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YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY
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GLACIER COUNTRY
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GOLD WEST COUNTRY
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SOUTHEAST COUNTRY
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MISSOURI COUNTRY
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Re-Discover Montana… The Treasure State.
WELCOME TO MONTANA
Montana’s one million citizens are some of the luckiest on the planet. Our 94 million acres of wide open spaces combined with a magically diverse geography make our home a unique place to live, learn and play. As you make your summer travel plans, be sure to look for all the places you’ve never been in Montana and plan a trip to find out all the reasons folks live and work in all 56 counties across the state. Re-Discover the wonderful hospitality of Montana communities large and small. Re-Discover your 3rd grade Montana history lessons. Re-Discover Montana…the Treasure State.
- Gov. Brian Schweitzer
Publisher Mike Gulledge
Advertising Director Ryan Brosseau
Editor Gerry O’Brien
Special Section Coordinator Linsay Duty
Section Designers Christine Cleveland Katherine Jore
Contributing Editors Sherry Devlin Steve Proskinski Kristi Angel Butch Larcombe
Contributors Perry Backus Zach Benoit Eve Byron
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Betsy Cohen Michael Gallacher Nick Gevock Piper Haugan Walter Hinick Butch Larcombe Marga Lincoln Alana Listoe Paula McGarvey Sue Olp Lorna Thackeray George Plaven Justin Post Cindy Uken Kurt Wilson Larry Mayer David Grubbs
About this publication Rediscover Montana is a publication of Lee Newspapers of Montana – The Billings Gazette, Missoulian, Montana Standard, Independent Record & Ravalli Republic. w w w.rediscovermt.com © 2012
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salmon, prime rib to creme brulê french toast, we have got a taste for every craving. Sundays 10 am - 2 pm. Reservations are recommended.
spa packages. Your ideal experience is waiting for you at the Sacajawea Hotel.
SPONSORS
• G r e a t Va lu e • G r a c iou s S e r v ic e • G r a nd S t y le
n Street | Three Forks, Montana | 406.285.6515 w w w. s a c a ja w e a hot e l .c om
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YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY FUN FACTS • The 69-mile Beartooth Scenic Drive between Red Lodge and Cooke City has dramatic switchbacks overlooking snow-capped peaks, glaciers, alpine lakes and plateaus. It’s the most breakthtaking entrance to Yellowstone. • Reedpoint, just off I-90, Exit 392, is home of the annual ‘Great Montana Sheep Drive’ held each Labor Day weekend. • Gallatin Gateway was named for being the gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Its original name was Salesville, for a storekeeper, Alan Sales and his brother Zach Sales, who ran a mill in the 1860s.
There’s something for everyone at the Gallatin County Fair BY
aka the “Phenomenist” will dazzle the crowd with his amazing performances that entertain and educate folks about hypnoREDISCOVER MONTANA sis with a theatrical flair. Count y Fairs are a long The Young Guns Wild West standing American tradition Fun Park offers kids 10 and and the Gallatin Count y Fair under fun filled activities with is one of Montana’s best. Who Wild West themes in an old can forget the child-like excite- western town façade. The Petment of carnival rides that seem ting Zoo will bring kids and to def y gravit y as they spin you adults up close to farm aniCourtesy photo in ever y direction? Kids of all mals including cuddly bunnies, At the Gallatin Count y fair, the midway rides are a major draw, ages can’t wait to indulge their piglets, sheep, goats, chickens, but there’s also local 4-H and Open Class Exhibits on display. taste buds with favorite “fair miniature horses and alpacas. foods,” like sticky cotton candy, The All Aboard Train offers on acoustic guitar and Scott sweet funnel cakes or salt y rides across the fairgrounds on They have been seen on the Moore on upright bass. The t wo “Tonight Show”, “Friday Night corndogs. a 40 ft. trackless train with its Videos” on NBC, Nickelodeon’s have performed throughout the A fair institution, local own engineer. 4-H Exhibits and Open Class Other entertainment includes “Kenan and Kal”, and “Hangin’ northwest. Also on hand will be musician, John Dunnigan, With Mr. Cooper”. Exhibits are on display, showthe Freddy Fusion Science/ whose musical st yle has been Those looking for musicasing some of the region’s Magic show with TV personalit y described as a merger of the cal entertainment can expect best, local talent in categories Freddy Fusion who makes scitalents of Jimmy Buffett, James ranging from animal husbandr y ence both entertaining and fun. performers the likes of The Bad Larr ys—a talented acousti- Taylor and John Prine, comto gardening and photogVentriloquist Patrick Murray& cal duo consisting of Jay Aiken bined. raphy. Count y fairs are also Matilda offer humor and a are known for their diverse, special talent, currently making affordable entertainment and a revival on the entertainment contests, with line-ups that truly circuit. Comedians Alfred & offer something for ever yone. Seymour, aka The BlackStreetIn addition to classic favorBoyz offer hilarious humor, ites like musical entertainment and the Bozeman Roundup Ranch Rodeo, this year’s GallaThe Gallatin County Saturday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. and tin Count y Fair has a long list of competitive events including: Fair runs from Wednesday, July 19 Sunday 10 a.m. -5 p.m. For informathe Super Grasshopper Contest, through Sunday, July 22 at the tion on schedules, general admission Kids Pedal Tractor Pull Competitions, Ranch Horse Contest, Gallatin County Fairgrounds, and event fees, visit the following Dog Agilit y Contest, Doxie located at 901 North Black (take the web sites: www.gallatincountyfairDerby Races, and popular Dog Dock Diving Contest. North 7th exit off I-90 and go South grounds.org/ or www.gallatincounBack by popular demand are on North 7th, then East on Tamarack tyfair.org or call (406) 582-3270 or a host of entertainers and activ5 blocks). Hours are Wednesday Email fairgrounds@gallatin.mt.gov. ities that appeal to all ages. Hypnotist, Michael Mezmer,
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PAULA J. MCGARVEY
IF YOU GO
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Absarokee July 1: Montana BBQ Cook-Off Held each year on Main St., this family event includes a BBQ competition, microbrew tasting and free musical entertainment including bluegrass, countr y and rock from Montana’s finest bands. Music starts at 11:30am with BBQ tasting beginning at noon. More than 30 entries will compete for cash and prizes with an expected purse of $5,000. For more information, call (406)690-3030 or visit w w w.absarokeearea.com. July 28: Absarokee Day Sponsored by the Absarokee PTA, this fundraiser includes booths and various fundraisers held throughout town. Events include breakfast at the fire hall, parade, luncheon and Saturday night street dance.
For details, Email cvhman@ yahoo.com or call phone (406) 328-4240. Sept. 1: Quilt Show Free annual Quilt Show sponsored by the Stillwater Quilters of Absarokee. Over 100 quilts and quilted items shown. Call (406) 328-7123 or Email log49@nemont.net.
Belgrade Aug. 11: Belgrade Crazy Days Celebrate Belgrade small town heritage with crafts and entertainment around town. Local businesses offer specials. Call (406) 388-1616 or visit w w w.belgradechamber.org. Sept. 28-29: Belgrade Fall Festival A communit y wide event, the Fall Festival includes a parade on Main St. Saturday at 10 arts
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YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY and crafts in Lewis and Clark Park Sat. at 11a.m. and plent y of activities for the kids. Don’t miss the Barbecue with Baron of Beef and side dishes by local cooks! For more info visit w w w. belgradechamber.org or call (406) 388-1616.
EVENTS (406) 995-2160 or visit w w w. crailranch.org.
July 12-Sept. 6: Music in the Mountains Concert Series This free series offers concerts held at the Town Center July 8: Historic Crail Ranch Park on Thursdays nights; Sunday Artist Market beginning at 7 p.m. Food An annual event, this Artist and beverages are available. Market held at the Historic Crail Visit w w w.bigskyarts.org or call Ranch, exhibits the local talent (406) 995-2742 for info and of more than 20 artisans and performance schedules. crafters. Expect to see art work, baskets, jewelr y and weaving July 28: Country Fair and Arts for display and sale. The first Festival homestead in Big Sky, the ranch Held at the Town Center, this will be open for tours. Admission is free. For details, call More YELLOWSTONE toll free at (888) 280-0163, or EVENTS, page 22
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Countr y Fair and Arts Festival has something for ever yone in the family. Events include a 5K race, communit y parade and art exhibits and live music at the fairgrounds. Plent y of children’s activities and food vendors available. Visit w w w.bigskychamber. com, call toll free at (800) 9434111 or (406) 995-3000 for more information. Aug. 10-12: Big Sky Classic Music Fest Now in its second year, this festival brings in world-class performers to Big Sky for a weekend of free outdoor music in Town Center Park. Scheduled artists include Boston Brass, Imani Winds and the Enso String Quartet. Pack a picnic or enjoy food and drink from local vendors. Visit w w w. bigskyarts.org or call (406) 995-2742.
wrestling, bronc and bull riding, and barrel racing at this NRA/ NWRA sanctioned event held at the fairgrounds 7 p.m. Friday and 6 p.m. Saturday. The wild cow riding is always a crowd pleaser. Fun for the whole family, the Rodeo Parade begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Visit w w w. bigtimber.com or call (406) 932-6228 or (406) 932-5311 for details. June 30: Sweet Grass Fest Held in conjunction with the Big Timber Rodeo, Street vendors will be on hand with antiques, arts and crafts, photography, memorabilia and down home countr y cooking. Events include a 5K walk/run and 10K run, horse drawn wagon rides, and a car and cycle Show-nShine. Fun for all ages. Call (406) 932-5131 or visit w w w. bigtimber.com for details.
YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY June 8-Sept. 14: Art Gallery Walk The second Friday of each month Downtown Bozeman’s streets come alive from 6-8 p.m. as local galleries and businesses showcase local art and offer hors d’oeuvres and complimentar y refreshments. Local musicians line the sidewalks for your entertainment. For details, visit w w w.downtownbozeman.org or call (406) 586-4008. June 16-Sept. 8: Gallatin Valley Farmers Market Locally grown produce, homemade foods and handmade crafts are available each Saturday from 9 to Noon at the Gallatin Count y Fairgrounds. Call (406) 388-6701 or visit gallatinvalleyfarmersmarket.com.
EVENTS Stroll and dine to the sounds of local musicians. For details, call (406)586-4003 or visit sweetpeafestival.org. Aug. 3-5: Sweet Pea Festival This Bozeman favorite includes a costume ball (held prior to the event) and a festival of the arts held in Lindley Park with arts and craft displays, children’s activities, dance, music and theatre. Call (406) 586-4003 or visit w w w.sweetpeafestival.org for event dates and details.
Aug. 19: “Cruisin’ On Main” Car Show The 12th annual “Cruisin’ on July 23-27: Sweet Grass Main” runs from 9 a.m. to 3 Count y Fair p.m. on Main Street bet ween A Montana tradition, the Willson and Rouse Avenues. Sweet Grass Count y Fair is a July 5-Aug. 23: Music on Main Car enthusiasts in all classes 4-H, FFA & FCCLA fair. Events are invited to enter their veThe Downtown Bozeman include open class indoor cathicles in the show. Trophies will Association promotes this sumegories, hundreds of livestock be awarded in over 12 car catMay 28: Crazy Mountain mer concert series, which runs exhibits, Round Robin Compeegories. The event offers live Museum Festival each Thursday evening. Food tition, Fun on the Farm, and music, food and shopping, prize This Memorial Day festival vendors, live music and chilmore. Other favorites include drawings, and a Poker Walk. ser ves as the summer opener dren’s activities are available. the Friday evening BBQ and fair Visit w w w.downtownbozeman. for the Crazy Mountain MuseFor details and schedules, visit um. Activities include entertain- sale, evening concerts and daily downtownbozeman.org or call org or call (406) 586-4008 for details and registration info. ment, food, music, raffles and a concessions. Fun for the whole 406-586-4008. chance to view new exhibits for family. Call (406) 932-5146 or Email the season. Call (406) 932-5126 July 18-22: Gallatin County Fair Sept. 22: MSU Homecoming Parade or Email cmmuseum@mtintouch. sweetgrass@montana.edu for Enjoy this traditional count y more info. Celebrate this long standing net for details. fair, complete with animals, tradition in Downtown Bozecontests, carnival, food, music man with the annual homecomJune 8-10: Big Timber Gun and a western rodeo. Highing parade starting at 10 a.m. Show lights include Gallatin Count y Stake out your spot early and An annual favorite, the Big June 5-Sept. 25: Bogert 4H Exhibits, dog dock diving plan to take in the game at the Timber Civic Center will be host Farmers’ contest and entertainment by to a variet y of vendors from Market hypnotist Michael Mezmer. Call MSU Stadium at 2 p.m. Visit w w w.downtownbozeman.org throughout the region selling Each week local farmers, art- (406) 582-3270 or visit w w w. or w w w.montana.edu for more antiques, art, books, clothing, ists and entertainers gather at gallatincount yfair.org. information. jewelr y and, of course, guns! Bogert Park. Held each Tuesday For more information, call (406) from 5-8 p.m. The market is Aug. 1: Bite of Bozeman 932-5969 or (406) 932-4151. family oriented with children’s Restaurants and food vendors activities. For more information, line historic Main St. providing More YELLOWSTONE June 29-30: Big Timber Rodeo visit w w w.bogertfarmersmarket. samples of their best cuisine. EVENTS, page 24 Expect calf roping, steer org or call (406) 539-0216.
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breakfast at 7 a.m., parade, vendor booths, duck races and exhibits. Proceeds go to Communit y Center and Fishtail Park. Visit w w w.fishtailnye.com or call (406) 328-4272 Aug. 18: Absaroka Fine Arts and Wine Festival Enjoy this artful afternoon held in the spirit of good taste in the beautiful Stillwater Valley with its wine-tasting and artists from the Fishtail area and beyond. Call (406) 328-6556 or Email jeanne4812@aol.com.
Gardiner June 15-16: Annual NRA Rodeo This event is truly held in the wild, wild west—taking place just a mile outside of Yellowstone Park at the Jim Duff y Arena on Highway 89. Presented by the Gardiner Rodeo Club, rodeo events are held both Fri. and Sat. nights at 6 p.m. kick up your heels at the dance Friday night after the rodeo, starting at 9 p.m. and don’t miss the parade on Sat. afternoon at 2 p.m. For more information, visit w w w.gardinerrodeo.com or call (406) 848-7710.
David Grubbs/Billings Gazette
A Mule deer munches on flowers on Dunraven pass in Yellowstone Park recently. YELLOWSTONE EVENTS, countinued from page 22
Clyde Park Aug 25-26: Old Settlers Days Fun for the whole family, this event features fun and games for ever yone, including a parade, bake sales, vendors,
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barbecue, and dance. Fireman’s breakfast is Sat. at 7 a.m. Other weekend events include conversations with ‘Old Timers’, logging events, cow chip bingo, car show foot races, talent show and a Sunday potluck to honor Grand Marshalls. Activities are held at communit y Center, churches and on Main St. Call (406) 696-4796 or
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Fishtail June 23: Fishtail Family Fun Day Celebrate Fishtail’s histor y with “Celebrating Pioneer Men”, honoring the town founders. Events include a pancake
Aug. 18: Brewfest in the Park Celebrate the ancient art of brewing in Arch Park with a homebrew competition, beer pong tournament, and other activities. Event runs from 3 p.m. until dusk (around 10 p.m.) and includes live music, food and a kid’s tent. Visit w w w.gardinerchamber.com or call (406) 848-7971 for details.
Livingston June 30-July2: Depot Festival of the Arts Join one hundred fine artists and handcrafters in downtown’s Depot-Rotar y Park as they present sculpture, glass art, painting, jewelr y, fabric, fiber, photography, ceramics, wood-
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YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY work, and more! Food vendors including the famous Depot pie booth! Visit w w w.livingstondepot.org or call (406) 222-2300 for more information. July 1-4: Livingston Roundup Rodeo Celebrate the 4th of July with this annual tradition. Free slack competition on the 1st at 3 p.m. The parade starts at 3 p.m. on 2nd and Main and rodeo events are the 2nd-4th nightly at 8 p.m. Events include calf roping, barrel riding, and bull, bareback and bronc riding. Held at the Park Count y Fairgrounds, reser ved seats are $25 and general admission is $14. Fireworks held nightly. Call (406) 222-3199 or visit w w w. livingston-chamber.com. July 13-15: Yellowstone Boat Float Retrace the Lewis & Clark Expedition from Livingston to Columbus. Overnight stops are scheduled for Big Timber and Reed Point, where local communities provide entertainment, including a band and street dance in Reed Point. Call (406) 696-1996 for details. Aug. 1-4: Park Count y Fair This local tradition includes a carnival, rodeo, various exhibits, pig wrestling, demo-
EVENTS lition derby and more. The fairground has 20 water and electrical hookups for RVs and campers. Call (406) 222-4185 or visit w w w.parkcount y.org for info.
Manhattan Aug. 17-18: Manhattan Potato Festival Celebrate the spud at this annual festival, which includes a barbecue dinner Fri. night, and a Saturday celebration to honor the potato industr y held in the downtown area. Events include a firemen’s breakfast, parade, arts and crafts vendors, food, music, car show and town dance. Kid centered activities include face painting, inflatables and balloons. Visit w w w.manhattanareachamber. com or call (406) 284-4162 for details.
Nye July 14: Nye Goes Nuts Fun for the whole family, kids events begin at 4 p.m. followed More YELLOWSTONE EVENTS, page 26
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ner’s high. Held on one of the highest and most scenic highways in the nation, Beartooth Pass (Highway 212). Both 4.2 and 8.4 mile races are offered. Check out race details at w w w. beartoothrun.com or call (406) 425-2008.
David Grubbs/ Billings Gazette
Yellowstone Park visitors take in the beaut y with their eyes and record it with their cameras at the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.
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June 23: Annual Beartooth Ball Pay tribute to Woodstock with this far out evening of peace and love at the Red Lodge Airport. Dig out your bell bottoms, love beads and tie dyed threads. Food, wine, and music, plus silent and live auctions benefit the Beartooth Billings Clinic Foundation. Visit w w w.beartoothbillingsclinic.org, call toll free at (877)404-9442 or call (406) 446-0616 or 446-2345.
July 2-4: Home of Champions Rodeo & Parade by a Wild West BBQ at the fire This annual event brings hall. Take a chance at winning the world’s best cowboys and an ATV! Raffle drawing at 7 cowgirls competing. Crowds p.m. For more information, visit love the standard rodeo events, w w w.nyecommunit yfoundation. along with rodeo clown, Denorg or call (406) 328-6162. nis Holstad and bullfighter, Al Sandvold. Parades daily at noon, rodeos are at 6 p.m. July 2-3 and 3 p.m. on the Jul. 4. Visit w w w.redlodgerodeo. June 2-10: Red Lodge Music com, call toll free at (888) 261Festival 0625 or call (406) 446-2422. Montana’s oldest and most successful music festival, has July 20-22: Annual Beartooth been presenting professional Motorcycle Rally musicians to audiences that This rally offers a golf would not other wise have access to such opportunities since tournament, Poker Run looping through Beartooth Pass and 1964. Ser ving more than 200 Chief Joseph Scenic Highway, students annually, this weekand a Motorcycle Rodeo. The long camp has transformed Rodeo includes barrel racing, into a nine-day music festival. the slow race, the Potato Race, Event includes evening facult y the obstacle course, and keg concerts, student recitals, and a final band and orchestra per- roll. Fun for participants and formance. Visit w w w.redlodge- spectators, for information visit w w w.bonedaddyscustomcycle. musicfestival.org or call (406) com, call toll free at (888) 281252-4599. 0625 or call (406) 446-2022. June 23: 55th Annual Aug. 4: Red Lodge Climb to Beartooth Run Conquer Cancer This road race brings new Climb for a cure with this meaning to the phrase run-
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Larry Mayer/Billings Gazette
A Piper Super Cub cruises over the 308 foot lower falls of the Yellowstone River in Yellowstone National Park. The river was running especially high this summer. July 10, 2011.
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YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY American Cancer Societ y Fundraiser includes a 3 mile hike at Red Lodge Mountain Resort offering scenic mountain beaut y and a challenging, non-competitive walk. Post walk, enjoy the festival atmosphere with food, entertainment and fun. Questions? Visit w w w.cancer.org or w w w.climbrl.org or call toll free at (800) 252-5470. Sept.1: Red Lodge Fun Run for Charities This festive event ser ves as a communit y-wide fund-raising initiative supporting local nonprofit organizations. The 10K and 5K Runs and 2K Fun Walk all begins at 9 a.m. Runners and walkers of all ages welcome, pets must be leashed. Registration is free; donations are both welcome
EVENTS and needed. For info go to w w w.redlodgefunrun.org for call (406) 425-0492. Sept.3: Labor Day Arts Fair This free fair features 80 artists’ booths with bead work, potter y, paintings, sculptures, photography and more. Live entertainment includes fiddlers, belly dancers, and folk musicians. Food vendors, concession stand and picnic tables available. The fair runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit w w w.carboncount ydepotgaller y.org or call (406) 446-1370 for info. More YELLOWSTONE EVENTS, page 29
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David Grubbs/Billings Gazette
Yellowstone Park in the early summer is the place to see newborn animals with their mothers helping them along.
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ity. Visit www.threeforksmontana.com or call (406) 285-4556 for details.
Aug. 2-4: Montana Antique Airplane AssociaSept.2: Running of the Sheep tion Fly-In The annual “Great Montana This event is a must for fans of Sheep Drive,” features hundreds aviation with planes of all types of Montana bred “woolies” will be flying throughout the charging down Main Street day and evening on Friday and in the spirit of the Running of Saturday. The event also includes the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain. flour bombing and spot landing Events include “The World’s competition; Young Eagle Rides Largest Small Town Parade” for children 8-17 years old; along and over 70 vendors lining the with Breakfasts/lunches/dinners main street. A special area for and dancing. Call (406) 585the kids includes rides and a 9395 for info on Young Eagle petting zoo. End the day with rides and visit www.montanapithe evening street dance. Call lots.org or call (406) 580-6207 (406) 326-2315. for other info.
YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY Enjoy exciting rodeo action with riding and roping events on scheduled evenings throughout the summer. This familyfriendly event includes a special calf scramble for kids. Performances begin at 8 p.m. on rodeo nights at the rodeo arena six miles west of town. The summer competition culminates Aug. 29-Sept. 1 when the final rides are in and champions are announced. Visit w w w.yellowstonerodeo.com or call (406) 560-6913 for schedules.
July 4: Fourth of July Celebration Celebrate Independence Day Aug 10-12: Rockin’ the Rivers and support the local commuOne of the Northwest’s largest nit y with a garage sale for Big June 28-30: Headwaters music festivals, Rockin’ the Rivers Brothers/Big Sisters and t wo Country Jam offers three days of classic rock An annual favorite for country and roll. This year’s entertainers BBQs sponsored by the Hebgen Basin Volunteer fire department fans, this year’s Country Jam at include heavy metal favorites, to benefit various communit y “The Bridge,” near Three Forks Cinderella, former lead guitarneeds. The Parade begins at 6 will be featuring Joe Nichols, ist for The Runaways, Lita Ford, p.m., followed by Music in the Justin Moore and the Kentucky and 60s/70s rock legends, Paul Park at 7 p.m. with fireworks Headhunters and more. For deRevere and the Raiders—famous just after dark. Call (406)-646tails and ticket prices visit www. for songs like “Kicks” and “In7701 or visit w w w.destinationyheadwaterscountryjam.com. dian Reservation.” For more info ellowstone.com. on band lineups, schedules and July 13-14: Three Forks Rodeo prices, visit www.rockintherivers. Aug. 2-5: Yellowstone Rod Run & Parade com. Hundreds of street rods from Two nights of rodeo acall over the U. S. converge on tion starting at 7 p.m. at the West Yellowstone for this four fairgrounds, with an authentic day event with cruises and rodeo parade Sat. at 11 a.m. June 20-Sept.1: Wild West various competitions scheduled. There will be music, food, crafts Yellowstone Saturday’s Parade of Rods on and more in this hometown setRodeo Canyon Street and Show & ting with real Western hospital-
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Shine in Cit y Park are event highlights. To register, call (406) 646-9759. Visit w w w. yellowstonerodrun.com for more details. Aug.3-12: Smoking Waters Mountain Man Rendezvous Experience life in the 1800s with this annual rendezvous complete with Trader’s Row, entertainment, demonstrations and seminars on a variet y of life-asit-was skills. The Black Powder Shoot is Saturday, Aug. 11 at 9 a.m. and registration begins at 8 a.m. Visitor admission is free. Shooters’ fee is $10.00. Visit w w w.t woturtlestradingpost. com or call (406) 646-7931 for details.
Willow Creek June 15-Aug.17: Willow Creek Art Walk Held the third Friday of the month from 5-9 p.m., the Art Walk includes three art galleries and a fire hall full of artisans and crafters. Food is available and the Willow Creek Cafe is also open (reser vations recommended). Email mardon110@juno.com or call (406) 285-4709.
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FUN FACTS • Glacier National Park was established in 1910. It is a land of mountain ranges carved by prehistoric ice rivers and features 200 lakes, mountain goats, bighorn sheep and bears. Going to the Sun Highway bisects the park and is a thrilling drive. • Blackfeet Warriors Sculpture is a roadside attraction found along Highway 89, 10 miles north of Dupuyer and about 30 miles south of Browning at the boundary of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. • Alberton Gorge, 30 miles west of Missoula, is favored by whitewater rafters, avid anglers and hunters. • The National Bison Range at Moiese is an 18,500 acre swath of national wildlife refuge supporting 500 head of bison.
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There is perhaps no more stunning location to listen to gorgeously crafted classical music than along the banks of the Clark Fork River during sunset on an August evening. Even if classical music isn’t your preference, the annual Symphony in the Park is sure to strike the right note. Each year the Missoula Symphony Orchestra performs a free concert in Caras Park, focusing on the more entertaining and contemporary symphony sounds of movie scores and the lighter side of classical music. It s an event that encourages everyone and anyone to attend. And dress code is come as
you are even if that means you are still in your bathing suit from floating downriver to the venue. In fact, expect to see such concert-goers. Kayaking and inner-tubing to the event has become something of a tradition for the more adventurous concert-goers. However they get there, Missoulians show up by the hundreds to attend this event, arriving early to picnic on the park s grassy knoll or to find a place to plunk a folding chair in the shade. For those who come emptyhanded, there are food vendors and a full-service bar on site. Last summer s concert featured music from the Harry Potter and Pirates of the Caribbean films. And this summer’s
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concert will likely take a similar musical direction. What helps to make this concert appealing and entertaining to all ages is the symphony s ever-dynamic and charismatic conductor, Darko Butorac. It is also evident that the musicians themselves enjoy playing in the unique venue, and appreciate the enormous and diverse crowd they attract every August. It is always fantastic to per-
form to such a large audience, Butorac said at last summer s concert. And what a setting to play. Watching the sun set on the Clark Fork River is a spectacular setting for all of us at this concert. Take part in the fun on Sunday, Aug. 12 when the symphony brings its glorious big sound to the eighth annual Symphony in the Park extravaganza. The concert begins at 7 p.m.
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thing form hot saws to log rolling with cash prizes for the best loggers. Kid’s events include a July 12-15: North American watermelon eating contest and Indian Days June 16: Annual Bitterroot sawdust pile. Food, beverages This annual celebration is Day and live music available on the largest of Blackfeet tribal Come to the Ravalli Count y site. For more information call events, bringing in Native Museum and celebrate Mon(406)363-4432 or visit w w w. Americans from ever y region tana’s state flower, the Bitterdarbyloggerdays.com. of the U.S. Canada. Events root. Activates include art and include traditional dancing and crafts booths, folk art, childrumming contests, the crownJuly 21: Strawberry Festival dren’s activities, refreshments, ing of Miss Blackfeet, a parade, Have a berr y good time at and farmer’s market. Call (406) fun run, PRCA Rodeo and more. this old-fashioned ice cream 363-3338 or visit w w w.br vhsRuns noon to midnight daily social/raffle benefitting the museum.org for details. at the Blackfeet Celebration Darby Volunteer Fire Dept. Held Grounds, north of the Museum at Darby Cit y Park, the event June 30: An Afternoon of of the Plains Indian in Brownruns from 5-9 p.m. Enjoy angel Cowboy Poetry ing. For more info, call (406) food cake with strawberries Come and sit a spell under 338-7103 or visit w w w.blackand ice cream while you listen the maple trees and listen to feetnation.com. to local musicians and check tales of some talented cowboy out the raffle prizes. For more poets, yodeling and some good info, call (406) 381-5114. cowboy pickin’. Event begins at 2 p.m. and includes hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine. For May 15-Oct. 30: Farmers more information, call (406) Market Sample the flavor of the local June 18-20: Traditional Indian 363-3338 or visit w w w.br vhsmuseum.org. area each Tuesday from noon Games Clinic to 6 p.m. with locally produced Open to all ages, this clinic July 15: Tour of the Bitterroot bedding plants, herbs, flowers teaches ancient North AmeriThis daylong event celebrates and farm grown seasonal fruits can Indian games and how to biking and the Bitterroot Valand vegetables, baked goods, craft the equipment used for ley and is a benefit the Bitter jewelr y, yard sale items and play. The clinic is held at the Root Land Trust. Events include more. Only $5/space, this mar- East Glacier Park Lodge and a non-competitive mountain ket benefits the Darby Pioneer is led by Blackfeet and other bike tour through the Skalkaho Memorial Museum. Call (406) Natives from Montana tribes. 821-3753 or visit w w w.darbymt. Event runs daily 8:30 a.m.-4:30 Drainage and on Forest Service Roads for all abilit y levels. net for details. p.m. For info, call (406) 226Tour will be limited to 150 9141 or visit w w w.traditionalparticipants, so register early. July 14: Elite Bull Connection nativegames.org. Red Barn Bicycles provides SAG Darby Arena comes alive support, refreshment stops. The with a night of bull riding as shop will also be providing top elite professional bull riders food and distributing T-shirts clash with top bucking bulls. and other items throughout the Event includes food, beverages, June 8-10: MT Mule Days This mule and donkey show day to volunteers and particiand live music. No coolers, pants. For more info, call (406) please. For info, call (406) 544- draws competitors for up to six states and boasts over 100 375-0956 or visit w w w.touroft5536 or visit w w w.southvallclasses, featuring driving, ridhebitterroot.org. eyevents.com. ing and more. Held at the Ravalli Count y Fairgrounds, camp- July 27-28: Art in the Park July 20-21: Darby Logger ing is available on site. Event The Bitterroot Arts Guild Days includes commercial booths, sponsors this fine arts and A family favorite, Logger Days starts off Friday at 5 p.m. food and family entertainment. qualit y crafts show featurHours are Friday – Sunday, 8 ing artists from around the with a night of games and live a.m. to dark. Call (406) 777state. Expect all the usual craft music. Saturday’s festivities 2331 or visit w w w.montanamitems, including photography, include a parade at 9 a.m. sculpture, native art and more. followed by 17 competitive log- uledays.com for details. Held at Legion Park, hours are ging events. Experience ever y-
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Hamilton
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EVENTS Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For details, call (406) 821-4678. July 27-29: Hardtimes Bluegrass Festival Enjoy some traditional bluegrass music from ten great bands at this affordable and family friendly festival. Event runs Fri. 6-10 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.10 p.m. and Sun. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is only $10 for the weekend for adults and $5 or kids under 12. Camping fee is $10 for the full weekend. Call (406) 821-3777 or visit w w w. hardtimesbluegrass.com for details. July 27-28: Daly Days Honor Hamilton’s heritage with Daly Days in downtown Hamilton and at The Daly Mansion. Event runs Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes historical reenactments and demonstrations, antique farm equipment and cars, carriage rides down Providence Way. Other activities include music, street dance, pony rides for kids and more. Call (406) 363-2400 or visit w w w.bitterroot valleychamber. com for details. July 28: Annual Bitterroot Micro Brew Festival Sample a variet y of microbrews, alcohol-free beverages, and foods while you enjoy entertainment. Held in conjunction with Daly Days. Call (406) 363-2400 or visit w w w.bitterroot valleychamber.com.
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artists from all over Montana. Food, music and more than 60 booths will be available on the Aug. 24-26: Bitterroot Scottish Courthouse lawn. Hours are Fri. Irish Festival and Sat. from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Held at the Daly Mansion, this Sunday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For info, celebration of all things Scotcall (406) 260-4499 or Email tish includes a highlands dance thinklocal@hotmail.com. competition, pipe and drum competition, and highlands games— July 4: July 4th Parade including caber toss and stone Celebrate American’s indepenput. Vendors will be on site with dence with a parade down Main Celtic and local wares. For more St. full of color guards, veteran information, visit www.bitterroot- and youth groups, floats, horse scottishirishfestival.org/. clubs, music and more. Fun for the whole family, the parade Aug. 29-Sept.1: Ravalli County starts at 10 a.m. For more info, Fair call (406) 758-2803 or visit www. One of Montana’s oldest kalispellchamber.com. county fairs, Ravalli County Fair has been running for more than July 6-8: Artists and Craftsmen 108 years. An old style country of the Flathead Sumfair atmosphere prevails with a mer Outdoor Show parade, 4-H and Open Class Artists and craftsmen of the Exhibits, carnival, entertainment, Flathead host this event featuring food booths and more. Kids love local artists and crafters displaythe petting zoo, exotic animal ing and selling their work. Show/ display and ostrich racing. Big sale includes beading, cowboy events include Bull-a-Rama on art, birdhouses, candles, carvWed., Rodeos on Thurs. & Fri. ing, woodworking, fabric crafts, night and Sat. afternoon, and a jewelry, leatherwork, painting, live music show Saturday night. porcelain work, dolls, stuffed aniFair is held at the fairgrounds at mals and more. Event is held at Fairgrounds Rd. and Highway 93 1st Avenue West between 8th and daily from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Call 9th Streets, next to the Flathead (406) 363-3411 or visit www. County Courthouse. For more info ravallicountyfair.org for details. call (406) 881-4288 or visit www. acfguide.com.
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May 19-Oct. 20: Farmers Market Held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Center Street and 5th Avenue in Kalispell, this weekly market brings in the best locally grown and homemade food, along with a variety of artisans and craftspeople. Call (406) 752-3350 for details. June 8-10: Summer’s First Art Blast Think Local-Summer’s First Art Blast is a free, three-day art fair. The fair features juried fine arts and designer crafts representing
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July 22-24: Arts in the Park The Northwest Montana’s largest and longest running art and entertainment fair, Arts in the Park is an annual benefit for the Hockaday Museum of Art. A juried show, more than 100 booths showing and selling high quality jewelry, clothing, photography, paintings, pottery, glass and other artwork will be on site in Depot Park. Event offers food, entertainment, and children’s activities. For details, call (406)755-5268 or visit www.hockadaymuseum.org. Aug. 15-19: Northwest MT Fair & Rodeo Flathead County Fairgrounds comes alive each August with the
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GLACIER COUNTRY heritage, and culture of northwest Montana. The fair offers three nights of PRCA rodeo action, live horse racing, a parade, concerts, carnival rides, entertainment and great food. Other favorites include Indian relay races, demolition derby, and pig wrestling. More than 6,000 exhibits are on site. For schedules and other details, visit www.nwmtfair.com or call (406) 758-2800. Aug. 22-26: Big Sky Classic Derby & Futurity One of the largest reining horse shows in the northwest, this Montana Reining Horse Association event brings in horses and riders from the western U.S. and Canada. For details, visit www. mtrha.com or call (406) 5317791. Sept. 7-9: NW MT Arms Collectors Fall Gun Show A firearm fan favorite, this show offers a large display of guns and accessories, both antique and modern; plus custom western jewelry, knives, art and more. Call (406)897-2989 or Email gerryh@bresnan.net. Sept. 9: MT Dragon Boat Festival Montana’s first Dragon Boat Festival is being held on Flathead Lake. Originating more than 2,300 years ago, the sport involves teams of 20 paddlers, a drummer, and a steer person competing against each other in colorful, 46-feet-long boats. The festival is expecting more than 600 racers. Call toll free at (888) 888-2308 or visit www.montana. racedragonboats.com.
Libby May 19-20: Koocanusa Resort Salmon & Trout Derby Koocanusa Resort & Marina’s
EVENTS Salmon & Trout Derby takes place 23 miles from Libby on Lake Koocanusa. Anglers from all over come to take part in this event. Bring your fishing pole and gear and come enjoy some of Montana’s finest fishing. For details and registration, visit www.koocanusaresort.com or call (406) 293-7474. June 21-24: Libby Logger Days This community celebration, held at J. Neils Memorial Park, honors logging heritage in the Cabinet Mountains. The event has been an area favorite for almost 50 years and includes a competition of traditional logging skills, local craftspeople and artisans, great food and beer garden. Logging events and water fight events have both adult and kid competitions. For more info, visit www.loggerdays. org or call (406) 293-1074. July 27-28: Kootenai River Rodeo This Professional Cowboy Association rodeo is held at J. Neils Memorial Park and features bull riding, bareback bronc, saddle bronc, and tie down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, and women’s barrel racing. Event offers dancing, music, entertainment, and food and drink for sale on site: no coolers, please. For more info, call (406) 293-4167 or visit www.libbychamber.org. Aug. 17-18: Ignite the Nites Car Show This annual classic includes all makes and models of cars, trucks and motorcycles includ-
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Montana Mule Days
GLACIER COUNTRY
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BETSY COHEN REDISCOVER MONTANA
If you are hankerin for a dose of Old West entertainment and some comic relief, head out to the 28th annual Montana Mule Days at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds in Hamilton. Yep, this event is dedicated to all things mule, and is organized by the Montana Longears Association. Charming, personable, diverse in color and size, the mules and their people make for familyfriendly entertainment. The three-day festival takes place June 8-10 and features more than 100 classes that include log pulling, driving, team penning as well as western pleasure, trail and costume classes. Montana Mule Days is also a great place to take the family for the weekend just to sit in the stands, visit with mule and
donkey owners, a n d wander through the vendors to see what s available. In years past, Russ Anderson and his eight-hitch team of cream-colored mules has been a show highlight. Big and bulky, Anderson s mules move with the precision and delicate footfall of highly trained dancers as they negotiate hairpin turns with ease and stop their remarkable energy on
Missoulian
a dime. Even to the most uninitiated spectator, the art and ease with which these mules delicately reposition and move Anderson s giant red and white wagon around the arena is a wondrous sight to behold. Such driving team handling and training used to be an everyday necessity not so long ago,
Farmers Markets BY
BETSY COHEN REDISCOVER MONTANA
There s no other city in Montana that loves outdoor shopping more than Missoula. The Garden City boasts seven different public markets, each with its own distinct personality. Any one of these markets offers bountiful and artistic displays of vegetables and fruits grown by regional farmers. Also expect to find delicious handmade pastries, gourmet coffee, breads, jams, pies, chocolates and other tasty treats such as empanadas, waffles and breakfast
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a few blocks of one another in downtown Missoula: Missoula Farmers Market operates from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the north end of Higgins Avenue burritos. at Circle Square. Expect produce, On different days there are difplants, coffee and pastries. ferent vendors, and as the growClark Fork River Market, located ing season evolves so, too, do the east of the Higgins Avenue Bridge, homegrown offerings. is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Keep an eye out for the famed offers produce, meat and dairy, Dixon melons, the incredible and Montana-made crafts and Parisian-like croissants from the Old foods. World Bakery and one-of-a kind Missoula Saturday Market is hats woven from Bitterroot Valley open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on East alpaca fleece. Pine Street, between the two farmEnjoy! Most of the markets run ers markets. Handmade arts and May through October, except crafts, import items and prepared where noted. foods are the focus of this market.
Saturdays:
Saturday is the biggest market day in Missoula, with three unique markets to choose from all within
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Sundays
On Sunday, shoppers can wander the Carousel Sunday Market & Festival in the A Carousel for Mis-
but today such skill is rare and only found at events like Montana Mule Days. The Ravalli County Fairgrounds is located 47 miles south of Missoula on U.S. Highway 93. Turn east on Fairgrounds Road at the corner of Adirondac and Highway 93 (Walgreens Corner). You can’t miss it.
soula parking lot west of Higgins Avenue Bridge from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., June through September. Target Range Market is a small community market that offers great diversity in locally made products. The market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Target Range School, 4095 South Ave. W.
Tuesdays
The Missoula Farmers Market offers a midweek opportunity to eat healthy and to eat locally grown foods July through August from 5:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. on East Railroad Street near Circle Square.
Thursdays
Orchard Homes Market is a small but bountiful market that offers a little bit of everything from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 2537 S. Third St. W.
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ing classics, antiques, muscle cars and drag racer. Registration starts Friday. The show includes a poker run, cruising events, neon and flame throwing contest, live entertainment and car show with more than 400 entries. Call (406) 2932633 or visit w w w.igniterscarclub.com for details.
Missoula May 18-Sept. 28: First Friday Gallery Night More than 15 galleries and museums join in on the first Friday of every month to offer a chance to view beautiful artwork, meet artists, and sample complimentary appetizers and refreshments. The event runs from 5-8 p.m. and is a favorite with locals and tourists alike. For details, visit www.firstfridaysmissoula.blogspot.com or call (406) 541-0860. May 19-Oct.27: Clark Fork River Market This weekly Saturday market runs from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Riverside Parking lot under the Higgins Bridge in downtown Missoula. The market offers a wide variety of local products from western Montana farmers, ranchers, artisans and chefs and includes live music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more info, visit www.clarkforkrivermarket.com or call (406) 396-0593.
June 6-Aug. 29: Out To Lunch This weekly performing arts festival at Caras Park on the Clark Fork River runs every Wednesday form 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Event includes musicians and more than 20 food vendors. For details, call (406) 543-4238 or visit www.missouladowntown. com. June 7-Aug. 30: Downtown Tonight Go downtown to Caras Park each Thursday evening, June August, from 5:30 -8:30 p.m. for live music, food vendors and a beverage garden. Sponsored by the Missoula Downtown Association, call (406) 543-4238 or visit www.missouladowntown. com for info. June 7-8: Missoula Marathon This challenging marathon, run at 3,200 feet above sea level, includes a traditional 26.2 mile distance, along with halfmarathon, kid’s marathon, 5K and Missoula 5K events. Visit www.missoulamarathon. org or call (406) 544-9521 for details.
GLACIER COUNTRY and great views. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the show. Concessions and special 3-D fireworks glasses are available. For details, call (406) 721-5140 ext 19 or visit w w w.shopsouthgate.com. July 14-15: Missoula St Jam This annual three-on-three basketball tournament welcomes players of all ages, genders and skill levels from all over the state. Whether you are in it to win or just for fun, grab some friends and come to Northgate Plaza and play. Call (406) 543-6623 or visit w w w.missoulachamber.com for details. July 28: Celtic Festival Missoula Come celebrate Celtic culture, with food, music and dance. Located in Caras Park, this year’s performers include the ShamRockers, the Shining Thistle Pipe Band, Spokane’s “An Dochas,” the Young Dubliners, the Screaming Orphans, and Malarkey. Other events include a Kid’s Zone with face painting and arts and crafts, and Irish stor ytelling. Food and beverages are available. Admission is free. For more information, visit w w w.celticfestivalmissoula.com or call (406) 239-0105.
June 15-17: Under the Big Sky Fine Arts & Crafts Festival This event will showcase more than 75 of the finest artisans from throughout the U.S. at the Western Montana Fairgrounds. Fun for all ages, browse through displays of hand-crafted and fine art work, July 31: Kids Fest meet the artists, and enjoy local This free family festival food. For more information, call features stage acts, carnival (406) 207-6502 or visit w w w. May 19-Oct.20: Missoula Sat. games, interactive fun, displays, underthebigsky.net. Market music, food, education and Each Saturday, a new spot in more. Event runs from 11:30 July 4: 4th of July Fireworks downtown Missoula hosts this a.m.-3:30 p.m.in Caras Park. Celebrate Independence Day weekly market, which offers Call (406) 721-7275 or visit with Fireworks at Southgate craft and food items, coffee w w w.missoulaparks.org. Mall. Fun begins at 9 p.m. and treats and interesting imwith live music, the presentaports. Event runs from 9 a.m.-1 Aug. 7-12: Western Montana p.m. Call (406) 830-3216 or visit tion of colors and the national Fair and Rodeo anthem. The fireworks begin at www.missoulasaturdaymarket. There’s something for ever y10:30 pm. Plent y of parking org for details. one at Missoula’s annual fair
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EVENTS and rodeo. Free stage acts, demolition derby, countr y western and Christian concerts are just a few of the scheduled events. There will also be 4-H exhibits, art exhibits, 4-H livestock sale and commercial displays. The rodeo runs Thursday through Saturday with performances by the Charlie Russell Riders nightly. Fair is held at the fairgrounds off South Ave. and Brooks. Call (406) 721-3247 or visit w w w.westernmontanafair. com for details. Aug. 25-26: River Cit y Roots Fest This arts and music festival showcases Downtown Missoula. Come hear local and national musicians will perform and take in the juried art show featuring painters, sculptors and photographers and more. The 4-mile Run/Walk will be held Sunday. Children’s activates, food and beverages are available. Call (406) 543-4238 or visit w w w. rivercit yrootsfestival.com for details. Sept. 9: Germanfest Celebrate German ethnic heritage in a celebration that highlights Missoula’s Sister Cit y relationship with Neckargemund, Germany. Held at the Pavilion at Caras Park from 3-6 p.m., the afternoon’s events include free musical entertainment and German st yle dancing. Children’s activities and an information booth on German culture, plus plent y of ethnic food and beverages. Call (406) 541-0860 or visit w w w.missoulacultural.org for info.
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Pablo Aug. 18: Annual People’s Center Celebration and Pow-wow Experience traditional Native American dancing, drumming and singing from 4pm to 8pm at the People’s Center in Pablo. Vendors of beadwork, local art, and food will be on site. Admission is free. For more information visit w w w.peoplescenter. org or call (406) 675-0160.
Polson June 29-30: Mission Mountain Rodeo This NRA Rodeo will be
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held on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Polson Rodeo Arena. Circle C Rodeo Company will be furnishing the stock for lots action and thrills. Youth Mutton Busting and Mini Bullriding events begin at 7 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Food and drink are available. Call (406) 8831100 or visit w w w.polsonfairgroundsinc.com for details. July 21-22: Flathead Cherry Festival Each year Montana anxiously awaits the Flathead cherr y har vest and Main St. in Polson is where the cherr y action is this weekend. Fun for ever yone, visitors can taste a variet y of foods made with Flathead cherries and visit displays of Montana made items. There are games for the kids, a cherr y pie eating contest, and a cherr y pit
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spitting/stem t ying contest. For more info, call (406) 871-8252 or Email boone@valleyjournal. net. July 27-29: Flathead Lake 3 on 3 Hoop Shoot This 3 on 3 basketball competition is played on the streets of downtown Polson brings in teams from all over the northwest. Event offers 13 different divisions along with a slam dunk & 3 point shooting contest. Prizes will be awarded to first, second & 3rd place finishers. Call toll free (800) 7505377 or visit w w w.flatheadlake3on3.com for more info. Aug. 10-11: Cruisen by the Bay Car Show Cruisen By the Bay Car Show is presented by Valley Cruisers Car Show and Polson Art Festival and includes Art and Car Shows, plus t wo free concerts. Events are held on Main
St., the Courthouse lawn and Riverside Park. Other activities include poker run, poker walk, drawings, and ice cream social. Don’t miss the parade of winners at 3 p.m. Saturday. Call for info at (406) 883-1042 or visit w w w.missionvalleycruisers. com.
Seeley Lake May 26-27: Seeley Lake Loon & Fish Festival This t wo-day communit y event is centered at the Seeley Lake Elementar y School. Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m, Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m.. 2 Valleys Stage 20122013 season tickets on sale at L&F Festival. Events include art sales, Artist’s Quick Draw, wildlife films, a bird walk, a wildflower walk, Loon nest site walk, and children’s activities. Area restaurants host a Soup Bowl luncheon on Saturday to
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benefit the Seeley Lake Food Bank. For more info, visit w w w. alpineartisans.org or call (406) 677-0717. May 25: Jack Gladstone - Rob Quist - David Griffith AAI Benefit Concert Benefit Concert at 7:30 p.m. at SSHS. For more details contact Scott Milner, Program Coordinator for Alpine Artisans, Inc., 677-0717.
their work from 5:30- 9 p.m. This family friendly event offers music, food and shopping. For more info, call (406) 777-3773 or visit w w w.mainstreetstevensville.com.
GLACIER COUNTRY
nit y Park. Other events include entertainment, parade, 5K fun run, dancing, karaoke, kids June 22-23: Western Heritage activates and more. For details Every Tuesday evening from and schedules, visit w w w.huckDays 5 to 7:30 p.m. Whitefish comes leberr yfestival.com or call (406) Heritage Days starts out together at the north end of Cen827-3301. Friday with a Calcutta auction tral Avenue, between Railway of Barnyard game teams, Chuck and Depot Streets. You can find Wagon Cook-off, and ends with local produce, art, food, baked June 2-Sept.2: Littlebird’s pickin’ and grinnin’ around the goods and listen to music. Visit Marketplace campfire. Saturday’s parade Sept. 10-14: Park 2 Park www.whitefishfarmersmarket.org This Farmer’s Market takes starts at 11, with cowboys and This is a 418-mile, multi-day, or Email info@whitefishfarmersplace ever y Sunday from June cowgirls, Native American bicycle ride that starts at the market.org for details. to September on the lawn at representatives, floats, wagWest Glacier KOA near GlaLittlebird’s on Larch Lane in ons, and more. Other activities cier National Park and travels July 4: 4th of July Celebration Seeley Lake. From 10 a.m.-2 include arts and crafts vendors, through spectacular scenic Celebrate the 4th at Whitefish p.m. area growers, ranchers, historic tours, barnyard games, mountain valleys and onto the Lake City Beach. Water craft artists and creative folks come and horse drawn trolley rides. high plains of southern Monrentals are available during together to sell their wares in Visit w w w.mainstreetstevenstana ending in Yellowstone the day. Live music kicks off an the ancient tradition of outdoor ville.com or call (406) 777National Park. The ride supevening of dancing, food, and marketing. Call (406) 677-3663 3773. ports Court Appointed Special family fun followed by a specfor details. Advocates (CASA) of Montana tacular display of fireworks. For Aug. 3-5: 100th Creamery and 15 local CASA programs info, visit www.whitefishchamber. July 3-4: 4th of July Picnic and Parade represent abused & neglected org or call (406) 862-3501. Celebration This 100 year tradition children in the court system. Seeley Lake hosts a reincludes a parade, Montana Registration is $550 and covers July 6-8: Whitefish Arts nowned parade and activities State BBQ contest, Microbrew lodging for 4 nights and food. Festival including games, a pig roast, Festival, music, car show, food Riders must raise at least $450 High quality arts & fine crafts arts and crafts, and lots of and beverage vendors, craftin donations. Call toll free at are the hallmark of this arts fesfood. Fun goes right up to the ers, and booths of all kinds. (866) 863-2272 or visit w w w. tival set in picturesque Whitefish. spectacular fireworks display Sample ice cream and visit the park2parkmontana.org for Depot Park will have more than over the lake. Call (406) 677mobile dair y to see how we get details. 100 artists from all over the 2880 or visit w w w.seeleylakemilk products. Event takes place Northwest displaying sculpchamber.com for details. in Lewis and Clark Park. Visit tures, paintings, photography, w w w.creamer ypicnic.com or woodworking, pottery, jewelry, Aug. 24: MT Shakespeare in call (406) 777-3773 for details. May 29-Sept. 25: Whitefish the Park Downtown More GLACIER EVENTS, Montana’s only professional Farmer’s page 42 touring company producing Market Shakespeare’s plays will be Aug. 10-12: Huckleberry at the Double Arrow Lodge in Festival Seeley Lake with a free presenProclaimed “Huckleberr y tation of “Hamlet.” Show begins Capitol of Montana” by the at 6 p.m. Visit w w w.shakespea- state’s legislature, this 30-year reintheparks.org/ for details. tradition includes huckleberr y pancake breakfasts Sat. and Sun. and a Huckleberr y Dessert Contest. Food vendors May 18-Sept. 28: First Fridays are all about the berr y with Art Walk huckleberr y ice cream cones, Held on the first Friday of pizza, cheesecake, and drinks. ever y month, this Art Walk More than 100 arts and crafts Series runs from May through vendors display and sell their October. Local businesses host wares at Trout Creek Commuartists who display and sell
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Whitefish
Trout Creek
Stevensville
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Kurt Wilson/Missoulian
Hikers on Glacier National Park’s Highline Trial pause for a photograph.
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clothing and more. Food, beverage and entertainment will be on site. Call (406) 862-5875 or visit www.whitefishartsfestival.org. July 14: The Glacier Challenge This challenging multisport race covers 50 miles of Montana terrain in Northwest Montana, and includes five different legs: a Canoe/Kayak Leg, a Road Bike Leg, a Mountain Bike Leg, a 4K run, and a 10K run. Enter as a team, partner or an individual. The postrace party includes a live band, food and beverages. The 2nd annual Kid’s Obstacle Course will be held at Riverside Park during the race. Visit www.theglacierchallenge.com or call (406) 755-4622 for details. Aug 10-12: Huckleberry Days
EVENTS Art Festival Celebrate the huckleberry harvest with this art fair that includes music, entertainment, and more. Held in downtown Whitefish at Depot Park, other features include arts and crafts, bake-off contest, beer garden and lots of family fun. Call (406) 862-3501 or visit www.whitefishchamber.org for details. Sept. 9: Taste of Whitefish This tasty event features cuisine from more than twenty area restaurants, as well as beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages, and live music. The Taste of Whitefish is held rain or shine, from 5:30 – 8 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center, across from the Amtrak train sta-
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GOLDWEST COUNTRY FUN FACTS • Gold West Country includes historic Virginia City, Nevada City and the premier ghost town of Bannack, where gold was the ore of choice. • Red Rocks Wildlife Bird Refuge is home to innumerable waterfowl from a large variety of ducks to beautiful swans. • Uptown Butte is the largest historic preservation district in acreage in the West. Thirteen historic copper mining frames dot the “Richest Hill on Earth” and are lighted at night. • Helena, the state’s capital, has great fishing at Canyon Ferry and Hauser Lake. It also features the impressive Gates of the Mountains. • The historic state prison is at Deer Lodge, also home to a large antique car collection.
Headwaters Country Jam Celebrates 5th anniversary
Sixt y acres are used for the State certified campground Headwaters Countr y Jam, which holds 1,200 sites, apInc is a cooperative endeavor proximately 20 feet by 40 feet. of six principal partners toWithin the venue is a bring live Countr y music in a 12-acre arena where all the festival atmosphere to Montana magic happens. and the broader Northwest. Live music is provided on Inspired by other three-day t wo stages. There is a beer music festivals, but wanting to garden and dance floor. Food put a local and countr y t wist to and merchandise vendors as the lineup; Headwaters Counwell as sponsor booths surtr y Jam was conceived in late round the interior of the arena. 2007 with the first jam in June Aside from music, concert of 2008. goers can partake in horse It is held at the venue known shoe tournaments, dance conas The Bridge, near Three tests, mechanical bull riding, Forks. The Bridge is comprised and many other activities. of 159 acres and is the final resting ground for the historic Sappington Bridge that once spanned the Jefferson River. REDISCOVER MONTANA
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The three-day Country Jam draws about 10,000 concert-goers. Above, the Kentucky Headhunters gather to say hello to their fans.
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Anaconda
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June16-17: Anaconda Bicycle Festival This annual event raises funds for the upkeep and restoration of Washoe Park. Saturday’s Pedal the Pintler event offers 20, 25, 50 or 100 mile options for road rides. On Sunday, Discover y Basin Ski Area hosts a NORBA mountain bike race, the Competitive Disco Mountain Boogie, with 11, 17 and 21 mile courses. For more Information, call (406)563-7988.
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June17-Aug. 19: St. Timothy’s Summer Music Festival Nestled on a hillside 600 feet above Georgetown Lake, St. Timothy’s Memorial Chapel offers spectacular views and world-class musical performances on selected Sundays at 4 p.m. throughout the summer. Visit w w w.sttimothysmusic.org or call 888-407-4071. July 20-22: Art in the Park Washoe Park is the venue for three days of arts, crafts, ethnic and regional food, and professional entertainment. One of the best shows in southwest Montana, Art in the Park draws in 75 juried art and craft booths from across the countr y. Call (406) 563-2422, or visit w w w.discoveranaconda.com for details.
Butte May 5-Oct. 4: Butte Art Walk Local businesses and unused building space in Butte’s historic Uptown area are transformed into art galleries for this special celebration of the arts, held on the first Thursday of each month. Artists from all over the U. S. and Montana display their work and local entertainment is featured. The event is free and various venues offer free re-
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Sally Bishop rides in the 4-up Roman st yle during the opening act of the Last Chance Stampede and Fair. freshments. Call (406) 782-5217 Club offers a variety of vendors or visit www.mainstreetbutte.org. selling and displaying fossils, gems, minerals, polished stones and rock and gem collecting May 26-Sept. 29: Butte’s equipment. Held at the Butte Farmers’ Civic Center, activities for Market Each Saturday throughout the children, door prizes, raffles, educational talks and related summer, an entire city block in Historic Uptown Butte is convert- day tours are available. Call (406)723-8524 for information. ed to an outdoor marketplace, featuring baked goods, crafts, locally grown flow-ers and veg- July 6-7: Butte Vigilante Rodeo Expect NRA Rodeo action, etables, and seasonal fruits and vegetables from the region. Visit complete with rodeo clowns nightly at 7 p.m. at this Butte www.mainstreetbutte.org/fmarVigilante Saddle Club sponsored ket.htm or call (406) 497-6464 event. Expect plenty of thrills for details. and spills as professional riders June 9-10: Butte Mineral & Gem compete in bronc riding, bull riding, bareback riding, barrel Show This two day show sponsored racing, calf roping competitions. For information, call (406) 494by the Butte Mineral and Gem
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3002 or (406) 490-8006. July 13-15: Montana Folk Festival This free, family friendly festival brings more than 250 of the nation’s finest musicians, dancers and craftspeople to Butte’s Uptown area. Seven stages offer non-stop entertainment in addition to multiple themed areas including: t wo festival marketplaces, a Montana folk life area, a family area with activities for the kids and food courts with local and regional cuisine. Visit w w w. montanafolkfestival.com or call (406) 497-6464.
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July 26-28: Evel Knievel Days Home to legendar y stunt man, Evel Knievel, Butte hosts this celebration of America’s greatest dare-devil each summer. A must for bikers on their way to Sturgis, the event offers a classic motorcycle & car show, fireworks, music, a parade, thrilling stunts, and a street full of food and merchandise vendors. Call (406) 4916066 or visit w w w.knieveldays. com. Aug. 2-4: Butte Silver-Bow Count y Fair From farm animals to Patsy Cline tribute performer, Jean Coady, this count y fair’s got it all. Expect to see arts & crafts, exotic animal shows, timberjack logging and dine on plent y of traditional “Fair food.” Visit w w w.butteciviccenter.com or call (406) 494-3648.
EVENTS July 28-29: Grant-Kohrs Ranch Days Celebrate cowboys and cattlemen with blacksmithing, branding, chuck wagon cooking, roping, music and cowboy poetr y at this historic working ranch. Saturday evening in-cludes a campfire and music jam. Admission is free. Visit w w w.nps.gov/grko or call (406) 846-2070. Aug. 15-19: Tri-Count y Fair Southwest Montana comes together for this old fashioned count y fair featuring a demolition derby, exhibits, food, livestock and a rodeo. Call (406)560-4997 for details.
Sept. 15 – 16: Annual Big Sky Draft Horse Expo Showing many breeds of Aug. 10-12: An Ri Ra Montana horses and mules from singles to six ups in friendly competiIrish Festival tion. For more information visit Celebrate Irish Culture with three days of Irish music, dance, w w w.drafthorseexpo.com or language and culture. Lec-tures, call -2854 or (406)846-2744. workshops, documentaries and plent y of activities for the kids. Visit w w w.mtgaelic.org, call toll free at 800-735-6814 or (406) June 22-23: Senior Pro Rodeo 498-3983. Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce hosts this National Senior Pro Rodeo in Dillon at the Beaverhead Count y Fairgrounds. Performances begin June 16: Powell Count y at 6 p.m. each day. Visit w w w. Territorial Day beaverheadchamber.org or call This communit y celebration is fun for the whole family with (406) 683-5511 for information. 3K, 5K, 8K and 10K footraces; July 21: Dillon Jaycees plus a parade, a classic car Demolition Derby show on Main St., concessions, A kick off parade at 2 p.m. craft vendors and children’s is followed by the main event, games. Visit w w w.powellcount ymontana.com or call (406) More GOLDWEST 846-2094.
Dillon
Deer Lodge Walter Hinick/Montana Standard
Tantrum lead singer and fiddler Kathleen Keane of Chicago made her third appearance at the annual An Ri Ra’ and brought the crowd attending to their feet in applause.
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Passengers enjoy watching the limestone cliffs go by as the relax in the new ‘Canyon Voyager’ now touring the Gates of the Mountains.
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at the Beaverhead Museum Depot Park, .and the Labor Day parade downtown make Dillon grudge match, heat match, the place to be this weekend. powder puff and Herbie compe- Visit dillonjaycees.com or call titions. Visit dillonjaycees.com 406-683-5771 for schedule of or call (406) 683-5771. events. Aug. 29-Sept. 3: Beaverhead Count y Fair Two PRCA Rodeos, an outdoor concert, the Thomas Company Carnival, plus 4H live-stock show, vendors, exhibits, and Karaoke keep the fairgrounds busy the whole week. Visit w w w.beaverheadcount y. org or call (406)925-3645. Sept. 1-3: Montana’s Biggest Weekend The annual Dillon Jaycee Labor Day Rodeo and concert at the Beaverhead Count y Fair-grounds, the Boardwalk Arts & Crafts Festival featuring local and regional artists
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Ennis June 17: Kids Father’s Day Fishing Derby Sponsored by the Lions Club, the derby starts at 11 a.m. and offers kids under 12 the chance to catch a big fish in a little pond at Lions Club Park, with their Dads acting as coach. Prizes awarded for age groups. Free barbecue at 1 p.m. follows. Visit w w w.ennischamber. com or call (406)682-5711. July 3-4: 4th of July Ennis Rodeo and Parade Sponsored by the Ennis Ro-
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deo Association and sanctioned by the NRA this rodeo attracts top cowboys and cowgirls matched with top rodeo stock. Held at the Ennis Rodeo Ground July 3 at 8 p.m. and July 4 at 2 p.m. Visit w w w.ennischamber. com or call (406) 682-4700. The 4th of July parade has been since 1935. Starting at 10 a.m. the pa-rade and the crowds get bigger each year and is considered one of the best small town parades in Montana. Visit ennischamber.com or call (406)682-4388. Aug: 11: Madison Valley Art Festival Located at Peter T’s park in downtown Ennis, this festival includes juried arts and crafts, area authors signing books, face painting for kids, live music, and food and drink. Art raffle benefits the Ennis Arts Association, the event
host. Call (406) 682-4416 or Email:redmtnranch@yahoo.com. Aug. 31-Sept.1: Fly Fishing Festival The Ennis on the Madison Fly Fishing Festival celebrates fly fishing, the town of Ennis and the Madison River. It includes fishing competitions, skill development seminars, equipment displays, conser vation information, entertainment and food. Event supports the Madison River Foundation. Visit w w w. madisonriverfoundation.org or call (406) 682-3148.
Helena April 28-Dec. 15: Helena Farmers Market For more than 38 years, local farmers, craftspeople, and food vendors have brought
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their Montana-made products downtown for this Helena favorite held Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. April through October: Located bet ween Neil and Lawrence on Fuller Avenue, adjacent to Women’s Park. October through December, located at the Lewis and Clark Count y Fairgrounds. Visit w w w.helenafarmersmarket. com or call (406) 449-7446.
Helena. Visit w w w.downtownhelena.com. May 19: Montana Territorial Ball This Victorian st yle ball begins at St. Peter’s Cathedral at 7 p.m. and features live music, period dress (required) and dances. Ticket price of $25.00 includes light refreshments. Children under 12 are admitted free. Call (406) 431-3288 for details.
GOLDWEST COUNTRY a Special Olympics/Physically Challenged event. Register online at w w w.govcupmt.com or call toll free 800-447-7828 ext. 7990 for information.
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ter and on Wed. at noon at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral. Classes and lessons are June 2: The Queen City Triathlon offered daily Email musikanThis East Helena sprint distenMT@aol.com or call (406) tance triathlon is held at JFK May16-Aug. 29: Alive @ Five Park and is geared towards be- 933-5246. Each Wednesday from May ginners. The race starts with a through September from 5-9 1,000 yard pool swim, followed July 1: Spring Meadow Triathlon p.m. a different downtown Hel- June 8-9: Governor’s Cup Located at the Spring Meadby a flat 12-mile bike course, ena block plays host to enterRoad Race ow Lake State Park just west of and ends with a 3- mile run on tainment, food and beverages. This family-friendly competia packed dirt path. Sponsored Helena participants can swim A family friendly event, visit tion is fun for participants of in a small lake, bike a rolling by the Big Sky Cycling Race w w w.downtownhelena.com or all ages and abilities.Spon2-lane paved road, and run a Team. Visit w w w.bigskybikes. call (406)447-1535 for schedsored by Blue Cross and Blue flat course on a trail, dirt road com for information. ules and venues. Shield of Montana, the weekend and pavement. Youth 16 to 19 begins with a pre-event packare encouraged to enter the June 17-24: Helena Choral May 18: Spring Art Walk age pick-up and Race Expo on USAT Junior Development Series Week Sponsored by Downtown Hel- Friday. Road races held SaturSprint race. Advance registraFree mini-concerts featurena, Inc., local businesses host day include the Fun One Mile, ing guest artists are held Mon. some of Montana’s finest artists half-marathon, 5K, 10K and More GOLDWEST Tues., Thurs, and Fri. are held from 5-9 p.m. in downtown the Stuart Brownlow Challenge, at noon at the Myrna Loy CenEVENTS, page 54
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Other activities include wagon rides, western merchandise, arts and entertainment, a quilt tion only, for schedule/details show, a classic car and movisit w w w.imathlete.com/events/ torcycle show and a Chuck springmeadowtri. wagon Cook-off. Voted Best Western Festival in Montana July 14: One Helena Hundred by True West Magazine. Visit This Helena Bicycle Club’s montanalivinghistor y.org or call annual centur y ride includes 406-458-3700. a traditional centur y ride (100 miles) and a metric centur y ride Aug. 11-12: Double Divide Ride (100 kilometers/62 miles). All Cycle 139 miles in two days rides begin in Cascade and through rolling hills, tranquil valextend out ward to the north, leys and challenging mountain south and east. For details, call passes. On day one riders travel (406) 868-2534, Email hlam83 miles from Helena to Lincoln bott@hotmail.com or visit w w w. over MacDonald Pass. Day two helenabicycleclub.org. is a 56 mile ride over Flesher Pass and back to Helena. Also July 14: Cardboard Cup famous for its fabulous food, Regatta riders won’t run short on caloThis family fun event sponries. Call (406) 439-0679, Email sored by Montana Fish, Wildlife pcarparelli@yahoo.com, or visit and Parks and Spring Meadwww.helenabicycleclub.org. ow Resources is held at Spring Meadow Lake. Participants Aug. 16-19: Western can build a boat of any size Rendezvous of Art from corrugated cardboard and This 34th annual art Renpass a boat inspection before dezvous features some of the the race. The only other rule is nations’ premier contemporar y to have fun. Visit w w w.springartists. Held at the at venues in meadowresources.org, Email and around Helena, the event smoody@smrmt.org or call features an art exhibition and (406)443-2376 for details. sale, art seminar and tour, artists’ reception; awards banquet, July 25-29: Last Chance Quick Draw and auc-tion. Visit Stampede and w w w.westrendart.org or call Fair (406) 444-4713. The Lewis and Clark Count y Fairgrounds is the place to Sept. 28-30: The Last Chance go for fun this four day event Communit y Pow with parades, a carnival, Wow three nights of rodeo action, The annual pow wow is a 4H livestock sale, demolition spiritual celebration where derby and an equine exhibit. people join together in dancFamily fun with something for ing, singing, visiting old friends, ever ybody, visit w w w.lastchanand making new ones. This free cestampede.com or call (406) event is held at the end of Na457-8516 for details. tive American Week in September. Call (406) 439-5631, Aug. 10-12: Montana Wild Email lccpw@hotmail.com or West Fest visit w w w.lccpwhelena.com for This celebration of All Things details. Western is held at the historic Kleffner Ranch, 5 miles east of Helena. Expect to see frontier craftsmen, gunslinger shows, and eat heart y western fare.
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cabaret musical and skit show throughout the summer. Two shows daily at 4 p.m. and 8 July 14: Annual Marysville p.m. Call toll Free at 800-829Picnic 2969 ext. 3, or (406) 843-5218 A family favorite, admission for reser vations. Visit w w w. is free to this event that includes brewer yfollies.net for informaexhibitors, gold panning, live tion. entertainment, vendors, arts and crafts, games, contests and June 2-Sept. 2: The Illustria live auction. Visit the snack ous Virginia bar for a grilled hamburgers, Cit y Players hot dogs, soft drinks, beer or Bill Koch, artistic director ice cream, but forget to save returns after a 20 year hiatus room for the Baron of Beef dinfor the Illustrious Virginia Cit y ner with all the trimmings. For Players 2012 season. Produc- c more information call 449-0222 tions include “Dr. Jekyll & Mr. a for Email knucklehead@mt.net. Hyde” from June 2-8, “Dav y Crockett! Be Sure Yer Right, t Then Go Ahead!” from July n 10-Aug. 5, and “Seven Keys to July 27-29: Flint Creek Valley Bladpate” from Aug. 7-Sept. F Days 2. Performances are held Tues. B This kid friendly weekend through Sat. at 7 p.m. with includes a children’s parade matinees Wed., Sat. and Sun. c on Friday, and a ‘three beer’ at 2 p.m. For more information G pa-rade on Saturday, followed or tickets, visit w w w.virginiaci- s log races, family games and a t yplayers.com or call toll free at o dance. On Sunday, the center (800) 829-2969. of town is blocked off to show1 case hot rods, antique and clas- Aug. 17-18: The Grand U sic cars. Visit w w w.phipsburgmt. Victorian Ball for a com or call (406) 859-3388. Peace 1865 i “Step Back in Time” is the s Sept. 8: Annual Miner’s Union theme of this Victorian ball— Day and Mining where you can learn about the r Competition influences of the Civil War in t Celebrate mining histor y with Montana’s early histor y and ex- b an adult mining competitions perience customs and fashions H which consists of single jackof a bygone era. Friday events c leg drilling, hand mucking, 12B include a high tea at 3 p.m. f machine mucking, spike drivand an authentic mel-odrama/ ing and team jackleg drill-ing. musical at the Opera House A kids competition consists of at 7 p.m. Classes on dances hand mucking, spike driving and customs are pro-vided at and single drilling with a cord1 and 3 p.m. on Saturday with less drills. Proceeds will go for the Ball starting at 7 p.m. with prizes for adult and kids coma boardwalk promenade. . petition. Call (406)859-5125 or Dance all night in the CommuEmail barney@blackfoot.net for nit y Center Ballroom and enjoy details. a “light re-past” ser ved at 9:30 p.m. Period dress is encouraged, but not required. All events wel-come children. Order tickets online at virginiaciMay 25-Sept. 22: Brewery t ymt.com. For more information Follies call toll free at 800-829-2969 Experience this risqué contemporar y American-burlesque- or (406) 682-4935.
Philipsburg
Virginia City
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Montana Folk Festival offers over-the-top music, events GOLDWEST COUNTRY
gospel, salsa and blues. This year’s music lineup will be just as diverse. There are REDISCOVER MONTANA performances scheduled including sacred hula dancing, Cape Two dozen bands. Arts and crafts and displays. Tons of food Breton Scottish Celtic music and Congolese soukous, just to name and beer. a few. And they’re still booking Sounds like a festival – and bands for the festival. the entrance fee is a whooping This year’s theme will be transnothing. portation. The festival will feature The second annual Montana displays with the history of how Folk Festival is coming back to people have and continue to Butte this year, July 13-15. get around, including railroads, “We’ll have six stages with horses and automobiles. continuous performances,” said If early indications hold true, George Everett, director of Mainturnout should be excellent, street Uptown Butte and festival Everett said. The festival’s Faceorganizer. The event is scheduled for July book page has people checking from throughout the region and 13-15. It takes place throughout farther. Uptown, where several streets “We’re getting a lot of are closed to cars and turned feedback from people and our into walking routes to get from Facebook page is probably the stage to stage. most visited in the Butte area,” The festival seeks to bring in he said. “There are people from regional music from throughout Canada and states all over Monthe United States, Canada and tana who are inquiring about it.” beyond. Last year included a For more information and Haitian band that blew away the a lineup of artists, go to www. crowd, and past festivals have featured music styles as varied as montanafolkfestival.com. BY
NICK GEVOCK
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Blacktail Cave
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takes one back to Huck and Tom days BY
EVE BYRON
REDISCOVER MONTANA BLACKTAIL RANCH — The Rittel’s family ranch is well known for its hospitalit y, and is a favorite place among Helena residents to hold weddings and family reunions. But along with horseback riding, hiking and bird watching is a hidden treasure deep within the surrounding mountains. For years, the yawning hole in the ground beckoned to Tag Rittel, a young boy growing up on the ranch 60 miles north of Helena. Tag used to toss rocks into the hole and listen to them drop, tr ying to gauge the cave’s depth. But it wasn’t until 1942, when he was 13 years old, that Tag and a couple of buddies mustered the ner ve to wiggle inside and check it out. A crooked smile crosses Tag’s whiskered, 82-year-old face as his memor y goes back to that day — four young boys with an old kerosene lantern, candles and a flashlight, channeling Huck Finn and Tom Saw yer. “We sent in the littlest guy first,” Tag says. “It was a big thrill; there were so many things we saw and we were exploring something completely different. That night, we stayed overnight at this cabin and my mother came up with some girls to spook us. They started rattling things outside, but nobody was paying any attention to her. All we could talk about was the cave.”
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Tag Rittle gives a tour of his museum, on the propert y of Blacktail Ranch near Wolf Creek, filled with treasures from the past.
Les Davis, professor emeritus at Montana State Universit y and a former Museum of the Rockies archaeological expert, has studied the cave for years, first visiting here with members of a Billings archeological societ y in the 1970s. He notes that in the early years, as they explored the cave, bones were ‘eroding out,’ meaning you could easily find items like giant bear jaws, since they were just left in place when the animals died. For t wo weeks in 1995 and 1996 and again in 1998, Davis and a team of archaeologists and geologists excavated areas of the cave which they thought hadn’t been disturbed. Their findings were mixed; while Davis said they found a plethora of animal remains, some going back almost 40,000 years, they
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couldn’t confirm Tag’s discoveries regarding humans using the cave alongside the Ice Age animals because they couldn’t ascertain what had been moved and what was in the original location. “Any kind of research usually leaves more things unanswered than it answers, and this is one of those,” Davis said. “But it remains enticingly possible and there are materials in there that suggest that small numbers of early peoples in Montana did enter the cave and occupy it, and that’s important information. The Blacktail Cave is a one-of-a-kind site … and we have developed a whole series of facts that weren’t previously understood.” Tag has installed wooden steps and a handrail at the cave’s entrance, making it eas-
ier to drop into its depths. He’s also installed a gas-generated light system, a map and a small trail system where they can guide guests and others visiting the ranch. He’s also made it easier to view the secrets of the cave by displaying them in the small log cabin where his grandmother raised the four boys and their sister. Hundreds of artifacts pulled from the cave line the walls, as well as relics pulled from his 8,000-acre ranch and from the family’s past. Tours of the Blacktail Cave and the ranch are available, but Rittel requests that people make appointments by calling the ranch at (406) 235-4330 (ranch) or at (520) 387-3315 during the off-season. They also can be reached via email at btranch@earthlink.net.
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EK Days: a tribute to Butte daredevil Evel Knievel Lisa Hornstein/ The Montana Standard
Chris Nichols, 32, of Team X-Treem pops a wheely in front of the Montana Standard in Butte Thursday afternoon. Team X-Treem is one of many stunt exhibitions during Evel Days. BY
one is invited to woo the crowd with their wheels. JUSTIN POST “Bring your pride and joy REDISCOVER MONTANA and show it off,” he said. A lineup of bands will take In its 11th year, Evel Knievel the stage on Montana Street all Days 2012 is expected to offer three nights of the event, with full-throttle entertainment for the first t wo acts performing those visiting the Mining Cit y Thursday evening. from across the nation. Harrington expects another Evel Days kicks off at noon three bands to play Friday, and Thursday, July 26, and continues until midnight on Saturday, maybe more on Saturday. And this year’s Evel Knievel July 28. Days motorcycle parade is “Kids’ Day” is featured expected rival past years with throughout Thursday in addition to numerous daredevil acts, more than 350 bikers expected street vendors and other attrac- to ride in the parade while also tions, said Chad Harrington, the attending the three-day event in conjunction with the Montana event’s executive director. H.O.G. (Harley Owner’s Group) Returning to the event is the Rally. A surprise, nationally freest yle motocross course, known daredevil is expected to the Wall of Death and a wide perform a record-breaking stunt range of other high-flying as well.. stunts, he said. Evel Knievel Days is a free Event organizers are working annual event in Uptown Butte now to square away details for that attracts thousands of specthe event, which honors Butte native and the king of all dare- tators from across the nation and beyond. devils, Evel Knievel. Online: w w w.knieveldays. A car and bike show runs all com/ day Saturday on West Broadway and Harrington said ever y-
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Stuntman Spanky Spangler and his son Brian Spangler crash their cars into a stack of autos piled high on East Park Street during a mock police chase ending in the double crash at Evel Knievel Days.
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Bike fest to benefit Anaconda’s Washoe Park
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16, with the flagship 25, 50 or 100-mile “Pedal the Pintlers” tour. The full route begins west on Highway 1, looping GeorgeREDISCOVER MONTANA town Lake before running back ANACONDA – From high up east to Mill Creek Road, over the Continental Divide and into in the mountains to down by the Big Hole Valley. the Big Hole River, Anaconda The Bill Lee Memorial “Turbo Bicycle Festival leaves little 20” shuttles cyclists up to the scener y to the imagination. lake for an all-downhill cruise The t wo-day fundraiser includes both road and off-road back through town. Bus ser vice is provided courtesy of Tucker rides all around the Smelter Transportation. Cit y, with proceeds to benefit Tracey Thun, Washoe Park the local Washoe Park FoundaFoundation co-chair, said they tion. Events kick off Saturday, June have attracted cyclists from
GEORGE PLAVEN
across Montana since starting the festival in 2005. “We just thought it was something fun and healthy to do,” Thun said. “People say it’s one of the most beautiful rides. It’s in the spring, so they get to see a lot of color.” On Sunday, June 17, mountain bikers have their day at Discover y Ski Area for the Disco Mountain Boogie, sponsored by the National Off-Road Bicycle Association. The race runs 11, 17 or 21 miles through the BeaverheadDeerlodge National Forest, and
is the first race in the Montana Off-Road Series. Last year, Thun said the foundation raised about $4,000 bet ween the t wo events toward enhancements and preser vation at Washoe Park. Money this year will go toward further implementing the park and Hafner’s Dam master plans, approved by the count y commission last year. Potential projects include work on streams, trails and restoring the nearby duck pond. “We want a park we can all be proud of,” Thun said.
MORE INFO Registration for “Pedal the Pintlers” and the Bill Lee Memorial “Turbo 20” is $45, which includes a T-shirt, lunch and rest stops along the route. Rides start at 8 a.m. June 16, except for the “Turbo 20,” which loads at 9 a.m. Registration for the Disco Mountain Boogie is $20 with a NORBA license, and $25 without a NORBA license. The ride starts at 11 a.m. June 17 from Discovery Ski Area. More information and advance registration are available at www.anacondabikefest.com.
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The Bard is back in Helena BY
MARGA LINCOLN
REDISCOVER MONTANA The Bard just may be taking up permanent residence in Helena. After 15 years on the move, the popular Montana Shakespeare Company opens its summer repertor y season at a new home, the Helena Civic Center, with “Love’s Labour’s Lost,” Thursday, July 12, and “Othello” on Friday, July 13. The t wo plays run alternate nights, Thursdays through Sundays, through Aug. 26. Much as artistic director Kim DeLong has loved doing outdoor theater since the company started in 1997, the sun gods haven’t smiled down, particularly the past few years. His dream has been to build a regional, summer equit y Shakespeare theater in Helena. “Our future lies in drawing patrons from all over the region,” he said. Not only will visitors to Helena enjoy high-qualit y Shakespeare performances, but many other cultural and scenic amenities that Helena has to offer, including the Archie Bray Foundation, the Holter Museum of Art, Symphony Under the Stars, Grandstreet Theatre, Mondays at the Myrna and the Gates of the Mountains. This year’s shows “are both beautiful plays on the opposite end of the spectrum. One’s a lighter comedy about unre-
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quited love, one’s a classical tragedy.” Both have beautiful language, and both haven’t been performed in Helena After graduating with a B.A. in theatre from Eastern Washington Universit y in Cheney, DeLong went on to study Shakespeare in-depth at Cornell Universit y. In addition to teaching acting at the collegiate level for more than 20 years, DeLong continues to act and also teaches fight choreography. “We want people to come to town and get a package of discount rooms and discount tickets,” he said. The Red Lion Inn and Great Northern Hotel are on board, with more hotels in the works. DeLong’s dream is built on successful theater models all over the countr y – from Cedar Cit y’s Utah Shakespeare Festival, centered in a town of 28,000, which draws in 130,000 visitors, to the Shenandoah Valley Shakespeare in Staunton, Va. , that’s proven so successful, they’re building a replica of the second Globe Theatre for their new home. “There are 1 million people seeing Shakespeare around the countr y, said DeLong, quoting a study by the Institute of Outdoor Drama. Tickets are $15. For more information or to order them, visit w w w.montanashakespeare. org or call 406-431-1154 or email montanashakespeare@ gmail.com.
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MORE INFO Montana Shakespeare Summer 2012 • Show dates: “Love’s Labour’s Lost” July 12, 14, 20, 22, 26, 28, Aug. 3, 5, 9, 11, 17, 19, 23, 25 “Othello” July 13, 15, 19, 21, 27, 29 Aug. 2, 4, 10, 12, 12, 16, 18, 24, 26 • Performance times are Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. • Helena Civic Center, 340 Neill Ave. • Ticket Reservations and information call: 406-431-1154 • Web: montanashakespeare.org • email: montanashakespeare@gmail.com SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2012 Section name and date
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Spring Meadow State Park Explore on ‘Outdoors Day’
Montana Wild has much in store for adventurous children and adults this summer. The main event and kickoff to summer is the Fifth Annual Helena Outdoors Fest at Montana Wild and neighboring Spring Meadow Lake State Park. “That’s going to be a huge event,” said Laurie Evarts, education program manager for Montana Wild. In celebration of National Get Outdoors Day, the event takes place on June 9, 2012. It runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The hope is to give children the perfect opportunit y to get outdoors and enjoy recreation. Montana Wild is state Fish, Wildlife and Park’s outdoors learning center and wildlife rehabilitation facilit y, along with 5 acres of land, all of which are part of the Spring Meadow Lake State Park complex in Helena. Evarts said the facilit y will offer kayaking and fishing clinics throughout the summer. Classes
on climbing and archer y also are in the works. Another offering at the center are bear awareness seminars. Evarts said staff is working to list their events online. For more information, call (406) 444-9944. The learning center occupies a fully refurbished building that once housed the Stedman Foundr y and Machine Company. Built first in 1892, the center recently was remodeled by FWP to include conference rooms, office space, a laborator y, and interpretive and interactive displays for an estimated 13,000 students annually. Inside the 7,000-square-foot building are meeting areas— already being used by local conser vation groups—and a hands-on science laborator y with microscopes and animal skulls. A central exhibit area features a stream aquarium contains an array of Montana fish including live trout, sauger,
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and channel catfish. Outside, there is a new youth archer y range available for classes, a paved trail to Spring Meadow Lake and a fishing dock. Raptor perching pens will allow visitors to see the great horned owl and other birds at the rehab center. The center is part of the 61acre Spring Meadow Lake State Park complex, where about
80,000 people swim, fish and hike each year. In addition to being open to the public, the center also offers tours for schools. Staff asks that larger groups set up a tour time in advance. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is free to the public. Events and classes are often held on the weekends.
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FUN FACTS • Pompeys Pillar: In 1806 Captain William Clark carved his signature and the date in this rock. It is the only site on the trail where visible evidence of the Lewis and Clark Expedition may be viewed by the public. • Southeast Country is most notably know by the historical battle that occurred in 1876 between the U.S. 7th Calvary Regiment led by Lt. Col George Armstrong Custer and the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians led by Sitting Bull. • Miles City features a complete 1950s-era main street, 1930s-era high school and an authentically refurbished early 1900s saloon. It’s also home of the annual Bucking Horse Sale.
Re-enactments - Powwows BY
Grand Ball marks Anniversary of Historic Battle
LORNA THACKERAY
the ridges above, apparently planning to cross and attack farther along the river. Two more REDISCOVER MONTANA companies and the pack train were coming up a few miles In the last days of June in the away. sweltering summer of 1876, one But Cheyenne, Lakota and of the largest forces of Northern Plains Indians ever assembled set a smattering of warriors from other tribes swarmed out of their up camp circles on the edge of camps and crossed the river. They the Little Bighorn River. On the dusty afternoon of June pushed Custer’s five companies back and wiped out the entire 25, while young men bathed in command, including Custer as he the river and women went about fought to his end on Last Stand their chores, three companies of the U.S. 7th Cavalry came crash- Hill. A few miles away, warriors ing across the water into Sitting laid siege to Custer’s six remainBull’s camp. ing companies, inflicting heavy Five more companies under casualties for two more days. the direct command of Lt. Col. Then, at the approach of more George Armstrong Custer rode
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soldiers, the tribes packed up their camps and moved toward the Bighorn Mountains. Now, every year on the weekend nearest the Little Bighorn anniversary, the battle is fought again and again for the edification of thousands of tourists. Two separate re-enactments, one near Hardin and another near Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, are scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 22-24. The script for the re-enactment near Hardin, sponsored by the Hardin Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, is based on notes from Crow historian Joe Medicine Crow. Crow warriors
acted as scouts for Custer. Performances are at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and at 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Cost is $20 for adults and $8 for children. Children 5 and younger get in free. The Real Bird family re-enactment near the battlefield takes place on the banks of the Little Bighorn River at Medicine Tail Coulee, where some say Custer tried unsuccessfully to cross with his five companies. The site, like the battlefield itself, is within the boundaries of the Crow Reservation. More RE-ENACTMENTS, page 73
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Billings
May 19: Heritage Home Tour Plan a leisurely stroll to walk through six beautifully restored homes in an historic downtown area of Billings close to the Moss Mansion. The event benefits operation costs of the Moss Mansion Historic House Museum at 914 Division St., where you can enjoy live music and a barbecue at the “Preser vation Fest” on the mansion law, which can also be toured. The tour is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and tickets ($20 in advance or $25 on event day) are available at Billings Nurser y on Poly Drive, all three Gainan’s locations, the Moss Mansion, Galler y Interiors or at the homes the day of the tour. 256-5100; w w w.mossmansion.com.
May 17-June 23: Billings Studio Theatre The jukebox musical “Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash,” plays May 17-20 and 24-26. Though Johnny Cash is not impersonated, his life stor y is told through Cash’s music. Show dates for the comedy “Maggie’s Getting Married” are June 8-10, 14-17 and 2123. Unexpected t wists are the focus of the stor y which takes place on the evening before the youngest daughter’s wedding. Show times for all productions are 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, and the Sunday matinee begins at 2 p.m. Ticket prices range from $16 to $20 for May 26-27: Montana Arabian adults and $12.50 to $16 for Horse Show students. The theater is at 1500 Spectators are welcome to Rimrock Road. billingsstudiothe- view the Montana Arabian atre.com; 248-1141. Horse Association’s show in
SOUTHEAST COUNTRY the Super Barn at MetraPark. The show offers Arabian/Half/ Anglo Arabian horses. The MSHSA-approved classes are for all levels of interest, adult or youth, and the competition includes classes that range from side saddle to native costume as well as English and Western classes. Summer: Koncerts for Kidz A free music concert for kids is generally held once a month at Dehler Park Baseball Stadium on North 27th Street and Ninth Avenue North in downtown Billings. Placing special emphasis on providing qualit y music and dance performances inclusive of young people, the line-up of featured performers has continued to delight “kidz” of all ages. Dates and times will
Zoe Indreland, 8, from California, looks at flowers on display at Summerfair at Veteran's Park.
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EVENTS be announced on the website: w w w.koncertsforkidz.org. 6562744. June 2: Moss Mansion Springfest This free, annual arts and crafts fair opens with a pancake breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at the Moss Mansion Historic House Museum at 914 Division St. Open until 5 p.m., the fair features over 50 artisans and crafters, artist demonstrations, live musical entertainment, concessions and a bake sale. The Children’s Corner features More SOUTHEAST EVENTS, page 68
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carnival games and an expanded child’s crafting area. Food is available all day. Museum tours are also offered, but the usual admission is being charged. w w w.mossmansion.com; 2565100. June 7-Aug. 30: Alive After 5 For great music, enjoy Alive After 5 ever y Thursday. Each week, a different local band plays outside a bar or restaurant in the downtown area. The music is free, and the crowds are lively. At press time, the schedule included 10 Foot Tall and 80 Proof at Don Luis, 15 N. 26th St.on June 7; Zen at The Gazette, 401 N. Broadway on June 14; The Clintons at The Depot, 2310 Montana Ave. on June 21; Funk in the Trunk at Cafe Italia, 2417 Montana Ave. on June 28; Mid-Life Chr yslers at the Yellowstone Art Museum, 401 N. 27th St. on July 5;
David Grubbs/Billings Gazette
Sadie Baber of Laurel waves to the crowds of parade goers during the celebration of Laurel's 100th birthday. A sign on the side of the car Baber was riding in read, "Laurel is 100, and so am I", Sadie Baber, June 10, 1908.
Bob Zellar/Billings Gazette
Chefs & Cooks of Montana add strawberries to the giant strawberr y shortcake at Strawberr y Fest in Billings.
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Deadman’s Hand and Downtime at Tiny’s Tavern, 323 N. 24th St. on July 12; Jared Stewart at the Rex, 2401 Montana Ave. on July 19; 7th Avenue Band at the Monte Carlo, 2828 First Ave. N. on July 26; Peach Pickers at Pug Mahon’s, 3011 Fourth Ave. N. on Aug. 2; TBA at Walker’s Grill, 2700 First Ave. N. on Aug. 9; Bucky Beaver at the Brew Pub, 113 N. Broadway on Aug. 16; Big Caboose and ABC’s in Downtown Billings (Family Fun Night) on Aug. 23; and D’Tective at Surfer Joe’s, 1516 Fourth Ave. N. on Aug. 30. For any updates, take a look at The Billings Gazette’s calendar of events or check out aliveafter5.com. June 9: 21st Annual Strawberry Festival It’s the, and it is expanding. There are still the eight downtown blocks of activit y, plus areas outside the festival area
called “Strawberr y Patches” where there will be art activities and exhibitions. There will also be an antique and flea market on North 29th Street. The hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the day begins with a pancake breakfast followed by the 65-foot strawberr y shortcake. Local acts take over the t wo stages until 4:30 p.m. June 10: Festival of Cultures Admission is free from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to the festival which celebrates cultural diversit y. It’s held outdoors at Rocky Mountain College, 1511 Poly Dr. Come for a glimpse into the heart of different cultures through arts and crafts, food and entertainment. There are also activities just for children. The cultural talent demonstration fills the RMC Galler y in Tech Hall with kids’ art work. peacestudies@rocky.edu; 6571042.
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SOUTHEAST COUNTRY June 24: Symphony in the Park Bring your blanket or lawn chair to Pioneer Park. Start with the food booths at 4 p.m. and then enjoy listening to the Billings Communit y Band at 5 p.m. There is an Instrument Petting Zoo for young music lovers at 6 p.m., and the Young Conductors’ Contest begins at 6:45 p.m. The performance by the Billings Symphony Orchestra opens at 7 p.m. Except for the food booths, the whole afternoon of music is free. July 5-Aug. 9: St. John’s Summer Concert Series Every Thursday, take in a free concert at 7 p.m. outdoors at the Fred and Marie Miller Pavilion at St. John’s Lutheran
EVENTS Ministries at Rimrock Road and Shiloh Road. Come early for the $7 barbecue which opens at 6 p.m., and bring a blanket or lawn chair. Upcoming acts include Dave Oltrogge on July 5; Wilie and the Wild West Band on July 12; Cold Hard Cash Show on July 19; Mid-Life Chryslers on July 26; the Johnny Rodgers Band on Aug. 2, and a performer from the Magic City Blues event on Aug. 9. July 7: Montana Brews & BBQs From 3 to 11 p.m., come to Chiesa Plaza at MetraPark for a wide variet y of barbecued foods along with Oriental, More SOUTHEAST EVENTS, page 70
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Italian, Greek and Mexican cuisine. Highlighting the event will be over 40 kegged Montana micro-brewed beers to sample. There is also live music. Admission to the grounds is free. July 14: The Dirt y Dash Anyone can do a 5K (well, some people can). But can you do it on a mud run obstacle course? Trudge up mountains of sludge, wallow in mud pits and only let them see you smile at the end. The race begins at 9 a.m. at the grandstands at MetraPark. w w w.thedirt ydash. com/races/billings.html. July 14-15: SummerFair From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Yellowstone Art Museum’s SummerFair will be held at Veteran’s Park. This is the largest
juried arts and crafts festival in the region. Over 100 artisans’ booths are featured on the green as well as a large children’s area with hands-on activities and entertainment each day. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for students and $5 for a family. Veterans Park is at the corner of Poly Drive and 13th Street West. 256-6804. July 27-29: 94rd Annual Great American Championship Motorcycle Hill Climb Bikers come from all over the nation to take their chances at this Billings hill climb. Friday’s action begins at 5 p.m. and runs into the evening. The hill climb hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $10 on Friday or Saturday and $15 on Sunday at the gate or a three-day pass
SOUTHEAST COUNTRY is available for $25 from any Albertsons store, Montana Honda, Reiter’s Kawasaki or Chassis Works. No dogs are allowed on the grounds. w w w. billingsmotorcycleclub.us; 2525588.
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Auditorium at 1125 Broadwater Ave. Aug. 9-12: Magic Cit y Blues The biggest blues festival in July 28: Mexican Fiesta the area is still going strong. The 59th annual Mexican Enjoy a free, all-ages concert Fiesta is at South Park at South by a Magic Cit y Blues performBroadway and Sixth Avenue er at St. John’s Lutheran Home South from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 3940 Rimrock Road at 7 There is something for all ages, p.m. The main festival is Friday including live music, Mexican through Sunday. Gates open at dancing, a talent show, food, 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday crafts, games, silent auction for the ages 18-plus shows on and the annual car show. The Montana Avenue where t wo festival benefits Our Lady of stages will be set up for perforGuadalupe Church at 523 S. mances at 5:30, 7:30 and 9:30 29th St., where the terrific on one stage and 6:30, 8:30 meals are available. Festivities continue from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. with a dance at the Shrine More SOUTHEAST EVENTS,
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Runners splash to the finish in the Dirt y Dash 5k at Metra Park.
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and 10:30 p.m. on the other. Popa Chubby is a featured performer at 9:30 p.m. Friday. On Sunday, the music moves to South Park at Sixth Avenue South and South 30th Street for all-ages shows at 3, 5 and 7 p.m. (gates open at 2 p.m.). w w w.magiccit yblues.com. Aug. 10-18: MontanaFair Start with Sneak-A-Peek night on Aug. 10 when the gates at MetraPark open at 4 p.m. before the rides start at 6 p.m. From Aug. 11-18, take in all the attractions from noon to midnight. Plan on enjoying the fair food that you only get once a year like a Viking on a Stick. Several stages around the
grounds offer free entertainment, including music, comedy, kids shows and more. Nightly special events include concerts and rodeos. Exhibit halls showcase ever ything from the best farm animals in the state to hobbies such as needlework and elementar y and high school art work. Tickets are available online at w w w. metrapark.com or call 1-800366-8538 or 245-2422.
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Dutchmen from Sparta, Wis., and the Just for Fun Band from Billings — play a variet y of music. From 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, come to the jam session. Dancing begins Friday and the hours are 3-10 p.m. Friday, 2 to 11 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. There is also a Polka Mass at 11 a.m. Sunday. Aug. 30-Sept. 2: Big Sky Polka RVs are welcome to camp on the paved parking lot, though Festival there are no hookups. Buy a The Shrine Auditorium at 1125 Broadwater Ave. is again three-day pass for $35 or pay $15 for Friday, $18 for Saturthe site for the largest dance day or $10 for Sunday. Ages festival in the Rocky Moun12 and under are admitted free tain northwest region. Three bands — Julie Lee’s White Rose while ages 13-18 get in for half price. 656-7470. Duo of Fargo, N.D.; Ridgeland
EVENTS Aug. 31-Sept. 1: Burn the Point For all lovers of old and new cars, Burn the Point begins with a parade at 7 p.m. Friday in downtown Billings. Stay for the street dance that starts after the parade. On Saturday, MetraPark is the place to be for the car show, swap meet and car corral from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event is hosted by the Chase Hawks Memorial Association. www. chasehawks.com; 248-9295.
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Dennis Hepp of Kaycee, Wyo. records a leading time of 4.7 seconds in the steer wrestling event at the Yellowstone Stampede PRCA Rodeo.
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Rick Williams, playing General Custer, enters the Battle of the Little BIghorn at Custer's Last Stand Re-enactment in Hardin. Casey Page/ Billings Gazette
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Performances are at 1 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $20 for adults and $15 for youth. Young children are admitted free. Both events feature seasoned Indian and cavalry re-enactors. The entire weekend, starting Thursday, is filled with events in Hardin for Little Bighorn Days and in Crow Agency for Crow Native Days. Since the towns are 15 minutes apart on Interstate 90, and Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is just a few minutes from Crow Agency, visitors can take in a lot. One of the highlights in Hardin is the annual 1876 Grand Ball. Participants in period costume dance the night away Thursday, June 21, to the same music the 7th Cavalry would have heard at frontier posts across the West. For those who want to learn dances of the era, a group lesson is set that afternoon from 1 to 2:15 at the Big Horn County Fairgrounds. Tickets are $30 each and
include a light supper. Tickets must be purchased in advance. None will be sold at the door. The dance lesson will cost $5. Period dresses can be rented by calling (406) 639-2219. The Hardin celebration also includes parades on Friday and Saturday mornings, a demolition derby at the fairgrounds on Saturday and a street dance beginning at 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Crow Native Days includes parades, powwows, traditional games, horse races, rodeo, relays, trail rides and the Ultimate Warrior Challenge. Tribes from around the country are invited and everyone is welcome. The battle anniversary falls on a Monday this year. Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument usually waives admission fees on the anniversary and schedules speakers from tribes that participated in the battle, as well as organizations associated with preserving the battlefield and its history. Hotels in nearby Hardin fill quickly. Reservations are a good idea. Billings is 45 miles to the west on Interstate 90.
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Crow Agency Aug. 15-20: Crow Fair With visitors from all over the world, the activities at Crow Fair delight all ages. Crow Agency, 60 miles south of Billings off I-90, is the site for grand entries at the evening pow-wows. There is a parade Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning. Visitors can view traditional bead work, buckskin and leather work which show off each family’s skill. There is also pari-mutuel horse racing, Indian-relay horse races and an All-Indian rodeo, sanctioned by the INFR. The closing event is the parade dance or “DanceThrough-Camp.” w w w.visitmt. com; 406-638-3719.
Forsyth June 16-17: Matthew Quigley Buffalo Rifle Match Internationally known among those competing with original or replica period firearms from the days of the buffalo hide trade, this is the largest shoot in the U.S. of its t ype. The yearly match, which began in 1991 with only t wo dozen shooters, has grown to over 600 entrants from across the U.S. and from several foreign countries. Registration is held the day before match day, and the range is open for five days before the match for practice. Traders’ Row is available for those in a shopping mood. To reach the AG Lee Ranch, take exit 93 from I-94, go north on U.S. 12 for about a mile. Turn right on Carter ville Road. 406346-2763; coker6@rangeweb. net. July 19-22: Rosebud Treasure Count y Fair
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Family fun, carnival rides and exhibitors all combine for a great time. From Thursday to Saturday, there is evening entertainment. On Thursday, the Yellowstone River Rumble (mixed martial arts competition) begins at 7 p.m. The NILE-Sanctioned Ranch Rodeo is also at 7 p.m. on Friday. Tanya Tucker is in concert at 8 p.m. Saturday, and the Demolition Derby is at 2 p.m. Sunday. Stroll around the grounds to watch the free entertainment and load up on fair-time-only food. 406-346-2144. Aug. 11: Duck Days First adopt a $10 rubber duck, available from most Forsyth businesses, to hopefully win a prize in the Duck Race. At 10 a.m., the Duck Days parade will be coming down Main Street. The Duck Race is at 2 p.m. at the Yellowstone River. In the evening, back on Main Street, enjoy bingo and a barbecue at 5 p.m. at First State Bank before the live music starts for the street dance at 8 p.m. 406-346-7341.
amphitheater. Admission is free. 406-377-6256; makoshika@mt.gov. June 7-Aug. 23: Summer Youth and Campfire Programs at Makoshika State Park Ever y Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., the Youth Program provides educational and interpretive learning opportunities in programs geared to ages 7-13 with both classroom and outdoor learning experiences. Parents are welcome to join in. Registration is required. For information, call 406-377-6256 or e-mail makoshika@mt.gov.
The Summer Campfire Programs, held ever y other Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m., are for all ages. Guest speakers focus on the natural, historical and cultural histor y of Montana. Most programs are held at the Makoshika Hiatt Amphitheater. June 23-24: Cars in the Park Register your car from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Napa. The Badlands Drifters Car Club “Cars in the Park” starts with a cruise and fun run at 5:30 p.m. with prizes on Friday. From 9 p.m. to midnight, join the Gearhead Gathering at the Yellowstone River Inn. On Saturday, registration for the car show is from
Glendive June 9: Buzzard Day and Music in Makoshika Makoshika State Park celebrates the return of the turkey vulture on Buzzard Day, in appreciation for one of “nature’s cleaners.” There are events for all age groups, including a pancake breakfast, Buzzard Burger lunch, 5K and 10K runs and festival games. Many, many nature activities and demonstrations are available for kids. There is also the yearly Backcountr y Wilderness Walk at 10 a.m. It is off-trail and may be difficult for young children. Good foot wear, a walking stick and plent y of water are advised. Stick around for a live concert in the evening at the park’s natural outdoor
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Dancers enter the arbor during grand entr y at Crow Fair.
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9 a.m. to noon before the show from noon to 4 p.m. in Eyer Park in west Glendive. There are more than 40 trophies to be awarded at 4 p.m. 406377-3855; w w w.badlandsdrifters.com.
SOUTHEAST COUNTRY
Laurel
July 4: Fourth of July celebration Sept. 9: Bell Street Bridge Day One of the largest fireworks To help fund the bridge displays in Montana begins maintenance, ever y year a with a pancake breakfast at 6 festival is put on which offers a.m., sponsored by the Laurel food, live music and entertain- Jaycees, along with the Chief ment. From Towne Street, the Joseph Run from 6 to 9 a.m. festival is at Eyer Park on the The parade is at noon. Stroll west end of Bell Street Bridge. around town for the Food and Stop in for a day of family fun Craft Fair from 8 a.m. to 9 that includes children’s acp.m. There are activities and tivities, wagon rides, historical entertainment presented all tours, food, drinks and more. day long, including live music. Help celebrate the preser vation Fireworks begin as soon as it is and birthday of the Historic dark. 406-628-8105. Bell Street Bridge that is now used only by bicyclists and walkers who can enjoy the view going over the YellowJuly 28-29: Clark Day stone River. 406-377-5601. The Clark Day celebration
Pompeys Pillar
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EVENTS is at Pompeys Pillar National Monument, 28 miles east of Billings along I-94 at exit 23. In 1806, Capt. William Clark signed his name on the sandstone rock at Pompeys Pillar where it still can be viewed. Activities include nature walks, historical programs, interpretive booths and more so people can learn about life in the early-1800s. Admission is free from 5 p.m. Saturday to 5 p.m. Sunday, and it’s free for tent or RV dr y camping on Saturday, with park rangers on dut y all night. The Bureau of Land Management and Pompeys Pillar Historical Association are the event sponsors. rkodeski@ mt.blm.gov; 896-5235.
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Heart and Sole
Casey Page/Billings Gazette
Runners start the 5K race at the Heart and Sole Run at St. Vincent Healthcare. BY
CINDY UKEN
Don’t be fooled though. This event has as much to do with dancing, eating and socializing as it does about running and If you want to be part of the walking. cool crowd this summer, you’re The event has already atgoing to want to check out one tracted visitors from throughout of Billings’ marquee events Montana as well as Wyoming, dubbed the “Hottest Weekend Colorado, New Mexico, Idaho, in June.” Utah, Nevada, California, An entire weekend of events and activities, including a street Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Guam. They are attracted dance and chili cook-off, is by the small-town of Billings built around the 33rd Annual and its spectacular scenic Heart and Sole Run – all in vistas where the plains meet the historic downtown Billings.
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SOUTHEAST COUNTRY mountains. “For 33 years, the Heart and Sole Run has grown in popularit y,” said David Irion, president and CEO of St. Vincent Healthcare. “We are ramping it up a notch … to make it a destination-st yle event. We have long-sought a weekend event to draw people to Billings.” The run is set for Saturday, June 16 and features a 5k, 10k and 2-mile health walk. Heart and Sole is the 5K Western Regional Championship. Ever yone who enters the 5K is automatically in the championship. So, come for a visit and an invigorating, competitive morning run and you might go home with a medal. Proceeds from the race will benefit the YMCA Strong Communit y Campaign and BikeNet for the development of urban trails in and around Billings. Last year, organizers of the run donated $20,000 to the t wo groups. The 2011 event drew a record attendance, with more than 3,000 people participating. This year’s weekend-long event is expected to attract 4,000 and become a signature event for Billings. To capitalize on the growing interest of tourists, this year’s event is comprised of a “progression of activit y,” including a street dance, battle of the bands and chili cook-off. The weekend starts off with “Alive After 5,” an outdoor summer street part y in downtown Billings, hosted by the Billings Gazette on Thursday, June 14. “We are pleased to expand the reach of the event and partner with others in promoting health and fitness as a way of life not only in our communit y but regionally,” said Michael
Gulledge, publisher of the Gazette. On Friday, June 15, the Albert Bair Theater has booked the legendar y Montana Band with Rob Quist. Heart and Sole participants will receive a $5 discount on the $30 ticket. The festivities continue with the signature 5k run at 8:30 a.m. followed by the 2-mile walk and the 10k, all ending inside the stadium at Dehler Park where St. Vincent Healthcare and the Billings Gazette will host a healthy living festival. The “Montana Active Life Festival” will feature music, kid activities, food and family fun. Admission is free and open to the public. The Wild West Soiree Street Fair in downtown Billings begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 16 and includes a battle of the bands dubbed the Soiree Stars Musical Shootout. A street dance at 7 p.m. will wrap the weekend. Presenting sponsors of the Heart and Sole Run are St. Vincent Healthcare and Billings Gazette Communications. Registration for the 2012 Heart and Sole Run opens Wednesday. The event, which includes a 5k, 10k and 2-mile walk, will be held in Billings. The entr y fee is $20 for adults and $15 for children 8 and under for those registering before April 20. Those registering after June 1 are not guaranteed a micromesh T-shirt. You may register at w w w. heartandsolerace.org. For questions, you may call Montana Amateur Sports at (406) 254-7426. For discounted accommodations, visit w w w.heartandsolerace.org. Click on Race Details and Host Hotels.
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MORE INFO Pictograph Cave State Park expands Open Hours: Visitation hours at Pictograph Cave State Park will expand for April and May. Through May 27, the park is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Beginning Memorial Day, May 28, 2012 the park will open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission to the Park is free for MT residents, however park fees apply to nonresidents. For more information, call (406) 254-7342 or call (406) 247-2940.
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Lots of Things Happening to keep Billings Hopping SOUTHEAST COUNTRY
BY
SUSAN OLP
REDISCOVER MONTANA People who visit downtown Billings this spring and summer will find a variety of events to keep bringing them back. They’ll find everything from outdoor concerts to farmers’ markets, and strawberries in nearly every form possible. Year after year, the number of downtown activities continue to grow, says Lisa Harmon, executive director of the Downtown Billings Association. “We’ve become kind of a destination,” Harmon said. “In fact, we’re the largest city for a couple of states.” The events draw an increas-
ing number of people, as well, Harmon said. Last year alone, about 12,000 visitors attended the Strawberry Festival, and the Wild West Soiree drew more than 9,000 people. One factor that brings people downtown is its renaissance, thanks to years of renovation. Colorful foliage, daily cleaning and the presence of police on bicycle patrols also make downtown a pleasant and safe place for the different events. “We’ve made downtown a better stage for it,” said Harmon. Among the upcoming events:
First Friday:
June 1, July 6, Aug. 3 Downtown businesses extend their shopping hours until 8 p.m.
Stores that participate in First pers at the free street dance that will go from 7 to 11:30 p.m. Friday affix signs and flags to their storefronts so shoppers can find them.
Alive After 5: The outdoor concert series runs Thursday night from 5 to 8 p.m., from June 7 to Aug. 30. The free concerts, which feature local bands, take place at different downtown venues and offer dancing, food and beverages.
Strawberry Festival: June 9 Think of just about every way you can turn strawberries into something enjoyable to eat, and you’ll find it at the 21st annual festival. That includes a 60foot strawberry shortcake. The event, which runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., includes live music and more than 100 booths that feature food, arts and crafts and activities for children.
Wild West Soiree:
Casey Page/Billings Gazette
Breezy of The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band plays the main stage at Magic Cit y Blues.
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June 16 The fourth annual soiree, put on by the Alberta Bair Theater, includes a street fair that runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It offers games, food, arts, crafts and entertainment, and a $5 wristband allows participants to join in games an unlimited number of times. The event also includes chili tasting, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., as well as a Soiree Star Musical Shootout that will pit four bands against each other during the street fair. The winner will open for Bucky Beaver Ground Grip-
Yellowstone Valley Farmers’ Market :
The 26th edition of the farmers’ market runs from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday, from July 21 through Oct. 6. Wednesday evening farmers’ markets are slated for Aug. 1-29. Dozens of booths and vendors sell fresh produce, baked goods, locally made food and flowers and plants.
Criterium Bike Race: June 27 Timed bike races for participants of every level of rider run on a six-block circuit downtown. Onlookers can cheer their favorite bicyclists as they race around the course.
Artwalk: Aug. 3, from 5 to 9 p.m. One of five annual downtown artwalks, visitors can drop by downtown galleries and businesses that host receptions for local and regional artists who display their works. The event also offers refreshments and live music.
Magic City Blues Festival: Aug. 9-12 Though the details for this year’s event haven’t been announced, the event includes four days of musical acts at different venues downtown and in other parts of Billin gs.
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MISSOURI COUNTRY
FUN FACTS • Fort Peck Reservoir: More than 50 different kinds of fish swim in Fort Peck Reservoir, MT’s largest body of water. The lake is about 134 miles in length & has a maximum depth of 220 feet when full. There are over 1,520 miles of shoreline, longer than the California coast. • Freezeout Lake is MT’s primary snow goose staging area, a place where as many as 300,000 snow geese and 10,000 tundra swans gather & rest before flying onward. • Plentywood: This lively, small town features exotic animal farm tours & a hot air balloon rally in June.
Fort Peck Dam a Marvel to Take In BYMore than 20 billion gallons of water and 1,600 miles of shoreline. FourMONTANA million cubic REDISCOVER yards of gravel, a half-million cubic yards of quarr y stone and one third of a million cubic yards of field stone. The sheer size and volume of the Fort Peck Dam today can be a little intimidating so the realization that all of that was done 75 years ago can be tough to wrap your mind around. “It’s so immense that it’s hard to even discuss the scope,” said Michele Fromdahl, a park ranger with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which built and operates the dam. “It’s so big.” With that in mind, the dam will celebrate its 75th anniversar y on July 23 with a public ceremony and a day full of activities. “The Fort Peck Dam is a magnificent structure that has provided benefits to this nation since the day it was authorized in 1933,” said Omaha District
Commander Col. Robert Ruch, who will speak at the event. Fromdahl said that one of the highlights of the celebration will be a ceremony to honor the people who died during the construction of the dam. Overlooking the dam from its east side sits a memorial for eight people who died in an accident during the construction. However, many people don’t realize that 51 others died while the dam was being built, Fromdahl said. “This will be a memorial,” she said. “This will be for those remaining 51 people.” Fromdahl said they’re working to bring in people who helped build the dam, or at least their families. “We’ve got people from all over the countr y whose families worked on the dam,” she said. “We’re tr ying to get the word out as much as we can and a lot of people are interested.” The dam was built as a major public works project of
Brett French/Billings Gazette
Almost a mile wide at its base and nearly four miles long, the Fort Peck Dam was constructed in the 1930s as part of the Public Works Administration’s efforts to employ Americans during the Great Depression.
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Brett French/Billings Gazette
Water bursts into the air, creating a rainbow, at the base of the Fort Peck Dam spillway on the Missouri River. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and, at its peak, as many as 10,000 people worked on it at one time, with nearly 50,000 people working on it over 1,300 days of construction. Also planned for the celebration is a picnic after the morning ceremony, speeches from Ruch and Lois Lonnquist, author of “50 Cents an Hour,” a book chronicling the dam’s histor y. Fromdahl said that Montana politicians have also expressed interest in joining the celebration. In 2011, heav y flooding and late snowmelt swelled Montana’s rivers and lakes and the area around Fort Peck was not immune the deluge. When the Missouri River
flooded, despite rumors to the contrar y, the dam held and did not overflow, something dam officials say speaks to the work done 75 years ago. “There is no greater testament to excellence and endurance than the way the Fort Peck Dam stood the test,” Ruch said. Fromdahl agreed. “The dam went the way it was supposed to and it was like, ‘Hey, this works really well,’” she said. “See, 75 years later, here it is and it still works.” The dam is in northeastern Montana, south of Highway 2 bet ween Wolf Point and Glasgow. For more information on the celebration, call 406-526-3411.
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Culbertson June 15-16: Frontier Days A 40+ year tradition, Frontier Days features parades, rodeo, communit y follies and other entertainment. The whole communit y comes out for the parade, with local business and communit y group floats. Don’t forget the Friday and Saturday night rodeos, sponsored by the Culbertson Saddle Club. The tiered parking lot at the rodeo grounds lets you enjoy the show from your own vehicle. Call (406) 787-6643 or visit w w w. culbertsonmt.com. Aug. 10-12: Roosevelt Count y Fair This summer favorite offers traditional count y fair events including 4-H and FFA livestock auction, along with some unique activities. The evening dress review features area young men and women modeling their own creations. The Farmhand Olympics has egg throwing, shovel race, and bale stacking events. The O-MokSee, games on horseback open for all age divisions. Fair also includes a fun run, evening concert, horse show and t wo free meals. The fair runs 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily at the fairground. For more info, call (406) 392-5365 or Email rooscofr@ nemont.net. Sept. 1-2: Labor Day Wagon Train/Trail Ride Relive the days of homesteaders at this annual event that joins hundreds of people riding across the prairie in wagons and on horseback. Relax around the campfire and dancing under the stars. Fee includes meals, hay, beverages and entertainment. For details, call (406) 790-0600 or visit w w w.culbertsonmt.com.
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Brett French/Billings Gazette
Fort Peck Dam is the second largest dam in the United States and the eighth largest in the world. This view looks north toward the mouth of the Milk River.
Fort Peck May 28-Sept. 3: Fort Peck Summer Theatre This summer theater experience takes place at the historic Fort Peck Theatre, built in 1934. The Fort Peck Fine Arts Council (FPFAC) produces a summer full of shows featuring professional and regional performers. Reserved seating is available by calling the box office at (406) 526-9943. General seating is available for most performances. Shows run Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m. for performance schedules and tickets, visit www.fortpecktheatre.org or call (406) 2289216. June 16: Longest Dam Race Don’t miss the chance to run or walk across the largest hydraulically earth filled dam in the world—Fort Peck Dam. Event includes 10K and 5K runs, and a 5K and 1-mile walk. All ages and levels of abil-
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ity welcome, there will be T-shirts, free beverage and fruit are provided at completion of event. The events conclude with a picnic and awards ceremony at Kiwanis park. The first 75 entries will receive a free ticket for the Saturday performance at the Fort Peck Summer Theatre! For schedule, fee and award info, call (406) 228-2222 or visit www.glasgowmt.net. July 11-14: Montana Governor’s Cup Walleye Tournament This annual tournament brings in serious anglers from 18 states and Canada. Team fees of $400 per team make them eligible for the $15,000 first place prize. Winnings are big, with cash and merchandise prizes given to the top 20% of the 200, two-person teams. Other events include a Gals & Guys Tournament on Thursday morning and a Youth Fishing Festival on Saturday morning. A barbecue for the fisherman and families and a Fish Fry, open to the public,
make this event fun for everyone. For details, call (406) 228-2222 or visit www.mtgovcup.com.
Glasgow Aug. 5-7: NE Montana Fair Celebrate summer at the Valley Count y Fairgrounds with an old-time fair. This family-friendly fair includes: free entertainment, children’s activities, cooking contests, local talent show, t wo nights of PRCA rodeo and wild horse race, a demolition derby and livestock exhibits and sale. It’s a run for the ribbons with judging of quilting, arts and crafts, needlework, baking, woodworking and photography entries in 4-H and open class competition. Concessions, games, bike rodeo and more. Rodeo runs Sunday and Monday 7 p.m.-midnight. Call (406) 228-6239 or visit w w w. northeastmontanafair.com for details.
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Malta
July 31-Aug. 1: Daniels County Fair June 4-6: Montana Dinosaur Called the “best family fair in Festival/Dancing with northeastern Montana,” expect Dinos all the classic fair events includThe Great Plains Dinosaur ing: NRA rodeo demolition derby, Museum is central to this family entertainment, 4-H events, open weekend of fun. “Dino Days” kid’s class exhibits, carnival, petting activities include fun, crafts, activzoo, commercial exhibits, parade ities, prizes and entertainment by and more! The Daniels Country “Dinosaur Hunter” Arch Ellwein. Fair is located on Fairgrounds Enjoy a “Dino Burger,” served at Road. Hours are 8 a.m. to 11 City Hall. Enjoy a classic Pitch p.m., with great food is available Fork Steak Fondue dinner at the on site. For schedules and details, Malta VFW Club, on Saturday at call (406) 487-2468 or Email 6 p.m., followed by bpkaul@nemont.net. “Dancin’ with the Dinos” - a fun take off of the famous TV show; best dancers will be determined by popular vote. Call (406) 654-5300 or visit www.greatJune 23: Town & Country plainsdinosaurs.org. Festival
Sidney
July 9-10: Malta Car Show and Drag Races Great cars and plenty of food, vendors, and entertainment make this annual show and drag race event fun for all. The Car Show runs Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Drag Races are on Sunday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For more info, call toll free at (800) 356-7545 or Email tskones@fsbmalta.com.
Scobey June 23-25: Pioneer Days; Dirty Shame & Antique Shows Celebrate the olden days in the Cook Cars with a pancake and sausage breakfast before strolling down boardwalks full of historic buildings in “Pioneer Town.” Experience the family oriented vaudeville show featuring the Dirty Shame Belles and the Dixieland Band. Don’t forget the antique car and tractor parade! Sit a spell in the non-alcoholic Dirty Shame Saloon with a cool drink, popcorn and entertainment. Event runs daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call (406) 487-5965 or Email dcmuseum@nemont.net for details.
Fun for locals and tourists alike, this festival features sidewalk sales, a parade down Main Street and an old fashioned barn dance. Held in conjunction with the Neal Hermanson Memorial Ranch Rodeo at the Richland County Fairgrounds. Call (406)433-1916 or visit www. sidneymt.com for details. July 4: Jaycees Fireworks This annual Jaycees sponsored event is held at the Sidney Country Club on Highway 16 at the west edge of Sidney. Show starts at dusk. Call (406) 4331916 or vast www.sidneymt.com for details. July 14: Sunrise Festival of the Arts Thousands attend this annual gathering of the finest artists and crafters in a 3-state area. Festival participants gather in Central Park where art and crafts are on display. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features free entertainment, food and beverages, kid’s activities, and over 50 prize drawings. Visit www.sidneymt.com or call (406) 433-1916 for details.
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MISSOURI COUNTRY Aug. 1-4: Richland County Fair and Rodeo Known as “the show window of agricultural achievement in eastern Montana and western North Dakota,” this event features a PRCA Rodeo and big-name entertainment. Held at the Richland County Fairgrounds, check out the livestock and many exhibits, and enjoy the carnival and entertainment on site. Visit www.richlandcountyfairandrodeo.org or call (406) 433-2801 for more info. Aug. 4-5: Indian Arts Showcase This event brings together Assiniboine and Sioux from the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, along with the Three Affiliated Tribes (Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara) from the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota. Tribal members camp at the Fort Union Trading Post for two days to demonstrate the arts and crafts of the Native American people. Event features speakers, demonstrations, drumming and dancing. Call (406) 433-1916 or visit www. nps.gov/fous for details. Aug. 25: MonDak Harvest Fest This Harvest Fest is an antique tractor and pickup pulling contest held at the Richland County Fairground. Featured events include a kids’ pedal pull and motor bike
EVENTS training and a “Show and Shine” car show. Call (406) 433-1916 or visit www.sidneymt.com for details.
Wolf Point July 12-14: Wolf Point Wild Horse Stampede This three-day event is jampacked with fun and includes: a PRCA sanctioned rodeo, daily parades, a carnival, world famous wild horse race, kids’ stick-horse rodeo, Human Stampede Run/ Walk, street dances and even a cowboy church. The Palmer Brothers Circus is also scheduled to be in the town, making the weekend fun for the whole family. Call (406) 653-2200 for details. Aug. 2-5: Wadopana Celebration The oldest traditional powwow in Montana, this celebration brings the generations together for a great weekend of fun. Event features special ceremonies for naming of individuals and honoring of family members, games, run/walks, outdoor activities, a community feed. Open to all, for more info, call (406) 650-7104 or (406) 650-8724 or Email julslily@yahoo.com.
Medicine Lake has a lot of sport fishing.
Courtesy photo
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Avian Activity
MISSOURI COUNTRY
Medicine Lake a Bird-Watchers Delight
BY
ZACH BENOIT REDISCOVER MONTANA
Take a trip to the Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge north of Culbertson over the spring or summer and you’re likely to learn something about what refuge manager Jerr y Rodriguez says is an underthe-radar gem in Northeastern Montana. There’s no way you could count all of the species of birds there in a single outing, or probably over a whole weekend. “We have 361 species of birds that use the refuge,” Rodriguez said. “People are just astounded at the diversit y of birds that use this portion of the state.” Near the North Dakota border and just east of the Fort Peck Indian Reser vation, the refuge is 31,000 acres of land, including the 8,200-acre Medicine Lake, set aside in 1935 by
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a breeding ground and sanctuar y for migrator y birds. Open year-round to the public, the refuge, the refuge sits along Highway 16 in the middle of the open, rolling hills and mixed-grass prairies that make up much of the northeastern part of the state. To hear Rodriguez describe it, Medicine Lake is a bustling center of avian activit y as soon as the winter ice melts off the lake, lasting through the summer and fall and bringing in hundreds of thousands of birds during their annual migrations. The usual suspects — ducks, geese, meadowlarks, morning doves, pheasants and sharptail grouse — are common sights but there’s also the chance to spot rarer, sometimesendangered species such as Sprague’s pipits, chestnutcollared longspurs, hawks and falcons. “During the breeding season these birds are extremely ac-
Courtesy photo
Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge hosts a wide variet y of waterfowls.
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Open year-round to the public, the refuge, the refuge sits along Highway 16 in the middle of the open, rolling hills & mixed-grass prairies that make up much of the northeastern part of the state. tive, especially during the late morning and early evening,” Rodriguez said. “Not all of them next here but many use it to raise their young.” But the Medicine Lake refuge isn’t just for the birds. Visitors also have the chance to spot other prairie-dependent wildlife, bird hunting there legally during the appropriate season and with the proper permits, obser ve sharptail grouse dancing grounds via a blind set up by management, a 100-foot-tall obser vation tower and, for the anglers, fish. The shallow lake — it has an average depth of about 6 feet — is full of fish, including northern pike, and invertebrates. Rodriguez said nonmotorized boats are allowed on the lake as well. While there’s not an official
visitor’s center, refuge staff are happy to provide people with maps, literature and information about the refuge at their offices, located along North Shore Road and open from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There’s also a 14-mile selfguided auto tour of the refuge that traces a path around the lake. For the histor y buffs, stone tepee ring site that are possibly thousands of years old sit on the refuge. “Just come out and enjoy the bird life, the wildlife, ever ything we have,” Rodriguez said. “We’re unique.” For more information, call the Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge at 406-7892305 or go to http://w w w.f ws. gov/medicinelake.
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