly at noon MARCH 29 22nd annual Beartooth Ball, Rock 3 First Friday Artwalk, Honey’s Café, Red Creek Resort, 5-11 p.m. Lodge Clay Center and other downtown 30 39th annual Peaks to Prairie, starts merchants and galleries, 5-7 p.m. in Red Lodge, peakstoprairie.org 3 10th annual Backcountry Film FestiMAY val, Roman Theater, 7 p.m. 5 First Friday Artwalk, Honey’s Café, Red 4 Winter Carnival, Red Lodge Mountain, Lodge Clay Center and other downtown Cardboard Classic starts at noon, live mumerchants and galleries, 5-7 p.m. sic at the Bierstube at 2 p.m., torchlight parade and fireworks display at 7 p.m. 12-15 Yellowstone Dog Sports NADAC Agility Trials 5 Monster Dog Pull, Red Lodge Ales, 12 p.m. (registration at 10 a.m.) 14 Happy Mother’s Day! 11-12 National Finals Ski Joring Races, More Event Information Red Lodge Fairgrounds, competition starts For exhibits, classes and events at the Carat noon bon County Arts Guild & Depot Gallery, visit 17 Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
carboncountydepotgallery.org.
17 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration & Parade, downtown Red Lodge, 5:30 p.m.
For exhibits, classes and events at the Red Lodge Clay Center, visit redlodgeclaycenter.com.
25 Mini Monster Jam, Red Lodge Mountain, 12:30 p.m. APRIL 1-30 Rocky Mountain Juried Exhibit, Carbon County Arts Guild & Depot Gallery 7 First Friday Artwalk, Honey’s Café, Red Lodge Clay Center and other downtown
For Historical Walking Tours of downtown Red Lodge, Carbon County Historical Society and Museum, visit carboncountyhistory.com. For Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary information, visit yellowstonewildlifesanctuary. com. M 1