2018
ista
activities & events in the
BITTERROOT VALLEY
For kids ! s e g a L L A f o Come check out our Lite-Brite wall!
Goldie Blox rol nt Remote co ios ud StikBot St es Board Gam rs te Calico Crit il ob Brio Playm zles uz Robotics, P and more!
main street toys •213 W. main, hamilton, mt • 375-5155
shop – live – give
LOCAL You help to build a better Hamilton when you SPEND, ATTEND, and LEND A HELPING HAND with your neighbors. THE HAMILTON DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION -- working to maintain the vitality of Hamilton’s business & non-profit community!
406.360.9124 hamiltondowntownassociation@gmail.com www.hamiltondowntownassociation.org
Photograph courtesy of Ravalli County Museum Photo Archives. This image was taken on Labor Day 1910 looking west down Hamilton’s Main Street toward Downing Mountain. The Bitterroot Steam Laundry, on the right side of the photo, was situated where First Security Bank is located today.
SAVE these dates n w o t n Dow n o t l i m Ha e r e h W s! n e p p a H
HAMILTON TONIGHT
SECOND FRIDAY / CULTURE CRAWL 5 - 8pm / Downtown Hamilton
MUSIC ON MAIN Fridays
LIVE MUSIC on Main Street 6 - 9pm / July 13th, Aug 10th, Sept 14th
MAY 5 thru OCTOBER
FARMERS MARKET - Saturdays 9 - 12:30 / Ravalli County Museum
JUNE 9 Saturday
BITTER ROOT DAY 9am - 2pm / Ravalli County Museum
JUNE 12 thru AUG 21
JEAN MATTHEWS TUESDAYS at 12 Live Music at the Ravalli County Museum
JUNE 22 thru JULY 13
SAPPHIRE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 7pm Fridays / Sapphire Lutheran Homes
JUNE 13 thru Sept 26
O’HARA COMMONS AFTERNOON MARKET 4:30-6:30pm Wednesdays / 111 S. 4th St.
JULY 27 - 28 Fri and Sat
DALY DAYS / BREWFEST Downtown Hamilton
AUG 10 - 11 Fri and Sat
RUN FOR THE RIVER / RIVER CLEAN UP Hamilton River Park
AUGUST 14 Tuesday
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK “Othello” 6pm / Sapphire Lutheran Homes
AUGUST 18 -19 Sat and Sun
BITTERROOT CELTIC GAMES & GATHERING Daly Mansion Grounds - Hamilton
AUGUST 29 SEPTEMBER 1
RAVALLI COUNTY FAIR & RODEO Ravalli County Fair
OCTOBER 6 Saturday
MCINTOSH APPLE DAY / LIQUID APPLE NIGHT Ravalli County Museum
OCTOBER 12 Friday
MOONLIGHT MADNESS Downtown Hamilton
OCTOBER 13 Saturday
OCTOBERFEST hosted by HDA First Interstate Center
NOVEMBER 23 Friday
TREE LIGHTING & CHRISTMAS STROLL Downtown Hamilton
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vista
contents
is published by the Ravalli Republic Newspaper
lorence.............................. 6
Publisher Mike Gulledge
tevensville...................... 12
Editor Kathy Best ASSOCIATE EDITOR Perry Backus
ictor................................ 21
COVER PHOTO Perry Backus
orvallis............................ 28
INTERIOR PHOTOS Perry Backus & Michelle McConnaha
amilton........................... 32
Production & Design Dara Saltzman
arby, Conner & Sula........ 49
Project Sales Kathy Kelleher Jodi Wright Lauren Parsons Bitterroot Valley Vista 2018 is a publication of The Ravalli Republic, a division of Lee Enterprises. Copyright 2018 by the Ravalli Republic.
232 W Main, Hamilton, MT 59840 • 406-363-3300 www.ravallirepublic.com
almon.............................. 58 alendar of events............ 61 itterroot Parkway Bike-Ped Path Map.......... 66
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WELCOME TO THE BITTERROOT VALLEY! Every year, we at the Ravalli Republic have the privilege to share our wonderful communities, beautiful vistas and a wealth of incredibly fun festivals with our friends, newcomers and visitors to our gorgeous valley. Let this year’s Vista serve as your guide for your adventures in exploring our friendly communities, blue ribbon fishing and endless miles of trail into the stunning backcountry. Almost every weekend through the summer months, there are festivals or events that bring hundreds, sometimes thousands, to Bitterroot Valley. Be sure to mark your calendars so you
don’t miss the fun that comes with events like Apple Days in Hamilton, Elite Bull Connection in Darby, Stevensville’s Creamery Picnic or the Ravalli County Fair. And that’s just a small sample of what to expect. So buckle up and get ready. Summer and fall are wonderful times to be in the Bitterroot Valley of western Montana. Make sure you don’t miss a thing. Perry Backus Associate Editor, Ravalli Republic
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lorence The town of Florence, named for the wife of lumber titan A.B. Hammond, sits at the northern edge of Ravalli County on Highway 93. The prominently Irish-settled area had previously been referred to as One Horse. Hammond was instrumental in the development of the timber industry in the Bitterroot and also brought the railroad into the area. The town of Florence was
established in 1888. It later merged with a northern neighbor called Carlton. Today, the school district is called FlorenceCarlton. During its heyday as a farming area as many as 100 carloads of wheat a day were shipped out of Florence. Surrounded with stunning scenery, the Florence area has ample opportunity for outdoor recreation, including hunting, hiking, biking and wildlife observation.
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Bass Creek Recreation Area The 1,600 acre Bass Creek Recreation Area south of Florence provides a number of options for getting outdoors. More than 50,000 people visit the area annually. Bass Creek contains six trailheads, ranging from quarter-mile loops to longer routes over 7.5 miles long. The trails are also a popular destination for horseback riders. It is the perfect stop to use the picnic tables for a
meal while enjoying the stunning nature of the Bitterroot. The Charles Waters Campground has 26 paved campsites, electric hook-up, water, and vault toilets for those wishing to stay overnight. Bass Creek Recreation Area is located four miles south of Florence on Highway 93. Call 406-777-5461 or drop by a ranger station for more information.
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Chief Looking Glass Fishing Access Visitors to the Bitterroot area are always looking for a way to enjoy the Bitterroot River. The Chief Looking Glass fishing access northeast of Florence is just one of the easy and convenient ways to get to the water. Whether putting in to float, swim, fish, or just looking for a place to take a break, Chief Looking Glass is a convenient way to do it. Just turn off on Chief Looking Glass road north of Florence on Highway 93 at mile marker 77. There are 25 campsites, toilets, water (May through September), and a boat launch available. There is fee and a seven-day stay limit. Another fishing access is located just east of Florence on the Eastside Highway just before crossing the bridge.
Artists Along the Bitterroot Extremely talented artists live and work in the Bitterroot Valley. Artists Along the Bitterroot is an opportunity for the public to see their studios, meet the artists, see their creativity in action and purchase artwork directly from the artists. Learn about the work that goes into making a piece of glass, a collection or photography or how a leatherworker plies their trade. Artists Along the Bitterroot will have open studio tours 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 1-3 and Nov 2-4. Studios are located throughout the Bitterroot Valley. Visit artistsalongthebitterroot.com for studio locations, as well as information about the artists and samples of their work.
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Hideout Mountain Park Hideout Mountain Park, located at 5458 Florence Carlton Loop, is a playground in Florence. Children can climb up into turrets, run across bridges connecting different areas of the park, or use slides to let loose some pent-up energy. A water park feature is also open during the spring and summer months. Hideout Mountain is a great place to stop for a rest, picnic, or just to let kids run around. Scenic backdrops and plenty of shade mean parents will enjoy the stop as well. Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge The Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, located between Florence and Stevensville along the Eastside Highway, is a birdwatchers’ dream location. Established in 1963 as a habitat for
migratory birds, Lee Metcalf has come to be a home for many varieties of animals and more than 235 species of birds in the Bitterroot Valley. The refuge provides everything from wildlife observation and photography to limited hunting and fishing. The extensive list of animals and birds on the refuge include osprey, bald eagles, great horned owls and tundra swans, as well as elk and beaver. Drive through the park on the road or walk the 2.5 miles of nature trails in the refuge. See fws.gov/leemetcalf where there is a virtual auto tour with 360 panorama or call 406-777-5552 for details. Whitetail Golf Course The Whitetail Golf Course is nearly surrounded by the Lee Metcalf National
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Wildlife Refuge between Florence and Stevensville. It is a nine-hole course with more than 2,800 yards of fairway. Call 406-777-3636. The course has panoramic views of the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountain ranges. It also has cart and club rentals. Another golf the area is the 18-hole Hamilton Golf Club. Kootenai Creek Trail The Kootenai Creek Trail dips back and forth along its namesake and is one of the more popular in the region. The creek has several small pools of water along the way, making Kootenai Creek Trail a perfect fit to walk and stop to put your feet in the water before heading back. The trail ends at Kootenai Lakes, nine miles in, but the journey there is spectacular. Walk as much as you like. The last six miles get steeper.
WESTERN STATES ASSOCIATES REAl ESTATE
Thinking of Buying or Selling? We can help! 115 West Main Street, Hamilton
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To get to the trailhead, take Kootenai Creek Road west from the highway south of Florence, just before the cutoff to Stevensville. Go up the road two miles to reach the start of the Kootenai Creek Trail. Ranger stations have maps of other hikes in the Bitterroot. Threemile Wildlife Management Area The Threemile Wildlife Management Area sits east of Florence. It contains nearly 6,500 acres of natural habitat for everything from elk and deer to grouse and black bears. It is now a popular spot for hunting and wildlife observation in the Bitterroot. The Threemile is open from May 15 until the start of December. It is an excellent place for hiking, biking, or horseback riding, and of course, nature and bird watching. It is also a great place to camp
“Your Bitterroot Valley Department Store”
• Levis • Wranglers • Carhartt • Silver Jeans • Columbia • Woolrich
• Filson • Stetson and Bailey Hats • Billabong • Fox • Keren Hart
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363-2251 Mon - Sat 8am-6pm
Corner of Main & 2nd • EQUAL HOUSING O P P O RT U N I T Y
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or to set up a quick picnic. Just remember, if you pack it in, pack it out. Hunting is allowed in the Threemile area, which also has limited access for two-wheel drive vehicles when the weather is dry. To reach the Threemile Wildlife
Management Area, take the Eastside Highway from Florence for 6 miles, before turning onto Threemile Creek Road. Call 406-542-5500 or visit fwp.mt.gov for more information.
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tevensville Stevensville is the genesis of Montana. With the St. Mary’s Mission, founded by an Italian priest in 1841, Stevensville is recognized as the first permanent settlement in the state. The mission was later improved by the county’s namesake, Antonio Ravalli. In the 1850s, Fort Owen, a trading post, was established in the town and in 1863, the town’s first store was built. Stevensville is named after Isaac Stevens, who had been the governor of the Washington
Territory at the time. The town of Stevensville is flanked by the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountains, and holds frequent festivals and activities, especially through the summer. The place has no shortage of small town charm. The Stevensville Main Street Association can be contacted for more information on the events 406-777-3773, online at mainstreetstevensville.com or facebook. com/mainstreetstevensville.
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Stevensville First Fridays First Friday is celebrated the first Friday of every month except January. Businesses often feature special guests, artists, live music, and free refreshments. Many stores and restaurants stay open late, ready to welcome First Friday visitors. Check Facebook for the latest updates or watch for First Friday fliers. Historic St. Mary’s Mission Founded in 1841 as a Jesuit mission to the Native Americans, the church led to Montana’s first pioneer settlement. St. Mary’s Village, later Stevensville, grew up around St. Mary’s Mission. The Mission opens April 17 for the season and is closed Sunday and Monday. Guided tours are available. Contact: Colleen Meyer 7775734, stmary@cybernet1.com or www. saintmarysmission.org
Stevensville Harvest Valley Farmers Market The Stevensville Harvest Valley Farmers Market is open from May 5 through October. Come out to meet and do business with local food and crafts vendors on west 3rd Street every Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Stacie Barker 406-3816145 or facebook.com/stevifarmersmarket National Day of Prayer The National Day of Prayer, May 5 this year, is a nationwide annual event held from noon to 1 p.m. on the first Thursday in May. The historic St. Mary’s Chapel will be open for private prayer. At noon people will gather at the St. Mary’s Chapel flag pole for prayers emphasizing divine guidance for city, state and federal leadership. The event is sponsored by the
We fix anything under the hood. Call the Ugly Guys! Your first choice for Complete Truck & Automotive Repair 406-363-1998 350 Skeels Avenue • Hamilton
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American Legion and Masonic Lodge of Stevensville. Contact: Joel Foster 273-0066 or Chuck Bergmeier 253-380-7016. Pie in the Big Sky Pie Auction On First Friday, May 4, bid on pies of every description! A live pie auction, sponsored by the SMSA, will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Rocky Mountain Bank and continue until all the pies are gone! Plan to attend this entertaining event. Western Heritage Days Western Heritage Days are Friday, June 22, and Saturday, June 23, with lots of old West activities and fun events for kids and adults alike! Old-time chuck wagons, vendors, and kids’ activities are set up by 4
p.m. From 6-8 p.m. join a campfire social with pickin’ and grinnin’ and tall tales at the Chuck Wagon Camp adjacent to Historic St. Mary’s Mission, 4th and Charlos Streets. Downtown, enjoy live music, beer garden, and street dance until 10 p.m. at 3rd and Main. The parade starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 23. Cowboys and cowgirls, Salish Indians, horses, and floats honor our heritage. The Ned Larson Memorial Chuck Wagon dinner is a treat in every sense. Lunch is served at 12:30 p.m. Salish music, dancing, and children’s activities will be 1 - 3:30 p.m. at Historic St Mary’s Mission. There will be art, crafts, and food vendors on 3rd street; special retail events and open houses throughout the downtown;
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tours at the Historic St. Mary’s Mission. Enjoy interpretive horse-drawn wagon tours to Fort Owen State Park, wagon rides to St. Mary’s Mission and beer garden and food court during the afternoon and evening. Downtown Saturday night will have live music and street dance until 10 p.m.
Vendor applications online. Call Anna at The Mystic Owl, 406-777-5571, facebook. com/gypsysolstice faire, gypsysolsticefaire@gmail.com
Gypsy Solstice Faire The Gypsy Solstice Faire is 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, June 22, through Sunday, June 24. For a little family fun, that goes completely the other direction from Western Heritage Days, do your thing in town, then come enjoy a gypsy camp full of mystic adventures and vendors with unique merchandise. Look for the encampment south of town at 3535 Eastside Highway.
Bitter Root Land Trust Barn Dance Join the Bitter Root Land Trust barn dance as they open the barn doors to Lazy Burnt Fork Ranch in Stevensville 5 p.m. to sunset on June 30. Come out and celebrate the legacy of Bitterroot Valley farms and ranches—the heart of the community and foundation of the economy. Your support makes protecting places like this possible. Sit down to a locally sourced community style supper. Beer and wine by the Wild Mare. Dust off your boots and dance under the big sky to live music and place a bet
Our Cottage is your Cottage We are a showcase for many local and unique talents
Featuring local and Montana Made products, hand-selected, reasonably priced home and garden décor with a flair for the unique and whimsical. 219 Main Street, Hamilton • 363-4789
Big Dipper CerAmiCS
Located upstairs in Stone Cottage
2018 Summer Art CAmpS (upstairs of Stone Cottage)
Create usable, durable art! Mediums will include cone O4 clay, glass & kiln paint techniques. All art projects will be ready for pickup on Fridays
June 11th - July 25th Ages 8 to 14
Week Camps Monday – Wednesday 10 to 11:30 am $55 Day Camps Tuesday & Thursday 1 to 2:30pm $20
Call for details – 363-4789 or 531-7367 • find us on
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on silent auction and raffle items that highlight Bitterroot businesses. Explore the kids’ fishing hole on Middle Burnt Fork Creek. Walk the Ranch and take a behind-the-scenes tour of Lazy Burnt Fork Ranch. Reservations required before June 24 for this special tour and space is limited so get tickets on line or call early. Tickets cost $25 per person but children age 12 and under are free so you can bring the whole family. Visit online www. bitterrootlandtrust.org, call 406-375-0956 or visit Facebook for full details.
enjoying the other entries, craft vendors, food and music on the grounds of Our Savior Lutheran Church, 184 Pine Hollow Road. Trophies and plaques will be awarded. Cars blessed for free. All funds will be donated to charity. Contact Hank Biesterfeldt, 262-331-1075 or biesterfeldt64@yahoo.com SMSA Golf Tournament The SMSA Golf Tournament will be held at the Whitetail Golf Course at 4925 Wildfowl Lane adjacent to the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, June 30.
Blessing of the Cars Auto Show The Blessing of the Cars Auto Show is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 30, at Our Savior Lutheran Church. Enter your cherished car, truck or tractor for a $10 fee and then have fun
“Stars, Guitars and Cars” Auto Show Enjoy car show and more with awards, music, food and fun 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 9. Call Stevensville NAPA Auto Parts, 406777-5791.
Music at the Mission Sing along at Music at the Mission at 7 p.m. on July 15. Get together with your neighbors for an evening of gospel, singa-long, folk and possibly accordion music in the Historic St. Mary’s Mission chapel. For more information go to stmary@cybernet1.com or www.saintmarysmission.org. Sapphire Quilt Club The Sapphire Quilt Club’s bi-annual quilt show is a feast of color, design, skill and countless hours of dedication. The quilt show is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday in the Stevensville High School gym, July 13 and 14. Contact Rebecca Stapert at 406-2739078 or rebeccastapert@gmail.com Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge For a good look at wildlife in their own backyard, at riparian habitats, and at a great visitor center, visit the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. For more information call 406-777-5552 or visit on line www.fws.gov/refuge/lee_metcalf. 106th Creamery Picnic The 106th Creamery Picnic is August3 and 4. This traditional Stevensville event commemorates the gratitude of Howe’s Creamery when the townspeople rebuilt the creamery building after a devastating fire. Mr. Howe threw Stevensville a picnic a month later in August, 1911, and the tradition continues. This family-oriented event takes place in the Lewis and Clark Park and in Downtown Stevensville, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday evening with the Kiddie Parade and reluctantly sputtering out in the wee hours of Sunday morning. On Saturday, enjoy breakfast 7 -11 a.m. at the
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Bitterroot Celtic
11 & Under FREE! (with adult paid admission)
Games & Gathering August 18-19, 2018 Daly Mansion-251 Eastside Hwy Hamilton, Montana Free Shuttle from Hamilton High School $10 parking at Mansion
*Clans *Highland & Irish Dance *Pipe Bands * Highland Athletic Competition *Music *Tastings *Herd Dog Demos *Celtic Wares *Celtic Cooking Demos *Free Ceilidh Saturday @7pm
Participate on Sunday!
*Tug O’ War *Skillet Toss *Bonnie Knees *Beards & Braids
2018 Honored Clan Buchanan August 17-18, 2019 www.BCGG.org August 22-23, 2020 406/274-8886 August 21-22, 2021 501c3 # 46-5321460 Tickets available August 22-23, 2022 online or at the gate. August 19-20, 2023
Bring the whole family!
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Masonic Temple, on the corner of 3rd and Church Streets, the parade at 11 a.m., and the Montana State Bar-B-Q contest, food vendors, many crafters and booths all day for music, beer, great food and fun! Be sure to have some ice cream. Call Tonya Eckert, 406-239-9431, or online visit www.creamerypicnic.com. 9/11 Memorial Join us to pay respects to all of the valiant first responders, the victim/heroes of 9/11 and their families 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 11, in Veteran’s Park, 100 Main Street. For more information contact the Stevensville Fire Department, 406-2188285.
Founders Day Celebration Celebrate Stevensville “ Where Montana Began” in a celebration commemorating 176 years as the first community in Montana, beginning at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 24, at Historic St. Mary’s Mission, located at the west end of 4th Street. Contact stmary@cybernet1.com or www.saintmarysmission.org Scarecrow Festival The popular Scarecrow Festival is an annual event that begins on First Friday, Oct. 5 and continues through Oct. 14. Stevensville encourages businesses, families, anyone, to create unique, entertaining or culturally current scarecrows to be displayed downtown and along the
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Stevensville entrance trail. Entries are judged by those who view them. Winners are awarded prizes. Splendor on Main Stevensville Main Street Association’s annual fundraising gala with delicious food, great wine pairings, local microbrews, silent and live auctions, door prizes and live music on Dec. 1 or 8 (it is still in the planning stages). A Stevensville Country Christmas “A Stevensville Country Christmas” is a festive celebration that begins with the Parade of Lights, caroling down Main Street, the Christmas Story enactment and
holiday cheer shared on Dec. 7 and 8. Decorations and lights adorn the historic town. Enjoy open houses at the businesses with complimentary Christmas treats, horse and wagon rides throughout the evening and a photo session with Santa. Fort Owen State Park Fort Owen State Park, celebrates the history of the 250-foot by 125-foot log cabin that was built in the mid-1800s and now sits at the site of the original St Mary’s Mission on the edge of town. In 1850, Major John Owen moved to the area, and established the fort as a trading post with the help of Native Americans and immigrants. It is also the location of
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the state’s first sawmill, grist mill, and first settler school. The site now contains period furnishings and artifacts that are displayed in the restored east barracks. Interpretive signs and exhibits detail the park’s historical significance. Fort Owen is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places. Fort Owen State Park is located just north of Stevensville. Call 406-273-4253 or visit stateparks.mt.gov/fort-owen for more information.
Playground, SteviSk8Park, and the Town swimming pool, awesome facilities for kids of all ages. Bear Mountain Playground brings accessible, innovative play, and SteviSk8Park is a one of a kind park for beginners to pros. The facilities were built by hundreds of dedicated volunteers from all over the community, and are open year-round. The outdoor pool is open from the second weekend in June through late August. Lewis and Clark Park also has restrooms, picnic shelters, and beautiful lawn and shade trees. To learn more visit their Lewis and Clark Park: Bear Mountain websites at bearmountainplayground. Playground, Stevensville Skate Park com, stevisk8park.com, and townofste(“SteviSk8Park”), and Town Swimming Pool vensville.com/the-stevensville-pool.html. Stevensville’s public Lewis and Clark Park is home to Bear Mountain
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ictor The town of Victor once had to change its name from Garfield, after President James Garfield, to the name of a chief of a Salish Native American tribe. The new name came when the town attempted to establish a post office only to find the name Garfield was already taken. The town was founded in part by A.S. Blake and his Native American wife, who came to the area in the 1860s. Blake was
later elected the first state legislator of Missoula County, a part of which would later become Ravalli County. In any direction from Victor, there is something to do, from a horseback and hiking trails, to river access and more. Visit the Victor Heritage Museum, stop by a farmers market, or stay at one of the many lodges and bed and breakfasts near the town.
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Victor Heritage Museum The Victor Heritage Museum is located in a building at the corner of Blake and Main that had once been the Victor train depot. Originally built in 1928, it was moved to its current location in 1990. It now houses the history of the region told through artifacts of Native Americans, the railroad, churches and agriculture. The museum gives a tangible look at what the lives if the people who had lived in the area were like, from school to the mines, ranching to the expansion of the telegraph lines. A gift shop sells books that were written about the history of the area and in some cases penned by its inhabitants. This includes the Bitter Root Trails series, chronicling the history of area pioneer families. The heritage museum is open from
10
Memorial Day through Labor Day and is open from 1 -4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and on other special occasions. More information can be found online at victorheritagemuseum.org or by calling 406-642-3997. Victor Heritage Museum Annual Chocolate Tasting Party The first Monday in December, the Victor Heritage Museum holds its annual fundraising event in the form of a silent auction and chocolate tasting from 3 to 9 p.m. For a $5 fee, a participant can sample locally made sweets, and have the chance to bid on items donated by local businesses, from goods and gift cards to overnights packages at area hotels and lodges. For more information, see victorheritagemuseum.org.
SPECIAL
th Annual A Permaculture Farmstead, Going Beyond Organic Farm Stays, Farm Shop & Activities - A Guest Ranch Experience
July 27-29
Pasture Raised Beef and Pork Sales, Fresh Eggs and more Rental Homes, Farm Tours, Feedings and Workshops
11 great bands
10 miles south of Hamilton Affordable, family friendly fun. $15 for the weekend Children 12 and under $7 for the weekend. Sunday only is $10 Camping $15 for the weekend.
For more info 821-3777 www.hardtimesbluegrass.com
3 miles South of Hamilton - 364 S. McCarthy Loop Please contact: james@abcacres.com, 406-210-7688, www.abcacres.com And join our journey on Facebook, YouTube, & Instagram
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Highway 93 Bike Path A paved bicycle path connects Hamilton to Lolo in a 45-mile stretch that runs along Highway 93. The bike path is relatively new and is kept in great shape. The path is a smooth ride for anyone who prefers road bikes over mountain bikes. The Eastside Highway that connects Florence to Hamilton is another fantastic option for seeing the Bitterroot on a bike. Ride through the valley, experiencing the rugged peaks of the Bitterroot Mountains, the serene waters of the Bitterroot River, or the rolling fields and hills to the east. Make a full day of it and head from one end to the other, stopping in towns like Florence and Victor along the way.
During the summer in particular, dozens of bikers take to the path each day to enjoy being outdoors in the Bitterroot. Local bike stores are a great place to get more information or to inquire about renting bikes. Contact Chad DeVall at Red Barn Bicycles 406-363-2662 or Randy Leavell at Valley Bicycles & Ski 406-3634428 both in Hamilton. Lifeline Farm Lifeline Farm in Victor is an organic and biodynamic dairy with a herd of about 350, dual purpose (beef and dairy), Brown Swiss, cows, calves, heifers, steers and bulls. Started in 1978, the dairy was added in 1980. All milk produced is used to make
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cheese, bottled milk and butter at their Creamery. Lifeline’s dairy products, grassfed beef, sausages and “whey good” pork can be found at various locations throughout the state. Farm tours can be arranged by calling ahead. Lifeline’s Creamery and Farm Store is located at 2427 Meridian Rd in Victor. Call 406-6429717 or visit lifelinefarm.com. Redsun Labyrinth The Redsun Labyrinth, located four miles west of Victor, is modeled after the design of an 800-year-old pattern from the Chartres Cathedral in France. At the Redsun, more than 25 tons of field-
stones were used to recreate the pattern. Strolling the labyrinth is an excellent way to have a quiet, meditative walk as you look out on the beautiful landscape of the Bitterroot. With a diameter of more than 100 feet, the Redsun Labyrinth is one of the largest in the United States. It can be found by turning west on 5th Street in Victor, then taking a left onto Pleasant View Drive and following the signs. Walking the full labyrinth path takes about a half hour, so be sure to set aside a bit of time if visiting. See redsunlabyrinth.com for details.
a l paca s
Rocking L Alpacas Tour an alpaca farm at the Rocking L Ranch, located just off the highway between Victor and Hamilton. With more than 20 alpacas, the Rocking L is a great place to bring kids to learn about these unique animals. Alpacas, South American animals that look similar to a small llama, are friendly creatures whose fleece is used in the textile in particular as a popular fabric similar to wool. The annual Rocking L annual shearing will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday. May 19. There will be artisans demonstrating felting, spinning, dying, knitting, weaving, carding and a photographer. There will be complimentary hot dogs and hamburgers. Kids can get involved with the dying and weaving and if adults would
Bear Creek Overlook Trail The Bear Creek Overlook Trail southwest of Victor provides scenery that is unforgettable, especially in the summer. The views of the Bear Creek drainage and the Bitterroot Mountains should not be missed. The 2.8-mile round-trip has a slight elevation gain but with only a moderate degree of difficulty, it’s a good choice for a simple day hike. To get to the trailhead, take Bear Creek
L
The Rocking Over 30 beautiful, friendly alpacas
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like to try a hand and help with skirting the fleece (removing grass) is always welcome. To reach the Rocking L Ranch, turn west off Highway 93 at mile marker 56 and go down the road about two miles. Call 406-642-3085 for more details, or see the Rocking L Alpacas Facebook page.
Ranch
complimentary Tours Great Fun for the Kids Ranch store featuring a variety of alpaca products Come spend some time with these gentle creatures! Visit us on acebook/Rockinglalpacas Between Victor & Hamilton • Turn west off Hwy 93 at mile 56, 2.2 miles to the ranch! 1760 Red Crow Rd, Victor MT 59875 • 406-642-3085 • Your hosts: Erv & Mo Lischke
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Road west from Highway 93 a few miles south of Victor. Turn north at Red Crow Road and continue until heading west on Pleasant View Drive. Almost four miles down Pleasant View, look for the marked junction with forest road 1325, which ends at the trailhead. Stop into a ranger station for maps and other hikes. The Bear Creek Trail in the same area is another good pick for a day hike, or for the more adventurous, there is the four-mile hike to the summit and fire lookout at St. Mary’s peak. Sweathouse Creek Climbing The Bitterroot is quite a destination for
rock climbers in the area. Sweathouse Creek west of Victor is no exception, containing dozens of large rocks perfect for short boulder routes. To get to Sweathouse Creek, go west on 5th Street in Victor. When the street hits a junction, take a right, then turn on to Sweathouse Creek road and follow it to a designated parking area. Lost Horse Canyon south of Hamilton, as well as Blodgett, Kootenai and Mill Creek canyons are also very popular for their climbing. Whether testing your own limits or just watching others chalk up and hold on, these climber favorites are worth the trip.
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orvallis Corvallis was first settled by Elijah and Margaret Chaffin, who named the area Chaffinville. Explorer John Mullan had previously used an area near Corvallis as a location for a winter base. The town was later renamed Corvallis after a town in Oregon in 1866. Corvallis has a long history in agriculture, with some of the most fertile land in the region, and is home to the
Western Montana Agricultural Research Experiment Station. Numerous old farmhouses dot the roadside of the Eastside Highway. The town of Corvallis is home to the Teller Wildlife Refuge, which sits along four miles of the Bitterroot River. Head north out of town for a chance at seeing wildlife, or grab a quick meal at the Memories Cafe.
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Drive the Eastside Highway If you are approaching Corvallis from the north, you have already seen the stunning landscape. If you are coming up from the south, you’re in for a treat. The Eastside Highway offers some of the best views in the Bitterroot. It’s worth turning off the highway if you are in the area to sightsee. Prior to the construction of Highway 93, Eastside Highway was the main road between Hamilton and Florence. Turn off in Florence or in Hamilton to experience the majesty. A number of historic locations and buildings, listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, dot the landscape, including St. Mary’s Mission, the Brooks Hotel, Fort Owen and Tammany Castle, which was once the stables of Marcus Daly.
Swanson’s Mountain View Apple Orchards The Swanson’s Mountain View Apple Orchards, just north east of town, connect visitors with the tradition and history of the Bitterroot valley and its apples, as well as making some very tasty cider that is for sale. During the apple season, usually running from August until December, the orchard is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. seven days a week, and is open to the public to see all of the process behind making the cider. Visitors can view everything from picking and grading the apples to the actual pressing and bottling of the apple cider. If you are planning on stopping by out of season, call ahead at 406-961-3434 to make sure someone will be there to greet
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you when you arrive. More information can be found at Swanson’s Mountain View Orchard’s Facebook page. Memorial Day Parade Celebrating its 98th year, this Corvallis staple winds its way through the town and draws in visitors from around the Bitterroot and beyond. It includes demonstrations and participation from American Legion Post #91. The Ladies Auxiliary sponsor the parade. The theme this year is “Still Serving after 80 years” since it is the Corvallis Post’s 80th birthday. The parade and events honor all of the United States of America‘s war dead -- those who died that freedom might live. Events start off early on Memorial Day with the Corvallis Community Events
Center (CCEC) serving breakfast from 7 – 9 a.m. at the Corvallis High School Lunchroom located off the Eastside highway. The parade begins at 10 a.m. with local school children, floats, music, a bagpiper, clubs, horses, politicians, emergency vehicles, classic cars and veterans. Grand Marshalls are local World War II veterans. After the parade, Post #91 will conduct its annual memorial ceremony at noon at the Corvallis Cemetery. Post members read the names of all the veterans buried at the cemetery dating back to the Mexican War (1848). After the cemetery ceremony, post members will move to the Woodside Cutoff Bridge and place a wreath in the Bitterroot River for all those who died at sea.
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There will be food booths (until 1 p.m.) and games in front of the Corvallis High School, benefitting the Corvallis High School Performing Arts. To pre-register as a parade entry online go to: corvallispost91.blogspot.com or for more information call Doug Mason at 5464244. Teller Wildlife Refuge In the heart of Western Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, near the small town of Corvallis, lies the Teller Wildlife Refuge, a 1,300 acre river bottom and farmland dedicated to conservation, education, and recreation. Teller, encompassing a three-mile stretch of the Bitterroot River, provides habitat for wildlife, a veritable
outdoor classroom for visitors of all ages, and diverse recreation opportunities. The Teller Trail is located at the north end of the Woodside Fishing Access. The 1.5 mile trail is open to the public year round. Teller Wildlife Refuge is host to many other events throughout the year including Stewardship Day, held mid-April, classroom field trips, and farming and outdoor recreation clinics. The 5th annual Youth Conservation and Education Expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 12 at Teller’s Slack Barn. Over 50 conservation organizations will be on hand to provide youth and their families with activities and opportunities to learn outdoor skills and the importance of land stewardship. At the end of the day
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the day, over 100 youth will be chosen for scholarships to attend an outdoor conservation camp in Montana. This event is free and open to the public. For more information or to get involved with Teller Wildlife Refuge please visit our website at www.tellerwildlife.org. Huls Dairy Huls Dairy, located at 1769 Simpson Road north of Corvallis, has been in the Bitterroot since 1908, and is the largest milking operation in the area. The dairy offers tours of its milking carousel, which can automatically identify cows, measure milk quantities, and sort cows leaving the facility. The carousel has large viewing areas so the public can safely observe the process. For more information or to set up a tour call 406-961-8887 or visit hulsdairy.com. Fishing Around Corvallis There are ample fishing opportunities
in the Bitterroot River. Woodside Bridge, just west of Corvallis, is one of the favorite places to put in or fish. Another is north of town at Tucker Crossing. Fishing shops can give maps of the area with special recommendations on the best fishing spots. Willow Creek #300 Hiking Trail A great hike in the Corvallis area is the Willow Creek #300 trail east of Corvallis. The 3.5-mile trail starts as an old jeep road and follows along the side of the creek. It goes past cliffs and rock spires, making it great for photography buffs. It’s also right in the middle of the Rocky Mountain goat habitat. The trail is located at the Willow Creek trailhead. To reach it, take Willow Creek Road east from Corvallis and travel for 11 miles to the first switchback and the trailhead. Stop by a ranger station for maps or suggestions for more day hikes in the area.
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amilton Hamilton is the largest town in the Bitterroot Valley and the hub of its activities. In the early 1890s, Marcus Daly, who made a fortune in copper mining in Butte, brought in two town planners to lay out what would become the town of Hamilton. The town was named after one of the planners, James Hamilton. The other planner, Robert O’Hara, became the town’s first mayor. The Daly Mansion built by Marcus and
later renovated after his death by his wife, sits just east of the town. The mansion’s grounds are the setting for several events during the year as well as being open for tours. Hamilton holds events all year round, but their frequency and size ramp up during the summer. The Ravalli County Fair brings in more than 20,000 people each year. Hamilton has a lively downtown, a strong arts community, and is the perfect jumping off point for a trip in the Bitterroot.
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Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering August 18th & 19th at the Daly Mansion will be the 9th Annual Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering. This event is held the 3rd weekend in August and was designed to celebrate the Celtic culture and it’s influence on the Bitterroot Valley. Over 2,500 people come to experience this 2 day event that is filled with activities for the whole family. Enjoy non-stop live music, pipe band competitions, Irish and Highland dancing, as well as the Highland Game competitions for both adults and kids. Take part in the Mead, Scotch and Irish Whiskey tastings, visit the educational, history, and Clan booths, watch Celtic cooking demonstrations, try traditional foods, local beers, and shop the many vendors for Celtic wares. The public is encouraged to participate on
Sunday in the Women’s Skillet Toss, Tug o’ War, Beards ‘n Braids competition and a Bonnie Knees contest! Kids 11 and under are free with adult admission and there is free parking and a shuttle bus from the Hamilton High school parking lot (parking at the Mansion is $10). For ticket prices, schedule of events, and more information please visit the website at http://www. bcgg.org or call 406-274-8886. Daly Days Daly Days, July 27-28, is Hamilton’s annual heritage celebration. The Daly Days Festival, named for the areas famous copper king Marcus Daly, is fun for the entire family. Events on Main Street include craft and food vendors on Friday and Saturday, along with sales at most downtown stores.
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Friday night offers a street dance, with live music and full bar service. Saturday offers children’s activities, a car show, and a series of events including wiener dog races and live music onstage. For more information call 360-9124 or go online to hamiltondowntownassociation.org. Bitterroot Chamber Micro Brewfest Every year, the Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce holds a fundraising event in the form of the Bitterroot Chamber Micro Brewfest at the end of July. The festival offers the chance to sample more than 40 types of beer from Montana and the Northwest, several varieties of regional
wine and cider, as well as food from local vendors. Live music is provided by headliner band “Swatkins and the Positive Agenda” who play soul, rhythm and blues, and funk. Twenty dollars buys a commemorative glass and five different beer tastings. The event coincides with the annual Daly Days celebration. The Brewfest is held in downtown Hamilton across from Legion Park from 3 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 28. This will be the festival’s 24th year. More information can be found online at bitterrootchamber.com or call 406-363-2400.
Bitterroot Quilters Guild The Bitterroot Quilters Guild promotes quilting and friendships among individuals who are interested in quilting. The Guild provides opportunities to share individual projects and become inspired by the work of others. Membership is open to all and the current president is Sharon Renfro, 406-777-3229. The Guild also gives generously by providing donations of quilts to children in trauma and to others who need a ‘hug’ in Ravalli County. The Quilts 4 Kids Group makes quilts that are placed in the sheriff’s and some fire vehicles and distributed through organizations like Emma’s House. The Comforters Group works on twin and lap sized quilts that are donated to Hospice of the Bitterroot, Marcus Daly Hospital and other community agencies. The guild is hosting a fundraising garage sale on June 2 at the Corvallis Grange, just west of Woodside. For more information, visit the Bitterroot Quilters Guild online at bitterrootquiltersguild.com, or on Facebook. Ravalli County Fair Held the week before Labor Day weekend, the Ravalli County Fair is the signature end of the summer celebration for the Bitterroot. It is also the largest annual event in the area, drawing in more than 20,000 people every year. The Ravalli County Fair will be held from August 29 to Sept. 1 with the theme of “Country Roots & Dirty Boots.” This realdeal, old-fashioned family-friendly fair is a showcase event for the strong agricultural 4H programs in the valley, with barns and buildings filled with livestock projects. There is something for everyone at the
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fair, including carnival rides and food vendors, with sales going to benefit nonprofit organizations in the community. We also have teamed up with Man Up Crusade to reduce domestic violence in Ravalli County and contribute dollars towards our local SAFE house. The fair features a large display of quilts, photography, baked and canned goods, arts and crafts, as well as a building filled with horticultural and floral displays. On Friday and Saturday night, it’s usually standing room only during the full gamut of rodeo events, which include a youth invitational, bull riding, team roping, and cowboy bronc rides. The rodeo is included in the gate fee for the fair. Please help support the Man Up Crusade by wearing purple on Friday evening. The Fair will kick off with a ribbon cutting by the Chamber of Commerce on
Wednesday at 1:00 at the Fairgrounds front gate. Featured this year is an award winning High-Dive act by Midland Entertainment, Young Guns Wild West Show, Cowgirl Tricks by Karen Quest, Bert Davis the Coppertown Clown and Buck Trout our new strolling act. To make sure the event is as familyfriendly as possible the fair is a dry event. See //ravalli.us/200/Fairgrounds for more details, or call 406-363-3411. Bitterroot Secret Garden Tour The Bitterroot Secret Garden Tour is an annual, one-day charity fundraising event that tours top home gardens in the Bitterroot Valley. Tickets are $35 each and sold at Moeller’s Nursery, Cooks’ Gardens, Bitterroot Nursery and Chapter One Book Store, starting May 1, and include canvas bags full of donated coupons and
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gifts from Evans Ace Hardware, Lakeland Feed & Supply, Fine Gardening magazine, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, Seed Savers Exchange and the National Garden Bureau. The tour is mid-July and proceeds from sales benefit a different Bitterroot nonprofit each year. This year the proceeds benefit Emma’s House. The 2018 tour includes five home gardens and landscapes of “gardening professionals” including Margie Cook of Cooks’ Gardens; Molly Hackett, of Missoulian and Ravalli Republic gardening columns; Judy Hessert of Bitterroot Nursery; Sandy Fleischmann, of The Scented Garden; and Karen Suennen’s kitchen garden for the Spice of Life restaurant. For more information visit online facebook.com/BitterrootSecretGardenTour.
Hardtimes Bluegrass Festival The special 10th annual Hardtimes Bluegrass Festival Hamilton annual event July 27, 28 and 29 will feature 11 great bands including the award winning Kenny Stinson and Perfect Tym’n from Kentucky and Trinity River Band from Florida. Also on this year’s roster are nine traditional bluegrass bands from Oregon, Idaho and Montana. This three-day family-friendly traditional festival starts Friday night at 6 p.m. and continues all weekend long. Five Featured Bluegrass Pioneers, “Kids in Bluegrass”, Sunday morning Gospel, camping and food vendors on site, all in a beautiful location 10 miles south of Hamilton. Bring your lawn chairs. Adults - $15 for the weekend, kids- $7 for the weekend, Sunday only - $10. More info at 406-821-3777 or www.hardtimesbluegrass.com.
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Lost Trail Fest Second annual Full Moon Weekend and Lost Trail Ski Area happens on July 27 and 28 this year with local craft and food vendors. The event is described as a “family-friendly adult summer camp” by event organizers from Salmon. There is a live art gallery (with 15 artists onsite last year), a public participation of live art and on Saturday an adventure hike begins that with yoga then is a guided hike along the ski runs. The event has a Big Slip’n’Slide over 300 feet long, bands from Salmon, Bozeman and Missoula, local ciders and beers and “Adventure Brew” created special for the event by Bandit Brewing. Tickets, $40 presale and $45 at the gate, include camping and wristbands. There is a 21 and over wristband too. For more details follow Facebook.com/ Adventurecrewpresents. WARC Field Day The MSU-Western Agricultural Research Center Field Day will be July 26. The WARC has 29 acres of irrigated land and is in the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5. The research center studies a wide range of production studies in fruits, vegetables, forages and grains. Field Day is a celebration with tours, barbecue, wine and
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cider tasting and talks by faculty. For more information visit online agresearch. montana.edu.
Forum – registration is at 6 p.m. and the run starts at 7 p.m. on Friday, August 10. The course starts and finishes in River Park in Hamilton and winds along the beautiful Fork to Farm Bitterroot River. Come out for this one of a The Fork to Farm Tour is a cycling adven- kind experience in the Bitterroot Valley. ture to Bitterroot farms and culinary bliss Back again this year is the “Splish Splash on Sunday, Sept. 16, in Corvallis. It is a cel- DASH” for kids age 10 and under which ebration of the diversity of agriculture and happens at 6:45 p.m. No pre-registration cycling in the Bitterroot Valley. For more necessary, t-shirts available on a first information visit http://bikewalkbitterroot. come-first served basis. org/forktofarm. Saturday is the “Bitterroot River Clean Up.” Each year volunteers for BRWF pull Bitter Root Water Forum Events thousands of pounds of trash from the Support, clean, and celebrate the Bitterroot River. Volunteers are assigned Bitterroot River with two days of events stretches of the river from Sula and August 10 – 11. Painted Rocks to the confluence at the The “Run for the River” 5K is a unique Clark Fork in Missoula. The efforts are race to benefit the Bitter Root Water rewarded with a volunteer apprecia-
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tion barbecue 4 to 6 p.m. at River Park in Hamilton. Volunteers are welcome to help run both events. A variety of tasks and times are available to pick from on both Friday and Saturday. Contact Aissa for more information at bswc.member@brwaterforum.org or (406) 375-2272. Register to run and clean up at https://www.brwaterforum.org/events. Ravalli County Museum The Ravalli County Museum in Hamilton contains many exhibits featuring local history and beyond. The building the museum was in was designed by the Montana architect A.J. Gibson in 1900 and served as the county courthouse until 1979. The brick building is listed in the National Register of Historic
Places. Signature events include Ernst Peterson Photo Contest, Model Kites, Bitter Root Day, McIntosh Apple Day, Liquid Cider Night Ghost Tours, Veteran’s Day Ceremony and Gallery of Trees and A Cowboy Christmas. See brvhsmuseum.org or call 406-363-3338 for more information. The museum hosts several events including: *Bitter Root Day, June 9, is a street festival celebrating the Bitter Root Flower and the Salish – the original inhabitants of the Bitter Root Valley. *McIntosh Apple Day, Oct. 6 from 9 a.m to 3 p.m., is called the Biggest Bake Sale Under the Big Sky and features produce from local farmers as well as food arts and crafts from around the Bitterroot. Highlights include a bake sale including more than 700 apple-themed treats and
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apples in every form imaginable, from pies to butter. *Liquid Apple Night, Oct. 6 from 5-9 p.m. is the relaxing and refreshing evening under the stars to close out Apple Day. Sample delicious cider created by cider makers from the Rocky Mountain northwest, while enjoying local food and music at Legion Park (north east of the museum). You must be 21 or older to participate. Tickets are $25 each and will be available at Ravalli County Museum and Chapter One Book Store by Sept. 1. *Ghost Tours, Oct 20 and 27, provide the opportunity to become a paranormal investigator - gathering evidence and exploring rooms in the museum that are not on the regular tour. The event
is done in the dark, with flashlights, and special ghost hunting equipment such as EVP Recorders, EMF Detectors, Thermal Laser Guns, Spirit Boxes and pendulums for the more adventurous. Bring a camera. Tickets are $20 for members, $25 for non-members and will be available in September. Children age 14 to 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No one under 14 admitted. *Veteran’s Day Observance Ceremony, Monday, Nov. 12. *A Cowboy Christmas, Nov. 30, features live music, cowboy poetry and a Christmas tree silent auction. The Ravalli County Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday and hosts children’s programming during Farmers Market on Saturdays
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9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. which runs May through October. For more information call 406-363-3338 or visit online brvhsmuseum.org. Daly Mansion In 1886, Marcus Daly, an Irish immigrant turned mining Copper King, bought a homestead and built a home for him and his wife just east of Hamilton. The mansion was part of Daly’s 22,000 acre Bitter Root Stock Farm. After Daly’s death, his wife Margaret renovated the mansion, with the help of
famed Montana architect A.J. Gibson, to its present Georgian-Revival style. The 24,000 square foot, three story mansion has 25 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms and 7 fireplaces. The house was boarded up when Mrs. Daly died in 1941, but was reopened to the public in 1987 after more than $2 million of renovation work was done to the property and grounds. An arboretum and garden houses more than 400 trees over 26 acres of land. The mansion and grounds now serve as an educational and cultural hub for the preservation of one of Montana’s biggest
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names. Tours of the Daly Mansion, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, are available from May 13 through Oct. 7. Events at the Daly Mansion this year are: Roaring 20’s Gala, 7 – 11 p.m. on Saturday, April 21; Mother’s Day Tea – 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 12; Romancing the West Concert - 7 – 10 p.m. on June 9; Daly Days – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. July 28; Dave Stamey Concert – 5:30 – 10 p.m. on August 2; Nu Blu Concert - 6 – 11 p.m. on August 11; Celtic Festival - 8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 18, and 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 19; Spuds R –Us booth at Ravalli County Fair – 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. on August 31; Harvest Party – 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. on Sept. 29; Murder Mystery – Oct. 11, 12, and 13 (Partnership with Hamilton Players); Haunted Hayrides -
Oct. 26 & 27; Holly Jolly Craft Show Nov. 2, 3 and 4; Community Christmas Party – 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Dec. 15. For more information call 406-363-6004 x 2# or online visit dalymansion.org. Wings & Wheels Air and Car Show The Ravalli County Pilots Association’s annual Wings & Wheels air and car show is June 23. Pancake breakfast and fly-in begins at 7 a.m. The 2018 show will be scaled down in preparation for a spectacular event in 2019. For more information visit their Facebook page. Blodgett Canyon Blodgett Canyon is one of the most picturesque areas of the Bitterroot. To get a great view of it and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, hike the 3-mile round trip
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Blodgett Overlook Trail. Blodgett Canyon is often referred to as Montana’s Yosemite. To get to the trailhead, go west on Main Street in Hamilton past where it becomes West Bridge Road. Turn left of Blodgett Camp Road and look for the signs for the Canyon Creek Trailhead. Montana Professional Artists Association’s Art Show & Sale The Montana Professional Artists Association shows yearly in Hamilton at the Bitterroot River Inn and Conference Center, 139 Bitterroot Plaza Drive. Each year this show is highly anticipated by the art-loving public. This year the artist group is celebrating their 14th Anniversary Show, June 8, 9 and 10 with free admission all three days. On Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. is a reception and no host bar and free wildlife hors d’oeuvres. On Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., artists will give demonstrations of painting and sculpture. On Sunday, come on back and choose the art work you’re hankering to own; chat with the artists from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Summer Concert Series and Shakespeare in the Parks Sapphire Lutheran Homes will celebrate the summer of 2018 with their sixth Annual Summer Concert Series and Shakespeare in the Parks. The events include: *”Blue to the Bone” begins the season on Friday, June 22, at 7 p.m. A little over a decade ago, Blue to the Bone began playing hard driving Bluegrass in Montana. Sticking to the traditional style of Bluegrass, Blue to the Bone has become
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recognized as a professional band that delivers the music “The way it was, and the way it should be performed”. A real crowd pleaser wherever they perform, Blue to the Bone was fortunate to perform at the Sweet Palace in Phillipsburg, MT on Father’s Day, for 10 straight years. *Friday, June 29, at 7 p.m. “Who Dat!” will perform. Formed in 2014 by four musicians of diverse backgrounds who each have over 20 years of music performance experience, Who Dat! is a “Montana band with a southern rock sound.” Following their performance we will light up the night sky with a pre-Independence Day fireworks display. Steve Boshae of Cow Palace Fireworks will provide the pyrotechnics that, are again, sure to be a blast. * Friday, July 6, at 7 p.m., “Shodown”
From humble beginnings, Shodown has matured into one of the best bands in Montana, with its diverse play list and style that blends bluegrass, western swing, traditional and modern country, 70’s/80’s/ and 90’s rock-n-roll, Shodown has been a widely popular Montana band for many years. Most arrangements feature rich 3 4 part harmony, mixed with driving guitars and/or fiddle. *Friday, July 13, at 7 p.m., “The Cold Hard Cash Show.” The Cold Hard Cash Show is an original and innovative tribute to the music of Johnny Cash and The Tennessee Three! Fronted by guitarist and singer Merle Travis Peterson, The Cold Hard Cash Show brings to life classic Cash songs from the Sun & Columbia Records Catalogs to the modern American recordings, performing with the energy
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of the Live at Folsom and San Quentin albums with a sound so accurate you’d think you’re listening to The Man in Black himself! Sapphire Lutheran Homes will host Montana Shakespeare In The Parks’ performance of “Othello” on Tuesday, August 14, at 6 p.m. Montana Shakespeare in the Parks (MSIP) is the only fully professional touring theatre program in the state currently producing Shakespeare’s plays,
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the only Shakespeare company in the country to reach as extensively into rural areas and the only company in the state that offers its performances free to the public, guaranteeing accessibility to all. All of these events are free and open to the public. Sapphire Lutheran Homes is located at 501 North 10th Street in Hamilton. Call Dominic Farrenkopf at 406363-2800 for more information or visit: sapphirelutheran.org.
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arby, Conner, Sula
The towns of the Darby, Sula and Conner occupy a region at the lower end of Ravalli County commonly called the South Valley area. Darby contains some of the oldest buildings in the Bitterroot, including the museum, which was one of the first handhewn cabins built in the region. The quiet town of slightly less than 1,000 is also the home of the National Museum of Forest Service History. Each summer, Darby holds Logger Days, paying tribute to the timber industry that was responsible for the town’s boom. Conner is a small community located off Highway 93 south of Darby, and sits on the edge of the Bitterroot National Forest. Trapper Peak stands nearby, with a sum-
mit of 10,157 feet. Sula is the place where the Lewis and Clark expedition first encountered the Salish Native American tribe in 1805. The tribe outfitted the explorers with horses and helped guide them through the Bitterroot Mountains. Sula is named for the first white child born in the area, Ursula. A painting by Charlie Russell of a view near Sula hangs in the Montana State Capitol Building. The South Valley area has some of the best boating and fishing in the region, including Lake Como to the north and Painted Rocks State Park to the south. To the south is a ski hill and hot springs. Visit darbymt.net for more information.
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Darby Farmers Market Every Tuesday from May through October, local growers bring their wares into town and set up for a farmer’s market that lasts from noon to 6 p.m. The farmer’s market is the best way to get a hold of local produce, as well as handmade sweets and artistic goods. The Darby farmer’s market is located right in the center of town, in the park next to city hall on Main Street in Darby. Darby Pioneer Memorial Museum This pioneer museum houses home life and business artifacts of historic Darby, as well as early photos showing the history of Darby and its inhabitants.
The building that houses the museum was one of the first hand-hewn cabins in the area, originally built in 1886. In 1958, it was moved from its original location at Tin Cup to its current location in Darby. The museum contains photos of the cabin at its original location. It also has handwritten letters, deeds, and documents from schools and churches to give a glimpse into the everyday life of the Darby area’s past. The museum opens for the season on Memorial Day and remains open through Labor Day on a volunteer basis. It is located behind City Hall just off Main Street in Darby. Call for information at 406821-3753.
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Last Fridays in Darby Enjoy art, local vendors, hometown pours and great music from 5 – 8 p.m. on the Last Friday of June, July and August in Main Street Park, Darby. Bands are June 29 - “MoneyPenny”, July 27 - “Joan Zen Band” and August 31 - “The Workers.” To hosting a booth or sponsor the event, contact Shelby Rogala with Darby Parks and Recreation at darbymtparks@gmail. com or call 406-381-0732 for more information. Strawberry Festival The Strawberry Festival is a relaxing evening of music, strawberry shortcake, raffles and community visiting that serves as the annual fundraising event for the Darby Fire Department always on the third Saturday in July – this year July 21.
According to Fire Chief Duane Harvath the Strawberry Festival has been happening since 1940. Darby’s New Pocket Park In 2017, the South Valley Civic Group worked with an artist to commission a bronze statue of Sacagawea to be placed in our new pocket park. The park is located in the center of town, and is a wonderful place to sit down and enjoy a break from strolling historic downtown Darby. Darby Skate Park Newly constructed in spring 2017, this park is a great community resource. It is located behind the rodeo grounds and accessible from the Darby Trail. There is an annual Skate Park Jam in September
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for riders of all ages and abilities. Contact Shelby at darbymtparks@gmail.com for more information. Darby Trail For over 10 years, a group of local trail enthusiasts have worked to build a lovely loop trail in Darby. It follows the roads, winds down to the river, and up by the school, skatepark, and rodeo grounds. This 3.5 mile loop is a great way to take in the sights of Darby whether you run, walk, wheel, or skip. Maps available at Town Hall and other community businesses. All-Alumni Reunion and Fun Run The second all-alumni reunion will be heldon the weekend of Logger Days, July 20-21. A Fun Run open to everyone will
be held on the morning of Saturday, July 21st. To register for the run OR the reunion, contact Shelby at darbymtalumni@gmail. com or visit www.darby.k12.mt.us/community/alumni Darby Rodeo Association Darby is quickly becoming the place to be if you enjoy rodeo action. The Darby Rodeo Association will host six exciting events in 2018. In addition to DRA’s main events, the arena is the home arena to the Ravalli County Jr Rodeo Club, the Bitterroot Valley Gymkhana Club and will be host arena to a new summer barrel racing series. To learn more about the summer’s fun, go to www.darbyrodeoassociaton.com, look them up on Facebook or call 406-451-9138.
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The National Senior Pro Rodeo Tour swings into Darby on June 21 - 23. Contestants come from all of the United States and Canada to compete. Their goal is to earn points for qualification to the senior pro rodeo finals held in Las Vegas each October. This year, NSPRA in Darby will include rough stock! The Elite Bull Connection pits some of the best bovine athletes against the best bull riders in The 2018 competition will include 30 of the Elite Professional Bullrider’s top talent on July 6-7. Along with the Elite Bull event is the Pink Bull Explosion. It is a bull that is actually pink and represents a ride of special note for the Tough Enough to Wear Pink organization. The Darby Rodeo Association along with the stock contractors and bull riders donate generously. In 2014, $10,400 was awarded to the Tough Enough to Wear Pink organization through this very special “Pink” ride. The Elite Bull Connection gates open at 4 p.m. and the nighttime action starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are for sale at Murdoch’s Ranch Supply in Hamilton Montana,
Darby Wine and Spirits (reserve tickets), Marley’s Bar and Casino or countryroots. org. The Darby Rodeo Royalty Pageant will be July 6 – 7 and the coronation will be held before the bull riding on Saturday night. Details can be found by visiting the Darby Rodeo Assoc. Royalty page on Facebook. A Ranch Rodeo is the newest event on the DRA line-up and will be held August 4. Details to come to www.darbyrodeoassociation.com. The High Country Cowboys event, brought to you by the Double H Custom Hat Company begins at 5 p.m. on August 16. The evening of fun, food and friends will include: Smokin’ Pup’s fabulous Tri-Tip or Chicken and all the fixins; early entertainment by singer-songwriter Bob Weber, feature performance by the High Country Cowboys. Bronc Bustin and Barrel Burnin is set for Sept. 14 and 14. The event brings top notch bronc riders and barrel racers to Darby for two days of action.
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Darby Logger Days The 17th annual Darby Logger Days, July 20 and 21, is an annual lumberjack competition event held at the South Valley Veteran’s Memorial on the south end of Darby. The event features 17 traditional logging competitions including axe throwing, pole climbing, log roll and cross-cut sawing. Friday events are 5 p.m. – midnight, with live music beginning at 8 p.m. The events on Saturday begin at 9 a.m. with a community parade, at 10 a.m. educational, retail and food booths open. Logging competitions begin at 11 a.m. and end around 6 p.m. Kids activities are noon to 4 p.m. with a drawing for free kids bikes at 4 p.m. There is live music from 8 p.m. until midnight. Ticket sales are available at the event and benefit the veteran’s memorial. Entry for the live music both nights of Logger Days can be purchased separately, or as a part of the entry button price. Entry fees for Friday are $15 per adult and $20 for Saturday kids under 12 are no charge when accompanied by an adult. More information is located online at the event’s website darbyloggerdays.com. Painted Rocks State Park Painted Rocks State Park on the West Fork of the Bitterroot River, offers boating and fishing opportunities with the Painted Rocks Reservoir. The park is named for the colored lichen that covers the rocks walls, giving them green, yellow and orange hues. Big Horn Sheep can often be seen from the cliffs surrounding the park. There are also 25 campsites, with fire pits and picnic tables, meaning it is also ideal for swimming and overnight stays.
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To get to Painted Rocks, take the West Fork Road from Highway 93, north of Conner. More information can be found online at stateparks.mt.gov/paintedrocks/ or by calling 406-273-4253. Lake Como Recreation Area The Lake Como Recreation Area is the most popular outdoor spot in the Bitterroot area. Lake Como features beaches with roped off swimming areas, and a boat launch and picnic area. It also has the Rock Creek Trailhead, with several hiking trails available. Snowcovered mountains, whose melt off feeds the lake, rise up sharply at the end of the lake. Camping options for overnight stay are available, including hookups for RVs. The historic Woods cabin, located on the lake shore, can be rented year round (call 1-877-444-6777 or visit recreation.gov). Summer weekends are busy at Lake Como, with plenty of swimmers, motorboats and jet skis on the water. In winter, Lake Como is a great place for snowshoeing and ice fishing, and has several groomed cross country skiing tracks. Lake Como is located four miles up the paved Lake Como Road off Highway 93 between Hamilton and Darby. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, all vehicles at Lake Como must have a rec-
reation pass, which can be purchased at the recreation area. See fs.usda.gov/ recarea/bitterroot/recreation for more information. Lost Trail Powder Mountain Spring and summer in the Bitterroot is beautiful, but it’s during the winter when one of the real gems of the South Valley is available for use. Lost Trail Powder Mountain is south of Darby at the border between Montana and Idaho. Named after the trail where Lewis and Clark became lost on the way to the Continental Divide, the ski hill has something for beginners and experts alike. The summit is 8,200 feet, the lodge is at 7,000 feet and the base is 6,400 feet. Five chairlifts and three rope tows provide easy access to the more than 60 marked trails on 1,800 acres of skiing terrain. Lost Trail gets more than 300 inches of snow annually, and is known in the area for its low ticket prices and short lift lines. With more than 50 marked trails from bunny hill to glades, a ski and boarding school for first timers, and equipment rentals, Lost Trail Powder Mountain is a perfect winter destination. Visit losttrail.com for details. Lost Trail Hot Springs Resort Lost Trail Hot Springs Resort south of
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Sula at the base of Lost Trail Pass provides lodging, dining and a natural, chemicalfree outdoor hot springs swimming pool and hot tub. In the winter, the pool area is covered by a dome, so guests can continue to enjoy it at any time. During the winter, Chief Joseph Cross Country Trails just to the east provides more than 25 miles of groomed trail and the hot springs, as well as snowmobile routes. Big Hole National Battlefield The Big Hole National Battlefield is a bit of a journey, but worth it to see one of the most historic places in the state. To reach the Big Hole National Battlefield travel south from Darby to the Idaho border then head east in MT-43 for 17 miles.
The 1877 Battle of the Big Hole was the largest battle of the Nez Perce War between the Native American tribe and the U.S. government, who had pushed them off their land in Oregon to an Idaho reservation. U.S. forces attacked the Nez Perce encampment at Big Hole. During a twoday battle, more than 60 Nez Perce, including women and children, were killed. The U.S. Cavalry lost almost 30. Two months later, the Nez Perce surrendered, only 40 miles from the Canadian Border. Big Hole was designated a national battlefield in 1963. A visitor center, museum and bookstore provide more historical insight to the area. Ranger guided tours are available in the summer.
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almon Salmon sits in Lemhi County in Idaho, which is famous for a rush of gold miners in the late 1800s. The Lewis and Clark expedition also crossed the Continental Divide at Lemhi Pass, southeast of Salmon. Salmon, home of Sacajawea, has a historic center that opened in 2003 dedicated to preserving the history of the area. The Lewis and Clark expedition dubbed the Salmon River the “River of No Return� after attempting to use it to continue their journey to the Pacific. Salmon is now known as one of the best
whitewater areas in the world, with visitors flocking to the town in the spring and summer to get on the water. But other recreational options abound, from hunting and steelhead fishing to mountain biking and horseback riding. To the north, at the Idaho-Montana border, there is the ski resort, Lost Trail Powder Mountain. Several ghost towns in the area can be visited with a short drive on some of the most scenic roadways in the Pacific Northwest.
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Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural and Educational Center Salmon, being the birthplace of the only woman that was part of the Lewis and Clark expedition, is also home to the Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural, and Educational Center. The grounds of the Sacajawea Center cover 71 acres that includes walking trails with interpretive signs about the area’s environment and history. Inside the center, there is a small gift shop selling history books about Sacajawea, the Lewis and Clark expedition and the Native American tribes that inhabited the area. Artifacts from the Lewis and Clark expedition, along with informational dioramas and videos inform visitors about the expedition, and the role the Salmon area and Sacajawea played in it. There is also a portion of the center showing the history of the Agai’dika Lemhi Shoshone people. The center is open from Memorial Day through the end of September, 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (12:30 to
5 p.m. on Sundays). The outdoor trails are open year round. Entrance to the Sacajawea Center is $12 per family, $5 per person. Tours are also available. Visit sacajaweacenter.org or call 208-756-1188 for details. Agai’dika Heritage Days Each year the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes visit the Sacajawea Center and the Salmon and Lemhi Valleys to commemorate their ancestors and connect their youth to their homeland. The main event of the gathering happens on Saturday and includes an early morning breakfast and walk/run along Agency Creek between Tendoy, ID and Lemhi Pass. After the walk/ run, in the late afternoon, the tribe holds a singing and dancing exhibition at the Sacajawea Center amphitheater as well as a salmon and buffalo feast. The tribe invites the local community and the visiting public to join them for all or part of their gathering. This year marks the 111th Agaidika Gathering, as 1907 was the year the Agaidika were forced to leave their reservation here in the Lemhi
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Valley to go to the reservation at Fort Hall. Typically the Agaidika Gathering coincides with heritage and ancestral living activities and demonstrations and we call the event Heritage Days. Due to the timing of things in 2018 the focus of the event will solely be the Agaidika Gathering. The 1805 Lewis and Clark Living Experience will be running through the weekend as well. For more information please contact the Center at 208.756.1188 Lemhi County Fair – Aug 18-25 For a week every August, the town of Salmon revolves around the county fair. The fair includes a rodeo, horse racing, livestock showings from 4H and FFA. Every night, there is another main event to experience, in addition to rides and food vendors. Local favorites include horse shows, dog races, and a pie-making contest. There is no gate admission for the fair and carnival, although the rodeo does have an entrance fee. The event is held at the fairgrounds in Salmon. Details and schedules can be found online at lemhicountyfair.com Salmon Whitewater Rafting It’s hard to even think of Salmon without thinking of being out enjoying all the outdoor recreation options the town and area offer. As one of the whitewater capitals of the world, a visit to Salmon is not complete without getting onto the waters of the Salmon River. There are many rafting companies in town that can set up guided floats or rent out gear. Idaho Adventures, located downtown, has been in the business for more than 40 years, and offers guided whitewater and scenic floating trips, as well as steelhead fishing expeditions. They also have guided bike rides, as well
as equipment rentals for all of their services available. For those looking for tips on where to go, whether on the water or on the trails, Idaho Adventures can supply directions to a good time to any visitors, regardless of skill level. For more information, see idahoadventures.com, call them at 1-208-756-2986 or drop in and visit them on Main Street in Salmon. Mountain Biking As one of the ultimate outdoor towns, Salmon has a dedicated biking community. Every year, the town has multiple events for cyclists, from races for the pros to long tour rides. One of these events is 12 Hours of Disco featuring single-track racers from around the region. 12 Hours of Disco will take place on May 19& 20 this year. The en-
Explore Salmon, Idah aho’s ah
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durance race takes place at Discovery Hill near Salmon. The event also has live music, food and drinks all day long. Lemhi County Historical Museum The Lemhi County Historical Museum houses various exhibits that provide a sense of the history the community of Salmon has. Through preservation and interpretive history of artifacts found in the Salmon area, the museum strives to build its historic collection. Some of the exhibits include the largest collection of Lemhi Shoshone artifacts available anywhere in the country, as well as artifacts and photographs from the Chinese immigrant community. There is also a wing dedicated to the discovery of gold and other minerals in the area, along with the westward expansion that gave rise to cattle, sheep and timber industries. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from the end of May through September, and on Wednesdays and Thursdays the rest of the year, and by appointment. The Lemhi County Historical Museum is located at 210 Main Street. For additional details, visit lemhicountymuseum.org, or call 208-756-3342. Salmon Marathon Biking, rafting or running, Salmon doesn’t care how you get out and about, only that you do. The race day for this year’s Salmon Marathon is September 9, when about 300 runners will be out to attempt the half marathon or the full 26.2 miles. The races also includes a kids run, so families with children can get in on the fun, and live music and food at the finish line. This year will be the marathon’s seventh race.
Proceeds from this year’s race will go to the Whitewater Therapeutic Riding Association, which works to allow disabled and special needs individuals be able to ride horses as a form a therapy. Visit salmonmarathon.com for more information. Salmon River-Sawtooth Scenic Byway Ranked in the top 10 best drives in the Rocky Mountain area, this scenic road that runs through Salmon is a can’t miss drive to see the beautiful landscape of Idaho. Mirroring the Salmon River and running through areas like the Sun Valley and along several national forests, the Salmon River-Sawtooth Scenic Byway is the best reason to get in the car or on the motorcycle and just go. Craters of the Moon National Monument and the Ernest Hemingway memorial are just a few of the attractions you will find along the route. 14th Annual Blues, Brews & BBQ’s Festival The Salmon Arts Council is celebrating its 14th Annual Blues, Brews & BBQ’s Festival on August 6th! Featuring Gorgeous Franks and Phil ‘n the Fenders from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. In addition, we’ll have lots of great food, local artist vendors, craft demonstrations, a kids’ art tent, and, of course, a wide array of regional beers to enjoy! For pre-sale tickets, check www. salmonartscouncil.org. Salmon Arts Council Summer Events The Salmon Arts Council hosts concerts and events for the whole family throughout the summer. To get the latest information on upcoming events and to buy tickets, visit www.salmonartscouncil.org or call 208-756-2987.
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alendar of events MAY 3 National Day of Prayer at St. Mary’s Chapel at noon. (273-0066) MAY 4 Pie in the Big Sky Auction at the Rocky Mountain Bank in Stevensville beginning at 6:30 p.m. until all pies are sold. (777-3773) MAY 6 Hamilton’s Farmers Market Opens 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on May 5 (Early Market opens April 21 and continues through October) (961-0004). MAY 11 Boot, Scoot & Boogie fundraiser at the First Interstate Center for S.A.F.E. (363-2793
MAY 11 Hamilton Tonight and Culture Crawl is 5 - 8 p.m. second Friday of each month in downtown Hamilton. MAY 12 Mother’s Day Tea at the Daly Mansion. (363-6004 ext. 2#) MAY 19-20 Gem and Mineral Show Interstate Building; Ravalli County Fairgrounds, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. MAY 28 Memorial Day Parade, 10 a.m., Corvallis. Contact Doug Mason 5464244 MAY 29 Victor Museum opens for the season
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JUNE 1-2
Artists Along The Bitterroot, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (and Nov. 2-4) (artistsalongthebitterroot.com) JUNE 8 Hamilton Tonight and Culture Crawl is 5 - 8 p.m. second Friday of each month in downtown Hamilton. Live Music starts in July. JUNE 9 Bitter Root Day at the Ravalli County Museum. Call 363-3338 for more information. JUNE 9 Relay for Life – American Cancer Society, 5 p.m., Interstate Center. JUNE 8-10 Mt Professional Artist Assoc. Annual Art Show & Sale at BR River Inn. Reception June 8 at 6 p.m. 961-3887 JUNE 12 Jean Matthews Tuesdays at Twelve music on the lawn at Ravalli County Museum JUNE 16 Mud Run Hamilton Airport - RC Mudders for Conservation – (rcmudders.com) JUNE 21-23 NSPRA Rodeo in Darby. Rodeo event kicks off at 6 p.m. each evening (544-5436) JUNE 22-23 Western Heritage Day, Stevensville Main Street. Old-time chuck wagons, vendors, live music, street dance and kids activities. St. Mary’s Mission will have activities. Call 7775734 or 777-3773 for more information. JUNE 22-24 Gypsy Solstice Faire a gypsy camp full of mystic adventures and vendors with unique merchandise. Look for the encampment south of town at 3535 Eastside Highway. Call The Mystic Owl, 777-5571. JUNE 23 The free Wings & Wheels Air and Car Show, classic hotrods and planes, will be a fly-in and a scaled down event this year but watch for spectacular event in 2019. Pancake
breakfast and fly-in starts at 7 a.m. at the RC Airport (381-2273) JUNE 30 Bitter Root Land Trust barn dance at the Lazy Burnt Fork Ranch in Stevensville, 5 p.m. to sunset. JUNE 30 Blessing of the Cars Auto Show is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 30, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 184 Pine Hollow Road in Stevensville (262-331-1075.) JUNE 30 The SMSA Golf Tournament, Whitetail Golf Course, 4925 Wildfowl Lane, Stevensville. JULY 4 City of Hamilton Fireworks Show at the RC Fairgrounds. 363-3411 JULY 6-7 Elite Bull Connection in Darby, this event pits some of the best bovine athletes against the best bull riders in the Northwest and Canada. (5445536) July 6-7 Darby Rodeo Royalty Pageant with coronation before the bull riding on Saturday night. Visit the Darby Rodeo Assoc. Royalty page on Facebook JULY 9 Napa Auto Show ‘Stars, Guitars & Cars’ from 11 am to 3 pm. Car show, music, food and fun. Call Stevensville Napa 777-5791. JULY 13 Hamilton Tonight and Culture Crawl is 5 - 8 p.m. second Friday of each month in downtown Hamilton. Live Music. JULY 15 Sing along at Music at the Mission at 7 p.m. in the Historic St. Mary’s Mission chapel, Stevensville. JULY 21 The Strawberry Festival old-fashioned ice cream social. Music by local musicians with vendors, raffles. This event is a fundraiser for the Darby Volunteer Fire Department, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (381-5114)
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JULY 20-21
Logger Days in Darby. Lots of activities for the whole family. Friday events from 5 p.m. till midnight; Saturday events begin at 9 a.m. JULY 27-29 10th Annual Hardtimes Bluegrass Festival; bands, band contest, awards, camping, food and jamming (821-3777). JULY 28 Bitterroot Arts Guild Art in the Park, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Legion Park in Hamilton JULY 27-28 Daly Days in Hamilton. Street vendors, crafts, food and sales. Friday night will be a street dance and Saturday has activities for everyone. (360-9124) JULY 28 Annual Bitterroot Chamber Micro Brewfest sample more than 40 types of beer, regional wine and cider, local food vendors, live music. Downtown Hamilton across from Legion Park from 3 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 28. (363-2400). AUG 4 Good o’ Fashion Ranch Rodeo in Darby (544-5536) AUG 3-4 106th Creamery Picnic in Stevensville. Parade, Montana BBQ, music, contests, crafters, ice-cream and live music www.cramerypicnic.com (777-3773). AUG 10-11 Bitter Root Water Forum will host a Run for the River 5K at the Kiwanis River Park, 375 South 9th Street, in Hamilton on Friday. Saturday is the “Bitterroot River Clean Up.” www. brwaterforum.org (375-2272) AUG 10 Hamilton Tonight and Culture Crawl is 5 - 8 p.m. second Friday of each month in downtown Hamilton. Live Music. AUG 16 High Country Cowboys, DRA, event at 5 p.m. The great evening of fun,
food, entertainment by singersongwriter Bob Weber and High Country Cowboys, Darby. AUG 18-19 Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering at the Daly Mansion. (274-8886) AUG 29 - Ravalli County Fair and Rodeo at SEPT 1 the RC Fairgrounds. 363-3411 for more information. Parade begins at 10 am on Wednesday – downtown Hamilton. SEPT 11 9/11 Memorial at Veteran’s Park in Stevensville at 11 a.m. 777-3773 SEPT 14-15 Bronc Bustin & Barrel Burning in Darby – World Class Bucking Horse Association plus Darby Jr. saddle broncs at 6 p.m. (544-5536) SEPT 22 Emma’s House Fundraiser at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds SEPT 24 Founder’s Day at St. Mary’s Mission recognizing the first pioneer settlement in Montana. (777-5734) SEPT 29 Children’s Harvest Party at the Daly Mansion, 1-4 p.m. (363-6004 ext. 2#) OCT 13 Lost Trail Ski Patrol Ski Swap 9 a.m. – noon, Fairgrounds Art Building. OCT 14 Scarecrow Festival in Stevensville with unique, entertaining or culturally current scarecrows. (777-3773) OCT 6 McIntosh Apple Day at the Ravalli County Museum with arts, crafts, food, music, vendors and everything apple. (363-3338) OCT 6 Liquid Apple Night, 5-9 p.m., is a hard cider festival in Legion Park following. (363-3338). OCT 11-13 Murder Mystery Dinner in partnership with Hamilton Players at the Daly Mansion. (363-6004 ext. 2#) OCT 13 October Fest – Hamilton Downtown Association (360-9124). OCT 20 & 27 Haunted Hayrides at the Daly Mansion (363-6004 ext. 2#)
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OCT 21
Ghost Tours at the Ravalli County Museum, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., No children under 14. (363-3338) OCT 31 Community Harvest Party at the Events Center in Hamilton.. Free Community Harvest Party, food, games, candy and fun beginning at 5 p.m. Hosted by the Bitterroot Calvary Chapel Church. (363-3411) OCT 26-27 Haunted Mansion Hayrides at Daly Mansion. (363-6004 ext. 2#) NOV 2-4 Artists Along the Bitterroot Studio Tours & Sales from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; an opportunity to purchase are directly from the artists NOV 2-4 Holly Jolly Artisan Show & Sale at the Daly Mansion. (363-6004 ext. 2#) NOV 3 Bitterroot Wedding Association and Bridal Haus Show at the Event Center in Hamilton. (363-3411) NOV 12 Annual Veterans Day Memorial at the RC Museum at 2 p.m. with the laying of the wreaths by Veterans Organizations and Auxiliaries and a program in the Court Room. NOV 17-18 Bitter Root Arts Guild Holiday Show and Sale at the Events Center, fairgrounds. (363-3411)
NOV 23 Hamilton’s Christmas Kickoff, Tree Lighting and Christmas Stroll. Enjoy caroling, tree lighting, Santa arrival, warming barrels, free s’mores for kids and in-store specials. (3609124) NOV 24 Small Business Saturday celebrate our small local businesses by shopping small locally. Special offers, no crowds, no traffic. Nov 30 - Sports Connection Gun Show at DEC 1-2 Events Center Ravalli County Fairgrounds. NOV 30 A Cowboy Christmas at 6:30 p.m. Ravalli County Museum DEC 2 Menorah Lighting Main Gate at Fairgrounds DEC 3 Victor Chocolate Tasting Event. From 3-9 pm. (642-3997) DEC 7-8 A Stevensville Country Christmas with special Christmas Exhibits in Stevensville. Parade of Lights, caroling, horses, wagon rides and Santa. DEC 8 Cookie Walk and Bake Sale – Elks Club - Bitter Root Humane Association animal shelter. (363-5449) DEC 15 Community Christmas Party at the Daly Mansion. (363-6004 ext. 2#)
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advertiser index ABC Acres................................................... Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering....... Bitterroot Chamber Of Commerce........... Cheers Unlimited........................................ Coffee Cup Cafe......................................... Coldwell Banker Western States............... Daly Mansion.............................................. Don’s Home Center.................................... Ford’s Department Store............................ Hamilton Downtown Association.............. Hamilton Mortgage Services..................... Hamilton Players......................................... Hard Times Bluegrass Festival................... Hidden Treasures........................................ Jerry WesselsTire Center........................... Lone Pine Store...........................................
M & M Trans & Auto................................... Main Street Toys......................................... Mtontana Westgate.................................... Rainbows End............................................. Ravalli County Fairgrounds........................ Ravalli County Museum.............................. Rocking L Ranch Alpacas........................... Sacajawea Center....................................... Sapphire Lutheran Homes......................... Sears Of Hamilton...................................... SS Staffing................................................... Stone Cottage............................................ The Edge Restaurant.................................. The Walker Group...................................... Windermere Real Estate............................
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HIKE BIKE RUN
HIKE BIKE RUN
Missoulian, Sunday, June 9, 2013
Missoulian, Sunday, June 9, 2013 – 37
Bitterroot Parkway Bitterroot Parkway * Bike-Ped Path Bike-Ped Path TheThe Bitterroot Parkway Bike-Ped Path is aPath paved Bitterroot Parkway Bike-Ped is a paved 45-mile easyeasy routeroute through the scenic Bitterroot Valley Valley 45-mile through the scenic Bitterroot from Lolo to Hamilton. It begins at the Lolo from LoloCenter to Hamilton. at theRiver Lolo Community and endsItatbegins the Hamilton Community Center and ends at the Hamilton River Trail. Trail. The Pathway has adjacent trails from Florence to the river; Stevensville to Stevensville; andFlorence to ThethePathway hasWye adjacent trails from Woodside to the Corvallis. There is Wye also easy dirt road the river; Stevensville to Stevensville; and access to the fishing sites of There the Bitterroot Woodside to Corvallis. is alsoRiver easyand dirt road to access the different trailheads the Bitterroot Mountains. to the fishinginsites of the Bitterroot River and Travelers’ Rest State Park is accessible by the U.S. to the different trailheads in the Bitterroot Mountains. Highway 12 Pathway. Travelers’ Rest State Park is accessible The Bitterroot Parkway Bike-Ped Path has by the U.S. Highway 12areas Pathway. numerous rest but one should bring water. The Parkway Bike-Ped Path Many of theBitterroot restaurants and businesses along thehas route are openrest seven daysbut a week welcome numerous areas oneand should bring water. cyclists. vehicles areand not businesses allowed on the ManyMotorized of the restaurants along the pathway with the exception of wheelchairs. route are open seven days a week and welcome
cyclists. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the pathway with the exception of wheelchairs. From the Missoulian publication HIKE BIKE RUN
*At the time of printing, the Missoula to Lolo leg of the
Join us
at Sapphire Lutheran Homes
r e m m u S ER T SERIES
2018
CONC .
6TH ANNuAL
501 N. Tenth Street, Hamilton
for a series of free events Bring your lawn chair or blanket Family Friendly
All music starts at 7 P.M. Call 406-363-2800 for more info or visit sapphirelutheran.org
Friday, y, June 22 • FREE O Outdoor Concert Featuring Blue to the Bone
Sticking to the traditional style of Bluegrass, Blue to the Bone has become recognized as a professional band that delivers the music “The way it was, and the way it should be performed”. A real crowd pleaser wherever they perform!
Friday, June 29 • FREE Outdoor Concert Featuring Who Dat! Formed in 2014 by four musicians of diverse backgrounds who each have over 20 years music performance experience, Who Dat! is a “Montana band with a southern rock sound.” The harmony blend of this group is never more evident than when they perform songs by The Eagles, Zac Brown Band, The Beach Boys, Alabama and the Doobie Brothers.
Friday, July 6 • FREE Outdoor Concert Featuring Shodown
From humble beginnings, Shodown has matured into one of the best bands in Montana, with its diverse play list and style that blends bluegrass, western swing, traditional and modern country, 70’s/80’s/and 90’s rock-n-roll, Shodown has been a widely popular Montana band for many years. “This is a band that makes you get up and dance!” High energy, entertaining and fun to experience. We pull you into our show.
Friday, July 13 • FREE Outdoor Concert Featuring The Cold Hard Cash Show The Cold Hard Cash Show is an original and innovative tribute to the music of Johnny Cash and The Tennessee Three! The Cold Hard Cash Show brings to life classic Cash songs from the Sun & Columbia Records Catalogs to the modern American recordings, performing with the energy of the Live at Folsom and San Quentin albums with a sound so accurate you’d think you’re listening to The Man in Black himself!
Tuesday, August 14th, 6pm • FREE PERFORMANCE
Shakespeare In The Parks Othello www.shakespeareintheparks.org Montana Shakespeare in the Parks (MSIP) is the only fully professional touring theatre program in the state currently producing Shakespeare’s plays, the only Shakespeare company in the country to reach as extensively into rural areas and the only company in the state that offers its performances free to the public. For the first time in MSIP’s 46 years, we’ll present the tragedy of Othello, a timeless story about race, love, jealousy and betrayal.