Rediscover Montana 2014 by Billings Gazette

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Lee Newspapers of Montana rediscovermt.com

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Glacier Country

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CONTENTS

TABLE OF

Central Country

Southwest Country Yellowstone Country

Missouri River Country

Southeast Country

11 GLACIER 27 YELLOWSTONE 41 SOUTHWEST 51 SOUTHEAST 63 CENTRAL 71 MISSOURI RIVER COUNTRY

COUNTRY

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Lolo Florence Stevensville

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Kalispell

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ABOUT THIS

PUBLICATION Rediscover Montana is a publication of Lee Newspapers of Montana — The Billings Gazette, Missoulian, Montana Standard, Helena Independent Record and Ravalli Republic. www.rediscovermt.com © 2014 PUBLISHER Mike Gulledge ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Ryan Brosseau EDITOR Kristi Angel SPECIAL SECTION COORDINATOR Linsay Duty SECTION DESIGNER Alyssa Small CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Sherry Devlin Greg Lemon Matt Christensen CONTRIBUTORS Michael Albans Perry Backus Tom Bauer Julie Baughman Zach Benoit Lloyd Blunk Dylan Brown Chris Cioffi Vince Devlin David Erickson Brett French

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Walter Hinick Talia Knudsen Larry Mayer Casey Page Erik Petersen Owen Sweeney Jaci Webb Kurt Wilson James Woodcock Bob Zellar

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FROM THE

GOVERNOR R E D I S C O V E R M O N TA N A

R E D I S C O V E R M O N TA N A

MONTANA

WELCOME TO

Montana is a place like no other. With breathtaking mountains, Blue Ribbon fishing, world-class hiking, camping and skiing, amazing cultural experiences and friendly people, there truly is something for everyone. This publication will give you a quick glimpse at some of the amazing places around the state where you and your family can make your Montana moment. I hope you’ll take some time to explore all that Montana has to offer. You’ll find that the majestic places that caught you imagination as a child, will still take your breath away as an adult.

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Whether you’re camping in Glacier, fishing on the Big Horn River, visiting a local bakery, or taking in the charm of one of Montana’s small communities, you’ll find there are a million reasons to get out and rediscover why you first fell in love with Montana.

Gov. Steve Bullock

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EvEnts, DEals anD OffErs

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P R E S E N T E D BY

JULY 25-26, 2014

AT CARAS PARK A MT DivA FounDATion EvEnT CElTiCFEsTivAlMissoulA.CoM FrEE ADMission

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GLACIER COUNTRY

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278 Jackson

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The mountains of Glacier National Park tower over the Flathead River in this aerial view. LARRY MAYER/Billings Gazette

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iver Missouri R

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Teton River

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Eureka

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Lake Koocan

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Lima Reservoir

Lower Red Rock Lake

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Restored Conrad Mansion a show-stopping piece of history By VINCE DEVLIN

Alicia” to distinguish her from other Alicias in the family who came before or after — went back to KALISPELL — The photographs the city. When she was in her 70s on Gennifer Sauter’s computer, of and living in a mobile home she had rooms so filled with lord knows moved behind the huge house that what that it’s not only stacked on had become too much for her to furniture, but furniture is stacked on keep up, Campbell in 1974 finally it, are telling. was able to give her family’s manAlicia Ann Conrad Campbell sion away. “was a hoarder,” Sauter says. “She “They created a board of direckept everything. And for us, that’s tors to save the mansion,” Sauter wonderful.” says. “In the original agreement, the The mess — there’s no other city said it would give some money way to describe it — was long ago to make initial repairs, but after that, gone through, piece by piece, and you’re on your own.” put back in place or stored away in Forty years later, the Conrad the mansion Charles Edward ConMansion Museum is a showpiece rad built in Kalispell in the 1890s. getting set to celebrate 40-year anIt’s quite a place, built by one niversaries for about the next three of the founders of Kalispell for his years when it reopens for tours on family. It’s a three-story, 26-room, May 15. 13,000-square-foot home with eight massive sandstone fireplaces, Touring history diamond-paned leaded glass winThe agreement was reached dows, colored and clear bottle glass and — in case that wasn’t enough in December 1974 with the city, which makes 2014 the first 40— Tiffany-style stained glass. year anniversary. The Conrad Mansion was finRestoration work that saved ished in 1895. By the 1970s, it faced the mansion began in earnest in an uncertain future. That’s when Conrad’s daughter 1975, which makes 2015 a 40year milestone, and public tours — who had lived most of her life began in 1976 — even though in the mansion — tried to give it work wasn’t yet finished — to Flathead County or the city of making 2016 yet another 40-year Kalispell. mark for the mansion. Neither government wanted “They had to start raising any part of the aging mansion that money for upkeep and maintehadn’t housed anyone since 1964, nance somehow,” Sauter says, and whose rooms were by then “so they started giving tours of buried under all that. parts of the house in 1976 for “The city was the first to say no,” says Sauter, executive director something like a dollar.” The city owns the mansion, of what is now the Conrad Mansion Museum, “and when she went but it is maintained and kept open to the public through the to the county they said, ‘Nope, that’s not happening.’ ” Story continues Desperate, Alicia Ann — the on page 14 u staff call her “Baby Alicia” or “Little Rediscover Montana

KURT WILSON/Missoulian

The great room is where Charles and Alicia Conrad would receive guests and often entertain them with live music from a stage beneath an arch under the staircase. Among the most famous guests at the home were Teddy Roosevelt and Charlie Russell.

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Continued from page 12 proceeds from tours, special events and donations. A 13-person board of directors that includes Charles Conrad’s greatgrandson, Seattle attorney Chris Vick, oversees it. There’s a lot of history in the place. Teddy Roosevelt slept here. So did artist Charlie Russell. Both were friends of Charles Conrad, a Virginia native who fought in the Civil War for the Confederate Army. It was the aftermath of the war that drove KURT WILSON/Missoulian Designed by the same architect who designed Lake McDonald Lodge in Glacier National Park, Kalispell’s Conrad and one of his brothConrad Mansion, finished in 1895, is 26 rooms and 13,000 square feet. ers West, first to Fort Benton, where they prospered as meralthough tour guide Virginia Swan to the food. Open the door and may have washed away some chants and owned steamboats isn’t sure the tin contraption wasn’t the icebox shelves spin like a Lazy memories of how close it came that transported goods on the as much work as washing dishes by Susan. to winding up ... well, as lord Missouri River. hand. Large pots of water had to be On a kitchen wall, a wooden knows what. Twenty-three years after arheated on the wood stove, mixed box contains what appear to be riving in Fort Benton, the coming with soap, and then dumped into 12 small one-handed clocks. From Historical technology of the railroad drove Charles the top-loading dishwasher before many of the mansion’s 26 rooms, farther west, to Kalispell, where More than 8,000 people annuthe lid was closed and an agitator a press of a doorbell-like button he was involved in cattle ranch- ally pay to tour the Conrad Manturned on, she explains. would ring a bell in the kitchen to ing, banking, real estate and sion, which is open for five months It did self-drain, but then more summon a maid. At the same time, mining. He also famously helped a year. water had to be heated on the one of the hands would click to a to preserve the American bison, Like Alicia Ann Conrad Campwood stove and poured in for the new position to alert the maid as to starting his own herd that would bell, the people who run it now rinse “cycle, ” and the dishes had to exactly what room she was being one day become the nucleus find it’s just too expensive to heat be dried by hand. summoned to. for the herd found today at the year-round. Still, it was something you didn’t In the formal dining room next National Bison Range in Moiese. But from May 15 through find in many homes back then. to the kitchen, one of the radiator The mansion has remained Oct. 15, visitors can marvel at the The large wood stove in the heaters has a built-in compartment an important part of the Kalispell stunning craftsmanship found in kitchen where the water was for keeping food warm. landscape through the generos- the home designed by architect heated, custom-built in France for The food itself was passed ity of Charles Conrad’s descen- Kirtland Cutter, who also drew up the mansion — at a cost of $122.75 through from the kitchen via what dants and lots of hard work by the plans for Lake McDonald Lodge — also contains a grill, hidden by a looks like a built-in beer or whiskey lots of people. Sauter says the in Glacier National Park and the sliding door, for indoor barbecuing. barrel. The back end opened in late Sam Bibler, whose own Davenport Hotel in Spokane. One of the kitchen’s iceboxes the kitchen, the front in the dining Kalispell home and expansive Back in the day, however, guests is a circular affair. Sure, you had to room; Swan says the rule was the gardens are opened for public of Charles and Alicia Conrad may carve ice from the river in January two doors could never be open at tours twice a year, was one of have been just as intrigued by the and pack it in sawdust for months the key players in saving the technology the house contained. Story continues just to keep food cold in July, but Conrad Mansion. Consider the kitchen alone. It on page 16 u you didn’t have to reach far to get Its four decades as a museum has an “automatic” dishwasher, SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2014 R e d i scov e r M o nta n a 14

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seem more mundane. It’s here that much of the commotion of running such a mansion country was relegated to. The firewood box is up here, as is the laundry Continued room. The children’s playroom from page 14 is here, as well as extra beds for the same time so that dinner guests guests when the mansion’s eight never had to hear or see the combedrooms overflowed. motion in the kitchen. But there are treasures here, Out another doorway from too, such as a stuffed albino deer the kitchen, in an anteroom, you’ll that Conrad or one of his huntfind the 19th century version of ing guests shot, mistaking it for a an elevator. It’s a hand-operated mountain goat. counter-balance pulley system that The third floor is also the was used mostly to carry guests’ location for Charles Conrad’s “sky WILSON/Missoulian steamer trunks to the second floor, Alicia Conrad’s piano was shipped on a boat to FortKURT office.” Benton where it or firewood to its storage box on sat, covered with bags of grain, for two years until it could be brought to “The original man cave,” Swan the third floor, then back down to Kalispell. calls it. “If he was up here, he was the eight fireplaces. not to be disturbed.” “We still use it to bring the Although he also had a massive see down there anyway. The third two floors, where you’ll find a Christmas decorations out of the floor was opened to the tours in fernery, billiards room, the Musi- office-library on the main floor, basement,” Swan says. the 1980s, when the addition of a cian’s Arch, indoor balconies and Conrad could sneak away to his The basement is the only part fire escape gave visitors two ways a stunning stained glass piece of sky office as well, which included a of the house closed off to the tours to exit and brought it up to code. hammock he could stretch from Christmas colors overlooking and Swan says there isn’t much to After the opulence of the first the staircase, the third floor will one wall to another. n

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G CO LA U CIE N R TR Y

CALENDAR

ALBERTON Railroad Day July 19 The town recalls its glory years when it was a crew chain point and a passenger stop on the Milwaukee Road. Events include a pancake breakfast, parade, children’s games, vendors, food and drink, a dance and evening concert. Call 406-722-2614.

valley’s biggest and best celebrations. Go to darbyloggerdays.com.

HAMILTON

Daly Days July 25-26 Visit downtown Hamilton and the Daly Mansion as the community celebrates its founder, Marcus Daly. Saturday’s festivities will include re-enactors in the mansion and ARLEE on the grounds, demonstrations, antique farm equipment and cars, carriage rides Fourth of July Celebration down Providence Way, local artisans, music, July 2-6 The 116th annual celebration will include a pie and bread sale, pony rides, Daly famencampments, a Memorial Ceremony hon- ily home movies and tours. Downtown oring deceased tribal members, snake dance, Hamilton will be bustling with activities and events including a street dance Friday night, drumming and singing. Visit arleepowwow. Saturday sidewalk sales, vintage car show com or call 406-275-2727. and brew festival. Call 406-363-2400.

BIGFORK Bigfork Festival of the Arts Aug. 2-3 Celebrating its 36th year, the annual festival is a favorite among artists and visitors alike. The main streets are filled with a fine selection of art, crafts, food, music and other entertainment. Go to bigforkfestivalofthearts.com. DAVID ERICKSON/Ravalli Republic

Tom Janzen hurls a 16-pound bag over a 26foot bar in the sheaf-toss competition at the inaugural Scottish Irish Festival in Hamilton.

Bitterroot Scottish Irish Festival Aug. 23-24 The festival will take place on the Daly Mansion grounds. Admission ($20) includes a tour of the mansion and a weekend full of Highland games, Celtic music, bagpipes DARBY and dancing. Kilts not required. Visit Darby Logger Days bitterrootscottishirishfestival.org or call 406July 18-19 This annual event has become one of the 274-8886.

Arts in the Park July 18-20 As northwest Montana’s largest and longest-running arts and entertainment fair, this event in Depot Park promises more than 100 booths with fine artists and craftsmen along with wonderful food, great entertainment and kids’ activities. Arts in the Park is an annual benefit for the Hockaday Museum of Art. The complete weekend entertainment schedule and more information will be available at hockadaymuseum.org.

LIBBY Libby Logger Days June 26-29 This community in the Cabinet Mountains of northwest Montana celebrates its logging heritage with competitions, great food and fun for the whole family. Visit loggerdays.org for details.

MISSOULA

COLUMBIA FALLS Heritage Days July 23-27 The annual hometown summer family celebration includes a rodeo, vendors, parade, music, craft fair, car show, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, and 5K and 10K runs. Call 406892-0178 or visit cfallsheritagedays.com.

KALISPELL

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Garden City River Rod Run June 27-28 The annual event in Caras Park will feature nearly 200 classic and hot rod cars and close to 3,000 spectators to downtown Missoula. Visit missouladowntown.com or call 406-543-4238. Missoula Marathon and Half Marathon July 13 In addition to the traditional 26.2-mile marathon and half marathon, there is a kids’ marathon and 5K. The marathon starts at 6 a.m., winding through the scenic Garden City and finishing with a celebration on the Higgins Avenue Bridge and Caras Park downtown. For more information, go to missoulamarathon.org. SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2014

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Main Street Cherry Festival July 19-20 The annual celebration of all things cherry includes more than 125 vendors; arts and crafts; pie-eating, stem-tying and pit-spitting contests; entertainment; street dance; sidewalk sales and specials. Visit vendors@ flatheadcherryfestival.com.

Annual Flea Market May 24-26 St. Regis hosts Montana’s largest flea market on Memorial Day weekend with nearly 200 vendors in Community Park. Ample parking is available. Call (406) 649-1304 to reserve a space at this open-air event. Pets allowed if on a leash.

Flathead Lakes Blues Festival Aug. 15 The fourth annual festival will be held at Salish Point. For more tickets or information, visit flatheadlakebluesfestival.com.

STEVENSVILLE Western Heritage Days June 20-21 A chuck wagon cookoff, parade, barnyard games, living history demonstrations, historic trolley wagon rides and music are part of this River City Roots Fest annual event that celebrates the oldest city in Aug. 22-24 the state. For information, go to mainstreetThe region’s largest arts and music festival celebrates downtown’s success and stevensville.com or call 406-777-3773. provides an opportunity to highlight some of Missoula’s most recently developed attractions. Musical entertainers will perform both days and feature local and national artists. Other events include a juried art show, 4-mile run/walk and lots of family activities at Caras Park. Call 5434238 or visit rivercityrootsfestival.com. TOM BAUER/Missoulian

Zach Ford of the Soled Out Break Dance Crew performs on the stage in Caras Park during River City Roots Fest.

PARADISE Montana Baroque Music Festival July 29-31 The annual outdoor music festival at Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort showcases world-class national and international players of baroque music and instruments. Each night features a different program at 7 p.m. Call 406-826-3600 or visit montanabaroquefestival.org.

DAVID ERICKSON/Ravalli Republic

Lester and Heidi Helmig of BBQ Only prepare tequila lime shrimp, ribs and barbecue chicken at the 101st annual Stevensville Creamery Picnic in 2013.This year’s event is set for Aug. 1-2.

Creamery Picnic Aug. 1-2 The community’s annual celebration, which began in 1907, promises entertainment for the whole family. Call 406-777-3773.

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THOMPSON FALLS David Thompson Days July 5 The annual historical celebration features a Main Street parade and living history rendezvous downtown as well as historic displays and demonstrations, crafts, games, trade goods, storytelling, music and food. Admission is free. Call 406-827-4930.

TROUT CREEK 35th Huckleberry Festival Aug. 8-10 More than 100 arts and crafts vendors display and sell their wares at Trout Creek Community Park. Scheduled events include entertainment on stage throughout the weekend, a parade, 5K fun run, dancing under the stars, karaoke, dog-agility demonstration, huckleberry homesteader pentathlon, a pageant, auction, children’s activities, horseshoe contest and interfaith worship service. Visit huckleberryfestival.com or call 406-827-3301.

WHITEFISH Festival Amadeus 2014 Aug. 3-10 The weeklong festival begins with a free outdoor concert in Whitefish Depot Park on Sunday. Subsequent concerts will be held each night at 7:30 p.m. in the Whitefish Performing Arts Center, 600 Spokane St. Visit gscmusic.org or call 406-407-7000. n

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Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge marks 50 years

By PERRY BACKUS Rediscover Montana

“The clearest path into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” — John Muir STEVENSVILLE — On this early morning, Bob Danley takes a minute to gaze out his office window at a pond favored by migrant waterfowl and the distant mountains just beginning to show through a swirling mass of steelgray clouds. The Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge’s outdoor recreation planner finds himself thinking of the Japanese and John Muir. In Japan, researchers have made it a point to learn just what a walk through a wildlife refuge can mean for human health. They took blood pressure measurements of people just before they entered and then again when they left. Danley wasn’t at all surprised to read what they learned. “It’s a very healthy experience for people,” he said. “They have real data to back it up. Going into wild places is healthy and not only physically, but I think spiritually too.” “Muir was right,” Danley said. In all of the lower reaches of the Bitterroot Valley, there’s nothing quite like the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge for the common man. While most of the 75-milelong valley floor is privately owned, the 2,800-acre refuge is the last large publicly owned tract of land where anyone can still take a walk, stop to view wildlife, hunt or just get away for a time from

PERRY BACKUS/Ravalli Republic

The 2,800-acre Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge averages about 140,000 visits a year. The refuge will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year.

the challenges of daily life. “In this world where we’re bombarded daily by information, this is a place where you can slow down and look at a bird that you’d never seen before,” Danley said. “It’s a place where you can still experience wonder.” This year, the Bitterroot Valley’s own Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge reached a milestone 50 years in the making. On Feb. 4, 1964, the first tract of 408 acres was officially acquired by the federal government to create what was then called the Ravalli National Wildlife Refuge. The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission had approved the acquisition of 2,700 acres of land in 18 tracts to create the refuge on Dec. 10, 1963.

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It would take years for the refuge to grow to its current size. The last tract of land of the current refuge was purchased in 1988. In 1978, the refuge was renamed to honor the late Sen. Lee Metcalf, a Stevensville native who was instrumental in establishing the refuge. The refuge’s establishment didn’t happen without some controversy. According to a January 1963 article in the Ravalli Republican, members of the Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association passed a resolution to oppose its creation, fearing its impact on duck hunting. The Montana Fish and Game Commission gave its approval only after insisting that 40 percent

of the refuge would be open to hunting. Today, sportsmen hunt both waterfowl and deer on a good portion of the refuge. They are part of the estimated 140,000 people who visit the refuge on an annual basis. Refuge manager Tom Reed said today’s management is focused on improving wildlife habitat in both the wetlands and uplands. Volunteers have joined with staff to find ways to reduce noxious weeds on the uplands in hopes those portions of the refuge will eventually be returned to native grasses and forbs. The refuge staff is also monitoring subaquatic vegetation in Story continues on page 24

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glacieR country

Continued from page 22 the wetlands in an effort to learn what works best for creating prime habitat for water birds. “Early succession plants are preferred by waterfowl,” Reed said. “We want to learn how periodic drying of the ponds impacts those varieties of plants.” In honor of the refuge’s 50th birthday, Danley encouraged the public to stop by the refuge this spring or summer — and maybe get out and take a walk. Their blood pressure will thank them for it. “It’s a wonderful world,” Danley said. “Sometimes you just have to stop for a time and take it PERRY BACKUS/Ravalli Republic all in.” n There isn’t a bad time of the of year to visit the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge north of Stevensville.

ELK COUNTR COUNTRYY

VISITOR CENTER

• Trophy Elk Display • Elk Country Wildlife Diorama • Hands-On Exhibits For All Ages • Wildlife Theater • Elk Country Gift Shop • Walking Trail

Directions: Take I-90 to Exit 101 in Missoula. Drive 1⁄4 mile north to 5705 Grant Creek Road. accessible with RV parking. Open year round. For information, call 406-523-4545 or 866-266-7750 or visit www.rmef.org.

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YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY

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r Musselshell Rive 87

BoulderB

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Lower Red Rock Lake

Lakeview

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Old Faithful

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The 308-foot Lower Falls of the Canyon area of Yellowstone in Yellowstone National Park. LARRY MAYER/Billings Gazette

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R E D I SCOV E R M O NTA N A

yellowstone country

Geckos, homestead celebration highlight summer at Museum of the Rockies

By ZACH BENOIT Rediscover Montana

It’s not every day you get the chance to take in dozens of species of live geckos up close, learn how homesteaders cooked more than 100 years ago and check out the history of brewing in Montana in a single stop, but that could be the case this summer at Bozeman’s Museum of the Rockies. “There’s a lot of hands-on stuff,” said Mark Robinson, the museum’s marketing director. “There’s a lot going on, all part of one admission cost.” While the museum always features its world-renowned dinosaur complex filled with one of the world’s largest collections of dinosaur fossils, as well as its massive planetarium and a children’s discovery center, it also has a number of special events and exhibits over the summer. Chief among them, the musuem will have its “Geckos - Tails to Toepads” up through Sept. 8. Featuring about 75 different live geckos representing 15 species, the exhibit sprawls over about 6,000 square feet at the museum. It includes interactive booths with gecko sounds and other activities. The exhibit has been a hit since it opened in February, with the museum registering $10,000 in ticket sales on a single Saturday in March, and Robinson said that should continue into the summer. “You can learn about their sticky toe pads and how all of that works,” he said. “Everybody loves it, kids particularly. They keep coming back and coming back.

LLOYD BLUNK/ Billings Gazette

Trey Peterson, 6, and Lexi Peterson, 3, of Helena watch the tokay geckos at the Museum of the Rockies Geckos — Tails to Toepads exhibit.

They just get such a kick out of seeing these little tiny animals.” Also this summer, the museum will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its Living History Farm, a recreation of the daily life of Montana homesteaders in the late 1890s. “Everything down at the farm is pretty much an accurate recreation of that history, of Montana homesteaders,” Robinson said. While it’s already a permanent feature included in the cost of a ticket, admission to just the farm will be free through the summer. To celebrate, the farm also plans special daily, weekly and monthly events. Included in those events will be period-accurate cooking demonstrations on a wood-fired stove on the last Tuesday of every month and the occasional Hops In History demonstration, which includes beer from Montana breweries and presentations about the history of brewing in the state. “Or, if you want to just come down and talk with the fully-costumed interpreters there, you can do that, too,” Robinson said. The farm centers on the Tin-

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LLOYD BLUNK/Billings Gazette

A tockay gecko sticks to the glass of his terrarium at the Museum of the Rockies Geckos — Tails to Toepads exhibit.The Tokay Gecko is native to the rainforrests of Southeast Asia.

sley family cabin, moved to the museum from Willow Creek, and has been built up with a blacksmith shop and barn. In addition to the gecko exhibit and farm, the museum has its dinosaur fossil exhibit, a children’s discovery center based on Yellowstone National Park ecology and the recently-remod-

eled Taylor Planetarium. Daily admission is $14 for adults, $13 for seniors, $9.50 for children ages 5 to 17 years and free for kids 4 and younger. For more information, call the Museum of the Rockies at 406-994-2251 or visit its website at www.museumoftherockies. org. n SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2014

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yellowstone country

Wildlife Jamboree offers free post-Fourth family fun By ZACH BENOIT Rediscover Montana

With thousands of people expected in Red Lodge for the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Fourth of July celebration, the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary hopes to extend the fun with a postholiday celebration of its own. The sanctuary sits in Red Lodge, nestled into the foothills of the Beartooth mountain range and near the scenic Beartooth Pass, and is the largest sanctuary for Yellowstone ecosystem wildlife in a five-state radius. On Saturday, July 5, it Story continues on page 32

CASEY PAGE/Billings Gazette

The Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary plans a free day with family activities on July 5.

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MOR’s engaging live-animal exhibit is open now through September 8, 2014! From nighttime hunters to neon-colored nectar eaters, come experience the world of Geckos in lush, naturalistic habitats, complete with rock ledges, live plants and waterfalls. Listen to Gecko voices, learn about Gecko night vision, or try to spot camouflaged Geckos. This family friendly, live-animal exhibit presents cutting-edge science where you’ll be totally immersed in the sights, sounds and surroundings of this adorable species with their bulging eyes, “sticky” toepads and squawking voices. Sponsored by:

600 W. Kagy Blvd. • Bozeman, MT 59717 • 406.994.2251 • museumoftherockies.org

To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Living History Farm, it’s free all summer long! While regular admission fees still apply to the main Museum, you can experience Montana’s 1890s homesteading era for free at MOR’s Living History Farm! Open May 24-September 21, 2014.

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yellowstone country

Continued from page 30 will host its annual Wildlife Jamboree, a free day at the sanctuary grounds from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. full of familyfriendly activities. “It’s kind of a carnival atmosphere,” said Emily Bertino, YWS executive director. Year-round, the sanctuary acts as a home to about 65 animals — including representatives of every Yellowstonearea predator except for grizzly bears and the largest publically-displayed raptor collection in Montana — that, for one reason or another, can’t be released back into the wild. All of those animals will be on display during the jamboree, but the day offers a number of special extras not normally available. The sanctuary is an education-based organization and will have extra stations set up around the grounds to teach kids and families. “It’ll involve interactive educational displays for the kids to learn about the animals,” Bertino said. Other activities include face painting and music from local musicians, as well as concessions and raffles. The jamboree is the sanctuary’s largest annual fundraiser and drew nearly 1,000 people last year. It is in the midst of implementing numerous improvements to the ground — including brand-new educational signage paid for with a state

CASEY PAGE/Billings Gazette

The Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary is home to black bears, elk and other animals of the region.

grant that should be completed for the jamboree — and funds raised will go toward those improvements, general operations and upgrading resident animal habitats. Attendees will also have the opportunity to donate to the sanctuary, including through adopt-an-animal programs or towards specific projects. Bertino said that, while it does act as a fundraiser, staff at the sanctuary want to use the jamboree as a showcase of what the sanctuary has to offer, to the community of Red Lodge, the greater Yellowstone area and newcomers alike. “We continually hope for families from the surrounding area and any visitors to discover us if they’ve never been here before,” she said. “Come on in, get up close with wildlife

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JAMES WOODCOCK/Billings Gazette

Bobbie Sioux, an 18-year-old bobcat, is among the residents of the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary in Red Lodge.

and discover them and what we can learn about them.” For more information, call the Yellowstone Wildlife

Sanctuary at 406-446-1133 or visit its website at www. yellowstonewildlifesanctuary. com. n SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2014

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Rockin’ the Rivers offers variety in lineup to appeal to all ages

By CHRIS CIOFFI

outside the gates of the venue, which has two stages, showers, vendors, a beer garden and a Since 2001, the three-day tent with picnic tables for fans to concert extravaganza known relax. as Rockin’ the Rivers has been “The minute you get there, captivating fans of classic rock you forget about life for a weekfrom Montana and beyond. end until you get into the car to The festival happens near drive home on Monday,” Smith Three Forks on Highway 2, four said. miles east of Lewis and Clark The newest development for Caverns. It is scheduled for Aug. the festival is the addition of a 8-10. A pre-concert party is pre-party. The gates Thursday scheduled for Aug. 7. are open to anyone who wants “I’ve been to probably 10 to show up, and entry is free. different festivals in the country, It’s also the day that people and there’s not another one like use to meet back up with old Rockin the Rivers,” said Greg friends, Smith said. “It’s kind of a Courtesy photo Smith, concert organizer. The Headwaters Country Jam and the Rockin’ the Rivers festivals take social day.” Attendants camp on grounds Smith has been a part-owner place at a natural outdoor amphitheater near the Jefferson River. Rediscover Montana

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The Rockinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the Rivers Lineup Thursday PreParty

Hellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Belles Jared Stewart with more to be announced

Friday

Queensryche Winger Lita Ford Vixen Rail Midnight tribute band: Sin City Sinners

Saturday

Hinder Pop Evil The Pretty Reckless Aranda Bobaflex Midnight tribute band: Blistered Earth

Sunday

Black Stone Cherry April Wine Jefferson Starship Cosmo (lead singer of Boston) The Babys

Regional acts, which will be playing throughout the weekend on the second stage: Jared Stewart, Alter Ego, Exit 288, Boozehounds, Shades of Blue, Scratched, Unicorn Cannery,Voodo Cadillac, Mabelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rage Ticket information: $208 gets one person a full weekend pass with a camping spot and a parking pass. More information about daily passes and V.I.P. packages can be found at their website: http://www.rockintherivers.com/ Or people can call the Butte Civic Center Box Office at 1-800-555-8989

of the festival for two years, but has been involved since the very beginning. He has never missed a year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was more of a super-fan,â&#x20AC;? he said. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bands include acts such as Bobaflex, Rail and Jefferson Starship. Music is certainly the focal point of the festival, but the people who attend Rockinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the rivers make it even better. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As soon as you pull into the campground, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to feel part of the Rockinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the rivers family,â&#x20AC;? Smith said. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an event that he and his family, and other families have been doing together since it started. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been coming since he was 8 now he is 22,â&#x20AC;? he said. The people he has met over the years at Rockinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the Rivers have become close friends and he looks forward to going back every year. SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2014

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s almost become a family reunionâ&#x20AC;? he said. The laid back approach that organizers emphasize during planning of Rockinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the Rivers, ensures a good experience for not only the attendees, but the acts as well. Smith said he thinks itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what makes the festival unique. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The others have bigger bands and a lot more commercial, but Rockin the Rivers, even the bands that come, they just hang out,â&#x20AC;? he said. And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the real allure to the festival. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something for everyone. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You have every walk of life coming to a festival like Rockinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the Rivers,â&#x20AC;? said Liberty Zuelke, Rockinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the Rivers producer. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lineup includes bands that appeal to younger rock fans as well as older, Zuelke said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a great variety, and I think thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what people are there for.â&#x20AC;? ď Ž

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yellowstone country

Headwaters Country Jam features Montgomery Gentry, Big & Rich

By CHRIS CIOFFI

The station’s on-air personalities and employees are all looking forward to the Chart-topping country artists Dustin Lynch, festival, Roddam said. “Our whole staff will be rolling up.” Big and Rich and Montgomery Gentry will The Jam has been going on for many headline this summer’s country music festival, years, but has been run by Townsquare the Headwaters Country Jam. for only a few, he said. The festival set for June 26-28, takes place With Townsquare at the helm, the on the same grounds as Rockin’ the Rivers, act selection has been better than ever near Three Forks, but offers national country before. acts as well as local ones. “It’s a chance for country fans to basically Other bands, such as Locash Cowboys, go out to a beautiful venue and party,” he The High Rollers, The Cold Hard Cash Show, said. “I’ve heard it’s an awesome party.” Sammy Kershaw and Jessica Lynn will also can attend one day or all Attendants perform. three. VIP are available, camptickets “It is the biggest outdoor country festival in ing sites are included in some tickets and the state of Montana,” said Rick Roddam, marmilitary discounts are available. keting director for Townsquare Media in Billings. For Roddam, the Jam’s atmosphere is Townsquare a national media firm, owns what makes people so loyal to the event, and Cat Country 102.9, a major sponsor of the keeps them coming back every year. show. Rediscover Montana

Associated Press

Country music artist Montgomery Gentry will perform at the Headwaters Country Jam in June.

“It’s more than just a concert,” he said. “It’s a festival.” Information can be found on their website: http://headwaterscountryjam.com/. n

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YE L COLOW U ST N O TR N Y E

CALENDAR

BOZEMAN Sweet Pea Festival Aug. 1-3 Celebrate the arts in Bozeman at the 37th annual Sweet Pea Festival. The festival kicks off in Lindley Park at 4 p.m. Aug. 1. The weekend continues with a children’s run and parade to the park. A costume ball, dining, music, performances by local theater and dance troupes, workshops, family friendly entertainment and activities, a flower show, and more than 100 arts and crafts vendors round out one of Montana’s favorite festivals. 406-586-4003 or sweetpeafestival.org. Bridger Mountains Raptor Migration Early August-Oct. 31 More than 20 years ago, Fred Tilly discovered the Bridger Range to be an important fall fl yway for raptors. He conducted limited migration counts at the site in 1979, 1980 and 1982 to set the stage for Hawk Watch International, which began standardized counts in the 1990s. The count, organized by Montana Audubon since 2010, occurs from a helicopter platform located atop the ridge above Bridger Bowl Ski Area, about 25 miles northeast of Bozeman. The fl yway is noted for the largest concentration of golden eagles in the lower 48 states. Public participation is free. Groups and children are welcome. 800-726-4295 or hawkwatch.org. A Day in the Country/Quilting in the Country Aug. 22-23 A Day in the Country on Aug. 22 features four mini-classes with a country theme. Cost for the day of classes is $99 and includes a picnic lunch. Quilting in the Country outdoor quilt show is SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2014

Aug. 23, with free admission to displays and demonstrations throughout original homestead buildings and in lovely gardens. Quiltinginthecountry.com.

free swimming and a wide assortment of food. Proceeds benefi t the community’s recreation department. Livingstonmusicfestival.com.

LIVINGSTON

RED LODGE

Livingston Roundup Rodeo July 2-4 The Livingston Roundup Rodeo has been a popular annual PRCA event in the heart of Montana cattle country since 1924. Ranked as the 10th highest purse in the nation over the Independence Day holiday, the rodeo draws more than 10,000 spectators every year to its open-air arena near the Yellowstone River. A parade downtown at 3 p.m. July 2 kicks off events, which include nightly rodeos at 8 p.m. Livingston-chamber.com. Charlie Daniels Band July 17 At 7:30 p.m., The Charlie Daniels Band performs at Music Ranch Montana, a unique venue consisting of a large barn with an entire side open to the outdoors. On their “Off the Grid” tour, the band takes the stage to perform songs from their new studio album and some all-time favorites. Indoor tickets cost $58; terraced lawn seating starts at $42. Tickets are available through the band’s Facebook page and at the venue’s website. Musicranchmontana.net.

CASEY PAGE/Billings Gazette

Hannah Fraley, left, and Anna Szabo, right, rehearse with the junior orchestra at the Red Lodge Music Festival in 2013.This year’s festival is June 7-15.

Red Lodge Music Festival June 7-15 The Red Lodge Music Festival is the oldest and most successful music festival in Montana, serving more than 200 students annually and presenting live performances by 30 professional musicians. Because of the high quality of faculty performances, concerts are taped for later broadcast over regional and national public radio, bringing Red Lodge to national attention. Throughout the week, admission to student concerts is free, and a nominal charge admits audience members to faculty concerts. Band and orchestra performances complete a worthwhile and memorable festival experience for all. Rlmf.org.

Summerfest Along the Yellowstone July 18-20 The annual summer festival is held the third weekend in July in Livingston’s beautiful Sacajawea Park, along the Home of Champions Rodeo and banks of the Yellowstone River. In its Parade 15th year, the three-day gala includes July 2-4 kids’ activities, a basketball shoot, beer The Home of Champions Rodeo is garden, live music, art and craft vendors, R E D I SCOV E R M O NTA N A 37

YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY

part of the PRCA circuit, bringing nearly all national champions to Red Lodge every year. Cowboys compete, and clowns and bullfighters entertain the crowd. Beginning each day at noon is a parade for all ages. Rodeo begins at 6 p.m. July 2-3 and 3 p.m. July 4. 406-446-2422 or redlodgerodeo.com. Geology, Ecology Tour July 12 Since 1996, geologist Marv Kauffman and ecologist Phil Robertson have led one-day excursions exploring the geological and ecological wonders of the Beartooth Mountains. Both men are retired university professors who, for many years, have taught at the Yellowstone-Bighorn Research Association’s summer programs. This unforgettable tour includes lunch. Cost is $50. Carboncountyhistory.com.

Gazette Staff

Bareback riding, team roping, barrel racing and more are on tap July 2-4 at the Home of Champions Rodeo in Red Lodge.

Festival of Nations Aug. 1-2 For more than 50 years, the Red

n i t a l Gal

—

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Lodge Festival of Nations has honored the burg’s roots as a coal mining town and the diverse ethnic groups — German, English-Irish, Finnish, Italian, Scandinavian, Scottish, Slavic, along with a variety of others — who worked and settled the area. The festival begins with an evening performance at Lion’s Club Park. Weekend activities include ethnic food, exhibits, daytime and evening entertainment, and activities for the whole family. 888-281-0265 or redlodgefestivalofnations.com. Labor Day Arts Fair Sept. 1 This annual art event features more than 80 artists’ booths displaying and selling bead work, pottery, paintings, sculptures, photography and more. Free, live entertainment throughout the day includes fiddlers, belly dancers, folk musicians, food booths, a concession stand and much more. Festivities begin at 9 a.m. Admission is free. Redlodge.com.

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REED POINT

Smoking Waters Mountain Man Rendezvous Aug. 1-10 Step into the experience of 1800s life. The encampment, complete with Trader’s Row, fires the imagination of what life in that era was like. Enter tainment, demonstrations and seminars on a variety of “life-as-itRockin’ the Rivers was” skills give a deeper appreciation Aug. 8-10 of challenges and dangers that were Montana’s premiere three-day rock faced and overcome. Tomahawk and festival has more than 1,200 campknife demonstrations, black-powder ing spots with an arena that creates a shoots, Mountain-man storytelling and natural amphitheater. This year’s lineup musicians are all a par t of the annual includes Queensryche, Hinder, Jefferson event. Admission is free. The encampStarship, Winger, Vixen, Lita Ford, Blis- ment is visible to all travelers arriving tered Ear th and many more. An Aug.7 on U.S. 20 from the southwest. The pre-par ty star ts the weekend rocking. Rendezvous is located on the Gallatin It all takes place at The Bridge at Three National Forest Service land immediForks, off Highway 2, four miles east of ately west of West Yellowstone and Lewis and Clark Caverns. Rockintheriv- adjacent to Iris Street. Twotur tlestraders.com. ingpost.com

Beauty Pageant. Headliners include Big & Rich, Montgomery Gentry, Sammy Kershaw, Dustin Lynch, Chase Rice, LoCash Cowboys, and even more to be announced. The event takes place at The Bridge at Three Forks, off of Highway 2, four miles east of Lewis and Clark Caverns. Headwaterscountryjam.

LARRY MAYER/Billings Gazette

Jay Graves, left, and Steven Allen compete in the log saw as visitors fill the streets in Reed Point for the 25th Annual Sheep Drive.The annual event raises money for the Reed Point Community Club.

Great Montana Sheep Drive (Running of the Sheep) Sept. 7 Hundreds of Montana woollies take to the main street of Reed Point during this Labor Day weekend staple. Events WEST YELLOWSTONE begin at 10 a.m. and include a street fair, parade and street dance. 406-326- Celebrating America July 4 2315 The Hebgen Basin Volunteer Fire Department hosts its Burger Bash barbecue at the Visitors Center, with THREE FORKS all proceeds going to help fund various Headwaters Country Jam community needs. Live music, a parade June 26-28 Now in its seventh year, the jam has at 6 p.m., and fireworks at 10 p.m. are also part of the celebration in one of the expanded from a country music concer t to include many other events, such nation’s most beautiful and treasured as the Redneck Olympics and Redneck regions. Destinationyellowstone.com.

SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2014

Annual Kirkwood Trout Cook Off Aug. 16 The day star ts with health and education classes at 9 a.m. Then sailboat races, fly-casting lessons, kayak rides and teams cooking trout entries make for a memorable day at the lake. Get a team together and plan to enter now; any fish caught from Hebgen Lake this summer and used in an entry add points to the score. Get details at the Cook-Off page at kirkwoodresor t.com. n

R e d i scov e r M o nta n a

SOUTHWEST MONTANA HOT SPOTS 1 DEER LODGE

4 BUTTE

Old Prison Museums

Lisac’s Tri Stop

1106 Main Street (406) 846-3111 www.pcmaf.org

2544 Harrison Ave. (406) 782-9359 Open 24 Hours

Matt’s Place

2 ANACONDA

Anaconda Chamber of Commerce

306 E. Park (406) 563-2400 www.discoveranaconda.com

2339 Placer St. (406) 782-8049 Hours: 11:30am-7:00pm

Metal’s Sports Bar & Grill

Rocker 3 4

8 W. Park (406) 782-5534 www.metalssportsbar.com Daily 11am-11pm

Anaconda Country Club 1521 Country Club Rd. (406) 497-3220 www.golfanaconda.com

Oasis Restaurant & Casino

Community Hospital of Anaconda

2320 Amherst (406) 494-1272 Open 7 Days a Week

401 W. Pennsylvania (406) 563-8500 communityhospitalofanaconda.org

Pediatrics Plus

834 S. Montana St. (406) 723-0123 Hours: M-F 9am-5pm

Copper Village Museum/Art Center 401 E. Commercial Ave. (406) 563-2422 www.coppervillageartcenter.org

MUSEUM

2340 Harrison Ave. (406) 782-1971 Mon.-Sat. 10:30am-7:30pm

Dee Motor Company

1200 E. Commercial (406) 563-5225 www.deemotors.com GM, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Chevy

Southwest Montana Federal Credit Union ATM 1760 Harrison Ave.

Dunne Communications Inc. 204 E. Commercial (406) 563-7115 www.rf-team.com

AVAILABLE

(406) 782-8337 www.swmfcu.org

Subway Eat Fresh

1420 E. Park (in Thriftway) (406) 563-6570 Goosetown Training Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 5am-11pm; Center Fri. & Sat. 5am-Midnight 909 E. Front St. (406) 563-7878 www.goosetownhealthclub.com 3 ROCKER Hours: 5:45am-9pm America’s Best

RFWave High Speed Value Inn Rocker Exit 122 Internet

(406) 723-5464 204 E. Commercial Located off I-15 and I-90 (406) 563-5333 www.rfwave.net Subway Eat Fresh Town Pump Plaza Southwest Montana (406) 782-0101

Federal Credit Union ATM 1035 W. Park

AVAILABLE (406)

563-8484 www.swmfcu.org

Royse’s Hamburgers & More

4 BUTTE

Broadway Cafe

302 E. Broadway St. (406) 723-8711 Hours: 11am-9pm

R e d i scov e r M o nta n a

Butte Plaza Mall 3100 Harrison Ave. (406) 494-3362

Butte Vigilante Saddle Club

6354 Albany Ave. (406) 494-6700 www.butterodeogrounds.com

Cavanaugh’s County Celtic

131 W. Park (406) 723-1183 www.countyceltic.com cavanaughs@bigskyhsd.com Mon.-Fri. 10-6; Sat. 10-5

Christina’s Cocina

2201 Silver Bow Blvd. (406) 723-8444 www.christinascocinacafe.com

El Taco Mexican Cusine 2300 Harrison Ave. (406) 723-9329 Sun.-Thur. 10am-10pm; Fri.-Sat. 10am-11pm

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

I-90 Exit 211, 15 miles west of Butte 1-800-332-3272 www.fairmontmontana.com

Joe’s Pasty

1641 Grand Ave. (406) 723-9071 Mon.-Fri. 7am-7pm; Sat. 7am6pm; closed Sunday

Lisac’s Tire

2109 Yale Ave. (406) 560-4295 M-F 8am-6pm

St. James Healthcare 400 S. Clark (406) 723-2500 www.stjameshealthcare.org

Vu Villa

521 W. Park St. (406) 723-9885 Restaurant Hours: 11am-9pm Bar Hours: 11am-2am

5 VIRGINIA CITY Bale of Hay Saloon

(406) 843-5700 www.baleofhaysaloon.com

Brewery Follies Comedy Club

1-800-829-2969 Call Today! Reservations Recommended

SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2014

SOUTHWEST COUNTRY

R E D I S C O V E R M O N TA N A

Flat

hea dR iv

Cla

rk F o

Freezeout Lake 287 Fairfield nR iver 200 Augusta

Dearb

orn Rive r

287

GREAT FALLS Cascade

Smi

i ve

200

Blackfoot R

279

141

iv e r

Georgetown Lake

White HELENA CanyonSulphur Springs 287 Ferry Lake 12

Conner

BUTTE 15

Sula

le Rive Ho ig 43

lder R. ou

Darby

90 Jeff e

n r so 41

Logan Manhattan Three Belgrade Forks

n River

Ri ver

e rh ve

Virginia City

o Madis

Ruby River Reservoir

Galla

287 Nevada City

Dillon

a Be

tin River

278

A sunset fills the sky during the Last Chance Rodeo at the fairgrounds in Helena.

Neihart

Hauser Lake

Monarch

iver th R

Bitterroo t

HAMILTON

Choteau Su

Victor

Teton River

iver Missouri R

Flathead Proctor Lake Swan Elmo Dayton35 Lake 93 rk R Hot Springs ive r Thompson Falls Polson Flathead Condon Indian Ronan Plains Salteze 83 Reservation Charlo Paradise Moiese Haugan De Borgia 135 200 St. Ignatius St. Regis Dixon Superior Ravalli 93 Alberton 90 Huson Seeley Lake Evaro Frenchtown oot River Blackf 200 MISSOULA Bonner Lolo Hot Springs 12 Lolo Clinton Florence Clark Fo 93 rk R

Trout Creek

287

Gallatin Gateway Emigrant

191 Petrified forest Mammoth Hot Springs 287

Lima Reservoir Monida

West Yellowstone

Dylan Brown/Helena Independent Record SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2014

R E D I SCOV E R M O NTA N A

41Shoshone Lake

SOUTHwest country

Virginia City doesn’t mind being old-fashioned

Live theater, shopping, fine dining attract visitors

“We try to have fun. Our show is risque, bawdy, and can involve social and political commentary. We don’t have any violence in the show, there’s no nudity, and we don’t use the most offensive ‘four letter words.’ However, we don’t tell people that our show is squeaky clean,” the troupe says on its website, www.breweryfollies. net. For more family friendly fare, there’s the Virginia City Players Theatre Co. They perform authentic 19th century melodramas, along with “a varied, vigorous vagary of vivacious vaudeville variety acts,” according to www.virginiacityplayers.com.

Montana Standard

Virginia City has such a rich history — you could say it’s golden. Stagecoach rides and handmade candy are just two of the old-timey offerings at Virginia City. History buffs can stroll the same boardwalks as the vigilantes and saddle up for a brew where miners did 150 years ago. It is touted as one of the best preserved gold mining towns from the 1860s. “Guests are transported to a time when rowdy miners mingled in saloons and restaurants with women of negotiable affection,” according to the town’s website, www.virginiacity. com. Located 55 miles south of Interstate 90 at Whitehall, on Montana Highway 287, Virginia City sits between Ennis and Sheridan. Some of the most popular ventures include live theater, specialty shopping and fine dining. An old-fashioned bakery and vintage candy shop are also hits with visitors. The town boasts more than 100 historic buildings furnished with period pieces and an assortment of artifacts. Although known for its history, Virginia City remains home to about 150 year-round residents. But, come summer, the town entertains about 70,000 tourists from around the world.

Historical neighbor Just down the road 1.5 miles away is Nevada City. That town boasts 14 historical buildings original to the location and an additional more than 100 buildings saved from across Montana. Nevada City is home to living history weekends in which actors portray figures from the area’s rich history. Living history weekends are held Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend all summer long. The outdoor living history Associated Press museum is home to one of the Visitors stroll along the shops in Virginia City. The town of 150 residents largest collections of old west has about 70,000 tourists each year. artifacts outside the Smithsonian. Visitors can work alongside Virginia City, once the capital tours are conducted once a of the Montana Territory, is month during the tourist season. the blacksmith, chat with the sawyer or cook a meal in one of most bustling during its many Fans of comedy can get the rustic frontier cabins. events. The town’s Montana tickets for the Brewery Follies, It also houses the largest Territory History Days run from a cabaret-style musical revue, May 8 to 9. Independence Day or down the street, the Virginia collection of music machines, including player pianos, in the celebrations are held from July City Players. world open to the public. n 4 to 6. The ever popular lantern As for the Follies:

R e d i scov e r M o nta n a

SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2014

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Welcome to

Butte

Simplify your Butte vacation with a stop at the Butte Visitor Center. Where you’ll find information about individual attractions, walking tours, maps & more. You’ll also find friendly, knowledgeable staff to answer any of your Butte questions! While you’re here, take a narrated trolley tour of “The Richest R Hill On Earth” and even n make m a stop at the historic Be Berkeley Pit Viewing Stand.

We look forward to seeing you in Butte!

Summer Chamber Hours (late May-Sept.) Monday - Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Sunday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 1000 George Street Butte, MT 59701 Phone: (406) 723-3177 Toll Free: (800) 735-6814 www.buttechamber.org www.buttecvb.com

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Mall Hours

MondAy – FridAy 10am – 9pm SAturdAy 10am – 6pm SundAy 12pm – 5pm

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3100 Harrison Avenue Butte, Montana 59701

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SOUTHwest country

Courtesy of James N. Perdue

Layers of sedimentary rock more than 500 million years old are visible in Taylor Mountain, which is located in the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.

Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge a birder’s paradise Montana Standard

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R e d i scov e r M o nta n a

Seemingly, the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in extreme southwestern Montana is a long ways from anywhere. It’s definitely worth the trip. It’s the largest wetlands complex in the greater Yellowstone area. It has been called the most beautiful national wildlife refuge in the United States. The rugged Centennial Mountains, rising more than 9,000 feet above the Centennial Valley wetlands, provide a dramatic backdrop for this

extremely remote refuge. The inherent solitude and suitable habitat has made this the perfect place for reviving declining populations of the majestic trumpeter swan. These wetlands also provide secluded habitat for white-faced ibis, and black-crowned night herons. The refuge also includes wet meadows, riparian shrublands, grasslands, and forest habitats. It’s a birders’ paradise. This diversity provides habitat for other species such as sandhill cranes, long-billed SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2014

If you go First off, fill up your gas tank before you go. Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is located about 150 miles south of Butte, and 40 miles east of Lima in Beaverhead County. Head down Interstate 15, then turn at Lima. Follow the signs.The refuge can be accessed during summer and fall from Henry’s Lake, Idaho, by 25 miles of gravel road.

Creek flowing through it, making it land the refuge wanted to protect. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service bought the land with money provided by the Land and Water Courtesy of James N. Perdue Conservation Act, the North The West Centennial Mountains are visible from Wigeon Pond in the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife American Wetland Conservation Refuge. Act, the Migratory Bird Hunting curlews, peregrine falcons, and Conservation Stamp Act eagles, numerous hawks, and the Federal Lands Transacmoose, badgers, bears, wolves, tion Facilitation Act. pronghorn and native fish such It took five years to complete as Arctic grayling and westslope the sale in phases. cutthroat trout. “Red Rock Creek is one of Although much of the refuge the last strongholds in this part of lands were originally homesteadthe watershed — the Big Hole ed at the turn of the century, River is the other — for Arctic refuge management has restored grayling,” said Bill West, project much of the naturalness to the leader at the refuge. “They’re area. probably remnants of the last This approach gained Red glacial period 40,000 years ago.” Rock Lakes NWR the distinction The refuge, which is bordered of being designated a National Courtesy of James N. Perdue by the Centennial Mountains and Natural Landmark, as well as be- Cygnets of this age stay close to Mom and Dad to avoid predators Continental Divide to the south and to ensure a good supply of food.Trumpeter Swans have made an coming one of the few wetland and the Gravelly Mountains to Wilderness Areas in the country. amazing recovery since the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge the north, is also home to the The refuge is managed to primi- was established in 1935 to bring them back from extinction in the lower utmost point of the Missouri 48 states. tive wilderness values where and Mississippi rivers. It was people are visitors, with minimal keeping with the wilderness established in 1935 as a breeding all that the refuge has to offer. permanent impact on the land- spirit, visitors are free to exLast year, the refuge expand- ground for animals, which include scape, and wildlife move freely plore the country the way wild- ed to 51,000 acres following the moose, wolves, wolverines, grizwith minimal human interaction. life see it, following in the trails acquisition of 1,490 acres. zly and black bears, elk and more Physical facilities are limited and tracks of moose, elk, and The newly purchased acreage than 200 species of birds. and commercialism is miniThe refuge’s website is http:// deer. Outside the designated is in the eastern-most part of the mized, creating an uncrowded www.fws.gov/refuge/Red_Rock_ Wilderness Area there are two Centennial Valley has both Red do-it-yourself experience. In Lakes/.  maintained trails to experience Rock Creek and Hell Roaring SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2014

R E D I SCOV E R M O NTA N A

SO COUT U HW N E TR S Y T

CALENDAR

AUGUSTA

Augusta Rodeo and Parade June 29 The Augusta American Legion Rodeo and Parade is one of the largest one-day rodeos in Montana. Augusta sits on the eastern edge of the spectacular Rocky Mountain Front. Details: 406-562-3477.

ANACONDA Anaconda Bike Festival June 13-15 Annual bike races/rides, both road bikes and mountain bikes, with background of Anaconda Range mountains. Details: 406563-7988. St. Timothy’s Summer Music Festival June 29-Aug. 24 Select Sundays at 4 p.m. at St. Timothy’s Memorial Chapel overlooking Georgetown Lake and the Anaconda Range. This summer’s lineup includes members of the Muir Quartet, jazz vocalist Eden Atwood and friends and the Werner Cello Quartet, among others. For more information, go to sttimothysmusic. org. Art in the Park July 18-20 Washoe Park is filled with a juried arts and crafts fair featuring vendors from around the country. Activities and music are planned throughout the weekend. For information, 406-563-2422 or discoveranaconda.com.

BANNACK Bannack Days July 19-20 Visitors can take a wagon ride, pan for gold, or watch a Main Street gunfight. In

addition, there will be old-time dancing, candle making and pioneer craft demonstrations. For information, go to www. bannack.org/events.htm or call 406-8343413.

out dazzling feats attempted by some of the country’s greatest stuntmen and daredevils. For information, go to knieveldays. com.

An Ri Ra Montana Irish Festival Aug. 8-10 This family-friendly event celebrates the BUTTE Irish culture and heritage in Butte. FeaturButte Mineral and Gem Show ing authors, musicians, dancers as well as June 14-15 language workshops, lectures and lots of This event at the Butte Civic Center offers activities for kids, door prizes, raffles events for kids. It concludes with an Irish Mass. For information, go to mtgaelic.org. and educational talks.

DEER LODGE Grant-Kohrs Ranch Days July 26-27 Celebrate everything cowboy, including roping, branding, chuckwagon cooking, blacksmithing and cowboy music at this historic cattle ranch. For information, call 406-846-2070 or go to nps.gov/grko. WALTER HINICK/Montana Standard

Western swing band “Hot Club of Cowtown” opened the Montana Folk Festival Friday night on the Original stage. Photo by

Montana Folk Festival July 11-13 One of the largest free outdoor music festivals in the region offers music by more than 20 groups representing a broad diversity of musical and cultural traditions on six stages at the Original Mineyard in Uptown Butte. Acts confirmed for this summer include Don Carlos, Jamaican reggae, Lurrie Bell, Chicago blues and Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys. For information, montanafolkfestival.com. Evel Knievel Days July 24-26 This three-day celebration honors the daredevil, who was born in Butte. Check

R E D I SCOV E R M O NTA N A

Powell County Territorial Day June 14 The day includes a car show, races, parade, Jaywalkers Jamboree and more. Call 846-2094.

DILLON Montana’s Biggest Weekend Aug. 30-Sept. 1 The Dillon Jaycee Labor Day rodeo, concert, fair and parade provides a fun way to end the summer. For information, go to dillonjaycees.com. Ride Around the Pioneers in One Day (RATPOD) June 28 The 130-mile bicycle ride benefits Camp-Mak-a-Dream. For information, go to www.ratpod.org.

SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2014

ENNIS

the Sunshine Station. For more details, call Bill Derkes at 406-859-3450.

Father’s Day Fishing Derby June 15 Kids under 12 can catch a fish in the park pond while fathers act as coaches. For information, go to 406-682-5711.

Flint Creek Valley Days July 25-27 The weekend festivities include a car show, carnival, parade, 5K and 10K run, live music and more. For information, call 406-859-3388.

July 4 rodeo and parade Check out the Fourth of July parade, in existence since 1935 and considered one of the best small-town parades in Montana. The NRA-sanctioned rodeo is at 8 p.m. July 3 and at 2 p.m. July 4. For information, go to ennischamber.com. Madison Valley Arts Festival Aug. 9 The festival includes original paintings, stained glass, pottery and woodworking. For information, go to 406-599-9678 or ennisartsassociation.org.

VIRGINIA CITY Helena Independent Record

Thousands turn out for the annual Governor’s Cup running events in Helena.

food and art and crafts vendors as well as a beer garden. Attendees get in with a minimum donation and two canned food items. For information, call 406-447-1535.

54rd annual Last Chance Stampede and Fair Governor’s Cup Events July 23-26 June 14 Three nights of rodeo, carnival rides CASEY PAGE/Billings Gazette The 41th Governor’s Cup starts with and a performance by big name bands Visitors explore Virginia City, Mont., in 2009. registration and a shindig on June 13. highlight the week of events at the Thousands are expected on race day June Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds. For 14 for running events from 26.2 miles. For information, call 406-457-8516 or go to “Dog & Grog” Montana Microbrew information, go to govcupmt.com. Festival lastchancestampede.com. July 18-19 Mount Helena Music Festival and The festival begins at 9 p.m. Friday at Art Mart PHILIPSBURG the Bale of Hay Saloon and continues June 27-28 BBQ Challenge Saturday with top breweries showcased. The event, in its 15th year, takes place in June 15 For visit www.baleofhaysaloon.com or Women’s Park in Helena. Featuring bands, Ninth annual rib cook-off challenge at www.virginiacity.com. n

HELENA

35th ANNUAL ARt IN thE WAShOE PARK IN ANACONDA!

See Dealer for Current Programs

See Dealer for Current Programs.

SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2014

*XP Sales Event offers valid 3/1/14 to 4/30/14, see dealer for details. Warning: The Polaris RANGER® and RZR® are not intended for on-road use. Driver must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver's license to operate. Passengers must be at least 12 years old and tall enough to grasp the hand holds and plant feet firmly on the floor. All SxS drivers should take a safety training course. Contact ROHVA at www.rohva.org or (949) 255-2560 for additional information. Drivers and passengers should always wear helmets, eye protection, protective clothing, and seat belts. Always use cab nets or doors (as equipped). Be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Never drive on public roads or paved surfaces. Never engage in stunt driving, and avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns. Riding and alcohol/drugs don't mix. Check local laws before riding on trails. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. Polaris adult models are for riders 16 and older. For your safety, always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing, and be sure to take a safety training course. For safety and training information in the U.S., call the SVIA at (800) 887-2887. You may also contact your Polaris dealer or call Polaris at (800) 342-3764. ©2014 Polaris Industries Inc.

Hours

Replace this text with your 406.683.2205 dealership specific 201 E. Helena Street Dillon, MT 59725 information. www.adventurecycleandsled.com

SponSored by Copper Village art MuSeuM w bands including the Bop a Dips on S e n g n i aturd ur ay. Feat July 18, 19, 20

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80 Art and Craft Booths | 20 Food Vendors R e d i scov e r M o nta n a

june 14, 2014 billings, montana 5K 10K

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Presenting Sponsors

Community Sponsors

Major Sponsors

Contributing Sponsors

micromesh T-shirt finish at dehler park montana active life festival (post race) RRCA 5K state championship free team category and picture registration and information

heartandsolerace.org 406.254.7426 Proceeds Benefit

Managed by Montana Amateur Sports

R e d i scov e r M o nta n a

SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2014

SOUTHEAST COUNTRY

R E D I S C O V E R M O N TA N A

191

iver th R

Monarch Neihart

Denton Hilger Stanford 200 Hobson LEWISTOWN Moore

Utica

White Sulphur HELENA Springs 287 Canyon Ferry Winston Lake 12 Townsend

Judith Gap

Shawmut ds

Pompeys Pillar National Historic Landmark 94

90 BILLINGS

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Crow Indian Reservation

Boulder Rive r

tin River

Clyde Park er Big Timber Riv llowstone 298 90 BOZEMAN Columbus McLeod Norris LIVINGSTON River r e Gallatin t a McAllister llw Absarokee Joliet Gateway 89 Sti Nye Fishtail Big 212 Ennis Pray Emigrant Sky Rosco Bridger 78 Cameron Red 191 Petrified Corwin Springs Cooke Lodge forest City Mammoth Gardiner Silver Hot Springs 287 287 212 Gate r Yellowstone Tower WYOMING Rock Junction National Norris Park Canyon Madison West Upper Lake YellowstoneJunction Red Rock Lake Old Faithful Yellowstone West Thumb Lake Galla

r ive eR n o st low MILES CITY Yel

r Musselshell Rive 87

Melville

Wilsall

191

Shie l

Missouri River

Logan Three Manhattan Forks Belgrade

Glendive

Harlowton

Martinsdale

200S

Winnett

200 Jordan

191

200

Grass Range

Circle

Brusett

212 Crow Northern Cheyenne Agency Indian Reservation

r ve Ri 59

Po wd er

Geyser

Houser Lake York

Sidney

Tong ue

Smi

Fairview

Winifred

Belt

Cascade

Riv er

ith Jud

GREAT FALLS

200

Musselshell River Musselshell River

Fort Peck Reservoir

Mi ssouri River

Fort Benton

Big horn R iver

eezeout ke Fairfield

Broadus

R ve dison i

212

310

Shoshone Lake

Grant Village

The Yellowstone River flows past Pompeys Pillar. LARRY MAYER/Billings Gazette SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2014

R E D I SCOV E R M O NTA N A

SOUTHEAST Magic City Blues lineup offers Ben COUNTRY

Harper, Huey Lewis, Jonny Lang

STORY BEGINS ON PAGE 56

ď ľ

CASEY PAGE/Billings Gazette

Peter Karp & Sue Foley perform on the main stage at Magic City Blues in 2013.

R E D I SCOV E R M O NTA N A

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Events • Entertainment • Music

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DINING • SHOPPING

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CASEY PAGE/Billings Gazette

The crowd fills Montana Avenue as Vintage Trouble performs on the main stage at Magic City Blues last year.

By JACI WEBB Rediscover Montana

After a successful 13 years hosting two nights of music on Montana Avenue, Magic City Blues promoter Tim Goodridge decided move the show off of the hot pavement, at least for one night. The Friday night show, scheduled for Aug. 8, featuring headliner Jonny Lang, will still be on Montana Avenue.

The shows on Aug. 9 and 10 will be presented at South Park. Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite will headline Saturday night, and Huey Lewis and the News will play on Sunday. A free show will be presented on Aug. 7, featuring a Magic City Blues act at St. John’s Lutheran Home. “There are probably a lot of people who came 10 years ago who don’t want to come

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anymore because they’re getting older and they don’t want to stand up all night on the pavement,” Goodridge said. “The component we needed was shade.”

The ‘wow’ factor Goodridge contracted with Architect of the Air founder Mar Ricketts, of Portland, to create nylon and polyester sheets of different sizes, shapes and colors

that will be tied between the cottonwood trees at South Park, creating shade sails up to 30 feet in the air. Ricketts calls it fabric architecture. He’s been covering crowds at music festivals and other events across the world since 1994. “You are adding the sense of place,” Ricketts said. “We’re adding comfort because we’re shading the audience. It’s like SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2014

For tickets and additional information, go to www. magiccityblues. com. turning the park into an outdoor ballroom. You get this idea that you have arrived somewhere. This adds that ‘wow’ factor.” Ricketts has studied photographs of South Park and discussed with the Billings Parks Department how to attach harnesses to the trees to keep the sails up without harming the trees. “The fabric will be under a good bit of tension, but it will be small amounts compared to what these trees can take,” Ricketts said.

A bit of climbing His company has been providing shade for the blues festival on the Portland waterfront for years and provided cover for big festivals in Australia and Toronto. The job of harnessing the sails to the trees requires trained arborists using a combination of mechanical lifts and climbing to get them in place. Another necessary component for the shade was finding a sponsor. Cape Air marketing director Erin Hatzell had already sought out Goodridge to work out package deals, flying fans to the festival and offering hotel deals, concert tickets, and discount options at local restaurants. When Goodridge pitched the idea of sponsoring the shade, Cape Air went for it. SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2014

“What we really want to do is offer an experience,” Hatzell said. “Magic City Blues is such a great event, not just for Billings but for Montana. I go every year and I’ve met people from St. Louis and New York. It’s a destination festival.” Hatzell said many fans travel to Billings for MCB from Eastern Montana, where Cape Air provides air service to Billings for $49 each way. Families look to Magic City Blues as a vacation because it occurs during MontanaFair. Now that the Saturday show will be a daylong, all-ages event, Goodridge expects more families to attend. Plans are to start the music on Saturday at 3 p.m., scheduling five bands to play throughout the day on Saturday, ending the show at 10:30 p.m. instead of the midnight end time when the Saturday show was downtown. Erecting a bigger stage at South Park will also better accommodate bigger bands.

Evolution of MCB The South Park portion of the festival will also offer a craft beer garden and expanded food offerings, provided by the Rex. “It’s the evolution of this festival,” Goodridge said. “You just recognize that people don’t want to sit on the planter box or fight with the crowds. Some of our bigger nights were just packed downtown. Imagine if it would have been down at South Park, with people spread out on the grass.” Goodridge will provide a shuttle service to South Park, taking music fans from the area of the new parking garage on 27th Street to South Park, which is about 10 blocks south of that area. 

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BILLINGS Alive After 5 June 5-Aug. 28 A local favorite, this popular weekly concert series has grown to include free, live performances from 5 to 9 p.m. every Thursday (and one Wednesday). Music lovers enjoy concerts at various downtown locations, where beverages and food are also available. 406-259-5454 or aliveafter5.com. Moss Mansion Springfest June 7 SpringFest is held on the parklike grounds of the Moss Mansion, 914 Division St., from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Featuring arts and crafts vendors, food concessions, and live entertainment and a kid’s corner with carnival style games. 406-256-5100

Festival of Cultures June 8 Celebrate cultural diversity with participants from all over the region and neighboring states. From 10 am. to 5 p.m., ethnic entertainment, a student-created inspirational fine art show, interactive children’s activities and hooping fun for young adults are all on the lush lawn of Rocky Mountain College. Food is available, but attendees are welcome to bring picnic baskets. The festival is hosted by the Institute for Peace Studies, and admission is free. 406-657-1042 or rocky.edu.

make for one fun, sweet day. 406-2595454 or go to strawberryfun.com. Heart & Sole Run June 14 In its 35th year, this benefit race includes people of all ages and abilities. Starting at St. Vincent Healthcare, a 2-mile health walk and a 5K and 10K run end in Dehler Park. A free Active Life Festival with fun, music and food follows. Proceeds benefit the YMCA Healthy Community Campaign and Trails Development. 406254-7426 or heartandsolerace.org. Highland Games June 21 This Scottish-Irish inspired event features athletics, piping, drumming, dancing on the grounds of ZooMontana. Donna Creek, 406-652-8100, ext. 213.

JAMES WOODCOCK/Billings Gazdette

Katelyn Anton with Faeries For Nature entertains children during the Renaissance Fair at ZooMontana.

Montana Renaissance Festival June 7-8 Take in the atmosphere of a 16th Century European Country Faire and its bustling marketplace on the grounds of ZooMontana. The event will feature full contact armored jousting tournaments. Story tellers, musicians, singers, dancers, and villagers will be on hand in period dress. Ken Haak, 406-256-6804 or montanarenfest.com

Billings Gazette BOB ZELLAR/Billings Gazette A group of children compete in a youth

A giant strawberry shortcake always draws a huge crowd in Downtown Billings for the Strawberry Festival.

conducting contest at Pioneer Park on Sunday before a performance by the Billings Symphony.

Strawberry Festival June 14 A pancake breakfast starts the day at 7:30 a.m., and downtown streets are lined with more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, children’s activities, food and fun at 8 a.m. Free, live entertainment on two stages and a 60-foot strawberry shortcake

Symphony in the Park June 29 This free outdoor community concert is a great way to take in the Billings Symphony Orchestra at Pioneer Park. Picnicking begins at 4 p.m., an instrument ‘petting zoo’ at 5 p.m. and the main concert at 7 p.m. 406-252-3610 or www. billingssymphony.org

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a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 406-256-6804, ext. 236 or artmuseum.org.

Wyoming residents. Opening Ceremonies include torch lighting by an Olympic athlete. More than 30 competitions take place around town throughout the weekend. 406-254-7426 or bigskygames. org.

BOB ZELLAR/Billings Gazette

Kelsey Belcourt, 8, checks out a kaleidoscope like creation at Rose and Ed Urlacher’s booth at Summerfair in Veteran’s Park in Billings.

Summerfair July 12-13 Check out one of the largest juried arts and crafts festivals in the state at this fundraiser for the Yellowstone Art Museum. The event is at Veteran’s Park and admission is $3 for adults, free for those 17 and younger. Saturday from 9

LARRY MAYER/Billings Gazette

Magic City Blues Aug. 8-10 Montana’s largest urban music festival takes over two venues this year, Montana Avenue on Friday night and South Park on Saturday and Sunday. This year’s headliners include Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite, Johnny Lang, Huey Lewis and the News and Matthew Curry. 406-670-2329 or magiccityblues. com

Triathlon racers enter Lake Elmo on the first leg of their race at the Big Sky State Games in 2013.

CROW AGENCY

Big Sky State Games July 18-20 This Olympic-style sports festival hosts more than 10,000 Montana and

Battle of the Little Bighorn Reenactment June 27-29 At 1 p.m. each day, on the banks of the Little Bighorn River, the Real Bird family hosts

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are available through the band’s Facebook page and at rosebudcountyfair.com.

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GLENDIVE

a reenactment of “Custer’s Last Stand” from the American Indian point of view. Featuring local riders and reenactors from around the United States, the Battle of the Little Bighorn Reenactment began nearly 20 years ago as a way to impart more Native American history and culture, and takes place during Crow Native Days. Littlebighornreenactment.com. Crow Fair Aug. 8-14 The nation’s largest modern-day American Indian encampment features dancing, drumming, food, daily rodeos and racing, traditional bead work, buckskin and leather work, evening powwows, morning parades and at the close of the fair, the Dance-Through Camp. Daily grand entries and afternoon war bonnet dances are included in this authentic annual event. 406-638-3708.

JAMES WOODCOCK/Billings Gazdette

Crow women wave from a float in the 95th Crow Fair parade in Crow Agency.

FORSYTH Charlie Daniels Band July 19 The Charlie Daniels Band makes a stop at the Rosebud-Treasure County Fair while on their “Off the Grid” tour. The band takes the stage to perform songs from their new studio album, plus some all-time favorites. The fair runs from July 17-20. The concert is at 7 p.m., and tickets

Buzzard Day June 13 The annual return of the turkey vulture to Eastern Montana is celebrated at Makoshika State Park. Entertainment and events for all age groups, including a pancake breakfast, Buzzard Burger lunch, nature walks, 5K and 10K runs, and festival games are part of the fun, and each year, new events are added. Admission is free. 406-377-6256 or stateparks.mt.gov/makoshika. Cars in the Park June 27-28 The Badlands Drifters Car Club hosts this annual two-day car show in Eyer Park, where more than 30 trophies are awarded. Other events include a scavenger hunt, fun run and a dance to ‘60s music at

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Moose Lodge. Badlandsdrifters. LAUREL com. Fourth of July Celebration More than 15,000 people HARDIN gather at Thomson Park for Little Bighorn Days activities including a pancake June 25-29 breakfast, the Chief Joseph The past comes alive every Run, kiddie parade, grand June in and around Hardin. parade, food and craft fair, Highlights of Little Bighorn Days live entertainment all day, include living history areas, arts and one of Montana’s largest and crafts fairs, a book fair, a 5K fireworks displays at night. run/walk, a Lamborghini show, 406-628-8105 or laurelmonand the annual Custer’s Last tana.org. Stand Reenactment of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Before and after the show, cavalrymen POMPEYS PILLAR who’ve set up camp are on Clark Days hand to talk about events and Aug. 2-3 demonstrate skills such as bullet William Clark’s stop at making and weapon cleaning. Pompeys Pillar on July 25, Parades, an 1876 Grand Ball and 1806, is marked at Pompeys much more are offered. 406Pillar National Monument. 665-1672 or thehardinchamber. Historical talks, nature walks, org and custerslaststand.org.

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Native American cultural presentations, music, and food are part of the annual commemoration, where Saturday

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Take A Walk... On The WILD Side

HUNTLEY PROJEC h T reshing Bee Aug. 16-17 The South Central Montana Antique Tractor and Machinery Association sponsors this weekend of steam and gas threshing with events for the whole family. A stationary engine display, gas tractor and steam engine plowing, hay baling, binding, a saw-mill, wood planer and shingle mill, working blacksmith shop, tractor pull competition, parade, arts, crafts, live music and concessions are daily at Huntley Project Museum of Irrigated Agriculture. Antiquetractorclub. org/2014threshingbee.

Billings Gazette

A teepee is seen at Pompeys Pillar National Monument during the annual Clark Days Celebration.

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Themed train ride offers peek into Montana history Courtesy of the Lewistown Chamber of Commerce

The Charlie Russell Chew-Choo has been in operation since the late 1990s.

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Charles Russell’s depictions of life in the American West have long been lauded by Montanans. His work is featured at the Montana Historical Society Museum in Helena and led the north-central part of the state to be nicknamed “Russell County.” The town of Lewistown — located east of Great Falls in the heart of central Montana –honors Russell in its own unique way. The Charlie Russell ChewChoo has been in operation since the late 1990s and offers guests a three and a half hour

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train ride through the sparse ranchlands and mountains outside town, complete with a full prime rib dinner. “We leased the train cars first to kind of to see if this was something we wanted to do,” said Connie Fry, executive director of the Lewistown Chamber of Commerce, the train’s host. “The chamber purchased the train cars and then Central Montana Rail out of Denton, they pull our train,” she said. She said she’s unsure of exactly how the ride started, but she thinks someone saw the train cars for sale and thought it would be a fun way to promote tourism in town. “(We were) trying to de-

velop something for our community that would bring people into town,” she said. According to the ChewChoo website, the ride travels, “through the mountains and prairies of central Montana. Experience the beauty of the rolling hills, vast ranchlands and breathtaking sunsets of Big Sky Country. “Wildlife abounds on this scenic 56 mile round trip journey, with a plentiful supply of antelope, eagles, deer, hawks and coyotes,” the website reads. But riders should beware, members of the Salt Creek Gang are known to make an appearance at some point on the ride. SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2014

Courtesy of the Lewistown Chamber of Commerce

The train offers not only a scenic tour throughout some of the state’s picturesque landscapes, but also insight into the history of settlement in the west and specifically the life of Charlie Russell.

“They are robbers,” Fry said. “They hold up the train and get on and they go and greet all the passengers and they have a little shootout when they’re done.” Each train ride holds a maximum of 244 people and rides run from May through December each year. The season starts off with a special Mother’s Day train ride in May and then begins its normal schedule — every other Saturday — in June. SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2014

Fry said the train’s busiest weekend is by far during the town’s annual Chokecherry Festival, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary this September. The festival features live music and honors the wild berry that grows plentiful in Montana’s wild. “We do sell out (of train rides) during Chokecherry Festival,” Fry said. Tickets cost $100 each for adults and $50 each for children under 12; the chamber does not

charge for infant riders. Fry said there are a number of special packages available for those interested in taking the tour, but recommends booking in advance as the trains typically average between 130 and 150 passengers. The train not only offers a fun, scenic tour throughout some of the state’s picturesque landscapes, but also offers insight into the history of settlement in the west and specifically the life of Charlie Russell.

“He was an artist around here and spent time in the Lewistown area,” Fry said. She said Russell owned a cabin about 20 miles outside of town and residents hold him in high respect. “We do a little narration and they talk about some of that kind of history on the train,” she said. Interested parties can visit montanadinnertrain.com for schedules and pricing for the 2014 Chew-Choo season. n

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C CO EN U TR N A TR L Y

CALENDAR

BELT

GREAT FALLS

CHINOOK

25th Annual Lewis & Clark Festival June 20-22 This weekend of rediscovery is an opportunity to experience an incredible journey through the weathered pages of the daily journals kept by Lewis and Clark; all shared with you through presentation, ceremony and guided experience. Demonstrations, exhibits, and other events of this week, will touch you forever, as the history of this 200 year old adventure unfolds. 406-452-5661.

rade of their own, followed by the general parade. The Whoop-Up Rodeo will begin 54th Annual Belt PRCA Rodeo at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Rhubarb June 14-15 pies for sale, pie contest, biggest rhubarb leaf Join in the fun on Father’s Day weekend for the 54th Annual Belt PRCA Rodeo. Dust contest, dessert and “other” makings from rhubarb contest. 406-271-7791. off your hats and pull on your boots for some heart-pounding, action-packed family entertainment. This is where the Old West meets the young. 406-738-4444.

Bear Paw Roundup June 20-21 Chinook will be holding its annual Roundup Day and Bear Paw Roundup PRCA Rodeo on Friday and Saturday. Events include a parade, country-dance with live music, community breakfast, Calcutta and rodeo events each night. Roundup Day will be primarily at the Blaine County Fairgrounds on Saturday. 406-357-3858.

Lewis and Clark Honor Guard Encampment June 20-22 During the Lewis and Clark Festival, members of the Lewis and Clark Honor Guard establish an encampment and demonstration area outside at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center to demonstrate different aspects of the Lewis and Clark story. 406-727-8733.

Blaine County Fair July 10-13 The Blaine County Fair features carnival rides, walk around entertainers, midway food including the famous ‘Pronto Pup’ and ‘Sconitos’ lawn mower races, commercial exhibitors, agricultural and 4-H/FFA exhibits, rodeos, demolition derby, big-name entertainers. 406-357-2988.

Riverside Voices June 26-Aug. 28 Riverside Voices is held at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center at 7 p.m. each Thursday. Join a member of our staff or a special guest presenter for a lively 45-minute program on the banks of the Missouri. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket and dress for conditions. Programs are normally held in our outdoor amphitheater, but will move indoors in the event of inclement weather or program requirements. Free. 406-727-8733.

CONRAD Whoop-Up Days and Rhubarb Festival June 6-8 The Annual Whoop-Up Days and Rhubarb Festival begin Friday evening with a children’s carnival and a Rodeo Calcutta. Saturday morning the Conrad Lions Club offer a free pancake breakfast. To work off those pancakes you can participate in the Pondera Medical Center Fun Run. Conrad’s youth warm up Main Street with a pa-

Courtesy of the Lewis and Clark Foundation

The Lewis and Clark Festival in Great Falls features members of the Lewis and Clark Honor Guard establishing an encampment to demonstrate the Lewis and Clark story on June 20-22.

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Montana State Fair July 25-Aug. 2 Superstar entertainment, the Mighty Thomas Carnival, five nights of pro rodeo, 40 food vendors, livestock shows, stage acts, quilts, floral and cooking exhibits, and more. 406-727-1481 or www.montanastatefair. com. Phone: 406-727-8900. SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2014

Little Shell Chippewa Powwow Aug. 23-24 Traditional Native American Powwow features drumming, dancing, and traditional dress, crafts, children activities, displays, exhibits and native food. Visitors are welcome and asked to respect the dance area, which is sacred. Located at the First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park. Free. 406-590-1745 or 406-459-0638.

LEWISTOWN Wings Across the Big Sky Bird Festival June 6-8 For more information contact Bird Festival Coordinator, Cathie Ericksonat cerickson@mtaudubon.org or 406-4433949. 406-443-3949. Pioneer Power Day Threshing Bee June 14-15 Check out old steam engines at work. Demonstrations and exhibits include sawmill buzz saw, ore crushing, shingle making, stationary hay baler, plowing, blacksmith, ice cream making, bread making, crafts and flea market. 2014 Show will be the National Early Day gas engine and tractor association show. Lewistown airport will also have a fly-in breakfast at the Montana pilots association Lewistown Hangar and air show on June 14. 406-535-8664. Central Montana Horse Show, Fair and Rodeo July 23-26 The Central Montana Horse Show, Fair and Rodeo is held each year in Lewistown. The pre-fair 4-H horse show occurs on Friday and small animal judging begins Wednesday. The open class horse show is Saturday and Sunday. Admission begins on Wednesday and the rates are as follows: $5 for adults (7 and older); 6 and under are admitted free and free to all events except the Friday night concert. 406-5358841.

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29th Annual Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering & Western Music Rendezvous Aug. 14-17 Award winning Montana Cowboy Poetry and a celebration of “everything cowboy.” Over 100 cowboy poets, western musicians and artist/vendors from the upper Rocky Mountain west and Canada gather to share their poetry, songs and wares. Ticket information, schedule and more available at MontanaCowboyPoetryGathering.com or call at 406-538-4575. 406-538-4575.

heritage includes a parade, arts and crafts on the levee. Missouri River Traders Market, historical tours, free entertainment, street dance, fishing derby and fireworks display on the levee. Also included are a fun walk and run. You can camp overnight. 406-622-2013. Snowy Mountains Muzzleloaders Rendezvous June 27-29 Step back in time and join the Snowy Mountains Muzzleloaders at the Ed McGivern Memorial Park in beautiful Central Montana for an exciting weekend filled with activities of the mid-1800s. 406-535-2186.

Annual Montana State Chokecherry Festival Sept. 6 Buffalo Jump Speaker Series The chokecherry reigns on the first July 19-Aug. 1 Saturday after Labor Day. The festival is First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park sponsored by the Lewistown Area Chaminvites you to their Speaker Series with ber of Commerce. 406-535-5436. presentations in the visitor center. For more information or reserve a seat please call 406-866-2217. Phone: 406HAVRE 866-2217. Sounds on The Square June 19-Sept. 11 Sounds on The Square an evening summer concert series provides fun music Heart Butte Heart Butte Celebration each Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. Sounds Aug. 7-10 on The Square is a great opportunity for This annual four day celebration takes the community and visitors to enjoy a place the second week in August and is summer evening concert. Music is from 6 26 miles south of Browning in the comto 8 p.m. 406-265-4383. munity of Heart Butte, which is located on the Blackfeet Reservation. Heart Annual Liquid Harvest Microbrew Butte is one of the oldest traditional Fest communities of the Blackfeet ReservaSept. 13 24 Montana-made beers on draft for a tion. More than 60 houses are clustered sampling utopia. Coupled with great eats around the old sub-agency, established and live music. Lots of time to taste, listen about 1915. Many residents remain on the original allotments of their ancestors and visit. 406-265-4700. in the surrounding area. The community is justly proud of its school, built partially FORT BENTON underground and located south of the 38th Annual Fort Benton Summer town. Towering above to the west is Celebration the mountain known to the Blackfeet as June 27-29 Moskitsipahpi-istuki, Heart Butte. Phone: Fort Benton’s annual celebration of its 406-338-7370. n

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CENTRAL country

Red Ants Pants festival brings top acts, economic boost to central Montana community

Courtesy of Erik Petersen

Musicians look out over the crowd at the Red Ants Pants music festival.

By TALIA KNUDSEN

headlining the event starring other big bands, all sure to bring an unprecedented crowd to the Every summer for the past three years, residents of White town of less than 1,000 residents situated 76 miles east of Helena. Sulphur Springs have watched Last year the festival main thousands of concertgoers come stage boasted a performance to their little town for the Red from Merle Haggard, The Wailin’ Ants Pants Music Festival held Jennys and Heartless Bastards just outside of city limits on the plus 16 other acts. Jackson Ranch. This year will be Sarah Calhoun, founder of no different with Charley Pride the Red Ants Pants Foundation, Rediscover Montana

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said this year’s festival, planned for July 24-27, will feature stars of equal caliber and she expects it to draw more people than ever. She called the lineup a “really neat blend of talent” offering something for everyone this year. The festival offers on-site camping as well. The lineup was released on April 5 with the same number of acts as last year. The 2013 lineup attracted

around 10,500 people over three days and raised around $30,000 for the Red Ants Pants Foundation. Calhoun started the foundation in 2011 with a mission to support leadership roles for women, working family farms and ranches and enrich rural communities. She said she found herself acting as a role model for female entrepreneurs when she started her clothing business, SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2014

Red Ants Pants, specializing in work clothes for women in 2006 and wanted expand that capacity while supporting Montana businesses and communities. The Red Ants Pants Foundation uses festival proceeds to fund community grants, a timber skills education program and a women’s leadership retreat held in February. The number of grants and amount awarded to each recipient depends on applications received, Calhoun said. Last summer, Eric and Audra Bergman’s market farm in Fort Shaw, Ground Works, was granted $1,000 by the Red Ants Pants Foundation to install two frost-free water hydrants to tap into municipal water on their farm. The hydrants, which will be installed this spring, will allow the Bergmans to water and provide wallows for their 160 hogs this year and more hogs in the years to come. Ground Works sits on 40 acres and includes a 2-acre garden that produces shares available to subscribers through a Community Supported Agriculture program. In the past, water has been hauled to the pigs by truck. The hydrants will save them time and energy, Audra said. The timber education program is a three-day class tailored for women offering safety, technical and hands-on chainsaw training. This year the class is offered in June in the White Sulphur Springs area. The program of-fers scholarships to help pay the $300 cost. The festival also provides a substantial economic boost to the town of White Sulphur Springs. Dick Wick, owner of Dori’s Café on Main Street, said he doubled his staff and The sun sets over the Red Ants Pants music festival. SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2014

Courtesy of Erik Petersen

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CENTRAL COUNTRY

Courtesy of Erik Petersen

The Best Selection of Distilled Spirits

Nobles Westside Liquor open Tuesday-Saturday 9am-6pm

623 1st Ave. NW Great Falls

406.454.3612 70

People from around the Northwest flock to White Sulphur Springs each year for the annual Red Ants Pants music festival, which boasts a top lineup of performers each year.

pared down his menu for efficiency during the event. Then he watched his daily sales beat every other day in the past 30 years. He said people were lined up to eat when he opened at 6 a.m. and kept him at the grill until closing at 2 p.m. The festival also offers an opportunity for local vendors to sell their wares. Vendor applications for 2014 are currently open and invite food vendors and craft vendors selling hand-made and locally produced items. Last year 22 food vendors and 35 craft vendors attended, Calhoun said. Meagher County Sheriff Jon Lopp said the town welcomes the festival partially due to

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Red Ants Pants 2014 Charley Pride Brandi Carlile Josh Ritter Jason IsbellIan Tyson Corb Lund James McMurtry JD McPherson The Black Lillies

the well-behaved crowds that attend and the business it brings to town. He said extra law enforcement officers are in town during the event, but mostly in case of a disaster. He attributes that to the type fans the music at the festival attracts as well as cooperation between his department and the foundation. He hopes the

Red Molly Baskery Holly Williams Matt Andersen Jesse Veeder Tom Catmull and the Clerics The Bus Driver Tour

trend continues. Calhoun said she hasn’t had a chance to think about the festival’s long-term future. She said it has room to grow on the 110-acre space the Jackson family offers at no cost. She would like for it to continue as long as the event maintains a family atmosphere and “plenty of goodwill in the air.”  SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2014

MISSOURI RIVER COUNTRY

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MISSOURI RIVER COUNTRY

“We’ve got just about everything from our area.”

—Herman Shumway Wolf Point Area Museum president

2014 Season 44 Years of Bringing Live Theatre to Northeastern Montana Show Time: Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 pm Sundays 4:00 pm

Driving Miss Daisy May 30, 31 and June 1, June 6, 7 and 8 Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story June 13, 14, 15; 20, 21, 22; 27, 28 and 29 Cheaper by the Dozen July 4, 5, 6; 11, 12, 13; 18, 19, 20 Shrek, the Musical July 25, 26, 27; August 1, 2, 3; 8, 9, 10 A Grand Night for Singing August 15, 16, 17; 22, 23, 24; 29, 30, 31 General Admission: $17 Adults, $12 Students, $5 under 5 years old Call 406.228.9216 for Season Ticket information www.fortpecktheatre.org Fort Peck, Montana

Museum offers glimpse into Wolf Point-area’s past By ZACH BENOIT REDISCOVER MONTANA

When high school alumni come home to the Wolf Point area for the annual Wolf Point Wild Horse Stampede in midJuly, there’s a chance they’ll find themselves staring at their own picture hanging on the walls of the local museum. It’s part of the charm and draw of the Wolf Point Area Museum which, among many other items of the area’s history, features a section dedicated to displaying high school sports squads. “The high school alumni section has all the pictures of the old teams,” said Herman Shumway, museum president and its former curator. “It goes back to 1914, or somewhere around there, with some of the old basketball photos.” Found in the northeastern Montana town of Wolf Point, at 203 Highway 2, the museum is open from May 15 to Sept. 15, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It originally opened in 1972 in the small basement of the city’s library but, in 2007, moved into a newly-remodeled, 7,200-square-foot building, giving

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Wolf Point Area Museum Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday from May 15 Sept. 15. it more space to show off and bring in exhibits. Those exhibits focus on the history of Wolf Point and the surrounding areas, including Valley, McCone and Daniels counties. “We’ve got just about everything from our area,” Shumway said. Included in that coverage are exhibits showing the areas Native American history and the homesteader tradition dating back to the 1800s, complete with stoves, cooking gear and a kitchen setup. The museum also pays special attention to military history, with a “beautiful firearm collection” and displays from various American wars. “We go clear back to the Civil War on that,” Shumway said. According to the City of Wolf Point website, the museum also has life-size statue of artist Charles M. Russell, which was

created by local high school art teacher Archie Graber. Other displays include Sherman T. Cogswell’s 1910 National cash register, old printing presses, clocks, phonographs, a 1915 Bible and an arrowhead collection. Many of the items on display come from historic area residents, businesses and buildings. “We have a lot of old furniture and things of that nature,” Shumway said. For visitors looking to double up on attractions, Shumway said that July 10-13 is the perfect time to visit Wolf Point and the museum because those are the dates this year for the annual Wolf Point Wild Horse Stampede. The stampede, now in its 91st year, features a PRCA rodeo and a weekend filled with events, including a carnival. It intersects with the museum during the annual pancake breakfast that Saturday, which is held at the museum and acts as a fundraiser. “That’s turned out really great because your alumni and everybody come home for class reunions and the stampede,” he said. “It’s turned into a really great yearly deal.”  SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2014

M IS CO RI SO U U VER RI N TR Y

CALENDAR

CULBERTSON Frontier Days June 20-21 For more than 40 years, rodeos, parades, community follies and other entertainment has highlighted The Culbertson Saddle Club’s event. Evening rodeos can be viewed from the grounds’ unique tiered parking. Parades start at noon both days at noon. 406-787-6643.

FORT PECK Fort Peck Summer Theatre May 30-Aug. 31 Built as a movie house in 1934 to entertain the people who came to work during the construction of one of the

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world’s largest earth-filled dams, the theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and now hosts professional actors, technicians and regional performers of all ages. This season includes “Driving Miss Daisy” May 30-June 8, “Buddy — The Buddy Holly Story” June 13-29, “Cheaper by the Dozen” July 4-20, “Shrek the Musical” July 25-Aug. 10 and “A Grand Night for Singing” Aug. 15-31. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays. 406-228-9216 or fortpecktheatre.org. Longest Dam Race June 21 Each year, the world’s largest hydraulically-earth-filled dam sets the scene for the area’s biggest race. Run a 10K course

rising to 350 feet over two miles, run or walk a flat 5K course on the dam or a 1-mile paved course through Kiwanis Park, or ride a flat 10-mile bike route. This year marks the event’s 20th anniversary. The race concludes with a picnic and awards ceremony at the park. 406228-2222 or glasgowchamber.net. Montana Governor’s Cup Walleye Tournament July 10-12 As part of the Walleyes Unlimited circuit, this catch-and-release tournament at Fort Peck Lake attracts anglers from 18 states and Canada, all vying for a $15,000 first-place prize. A public fish fry, Guys and Gals Tournament and youth seminars are also part of Eastern

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missouri river country

BRETT FRENCH/Billings Gazette

More than 50 different kinds of fish swim in Fort Peck Reservoir, Montana’s largest body of water. Anglers fish the reservoir to catch walleye, northern pike, paddlefish, sauger, lake trout, small mouth bass and chinook salmon.

Montana’s largest fishing event. 406-2282222 or mtgovcup.com.

MALTA Dinosaur Digs Throughout summer Great Plains Dinosaur Museum’s paleontologist Dave Trexler leads authentic, scientific experiences, as dinosaur and other fossils are discovered and uncovered. Participants ages 11 and older explore new areas, as well as excavate and jacket bones, learn basic local geology, surveying techniques, how to collect and record scientific data from a site, and how to safely collect and transport fossils. Children ages 10 and younger may take part in the museum’s Junior Paleontologist Programs. The museum offers a look into a working fossil laboratory. Visitors view Leonardo the Mummy Dinosaur and other remarkably preserved members of the Brachylophosaurus family, plus a wide array of Montana specimens under preparation. 406-654-5300 or greatplainsdinosaurs.org.

PLENTYWOOD Annual Car and Motorcycle Show June 7 This annual show of classic cars, trucks and motorcycles has entrants from Montana, North Dakota and Canada. A craft show and food vendors are also at the fairgrounds, where the public can view the show at no cost. Later, participants drive a parade around town and 45-mile fun run to Medicine Lake for a banquet and live music. The show is open to the public at 9 a.m. 406-581-2021 or sheridanclassics. com. Tracy Lawrence July 26 The singer, recently listed as one of the “Must-see Country Music Tours of 2014,” makes a stop in Plentywood on his Headlights, Taillights and Radios Tours. VIP packages are available for $50. The concert takes place during the Sheridan County Fair, which includes other highlights such as free entertainment, PRCA Rodeos, a carnival, demolition derby, mud run and kids’ area. 406-765-7900 or co.sheridan.mt.us/fair.

POPLAR Wild West Days May 23-May 25 On May 23, Kids Day activities begin at 10 a.m. with bike races, contests and more downtown. On May 24-25, festivities include a parade downtown at noon, rodeo at the rodeo grounds at 2 p.m. Arts and crafts, food and evening activities and fun round out the weekend. 406-7683371.

SCOBEY Pioneer Days June Held the last weekend in June at The Daniels County Museum and Pioneer Town, Pioneer Days features the Dirty

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Shame Show, five family-oriented internationally-known variety shows starring the Dirty Shame Belles and Dixieland Band. Other events include a “thresherman’s breakfast” of pancakes and sausage prepared in the old cook-cars, an antique car and tractor parade, children’s street games and an art show. The non-alcoholic Dirty Shame Saloon offers cool drinks, popcorn and entertainment all day. 406-487-5965 or scobeymt.com.

SHERIDAN COUNTY Prairie Fest June 29-July 5 Throughout Sheridan County, towns including Westby, Plentywood and Medicine Lake celebrate the area and its way of life with events and activities. For details, contact the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce. 406-765-8500 or sheridancountychamber.org.

SIDNEY Sunrise Festival of the Arts July 12 Thousands of people visit scenic Veterans Memorial Park for one of Eastern Montana’s premier events, featuring displays by artists and crafters from several states, “Writers Row,” free entertainment, prizes, food and kids’ activities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 406-433-1916 or sidneymt.com. Josh Turner concert Aug. 2 Special guest David Nail joins the country star for this special night during Richland County Fair, where “Life’s a Ride.” Other fair highlights include PRCA rodeo events and a carnival. Through July 25, concert tickets cost $45 for reserved seating and $40 for general admission. Then prices are $50 and $45. Tickets go on sale May 28 and are available only through the fair office. Richlandcountyfairandrodeo.org. n

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