rediscover montana 2013

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RMSPRING/SUMMER 2012

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TABLE OF TABLE OF TABLE OF CONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTS



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- Gov. Brian Schweitzer

PublisherMike Gulledge

AdvertisingDirectorRyan Brosseau

EditorGerry O’Brien

Special SectionCoordinatorLinsay Duty

SectionDesignersChristine ClevelandKatherine Jore

ContributingEditorsSherry DevlinSteve ProskinskiKristi AngelButch Larcombe

ContributorsPerry BackusZach BenoitEve Byron

Betsy CohenMichael GallacherNick GevockPiper HauganWalter HinickButch LarcombeMarga LincolnAlana ListoePaula McGarveySue OlpLorna ThackerayGeorge PlavenJustin PostCindy Uken Kurt WilsonLarry MayerDavid Grubbs

About thispublicationRediscover Montanais a publication of Lee Newspapers of Montana – The Billings Gazette, Missoulian, Montana Standard, Independent Record & Ravalli Republic.www.rediscovermt.com© 2012

WELCOME TO MONTANAWELCOME TO MONTANAWELCOME TO MONTANAWELCOME TO MONTANAWELCOME TO MONTANAWELCOME TO MONTANAWELCOME TO MONTANAWELCOME TO MONTANAWELCOME TO MONTANARe-Discover Montana… The Treasure State.



SPONSORSSPONSORSSPONSORSSPONSORSSPONSORSSPONSORS

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Every Wednesday at Pompey’s Grill enjoy a juicy, cooked to perfection 12 oz. prime rib. This local

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The downstairs of the hotel offers a lively nightlife experience to be had by all. With a casual dining menu, full bar, music and poker

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SACAJAWEA BARCome in for our full rack of baby back pork ribs. The finger lickin’ special is served with an Asian hoisin BBQ glaze and sweet soy nappa cabbage slaw with wasabi aioli. Make sure to order one of our Montana microbrews to help wash down these delectable glazed ribs. $19.95

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RMYELLOWSTONE COUNTRYYELLOWSTONE COUNTRYYELLOWSTONE COUNTRYYELLOWSTONE COUNTRYYELLOWSTONE COUNTRYYELLOWSTONE COUNTRYYELLOWSTONE COUNTRYYELLOWSTONE COUNTRYYELLOWSTONE COUNTRYYELLOWSTONE COUNTRYYELLOWSTONE COUNTRYYELLOWSTONE COUNTRYYELLOWSTONE COUNTRYYELLOWSTONE COUNTRYYELLOWSTONE COUNTRYYELLOWSTONE COUNTRYYELLOWSTONE COUNTRYYELLOWSTONE COUNTRY� FUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTS

• The 69-mile Beartooth Scenic Drive between Red Lodge and Cooke City has dramatic switchbacks over-looking snow-capped peaks, glaciers, alpine lakes and pla-teaus. It’s the most breakthtak-ing entrance to Yellowstone.

• Reedpoint, just off I-90, Exit 392, is home of the annual ‘Great Montana Sheep Drive’ held each Labor Day week-end.

• Gallatin Gateway was named for being the gateway to Yel-lowstone National Park. Its original name was Salesville, for a storekeeper, Alan Sales and his brother Zach Sales, who ran a mill in the 1860s.

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County Fairs are a long standing American tradition and the Gallatin County Fair is one of Montana’s best. Who can forget the child-like excite-ment of carnival rides that seem to defy gravity as they spin you in every direction? Kids of all ages can’t wait to indulge their taste buds with favorite “fair foods,” like sticky cotton candy, sweet funnel cakes or salty corndogs.

A fair institution, local 4-H Exhibits and Open Class Exhibits are on display, show-casing some of the region’s best, local talent in categories ranging from animal husbandry to gardening and photog-raphy. County fairs are also are known for their diverse, affordable entertainment and contests, with line-ups that truly offer something for everyone.

In addition to classic favor-ites like musical entertainment and the Bozeman Roundup Ranch Rodeo, this year’s Galla-tin County Fair has a long list of competitive events including: the Super Grasshopper Contest, Kids Pedal Tractor Pull Compe-titions, Ranch Horse Contest, Dog Agility Contest, Doxie Derby Races, and popular Dog Dock Diving Contest.

Back by popular demand are a host of entertainers and activ-ities that appeal to all ages.

Hypnotist, Michael Mezmer,

aka the “Phenomenist” will daz-zle the crowd with his amazing performances that entertain and educate folks about hypno-sis with a theatrical flair.

The Young Guns Wild West Fun Park offers kids 10 and under fun filled activities with Wild West themes in an old western town façade. The Pet-ting Zoo will bring kids and adults up close to farm ani-mals including cuddly bunnies, piglets, sheep, goats, chickens, miniature horses and alpacas. The All Aboard Train offers rides across the fairgrounds on a 40 ft. trackless train with its own engineer.

Other entertainment includes the Freddy Fusion Science/Magic show with TV personality Freddy Fusion who makes sci-ence both entertaining and fun. Ventriloquist Patrick Murray& Matilda offer humor and a special talent, currently making a revival on the entertainment circuit. Comedians Alfred & Seymour, aka The BlackStreet-Boyz offer hilarious humor,

They have been seen on the “Tonight Show”, “Friday Night Videos” on NBC, Nickelodeon’s “Kenan and Kal”, and “Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper”.

Those looking for musi-cal entertainment can expect performers the likes of The Bad Larrys—a talented acousti-cal duo consisting of Jay Aiken

on acoustic guitar and Scott Moore on upright bass. The two have performed throughout the northwest. Also on hand will be musician, John Dunnigan, whose musical style has been described as a merger of the talents of Jimmy Buffett, James Taylor and John Prine, com-bined.

PAULA J. PAULA J. PAULA J. MCGARVEYMCGARVEYMCGARVEY

BY

REDISCOVER MONTANA

IF YOU GOIF YOU GOIF YOU GO

The Gallatin County Fair runs from Wednesday, July 19 through Sunday, July 22 at the

Gallatin County Fairgrounds, located at 901 North Black (take the North 7th exit off I-90 and go South on North 7th, then East on Tamarack 5 blocks). Hours are Wednesday -

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. -5 p.m. For informa-tion on schedules, general admission and event fees, visit the following web sites: www.gallatincountyfair-grounds.org/ or www.gallatincoun-tyfair.org or call (406) 582-3270 or Email [email protected].

Courtesy photoAt the Gallatin County fair, the midway rides are a major draw, but there’s also local 4-H and Open Class Exhibits on display.

There’s something for everyone at the Gallatin County Fair



AbsarokeeJuly 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, country 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 www.absarokeearea.com.

July 28: Absarokee DaySponsored 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 [email protected] or call phone (406) 328-4240.

Sept. 1: Quilt ShowFree annual Quilt Show

sponsored by the Stillwater Quilters of Absarokee. Over 100 quilts and quilted items shown. Call (406) 328-7123 or Email [email protected].

BelgradeAug. 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 www.belgradechamber.org.

Sept. 28-29: Belgrade Fall Festival

A community wide event, the Fall Festival includes a parade on Main St. Saturday at 10 arts

and crafts in Lewis and Clark Park Sat. at 11a.m. and plenty of activities for the kids. Don’t miss the Barbecue with Baron of Beef and side dishes by local cooks! For more info visit www.belgradechamber.org or call (406) 388-1616.

Big SkyJuly 8: Historic Crail Ranch

Sunday Artist MarketAn annual event, this Artist

Market held at the Historic Crail Ranch, exhibits the local talent of more than 20 artisans and crafters. Expect to see artwork, baskets, jewelry and weaving for display and sale. The first homestead in Big Sky, the ranch will be open for tours. Admis-sion is free. For details, call toll free at (888) 280-0163, or

(406) 995-2160 or visit www.crailranch.org.

July 12-Sept. 6: Music in the Mountains Concert Series

This free series offers con-certs held at the Town Center Park on Thursdays nights; beginning at 7 p.m. Food and beverages are available. Visit www.bigskyarts.org or call (406) 995-2742 for info and performance schedules.

July 28: Country Fair and Arts Festival

Held at the Town Center, this

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Country Fair and Arts Festival has something for everyone in the family. Events include a 5K race, community parade and art exhibits and live music at the fairgrounds. Plenty of children’s activities and food vendors available.

Visit www.bigskychamber.com, call toll free at (800) 943-4111 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. Sched-uled artists include Boston Brass, Imani Winds and the Enso String Quartet. Pack a picnic or enjoy food and drink from local vendors. Visit www.bigskyarts.org or call (406) 995-2742.

Big TimberMay 28: Crazy Mountain

Museum FestivalThis Memorial Day festival

serves as the summer opener for the Crazy Mountain Muse-um. Activities include entertain-ment, food, music, raffles and a chance to view new exhibits for the season. Call (406) 932-5126 or Email [email protected] for details.

June 8-10: Big Timber Gun Show

An annual favorite, the Big Timber Civic Center will be host to a variety of vendors from throughout the region selling antiques, art, books, clothing, jewelry and, of course, guns! For more information, call (406) 932-5969 or (406) 932-4151.

June 29-30: Big Timber RodeoExpect calf roping, steer

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 fam-ily, the Rodeo Parade begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Visit www.bigtimber.com or call (406) 932-6228 or (406) 932-5311 for details.

June 30: Sweet Grass FestHeld in conjunction with the

Big Timber Rodeo, Street ven-dors will be on hand with an-tiques, arts and crafts, photog-raphy, memorabilia and down home country cooking. Events include a 5K walk/run and 10K run, horse drawn wagon rides, and a car and cycle Show-n-Shine. Fun for all ages. Call (406) 932-5131 or visit www.bigtimber.com for details.

July 23-27: Sweet Grass County Fair

A Montana tradition, the Sweet Grass County Fair is a 4-H, FFA & FCCLA fair. Events include open class indoor cat-egories, hundreds of livestock exhibits, Round Robin Compe-tition, Fun on the Farm, and more. Other favorites include the Friday evening BBQ and fair sale, evening concerts and daily concessions. Fun for the whole family.

Call (406) 932-5146 or Email [email protected] for more info.

Bozeman June 5-Sept. 25: Bogert

Farmers’ Market

Each week local farmers, art-ists and entertainers gather at Bogert Park. Held each Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. The market is family oriented with children’s activities. For more information, visit www.bogertfarmersmarket.org or call (406) 539-0216.

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 business-es showcase local art and offer hors d’oeuvres and complimen-tary refreshments. Local musi-cians line the sidewalks for your entertainment. For details, visit www.downtownbozeman.org or call (406) 586-4008.

June 16-Sept. 8: Gallatin Valley Farmers Market

Locally grown produce, homemade foods and hand-made crafts are available each

Saturday from 9 to Noon at the Gallatin County Fair-grounds. Call (406) 388-6701 or visit gallatinvalleyfarmers-market.com.

July 5-Aug. 23: Music on MainThe Downtown Bozeman

Association promotes this sum-mer concert series, which runs each Thursday evening. Food vendors, live music and chil-dren’s activities are available. For details and schedules, visit downtownbozeman.org or call 406-586-4008.

July 18-22: Gallatin County FairEnjoy this traditional county

fair, complete with animals, contests, carnival, food, music and a western rodeo. High-lights include Gallatin County 4H Exhibits, dog dock diving contest and entertainment by hypnotist Michael Mezmer. Call (406) 582-3270 or visit www.gallatincountyfair.org.

Aug. 1: Bite of BozemanRestaurants and food vendors

line historic Main St. providing samples of their best cuisine.

Stroll and dine to the sounds of local musicians. For details, call (406)586-4003 or visit sweet-peafestival.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 www.sweet-peafestival.org for event dates and details.

Aug. 19: “Cruisin’ On Main” Car Show

The 12th annual “Cruisin’ on Main” runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Main Street between Willson and Rouse Avenues. Car enthusiasts in all classes are invited to enter their ve-hicles in the show. Trophies will be awarded in over 12 car cat-egories. The event offers live music, food and shopping, prize drawings, and a Poker Walk. Visit www.downtownbozeman.org or call (406) 586-4008 for details and registration info.

Sept. 22: MSU Homecoming Parade

Celebrate this long standing tradition in Downtown Boze-man with the annual homecom-ing parade starting at 10 a.m. Stake out your spot early and plan to take in the game at the MSU Stadium at 2 p.m. Visit www.downtownbozeman.org or www.montana.edu for more information.



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YELLOWSTONE EVENTS,countinued from page 21



Clyde ParkAug 25-26: Old Settlers Days

Fun for the whole family, this event features fun and games for everyone, including a parade, bake sales, vendors,

barbecue, and dance. Fireman’s breakfast is Sat. at 7 a.m.

Other weekend events in-clude conversations with ‘Old Timers’, logging events, cow chip bingo, car show foot races, talent show and a Sunday pot-luck to honor Grand Marshalls.

Activities are held at com-munity Center, churches and on Main St. Call (406) 696-4796 or

Email [email protected].

FishtailJune 23: Fishtail Family Fun

DayCelebrate Fishtail’s history

with “Celebrating Pioneer Men”, honoring the town founders.

Events include a pancake

breakfast at 7 a.m., parade, vendor booths, duck races and exhibits. Proceeds go to Com-munity Center and Fishtail Park. Visit www.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 art-ists from the Fishtail area and beyond. Call (406) 328-6556 or Email [email protected].

GardinerJune 15-16: Annual NRA Rodeo

This event is truly held in the wild, wild west—taking place just a mile outside of Yellow-stone Park at the Jim Duffy Arena on Highway 89. Present-ed 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 Fri-day night after the rodeo, start-ing at 9 p.m. and don’t miss the parade on Sat. afternoon at 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.gardinerrodeo.com or call (406) 848-7710.

Aug. 18: Brewfest in the ParkCelebrate 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 www.gar-dinerchamber.com or call (406) 848-7971 for details.

LivingstonJune 30-July2: Depot Festival

of the ArtsJoin one hundred fine artists

and handcrafters in downtown’s Depot-Rotary Park as they present sculpture, glass art, painting, jewelry, fabric, fiber, photography, ceramics, wood-


David Grubbs/Billings GazetteA Mule deer munches on flowers on Dunraven pass in Yellowstone Park recently.



work, and more! Food vendors including the famous Depot pie booth! Visit www.livingstonde-pot.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 rid-ing. Held at the Park County Fairgrounds, reserved seats are $25 and general admission is $14. Fireworks held nightly. Call (406) 222-3199 or visit www.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 com-munities provide entertainment, including a band and street dance in Reed Point. Call (406) 696-1996 for details.

Aug. 1-4: Park County FairThis local tradition includes

a carnival, rodeo, various exhibits, pig wrestling, demo-

lition derby and more. The fairground has 20 water and electrical hookups for RVs and campers. Call (406) 222-4185 or visit www.parkcounty.org for info.

ManhattanAug. 17-18: Manhattan Potato

FestivalCelebrate the spud at this

annual festival, which includes a barbecue dinner Fri. night, and a Saturday celebration to honor the potato industry held in the downtown area. Events include a firemen’s breakfast, parade, arts and crafts ven-dors, food, music, car show and town dance. Kid centered activities include face painting, inflatables and balloons. Visit www.manhattanareachamber.com or call (406) 284-4162 for details.

NyeJuly 14: Nye Goes Nuts

Fun for the whole family, kids events begin at 4 p.m. followed


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by a Wild West BBQ at the fire hall. Take a chance at winning an ATV! Raffle drawing at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.nyecommunityfoundation.org or call (406) 328-6162.

Red LodgeJune 2-10: Red Lodge Music

FestivalMontana’s oldest and most

successful music festival, has been presenting professional musicians to audiences that would not otherwise have ac-cess to such opportunities since 1964. Serving more than 200 students annually, this week-long camp has transformed into a nine-day music festival. Event includes evening faculty concerts, student recitals, and a final band and orchestra per-formance. Visit www.redlodge-musicfestival.org or call (406) 252-4599.

June 23: 55th Annual Beartooth Run

This road race brings new meaning to the phrase run-

ner’s high. Held on one of the highest and most scenic high-ways in the nation, Beartooth Pass (Highway 212). Both 4.2 and 8.4 mile races are offered. Check out race details at www.beartoothrun.com or call (406) 425-2008.

June 23: Annual Beartooth BallPay 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 www.beartoothbill-ingsclinic.org, call toll free at (877)404-9442 or call (406) 446-0616 or 446-2345.

July 2-4: Home of Champions Rodeo & Parade

This annual event brings the world’s best cowboys and cowgirls competing. Crowds love the standard rodeo events, along with rodeo clown, Den-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 www.redlodgerodeo.com, call toll free at (888) 261-0625 or call (406) 446-2422.

July 20-22: Annual Beartooth Motorcycle Rally

This rally offers a golf tournament, Poker Run loop-ing through Beartooth Pass and Chief Joseph Scenic Highway, and a Motorcycle Rodeo. The Rodeo includes barrel racing, the slow race, the Potato Race, the obstacle course, and keg roll. Fun for participants and spectators, for information visit www.bonedaddyscustomcycle.com, call toll free at (888) 281-0625 or call (406) 446-2022.

Aug. 4: Red Lodge Climb to Conquer Cancer

Climb for a cure with this


Larry Mayer/Billings GazetteA Piper Super Cub cruises over the 308 foot lower falls of the Yellowstone River in Yellowstone Nation-al Park. The river was running especially high this summer. July 10, 2011.

David Grubbs/Billings Gazette

Yellowstone Park visitors take in the

beauty with their eyes and record it with their cameras at the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone

River.



American Cancer Society Fun-draiser includes a 3 mile hike at Red Lodge Mountain Resort offering scenic mountain beauty and a challenging, non-compet-itive walk. Post walk, enjoy the festival atmosphere with food, entertainment and fun. Ques-tions? Visit www.cancer.org or www.climbrl.org or call toll free at (800) 252-5470.

Sept.1: Red Lodge Fun Run for Charities

This festive event serves as a community-wide fund-raising initiative supporting local non-profit 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

and needed. For info go to www.redlodgefunrun.org for call (406) 425-0492.

Sept.3: Labor Day Arts FairThis free fair features 80

artists’ booths with bead work, pottery, paintings, sculptures, photography and more. Live entertainment includes fiddlers, belly dancers, and folk musi-cians. Food vendors, concession stand and picnic tables avail-able. The fair runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.carboncounty-depotgallery.org or call (406) 446-1370 for info.



offering scenic mountain beauty

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David Grubbs/Billings GazetteYellowstone Park in the early summer is the place to see newborn animals with their mothers helping them along.



Reed PointSept.2: Running of the Sheep

The annual “Great Montana Sheep Drive,” features hundreds of Montana bred “woolies” charging down Main Street in the spirit of the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain. Events include “The World’s Largest Small Town Parade” and over 70 vendors lining the main street. A special area for the kids includes rides and a petting zoo. End the day with the evening street dance. Call (406) 326-2315.

Three ForksJune 28-30: Headwaters

Country JamAn annual favorite for country

fans, this year’s Country Jam at “The Bridge,” near Three Forks will be featuring Joe Nichols, Justin Moore and the Kentucky Headhunters and more. For de-tails and ticket prices visit www.headwaterscountryjam.com.

July 13-14: Three Forks Rodeo & Parade

Two nights of rodeo ac-tion starting at 7 p.m. at the fairgrounds, with an authentic rodeo parade Sat. at 11 a.m. There will be music, food, crafts and more in this hometown set-ting with real Western hospital-

ity. Visit www.threeforksmon-tana.com or call (406) 285-4556 for details.

Aug. 2-4: Montana Antique Airplane Associa-tion Fly-In

This event is a must for fans of aviation with planes of all types will be flying throughout the day and evening on Friday and Saturday. The event also includes flour bombing and spot landing competition; Young Eagle Rides for children 8-17 years old; along with Breakfasts/lunches/dinners and dancing. Call (406) 585-9395 for info on Young Eagle rides and visit www.montanapi-lots.org or call (406) 580-6207 for other info.

Aug 10-12: Rockin’ the RiversOne of the Northwest’s largest

music festivals, Rockin’ the Rivers offers three days of classic rock and roll. This year’s entertainers include heavy metal favorites, Cinderella, former lead guitar-ist for The Runaways, Lita Ford, and 60s/70s rock legends, Paul Revere and the Raiders—famous for songs like “Kicks” and “In-dian Reservation.” For more info on band lineups, schedules and prices, visit www.rockintherivers.com.

West YellowstoneJune 20-Sept.1: Wild West

Yellowstone Rodeo

Enjoy exciting rodeo action with riding and roping events on scheduled evenings through-out the summer. This family- friendly event includes a special calf scramble for kids. Per-formances 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 www.yellow-stonerodeo.com or call (406) 560-6913 for schedules.

July 4: Fourth of July Celebration

Celebrate Independence Day and support the local commu-nity with a garage sale for Big Brothers/Big Sisters and two BBQs sponsored by the Hebgen Basin Volunteer fire department to benefit various community needs. The Parade begins at 6 p.m., followed by Music in the Park at 7 p.m. with fireworks just after dark. Call (406)-646-7701 or visit www.destinationy-ellowstone.com.

Aug. 2-5: Yellowstone Rod RunHundreds of street rods from

all over the U. S. converge on West Yellowstone for this four day event with cruises and various competitions scheduled. Saturday’s Parade of Rods on Canyon Street and Show &

Shine in City Park are event highlights. To register, call (406) 646-9759. Visit www.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, en-tertainment, demonstrations and seminars on a variety of life-as-it-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 www.twoturtlestradingpost.com or call (406) 646-7931 for details.

Willow CreekJune 15-Aug.17: Willow Creek

Art WalkHeld the third Friday of the

month from 5-9 p.m., the Art Walk includes three art gal-leries and a fire hall full of artisans and crafters. Food is available and the Willow Creek Cafe is also open (reservations recommended). Email [email protected] or call (406) 285-4709.

YELLOWSTONE COUNTRYYELLOWSTONE COUNTRYYELLOWSTONE COUNTRYYELLOWSTONE EVENTS,countinued from page 27

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� • 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 High-way 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.



Concert by the Riverside

There is perhaps no more stunning location to listen to gorgeously crafted classical mu-sic 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, fo-cusing 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 tradi-tion 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 empty-handed, there are food vendors and a full-service bar on site.

Last summer s concert fea-tured music from the Harry Pot-ter and Pirates of the Carib-bean films. And this summer’s

concert will likely take a similar musical direction.

What helps to make this con-cert appealing and entertaining to all ages is the symphony s ever-dynamic and charismatic conductor, Darko Butorac.

It is also evident that the mu-sicians themselves enjoy playing in the unique venue, and appre-ciate 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 spec-tacular setting for all of us at this concert.

Take part in the fun on Sun-day, Aug. 12 when the sympho-ny brings its glorious big sound to the eighth annual Symphony in the Park extravaganza.

The concert begins at 7 p.m.

BETSY COHENBETSY COHENBETSY COHENBY

REDISCOVER MONTANA

Linda Thompson/Missoulian



BrowningJuly 12-15: North American

Indian DaysThis annual celebration is

the largest of Blackfeet tribal events, bringing in Native Americans from every region of the U.S. Canada. Events include traditional dancing and drumming contests, the crown-ing of Miss Blackfeet, a parade, fun run, PRCA Rodeo and more. Runs noon to midnight daily at the Blackfeet Celebration Grounds, north of the Museum of the Plains Indian in Brown-ing. For more info, call (406) 338-7103 or visit www.black-feetnation.com.

DarbyMay 15-Oct. 30: Farmers

MarketSample the flavor of the local

area each Tuesday from noon to 6 p.m. with locally produced bedding plants, herbs, flowers and farm grown seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked goods, jewelry, yard sale items and more. Only $5/space, this mar-ket benefits the Darby Pioneer Memorial Museum. Call (406) 821-3753 or visit www.darbymt.net for details.

July 14: Elite Bull ConnectionDarby Arena comes alive

with a night of bull riding as top elite professional bull riders clash with top bucking bulls. Event includes food, beverages, and live music. No coolers, please. For info, call (406) 544-5536 or visit www.southvall-eyevents.com.

July 20-21: Darby Logger Days

A family favorite, Logger Days starts off Friday at 5 p.m. with a night of games and live music. Saturday’s festivities include a parade at 9 a.m. followed by 17 competitive log-ging events. Experience every-

thing form hot saws to log roll-ing with cash prizes for the best loggers. Kid’s events include a watermelon eating contest and sawdust pile. Food, beverages and live music available on site. For more information call (406)363-4432 or visit www.darbyloggerdays.com.

July 21: Strawberry FestivalHave a berry good time at

this old-fashioned ice cream social/raffle benefit ting the Darby Volunteer Fire Dept. Held at Darby City Park, the event runs from 5-9 p.m. Enjoy angel food cake with strawberries and ice cream while you listen to local musicians and check out the raffle prizes. For more info, call (406) 381-5114.

East GlacierJune 18-20: Traditional Indian

Games ClinicOpen to all ages, this clinic

teaches ancient North Ameri-can Indian games and how to craft the equipment used for play. The clinic is held at the East Glacier Park Lodge and is led by Blackfeet and other Natives from Montana tribes. Event runs daily 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For info, call (406) 226-9141 or visit www.traditional-nativegames.org.

HamiltonJune 8-10: MT Mule Days

This mule and donkey show draws competitors for up to six states and boasts over 100 classes, featuring driving, rid-ing and more. Held at the Rav-alli County Fairgrounds, camp-ing is available on site. Event includes commercial booths, food and family entertainment. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 8 a.m. to dark. Call (406) 777-2331 or visit www.montanam-uledays.com for details.

June 16: Annual Bitterroot Day

Come to the Ravalli County Museum and celebrate Mon-tana’s state flower, the Bit ter-root. Activates include art and crafts booths, folk art, chil-dren’s activities, refreshments, and farmer’s market. Call (406) 363-3338 or visit www.brvhs-museum.org for details.

June 30: An Afternoon of Cowboy Poetry

Come and sit a spell under the maple trees and listen to tales of some talented cowboy poets, yodeling and some good cowboy pickin’. Event begins at 2 p.m. and includes hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine. For more information, call (406) 363-3338 or visit www.brvhs-museum.org.

July 15: Tour of the BitterrootThis daylong event celebrates

biking and the Bit terroot Val-ley and is a benefit the Bit ter Root Land Trust. Events include a non-competitive mountain bike tour through the Skalkaho Drainage and on Forest Ser-vice Roads for all ability levels. Tour will be limited to 150 participants, so register early. Red Barn Bicycles provides SAG support, refreshment stops. The shop will also be providing food and distributing T-shirts and other items throughout the day to volunteers and partici-pants. For more info, call (406) 375-0956 or visit www.touroft-hebitterroot.org.

July 27-28: Art in the ParkThe Bit terroot Arts Guild

sponsors this fine arts and quality crafts show featur-ing artists from around the state. Expect all the usual craft items, including photography, sculpture, native art and more. Held at Legion Park, hours are

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 www.hardtimesbluegrass.com for details.

July 27-28: Daly DaysHonor 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 demonstra-tions, antique farm equipment and cars, carriage rides down Providence Way. Other activi-ties include music, street dance, pony rides for kids and more. Call (406) 363-2400 or visit www.bitterrootvalleychamber.com for details.

July 28: Annual Bitterroot Micro Brew Festival

Sample a variety of micro-brews, alcohol-free beverages, and foods while you enjoy entertainment. Held in conjunc-tion with Daly Days. Call (406) 363-2400 or visit www.bitter-rootvalleychamber.com.

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Aug. 24-26: Bitterroot Scottish Irish Festival

Held at the Daly Mansion, this celebration of all things Scot-tish includes a highlands dance competition, pipe and drum com-petition, and highlands games—including caber toss and stone put. Vendors will be on site with Celtic and local wares. For more information, visit www.bitterroot-scottishirishfestival.org/.

Aug. 29-Sept.1: Ravalli County Fair

One of Montana’s oldest county fairs, Ravalli County Fair has been running for more than 108 years. An old style country fair atmosphere prevails with a parade, 4-H and Open Class Exhibits, carnival, entertainment, food booths and more. Kids love the petting zoo, exotic animal display and ostrich racing. Big events include Bull-a-Rama on Wed., Rodeos on Thurs. & Fri. night and Sat. afternoon, and a live music show Saturday night. Fair is held at the fairgrounds at Fairgrounds Rd. and Highway 93 daily from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Call (406) 363-3411 or visit www.ravallicountyfair.org for details.

KalispellMay 19-Oct. 20: Farmers

MarketHeld every Saturday from 9

a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Center Street and 5th Avenue in Ka-lispell, this weekly market brings in the best locally grown and homemade food, along with a variety of artisans and crafts-people. 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

artists from all over Montana. Food, music and more than 60 booths will be available on the Courthouse lawn. Hours are Fri. and Sat. from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For info, call (406) 260-4499 or Email [email protected].

July 4: July 4th ParadeCelebrate American’s indepen-

dence with a parade down Main St. full of color guards, veteran and youth groups, floats, horse clubs, music and more. Fun for the whole family, the parade starts at 10 a.m. For more info, call (406) 758-2803 or visit www.kalispellchamber.com.

July 6-8: Artists and Craftsmen of the Flathead Sum-mer Outdoor Show

Artists and craftsmen of the Flathead host this event featuring local artists and crafters display-ing and selling their work. Show/sale includes beading, cowboy art, birdhouses, candles, carv-ing, woodworking, fabric crafts, jewelry, leatherwork, painting, porcelain work, dolls, stuffed ani-mals and more. Event is held at 1st Avenue West between 8th and 9th Streets, next to the Flathead County Courthouse. For more info call (406) 881-4288 or visit www.acfguide.com.

July 22-24: Arts in the ParkThe Northwest Montana’s

largest and longest running art and entertainment fair, Arts in the Park is an annual benefi t for the Hockaday Museum of Art. A jur-ied 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, entertain-ment, 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

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, demo-lition 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 Associa-tion event brings in horses and riders from the western U.S. and Canada. For details, visit www.mtrha.com or call (406) 531-7791.

Sept. 7-9: NW MT Arms Collec-tors 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 [email protected].

Sept. 9: MT Dragon Boat Festival

Montana’s first Dragon Boat Festival is being held on Flat-head 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.

LibbyMay 19-20: Koocanusa Resort

Salmon & Trout Derby

Koocanusa Resort & Marina’s

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 DaysThis 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 log-ging 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, mu-sic, entertainment, and food and drink for sale on site: no coolers, please. For more info, call (406) 293-4167 or visit www.libby-chamber.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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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 As-sociation.

Charming, personable, diverse in color and size, the mules and their people make for family-friendly 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 plea-sure, trail and costume classes.

Montana Mule Days is also a great place to take the fam-ily 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 Ander-son 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 negoti-ate hairpin turns with ease and stop their remarkable energy on

a dime. Even to the most uniniti-ated 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 every-day necessity not so long ago,

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 Mis-soula on U.S. Highway 93. Turn east on Fairgrounds Road at the corner of Adirondac and High-way 93 (Walgreens Corner). You can’t miss it.

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 fi nd delicious handmade pastries, gourmet cof-fee, breads, jams, pies, chocolates and other tasty treats such as empanadas, waffl es and breakfast

burritos.On different days there are dif-

ferent vendors, and as the grow-ing season evolves so, too, do the homegrown offerings.

Keep an eye out for the famed Dixon melons, the incredible Parisian-like croissants from the Old World Bakery and one-of-a kind hats woven from Bitterroot Valley alpaca fl eece.

Enjoy! Most of the markets run May through October, except where noted.

Saturdays:Saturday is the biggest market

day in Missoula, with three unique markets to choose from all within

a few blocks of one another in downtown Missoula:

Missoula Farmers Market oper-ates from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the north end of Higgins Avenue at Circle Square. Expect produce, plants, coffee and pastries.

Clark Fork River Market, located east of the Higgins Avenue Bridge, is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and offers produce, meat and dairy, and Montana-made crafts and foods.

Missoula Saturday Market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on East Pine Street, between the two farm-ers markets. Handmade arts and crafts, import items and prepared foods are the focus of this market.

SundaysOn Sunday, shoppers can wan-

der the Carousel Sunday Market & Festival in the A Carousel for Mis-

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.

TuesdaysThe 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 Rail-road Street near Circle Square.

ThursdaysOrchard 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.


REDISCOVER MONTANA

Farmers Markets


REDISCOVER MONTANA

Montana Mule Days

Missoulian



ing classics, antiques, muscle cars and drag racer. Registra-tion starts Friday. The show includes a poker run, cruising events, neon and flame throw-ing contest, live entertainment and car show with more than 400 entries. Call (406) 293-2633 or visit www.igniterscar-club.com for details.

MissoulaMay 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 art-work, 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.firstfriday-smissoula.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.

May 19-Oct.20: Missoula Sat. Market

Each Saturday, a new spot in downtown Missoula hosts this weekly market, which offers

craft and food items, coffee and treats and interesting im-ports. Event runs from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Call (406) 830-3216 or visit www.missoulasaturdaymarket.org for details.

June 6-Aug. 29: Out To LunchThis 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 Asso-ciation, call (406) 543-4238 or visit www.missouladowntown.com for info.

June 7-8: Missoula MarathonThis challenging marathon,

run at 3,200 feet above sea level, includes a traditional 26.2 mile distance, along with half-marathon, kid’s marathon, 5K and Missoula 5K events.

Visit www.missoulamarathon.org or call (406) 544-9521 for details.

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 artwork, meet the artists, and enjoy local food. For more information, call (406) 207-6502 or visit www.underthebigsky.net.

July 4: 4th of July FireworksCelebrate Independence Day

with Fireworks at Southgate Mall. Fun begins at 9 p.m. with live music, the presenta-tion of colors and the national anthem. The fireworks begin at 10:30 pm. Plenty of parking

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 www.shopsouth-gate.com.

July 14-15: Missoula St JamThis annual three-on-three

basketball tournament wel-comes 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 www.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 Dublin-ers, the Screaming Orphans, and Malarkey. Other events include a Kid’s Zone with face painting and arts and crafts, and Irish storytelling. Food and beverages are available. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.celticfes-tivalmissoula.com or call (406) 239-0105.

July 31: Kids FestThis free family festival

features stage acts, carnival games, interactive fun, displays, music, food, education and more. Event runs from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.in Caras Park.

Call (406) 721-7275 or visit www.missoulaparks.org.

Aug. 7-12: Western Montana Fair and Rodeo

There’s something for every-one at Missoula’s annual fair

and rodeo. Free stage acts, de-molition derby, country 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 Rid-ers nightly. Fair is held at the fairgrounds off South Ave. and Brooks. Call (406) 721-3247 or visit www.westernmontanafair.com for details.

Aug. 25-26: River City 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 photog-raphers 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 www.rivercityrootsfestival.com for details.

Sept. 9: GermanfestCelebrate German ethnic

heritage in a celebration that highlights Missoula’s Sister City relationship with Neckarge-mund, Germany. Held at the Pavilion at Caras Park from 3-6 p.m., the afternoon’s events include free musical entertain-ment and German style danc-ing. Children’s activities and an information booth on German culture, plus plenty of ethnic food and beverages. Call (406) 541-0860 or visit www.missou-lacultural.org for info.

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PabloAug. 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. Admis-sion is free. For more informa-tion visit www.peoplescenter.org or call (406) 675-0160.

PolsonJune 29-30: Mission Mountain

RodeoThis NRA Rodeo will be

held on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Polson Rodeo Arena. Circle C Rodeo Compa-ny 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) 883-1100 or visit www.polsonfair-groundsinc.com for details.

July 21-22: Flathead Cherry Festival

Each year Montana anxious-ly awaits the Flathead cherry harvest and Main St. in Polson is where the cherry action is this weekend. Fun for every-one, visitors can taste a variety of foods made with Flathead cherries and visit displays of Montana made items. There are games for the kids, a cherry pie eating contest, and a cherry pit

spit ting/stem tying contest. For more info, call (406) 871-8252 or Email [email protected] 27-29: Flathead Lake 3 on

3 Hoop ShootThis 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 fin-ishers. Call toll free (800) 750-5377 or visit www.flatheadlake-3on3.com for more info.

Aug. 10-11: Cruisen by the Bay Car Show

Cruisen By the Bay Car Show is presented by Valley Cruis-ers Car Show and Polson Art Festival and includes Art and Car Shows, plus two free con-certs. 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 win-ners at 3 p.m. Saturday. Call for info at (406) 883-1042 or visit www.missionvalleycruisers.com.

Seeley LakeMay 26-27: Seeley Lake Loon

& Fish FestivalThis two-day community

event is centered at the Seeley Lake Elementary School. Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m, Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m.. 2 Valleys Stage 2012-2013 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

GLACIER EVENTS,countinued from page 38



benefit the Seeley Lake Food Bank. For more info, visit www.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 Arti-sans, Inc., 677-0717.

June 2-Sept.2: Lit tlebird’s Marketplace

This Farmer’s Market takes place every Sunday from June to September on the lawn at Lit tlebird’s on Larch Lane in Seeley Lake. From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. area growers, ranchers, artists and creative folks come together to sell their wares in the ancient tradition of outdoor marketing. Call (406) 677-3663 for details.

July 3-4: 4th of July Celebration

Seeley Lake hosts a re-nowned parade and activities including games, a pig roast, arts and crafts, and lots of food. Fun goes right up to the spectacular fireworks display over the lake. Call (406) 677-2880 or visit www.seeleylake-chamber.com for details.

Aug. 24: MT Shakespeare in the Park

Montana’s only professional touring company producing Shakespeare’s plays will be at the Double Arrow Lodge in Seeley Lake with a free presen-tation of “Hamlet.” Show begins at 6 p.m. Visit www.shakespea-reintheparks.org/ for details.

StevensvilleMay 18-Sept. 28: First Fridays

Art WalkHeld on the first Friday of

every month, this Art Walk Series runs from May through October. Local businesses host artists who display and sell

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 www.mainstreetstevens-ville.com.

June 22-23: Western Heritage Days

Heritage Days starts out Friday with a Calcutta auction of Barnyard game teams, Chuck Wagon Cook-off, and ends with pickin’ and grinnin’ around the campfire. Saturday’s parade starts at 11, with cowboys and cowgirls, Native American representatives, floats, wag-ons, and more. Other activities include arts and crafts vendors, historic tours, barnyard games, and horse drawn trolley rides. Visit www.mainstreetstevens-ville.com or call (406) 777-3773.

Aug. 3-5: 100th Creamery Picnic and Parade

This 100 year tradition includes a parade, Montana State BBQ contest, Microbrew Festival, music, car show, food and beverage vendors, craft-ers, and booths of all kinds. Sample ice cream and visit the mobile dairy to see how we get milk products. Event takes place in Lewis and Clark Park. Visit www.creamerypicnic.com or call (406) 777-3773 for details.

Trout CreekAug. 10-12: Huckleberry

FestivalProclaimed “Huckleberry

Capitol of Montana” by the state’s legislature, this 30-year tradition includes huckleberry pancake breakfasts Sat. and Sun. and a Huckleberry Des-sert Contest. Food vendors are all about the berry with huckleberry ice cream cones, pizza, cheesecake, and drinks. More than 100 arts and crafts vendors display and sell their wares at Trout Creek Commu-

nity Park. Other events include entertainment, parade, 5K fun run, dancing, karaoke, kids activates and more. For details and schedules, visit www.huck-leberryfestival.com or call (406) 827-3301.

West GlacierSept. 10-14: Park 2 Park

This is a 418-mile, multi-day, bicycle ride that starts at the West Glacier KOA near Gla-cier National Park and travels through spectacular scenic mountain valleys and onto the high plains of southern Mon-tana ending in Yellowstone National Park. The ride sup-ports Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Montana and 15 local CASA programs represent abused & neglected children in the court system. Registration is $550 and covers lodging for 4 nights and food. Riders must raise at least $450 in donations. Call toll free at (866) 863-2272 or visit www.park2parkmontana.org for details.

White� shMay 29-Sept. 25: Whitefish

Downtown Farmer’s Market

Every Tuesday evening from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Whitefish comes together at the north end of Cen-tral Avenue, between Railway and Depot Streets. You can find local produce, art, food, baked goods and listen to music. Visit www.whitefishfarmersmarket.org or Email [email protected] for details.

July 4: 4th of July CelebrationCelebrate the 4th at Whitefish

Lake City Beach. Water craft rentals are available during the day. Live music kicks off an evening of dancing, food, and family fun followed by a spec-tacular display of fireworks. For info, visit www.whitefishchamber.org or call (406) 862-3501.

July 6-8: Whitefish Arts Festival

High quality arts & fine crafts are the hallmark of this arts fes-tival set in picturesque Whitefish. Depot Park will have more than 100 artists from all over the Northwest displaying sculp-tures, paintings, photography, woodworking, pottery, jewelry,


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clothing and more. Food, bever-age 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 ter-rain in Northwest Montana, and includes fi ve different legs: a Ca-noe/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 post-race 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.theglacierchal-lenge.com or call (406) 755-4622 for details.

Aug 10-12: Huckleberry Days

Art FestivalCelebrate the huckleberry har-

vest with this art fair that includes music, entertainment, and more. Held in downtown Whitefi sh 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.whitefi shchamber.org for details.

Sept. 9: Taste of Whitefi shThis 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 Whitefi sh is held rain or shine, from 5:30 – 8 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center, across from the Amtrak train sta-


EVENTSEVENTSEVENTSGLACIER EVENTS,countinued from page 41

Kurt Wilson/Missoulian

Hikers on Glacier National Park’s Highline Trial pause for a photograph.



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• Gold West Country includes his-toric 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 fi shing 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.

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�GOLDWEST COUNTRY

�GOLDWEST COUNTRY

�GOLDWEST COUNTRY

� FUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTS



Headwaters Country Jam Celebrates 5th anniversary

Courtesy PhotoThe three-day Country Jam draws about 10,000 concert-goers. Above, the Kentucky Headhunters gather to say hello to their fans.

Headwaters Country Jam, Inc is a cooperative endeavor of six principal partners to-bring live Country music in a festival atmosphere to Montana and the broader Northwest.

Inspired by other three-day music festivals, but wanting to put a local and country twist to the lineup; Headwaters Coun-try Jam was conceived in late 2007 with the first jam in June of 2008.

It is held at the venue known as The Bridge, near Three Forks. The Bridge is comprised of 159 acres and is the final resting ground for the historic Sappington Bridge that once spanned the Jefferson River.

Sixty acres are used for the State certified campground which holds 1,200 sites, ap-proximately 20 feet by 40 feet.

Within the venue is a 12-acre arena where all the magic happens.

Live music is provided on two stages. There is a beer garden and dance floor. Food and merchandise vendors as well as sponsor booths sur-round the interior of the arena.

Aside from music, concert goers can partake in horse shoe tournaments, dance con-tests, mechanical bull riding, and many other activities.

REDISCOVER MONTANA



AnacondaJune16-17: Anaconda Bicycle

FestivalThis 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, Discovery 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.

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 perfor-mances on selected Sundays at 4 p.m. throughout the summer. Visit www.sttimothysmusic.org or call 888-407-4071.

July 20-22: Art in the ParkWashoe Park is the venue for

three days of arts, crafts, ethnic and regional food, and profes-sional entertainment. One of the best shows in southwest Montana, Art in the Park draws in 75 juried art and craft booths from across the country. Call (406) 563-2422, or visit www.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-

freshments. Call (406) 782-5217 or visit www.mainstreetbutte.org.

May 26-Sept. 29: Butte’s Farmers’ Market

Each Saturday throughout the summer, an entire city block in Historic Uptown Butte is convert-ed to an outdoor marketplace, featuring baked goods, crafts, locally grown flow-ers and veg-etables, and seasonal fruits and vegetables from the region. Visit www.mainstreetbutte.org/fmar-ket.htm or call (406) 497-6464 for details.

June 9-10: Butte Mineral & Gem Show

This two day show sponsored by the Butte Mineral and Gem

Club offers a variety of vendors selling and displaying fossils, gems, minerals, polished stones and rock and gem collecting equipment. Held at the Butte Civic Center, activities for children, door prizes, raffles, educational talks and related day tours are available. Call (406)723-8524 for information.

July 6-7: Butte Vigilante RodeoExpect NRA Rodeo action,

complete with rodeo clowns nightly at 7 p.m. at this Butte Vigilante Saddle Club sponsored event. Expect plenty of thrills and spills as professional riders compete in bronc riding, bull riding, bareback riding, barrel racing, calf roping competitions. For information, call (406) 494-

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 entertain-ment in addition to multiple themed areas including: two festival marketplaces, a Mon-tana folk life area, a family area with activities for the kids and food courts with local and regional cuisine. Visit www.montanafolkfestival.com or call (406) 497-6464.

More GOLDWEST EVENTS, page 48

Dylan Brown/Independent RecordSally Bishop rides in the 4-up Roman style during the opening act of the Last Chance Stampede and Fair.

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GOLDWEST COUNTRYGOLDWEST COUNTRYGOLDWEST COUNTRY



July 26-28: Evel Knievel DaysHome to legendary stunt

man, Evel Knievel, Butte hosts this celebration of America’s greatest dare-devil each sum-mer. 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 merchan-dise vendors. Call (406) 491-6066 or visit www.knieveldays.com.

Aug. 2-4: Butte Silver-Bow County Fair

From farm animals to Patsy Cline tribute performer, Jean Coady, this county fair’s got it all. Expect to see arts & crafts, exotic animal shows, timberjack logging and dine on plenty of traditional “Fair food.” Visit www.butteciviccenter.com or call (406) 494-3648.

Aug. 10-12: An Ri Ra Montana Irish Festival

Celebrate Irish Culture with three days of Irish music, dance, language and culture. Lec-tures, workshops, documentaries and plenty of activities for the kids. Visit www.mtgaelic.org, call toll free at 800-735-6814 or (406) 498-3983.

Deer LodgeJune 16: Powell County

Territorial DayThis community celebration

is fun for the whole family with 3K, 5K, 8K and 10K footraces; plus a parade, a classic car show on Main St., concessions, craft vendors and children’s games. Visit www.powellcoun-tymontana.com or call (406) 846-2094.

July 28-29: Grant-Kohrs Ranch Days

Celebrate cowboys and cattlemen with blacksmithing, branding, chuck wagon cook-ing, roping, music and cowboy poetry at this historic work-ing ranch. Saturday evening in-cludes a campfire and music jam. Admission is free. Visit www.nps.gov/grko or call (406) 846-2070.

Aug. 15-19: Tri-County FairSouthwest Montana comes

together for this old fashioned county fair featuring a demo-lition 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 horses and mules from singles to six ups in friendly competi-tion. For more information visit www.drafthorseexpo.com or call -2854 or (406)846-2744.

DillonJune 22-23: Senior Pro Rodeo

Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce hosts this National Senior Pro Rodeo in Dillon at the Beaverhead County Fair-grounds. Performances begin at 6 p.m. each day. Visit www.beaverheadchamber.org or call (406) 683-5511 for information.

July 21: Dillon Jaycees Demolition Derby

A kick off parade at 2 p.m. is followed by the main event,

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GOLDWEST COUNTRYGOLDWEST COUNTRYGOLDWEST COUNTRYGOLDWEST EVENTS,countinued from page 46


Walter Hinick/Montana StandardTantrum lead singer and fiddler Kath-leen Keane of Chicago made her third appearance at the annual An Ri Ra’ and brought the crowd attending to their feet in applause.



grudge match, heat match, powder puff and Herbie compe-titions. Visit dillonjaycees.com or call (406) 683-5771.

Aug. 29-Sept. 3: Beaverhead County Fair

Two PRCA Rodeos, an outdoor concert, the Thomas Company Carnival, plus 4H live-stock show, vendors, exhib-its, and Karaoke keep the fair-grounds busy the whole week. Visit www.beaverheadcounty.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 County Fair-grounds, the Boardwalk Arts & Crafts Festival featur-ing local and regional artists

at the Beaverhead Museum Depot Park, .and the Labor Day parade downtown make Dillon the place to be this weekend. Visit dillonjaycees.com or call 406-683-5771 for schedule of events.

EnnisJune 17: Kids Father’s Day

Fishing DerbySponsored 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 lit tle pond at Lions Club Park, with their Dads acting as coach. Prizes awarded for age groups. Free barbecue at 1 p.m. fol-lows. Visit www.ennischamber.com or call (406)682-5711.

July 3-4: 4th of July Ennis Rodeo and Parade

Sponsored by the Ennis Ro-

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 www.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:[email protected].

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 de-velopment seminars, equipment displays, conservation informa-tion, entertainment and food. Event supports the Madison River Foundation. Visit www.madisonriverfoundation.org or call (406) 682-3148.

Helena April 28-Dec. 15: Helena

Farmers Market

For more than 38 years, lo-cal farmers, craftspeople, and food vendors have brought

GOLDWEST EVENTS,countinued from page 48

Eliza Wiley/Independent RecordPassengers enjoy watching the limestone cliffs go by as the relax in the new ‘Canyon Voyager’ now touring the Gates of the Mountains.



their Montana-made products downtown for this Helena favor-ite held Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. April through October: Located between Neil and Lawrence on Fuller Avenue, adjacent to Women’s Park. October through December, located at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds. Visit www.helenafarmersmarket.com or call (406) 449-7446.

May16-Aug. 29: Alive @ Five Each Wednesday from May

through September from 5-9 p.m. a different downtown Hel-ena block plays host to enter-tainment, food and beverages. A family friendly event, visit www.downtownhelena.com or call (406)447-1535 for sched-ules and venues.

May 18: Spring Art WalkSponsored by Downtown Hel-

ena, Inc., local businesses host some of Montana’s finest artists from 5-9 p.m. in downtown

Helena. Visit www.downtown-helena.com.

May 19: Montana Territorial Ball

This Victorian style ball be-gins 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.

June 8-9: Governor’s Cup Road Race

This family-friendly competi-tion is fun for participants of all ages and abilities.Spon-sored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, the weekend begins with a pre-event pack-age pick-up and Race Expo on Friday. Road races held Satur-day include the Fun One Mile, half-marathon, 5K, 10K and the Stuart Brownlow Challenge,

a Special Olympics/Physi-cally Challenged event. Register online at www.govcupmt.com or call toll free 800-447-7828 ext. 7990 for information.

June 2: The Queen City TriathlonThis East Helena sprint dis-

tance triathlon is held at JFK Park and is geared towards be-ginners. The race starts with a 1,000 yard pool swim, followed by a flat 12-mile bike course, and ends with a 3- mile run on a packed dirt path. Sponsored by the Big Sky Cycling Race Team. Visit www.bigskybikes.com for information.

June 17-24: Helena Choral Week

Free mini-concerts featur-ing guest artists are held Mon. Tues., Thurs, and Fri. are held at noon at the Myrna Loy Cen-

ter and on Wed. at noon at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral.

Classes and lessons are offered daily Email [email protected] or call (406) 933-5246.

July 1: Spring Meadow TriathlonLocated at the Spring Mead-

ow Lake State Park just west of Helena participants can swim in a small lake, bike a rolling 2-lane paved road, and run a flat course on a trail, dirt road and pavement. Youth 16 to 19 are encouraged to enter the USAT Junior Development Series Sprint race. Advance registra-

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tion only, for schedule/details visit www.imathlete.com/events/springmeadowtri.

July 14: One Helena Hundred This Helena Bicycle Club’s

annual century ride includes a traditional century ride (100 miles) and a metric century ride (100 kilometers/62 miles). All rides begin in Cascade and extend outward to the north, south and east. For details, call (406) 868-2534, Email [email protected] or visit www.helenabicycleclub.org.

July 14: Cardboard Cup Regatta

This family fun event spon-sored by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Spring Mead-ow Resources is held at Spring Meadow Lake. Participants can build a boat of any size from corrugated cardboard and pass a boat inspection before the race. The only other rule is to have fun. Visit www.spring-meadowresources.org, Email [email protected] or call (406)443-2376 for details.

July 25-29: Last Chance Stampede and Fair

The Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds is the place to go for fun this four day event with parades, a carnival, three nights of rodeo action, 4H livestock sale, demolition derby and an equine exhibit. Family fun with something for everybody, visit www.lastchan-cestampede.com or call (406) 457-8516 for details.

Aug. 10-12: Montana Wild West Fest

This celebration of All Things Western is held at the historic Kleffner Ranch, 5 miles east of Helena. Expect to see frontier craftsmen, gunslinger shows, and eat hearty western fare.

Other activities include wagon rides, western merchandise, arts and entertainment, a quilt show, a classic car and mo-torcycle show and a Chuck wagon Cook-off. Voted Best Western Festival in Montana by True West Magazine. Visit montanalivinghistory.org or call 406-458-3700.

Aug. 11-12: Double Divide Ride Cycle 139 miles in two days

through rolling hills, tranquil val-leys and challenging mountain passes. On day one riders travel 83 miles from Helena to Lincoln over MacDonald Pass. Day two is a 56 mile ride over Flesher Pass and back to Helena. Also famous for its fabulous food, riders won’t run short on calo-ries. Call (406) 439-0679, Email [email protected], or visit www.helenabicycleclub.org.

Aug. 16-19: Western

Rendezvous of ArtThis 34th annual art Ren-

dezvous features some of the nations’ premier contemporary artists. Held at the at venues in and around Helena, the event features an art exhibition and sale, art seminar and tour, art-ists’ reception; awards banquet, Quick Draw and auc-tion. Visit www.westrendart.org or call (406) 444-4713.

Sept. 28-30: The Last Chance Community Pow Wow

The annual pow wow is a spiritual celebration where people join together in danc-ing, singing, visiting old friends, and making new ones. This free event is held at the end of Na-tive American Week in Sep-tember. Call (406) 439-5631, Email [email protected] or visit www.lccpwhelena.com for details.

MarysvilleJuly 14: Annual Marysville

PicnicA family favorite, admission

is free to this event that includes exhibitors, gold panning, live entertainment, vendors, arts and crafts, games, contests and a live auction. Visit the snack bar for a grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, soft drinks, beer or ice cream, but forget to save room for the Baron of Beef din-ner with all the trimmings. For more information call 449-0222 for Email [email protected].

PhilipsburgJuly 27-29: Flint Creek Valley

DaysThis kid friendly weekend

includes a children’s parade on Friday, and a ‘three beer’ pa-rade on Saturday, followed log races, family games and a dance. On Sunday, the center of town is blocked off to show-case hot rods, antique and clas-sic cars. Visit www.phipsburgmt.com or call (406) 859-3388.

Sept. 8: Annual Miner’s Union Day and Mining Competition

Celebrate mining history with an adult mining competitions which consists of single jack-leg drilling, hand mucking, 12B machine mucking, spike driv-ing and team jackleg drill-ing. A kids competition consists of hand mucking, spike driving and single drilling with a cord-less drills. Proceeds will go for prizes for adult and kids com-petition. Call (406)859-5125 or Email [email protected] for details.

Virginia CityMay 25-Sept. 22: Brewery

Follies Experience this risqué con-

temporary American-burlesque-

cabaret musical and skit show throughout the summer. Two shows daily at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Call toll Free at 800-829-2969 ext. 3, or (406) 843-5218 for reservations. Visit www.breweryfollies.net for informa-tion.

June 2-Sept. 2: The Illustri-ous Virginia City Players

Bill Koch, artistic director returns after a 20 year hiatus for the Illustrious Virginia City Players 2012 season. Produc-tions include “Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde” from June 2-8, “Davy Crockett! Be Sure Yer Right, Then Go Ahead!” from July 10-Aug. 5, and “Seven Keys to Bladpate” from Aug. 7-Sept. 2. Performances are held Tues. through Sat. at 7 p.m. with matinees Wed., Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m. For more information or tickets, visit www.virginiaci-typlayers.com or call toll free at (800) 829-2969.

Aug. 17-18: The Grand Victorian Ball for Peace 1865

“Step Back in Time” is the theme of this Victorian ball—where you can learn about the influences of the Civil War in Montana’s early history and ex-perience customs and fashions of a bygone era. Friday events include a high tea at 3 p.m. and an authentic mel-odrama/musical at the Opera House at 7 p.m. Classes on dances and customs are pro-vided at 1 and 3 p.m. on Saturday with the Ball starting at 7 p.m. with a boardwalk promenade. . Dance all night in the Commu-nity Center Ballroom and enjoy a “light re-past” served at 9:30 p.m. Period dress is encour-aged, but not required. All events wel-come children. Or-der tickets online at virginiaci-tymt.com. For more information call toll free at 800-829-2969 or (406) 682-4935.

GOLDWEST EVENTS,countinued from page 53

Two dozen bands. Arts and crafts and displays. Tons of food and beer.

Sounds like a festival – and the entrance fee is a whooping nothing.

The second annual Montana Folk Festival is coming back to Butte this year, July 13-15.

“We’ll have six stages with continuous performances,” said George Everett, director of Main-street Uptown Butte and festival organizer.

The event is scheduled for July 13-15. It takes place throughout Uptown, where several streets are closed to cars and turned into walking routes to get from stage to stage.

The festival seeks to bring in regional music from throughout the United States, Canada and beyond. Last year included a Haitian band that blew away the crowd, and past festivals have featured music styles as varied as



GOLDWEST COUNTRYGOLDWEST COUNTRYGOLDWEST COUNTRYMontana Folk Festival offers over-the-top music, eventsTwo dozen bands. Arts and

crafts and displays. Tons of food and beer.

Sounds like a festival – and the entrance fee is a whooping nothing.

The second annual Montana Folk Festival is coming back to Butte this year, July 13-15.

“We’ll have six stages with continuous performances,” said George Everett, director of Main-street Uptown Butte and festival organizer.

The event is scheduled for July 13-15. It takes place throughout Uptown, where several streets are closed to cars and turned into walking routes to get from stage to stage.

The festival seeks to bring in regional music from throughout the United States, Canada and beyond. Last year included a Haitian band that blew away the crowd, and past festivals have featured music styles as varied as

gospel, salsa and blues.This year’s music lineup will

be just as diverse. There are performances scheduled includ-ing sacred hula dancing, Cape Breton Scottish Celtic music and Congolese soukous, just to name a few. And they’re still booking bands for the festival.

This year’s theme will be trans-portation. The festival will feature displays with the history of how people have and continue to get around, including railroads, horses and automobiles.

If early indications hold true, turnout should be excellent, Everett said. The festival’s Face-book page has people checking from throughout the region and farther.

“We’re getting a lot of feedback from people and our Facebook page is probably the most visited in the Butte area,” he said. “There are people from Canada and states all over Mon-tana who are inquiring about it.”

For more information and a lineup of artists, go to www.montanafolkfestival.com.

NICK GEVOCKNICK GEVOCKNICK GEVOCKBY

REDISCOVER MONTANA




BLACKTAIL RANCH — The Rit tel’s family ranch is well known for its hospitality, and is a favorite place among Helena residents to hold weddings and family reunions.

But along with horseback rid-ing, hiking and bird watching is a hidden treasure deep within the surrounding mountains.

For years, the yawning hole in the ground beckoned to Tag Rit tel, 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, trying 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 nerve to wiggle inside and check it out.

A crooked smile crosses Tag’s whiskered, 82-year-old face as his memory goes back to that day — four young boys with an old kerosene lantern, candles and a flashlight, channeling Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer.

“We sent in the lit tlest 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.”

Les Davis, professor emeritus at Montana State University and a former Museum of the Rockies archaeological expert, has studied the cave for years, first visiting here with members of a Billings archeological soci-ety 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 lef t in place when the animals died.

For two 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 Da-vis said they found a plethora of animal remains, some going back almost 40,000 years, they

couldn’t confirm Tag’s discov-eries 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 informa-tion. 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 Rit tel 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 [email protected].

Blacktail Cave takes one back to Huck and Tom days

EVE BYRONEVE BYRONEVE BYRONBY

REDISCOVER MONTANA Eliza Wiley/Indepen-

dent Record Tag Rit tle gives a tour of his museum, on the property of Blacktail Ranch near Wolf Creek, filled with treasures from the past.



In its 11th year, Evel Knievel Days 2012 is expected to offer full-throttle entertainment for those visiting the Mining City from across the nation.

Evel Days kicks off at noon Thursday, July 26, and contin-ues until midnight on Saturday, July 28.

“Kids’ Day” is featured throughout Thursday in addi-tion to numerous daredevil acts, street vendors and other attrac-tions, said Chad Harrington, the event’s executive director.

Returning to the event is the freestyle motocross course, the Wall of Death and a wide range of other high-flying stunts, he said.

Event organizers are working now to square away details for the event, which honors Butte native and the king of all dare-devils, Evel Knievel.

A car and bike show runs all day Saturday on West Broad-way and Harrington said every-

one is invited to woo the crowd with their wheels.

“Bring your pride and joy and show it off,” he said.

A lineup of bands will take the stage on Montana Street all three nights of the event, with the first two acts performing Thursday evening.

Harrington expects another three bands to play Friday, and maybe more on Saturday.

And this year’s Evel Knievel Days motorcycle parade is expected rival past years with more than 350 bikers expected to ride in the parade while also attending the three-day event in conjunction with the Montana H.O.G. (Harley Owner’s Group) Rally. A surprise, nationally known daredevil is expected to perform a record-breaking stunt as well..

Evel Knievel Days is a free annual event in Uptown Butte that attracts thousands of spec-tators from across the nation and beyond.

Online: www.knieveldays.com/

EK Days: a tribute to Butte daredevil Evel Knievel

Walter Hinick/Montana StandardStuntman 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.

JUSTIN POSTJUSTIN POSTJUSTIN POSTBY

REDISCOVER MONTANA

Lisa Hornstein/

The Montana StandardChris Nichols, 32, of Team X-Treem pops a wheely in front of the Montana Standard in Butte Thursday after-noon. Team X-Treem is one of many stunt exhibitions during Evel Days.



ANACONDA – From high up in the mountains to down by the Big Hole River, Anaconda Bicycle Festival leaves lit tle scenery to the imagination.

The two-day fundraiser includes both road and off-road rides all around the Smelter City, with proceeds to benefit the local Washoe Park Founda-tion.

Events kick off Saturday, June

16, with the flagship 25, 50 or 100-mile “Pedal the Pintlers” tour. The full route begins west on Highway 1, looping George-town Lake before running back east to Mill Creek Road, over the Continental Divide and into the Big Hole Valley.

The Bill Lee Memorial “Turbo 20” shuttles cyclists up to the lake for an all-downhill cruise back through town. Bus service is provided courtesy of Tucker Transportation.

Tracey Thun, Washoe Park Foundation co-chair, said they have attracted cyclists from

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, moun-tain bikers have their day at Discovery Ski Area for the Disco Mountain Boogie, spon-sored by the National Off-Road Bicycle Association.

The race runs 11, 17 or 21 miles through the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, and

is the first race in the Montana Off-Road Series.

Last year, Thun said the foundation raised about $4,000 between the two events toward enhancements and preservation at Washoe Park.

Money this year will go toward further implementing the park and Hafner’s Dam master plans, approved by the county commission last year.

Potential projects include work on streams, trails and re-storing the nearby duck pond.

“We want a park we can all be proud of,” Thun said.

GOLDWEST COUNTRYGOLDWEST COUNTRYGOLDWEST COUNTRYBike fest to bene� t Anaconda’s Washoe Park

GEORGE GEORGE GEORGE PLAVENPLAVENPLAVEN

BY

REDISCOVER MONTANA

MORE INFOMORE INFOMORE 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 Dis-covery Ski Area.

More information and advance regis-tration are available at www.anacond-abikefest.com.



MORE INFOMORE INFOMORE INFOMORE INFOMORE INFOMORE INFOMORE INFOMORE INFOMORE INFO

The Bard just may be tak-ing up permanent residence in Helena.

After 15 years on the move, the popular Montana Shake-speare Company opens its summer repertory 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 two plays run alternate nights, Thursdays through Sun-days, through Aug. 26.

Much as artistic director Kim DeLong has loved doing out-door theater since the company started in 1997, the sun gods haven’t smiled down, particu-larly the past few years.

His dream has been to build a regional, summer equity Shakespeare theater in Helena.

“Our future lies in draw-ing patrons from all over the region,” he said.

Not only will visitors to Helena enjoy high-quality 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-

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 Wash-ington University in Cheney, DeLong went on to study Shakespeare in-depth at Cornell University. In addition to teach-ing acting at the collegiate level for more than 20 years, De-Long 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 country – from Ce-dar City’s Utah Shakespeare Festival, centered in a town of 28,000, which draws in 130,000 visitors, to the Shenan-doah 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 country, said DeLong, quoting a study by the Institute of Outdoor Drama.

Tickets are $15. For more information or to order them, visit www.montanashakespeare.org or call 406-431-1154 or email [email protected].

MARGA MARGA MARGA LINCOLNLINCOLNLINCOLN

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REDISCOVER MONTANA

The Bard is back in Helena

Montana Shakespeare Summer 2012• Show dates:

“Love’s Labour’s Lost”July 1 2, 14, 20, 22, 26, 28,Aug. 3, 5, 9, 11, 17, 19, 23, 25“Othello”July 13, 15, 19, 21, 27, 29Aug. 2, 4, 10, 12, 12, 16, 18, 24, 26

• Performance times are Thursday, Friday, Sat-urday 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: [email protected]

Eliza Wiley/Independant Record



Montana Wild has much in store for adventurous children and adults this summer.

The main event and kickoff to summer is the Fif th Annual Hel-ena 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 per-fect opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy recreation.

Montana Wild is state Fish, Wildlife and Park’s outdoors learning center and wildlife re-habilitation facility, along with 5 acres of land, all of which are part of the Spring Meadow Lake State Park complex in Helena.

Evarts said the facility will of-fer kayaking and fishing clinics throughout the summer. Classes

on climbing and archery 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 Foundry and Machine Com-pany. Built first in 1892, the center recently was remodeled by FWP to include conference rooms, office space, a labora-tory, and interpretive and inter-active displays for an estimated 13,000 students annually.

Inside the 7,000-square-foot building are meeting areas—already being used by local conservation groups—and a hands-on science laboratory with microscopes and animal skulls. A central exhibit area features a stream aquarium contains an array of Montana fish including live trout, sauger,

and channel catfish.Outside, there is a new youth

archery 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 61-acre 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.


Spring Meadow State Park Explore on ‘Outdoors Day’



RM

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�FUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN 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 Ex-pedition may be viewed by the public.

• Southeast Country is most notably know by the historical battle that occurred in 1876 be-tween the U.S. 7th Cal-vary 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 authenti-cally refurbished early 1900s saloon. It’s also home of the annual Bucking Horse Sale.

� �



In the last days of June in the sweltering summer of 1876, one of the largest forces of Northern Plains Indians ever assembled set up camp circles on the edge of the Little Bighorn River.

On the dusty afternoon of June 25, while young men bathed in the river and women went about their chores, three companies of the U.S. 7th Cavalry came crash-ing across the water into Sitting Bull’s camp.

Five more companies under the direct command of Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer rode

the ridges above, apparently planning to cross and attack farther along the river. Two more companies and the pack train were coming up a few miles away.

But Cheyenne, Lakota and a smattering of warriors from other tribes swarmed out of their camps and crossed the river. They pushed Custer’s five companies back and wiped out the entire command, including Custer as he fought to his end on Last Stand Hill.

A few miles away, warriors laid siege to Custer’s six remain-ing companies, inflicting heavy casualties for two more days. Then, at the approach of more

soldiers, the tribes packed up their camps and moved toward the Bighorn Mountains.

Now, every year on the week-end nearest the Little Bighorn anniversary, the battle is fought again and again for the edifica-tion 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 Com-merce 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 Sat-urday. Cost is $20 for adults and $8 for children. Children 5 and younger get in free.

The Real Bird family re-enact-ment 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 Reserva-tion.

BY LORNALORNALORNATHACKERAYTHACKERAYTHACKERAY

REDISCOVER MONTANA

Re-enactments - PowwowsGrand Ball marks Anniversary of Historic Battle

More RE-ENACTMENTS,page 73



BillingsMay 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 story is told through Cash’s music. Show dates for the comedy “Maggie’s Getting Married” are June 8-10, 14-17 and 21-23. Unexpected twists are the focus of the story which takes place on the evening before the youngest daughter’s wedding. Show times for all productions are 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Satur-day, and the Sunday matinee begins at 2 p.m. Ticket prices range from $16 to $20 for adults and $12.50 to $16 for students. The theater is at 1500 Rimrock Road. billingsstudiothe-atre.com; 248-1141.

May 19: Heritage Home TourPlan a leisurely stroll to walk

through six beautifully restored homes in an historic downtown area of Billings close to the Moss Mansion. The event ben-efits operation costs of the Moss Mansion Historic House Mu-seum at 914 Division St., where you can enjoy live music and a barbecue at the “Preservation 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 avail-able at Billings Nursery on Poly Drive, all three Gainan’s loca-tions, the Moss Mansion, Gal-lery Interiors or at the homes the day of the tour. 256-5100; www.mossmansion.com.

May 26-27: Montana Arabian Horse Show

Spectators are welcome to view the Montana Arabian Horse Association’s show in

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 KidzA free music concert for kids

is generally held once a month at Dehler Park Baseball Sta-dium on North 27th Street and Ninth Avenue North in down-town Billings. Placing special emphasis on providing quality 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

be announced on the website: www.koncertsforkidz.org. 656-2744.

June 2: Moss Mansion Springfest

This free, annual arts and crafts fair opens with a pan-cake 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

SOUTHEAST COUNTRYSOUTHEAST COUNTRYSOUTHEAST COUNTRY

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More SOUTHEAST EVENTS,page 68

Casey Page/Billings GazetteZoe Indreland, 8, from California, looks at flowers on display at Summerfair at Veteran's Park.



carnival games and an expand-ed child’s crafting area. Food is available all day. Museum tours are also offered, but the usual admission is being charged. www.mossmansion.com; 256-5100.

June 7-Aug. 30: Alive After 5For great music, enjoy Alive

After 5 every Thursday. Each week, a different local band plays outside a bar or restau-rant 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 Chryslers at the Yellowstone Art Museum, 401 N. 27th St. on July 5;

SOUTHEAST EVENTS,countinued from page 64

David Grubbs/Billings Gazette

Sadie Baber of Laurel waves to the crowds of parade goers during the celebration ofLaurel'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 strawberry shortcake at Strawberry Fest in Billings.



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 down-town blocks of activity, plus areas outside the festival area

called “Strawberry Patches” where there will be art activi-ties 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 strawberry short-cake. Local acts take over the two stages until 4:30 p.m.

June 10: Festival of CulturesAdmission is free from 10

a.m. to 5 p.m. to the festival which celebrates cultural diver-sity. 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 demonstra-tion fills the RMC Gallery in Tech Hall with kids’ artwork. [email protected]; 657-1042.

June 24: Symphony in the ParkBring your blanket or lawn

chair to Pioneer Park. Start with the food booths at 4 p.m. and then enjoy listening to the Bill-ings Community Band at 5 p.m. There is an Instrument Petting Zoo for young music lovers at 6 p.m., and the Young Conduc-tors’ 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 after-noon 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

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 & BBQsFrom 3 to 11 p.m., come to

Chiesa Plaza at MetraPark for a wide variety of barbecued foods along with Oriental,


EVENTSEVENTSEVENTS




Italian, Greek and Mexican cui-sine. Highlighting the event will be over 40 kegged Montana micro-brewed beers to sample. There is also live music. Admis-sion to the grounds is free.

July 14: The Dirty DashAnyone 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. www.thedirtydash.com/races/billings.html.

July 14-15: SummerFairFrom 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the

Yellowstone Art Museum’s Sum-merFair will be held at Vet-eran’s Park. This is the largest

juried arts and crafts festival in the region. Over 100 arti-sans’ 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

is available for $25 from any Albertsons store, Montana Honda, Reiter’s Kawasaki or Chassis Works. No dogs are allowed on the grounds. www.billingsmotorcycleclub.us; 252-5588.

July 28: Mexican FiestaThe 59th annual Mexican

Fiesta is at South Park at South Broadway and Sixth Avenue South from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. There is something for all ages, including live music, Mexican dancing, a talent show, food, crafts, games, silent auction and the annual car show. The festival benefits Our Lady of Guadalupe Church at 523 S. 29th St., where the terrific meals are available. Festivi-ties continue from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. with a dance at the Shrine

Auditorium at 1125 Broadwater Ave.Aug. 9-12: Magic City Blues

The biggest blues festival in the area is still going strong. Enjoy a free, all-ages concert by a Magic City Blues perform-er at St. John’s Lutheran Home at 3940 Rimrock Road at 7 p.m. The main festival is Friday through Sunday. Gates open at 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday for the ages 18-plus shows on Montana Avenue where two stages will be set up for perfor-mances at 5:30, 7:30 and 9:30 on one stage and 6:30, 8:30

SOUTHEAST EVENTS,countinued from page 69 SOUTHEAST COUNTRYSOUTHEAST COUNTRYSOUTHEAST COUNTRY

EVENTSEVENTSEVENTS

Bob Zellar/Billings GazetteRunners splash to the finish in the Dirty Dash 5k at Metra Park.




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.). www.magiccityblues.com.

Aug. 10-18: MontanaFairStart 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 entertain-ment, including music, comedy, kids shows and more. Nightly special events include con-certs and rodeos. Exhibit halls showcase everything from the best farm animals in the state to hobbies such as needle-work and elementary and high school artwork. Tickets are available online at www.metrapark.com or call 1-800-366-8538 or 245-2422.

Aug. 30-Sept. 2: Big Sky Polka Festival

The Shrine Auditorium at 1125 Broadwater Ave. is again the site for the largest dance festival in the Rocky Moun-tain northwest region. Three bands — Julie Lee’s White Rose Duo of Fargo, N.D.; Ridgeland

Dutchmen from Sparta, Wis., and the Just for Fun Band from Billings — play a variety of music. From 7 to 10 p.m. Thurs-day, 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. RVs are welcome to camp on the paved parking lot, though there are no hookups. Buy a three-day pass for $35 or pay $15 for Friday, $18 for Satur-day or $10 for Sunday. Ages 12 and under are admitted free while ages 13-18 get in for half price. 656-7470.

Aug. 31-Sept. 1: Burn the PointFor all lovers of old and new

cars, Burn the Point begins with a parade at 7 p.m. Friday in down-town Billings. Stay for the street dance that starts after the pa-rade. 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.


EVENTSEVENTSEVENTS


Paul Ruhter/Billings Gazette

Dennis Hepp of Kaycee, Wyo. records a leading time of 4.7 seconds in the steer wrestling event at the Yellowstone Stampede PRCA Rodeo.





Performances are at 1 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $20 for adults and $15 for youth. Young children are admit-ted 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, visi-tors 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 Sat-urday and a street dance begin-ning 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 par-ticipated 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.

Rick Williams, playing General

Custer, enters the Battle of the

Lit tle BIghorn at Custer's Last

Stand Re-enact-ment in Hardin.

Casey Page/Billings Gazette

RE-ENACTMENTS,countinued from page 63



Crow AgencyAug. 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 “Dance-Through-Camp.” www.visitmt.com; 406-638-3719.

ForsythJune 16-17: Matthew

Quigley Buffalo Rifle Match

Internationally known among those competing with origi-nal or replica period firearms from the days of the buffalo hide trade, this is the largest shoot in the U.S. of its type. The yearly match, which began in 1991 with only two 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 Carterville Road. 406-346-2763; [email protected].

July 19-22: Rosebud Treasure County Fair

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 competi-tion) 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 Demoli-tion 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 DaysFirst 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.

GlendiveJune 9: Buzzard Day and

Music in MakoshikaMakoshika 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 avail-able for kids. There is also the yearly Backcountry Wilderness Walk at 10 a.m. It is off-trail and may be difficult for young children. Good footwear, a walking stick and plenty of water are advised. Stick around for a live concert in the evening at the park’s natural outdoor

amphitheater. Admission is free. 406-377-6256; [email protected].

June 7-Aug. 23: Summer Youth and Campfire Programs at Makoshika State Park

Every Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., the Youth Program provides educational and inter-pretive 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 [email protected].

The Summer Campfire Pro-grams, held every other Thurs-day from 7 to 9 p.m., are for all ages. Guest speakers focus on the natural, historical and cultural history of Montana. Most programs are held at the Makoshika Hiatt Amphitheater.

June 23-24: Cars in the ParkRegister your car from 5:30

to 8 p.m. at Napa. The Bad-lands Drif ters 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, regis-tration for the car show is from


Casey Page/Billings GazetteDancers enter the arbor during grand entry at Crow Fair.



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. 406-377-3855; www.badlandsdrif t-ers.com.

Sept. 9: Bell Street Bridge DayTo help fund the bridge

maintenance, every year a festival is put on which offers food, live music and entertain-ment. From Towne Street, the festival is at Eyer Park on the west end of Bell Street Bridge. Stop in for a day of family fun that includes children’s ac-tivities, wagon rides, historical tours, food, drinks and more. Help celebrate the preservation and birthday of the Historic Bell Street Bridge that is now used only by bicyclists and walkers who can enjoy the view going over the Yellow-stone River. 406-377-5601.

LaurelJuly 4: Fourth of July

celebrationOne of the largest fireworks

displays in Montana begins with a pancake breakfast at 6 a.m., sponsored by the Laurel Jaycees, along with the Chief Joseph Run from 6 to 9 a.m. The parade is at noon. Stroll around town for the Food and Craft Fair from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. There are activities and entertainment presented all day long, including live music. Fireworks begin as soon as it is dark. 406-628-8105.

Pompeys PillarJuly 28-29: Clark Day

The Clark Day celebration

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 sand-stone rock at Pompeys Pillar where it still can be viewed. Activities include nature walks, historical programs, interpre-tive booths and more so peo-ple 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 dry camping on Satur-day, with park rangers on duty all night. The Bureau of Land Management and Pompeys Pillar Historical Association are the event sponsors. [email protected]; 896-5235.

SOUTHEAST COUNTRYSOUTHEAST COUNTRYSOUTHEAST COUNTRYSOUTHEAST COUNTRYSOUTHEAST COUNTRYSOUTHEAST COUNTRY

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If you want to be part of the cool crowd this summer, you’re going to want to check out one of Billings’ marquee events dubbed the “Hottest Weekend in June.”

An entire weekend of events and activities, including a street dance and chili cook-off, is built around the 33rd Annual Heart and Sole Run – all in historic downtown Billings.

Don’t be fooled though. This event has as much to do with dancing, eating and socializing as it does about running and walking.

The event has already at-tracted visitors from throughout Montana as well as Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Guam. They are attracted by the small-town of Billings and its spectacular scenic vistas where the plains meet the

mountains.“For 33 years, the Heart and

Sole Run has grown in popular-ity,” said David Irion, president and CEO of St. Vincent Health-care. “We are ramping it up a notch … to make it a des-tination-style 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 Re-gional Championship. Everyone who enters the 5K is automati-cally in the championship. So, come for a visit and an invigo-rating, competitive morning run and you might go home with a medal.

Proceeds from the race will benefit the YMCA Strong Community Campaign and BikeNet for the development of urban trails in and around Billings. Last year, orga-nizers of the run donated $20,000 to the two 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 “pro-gression of activity,” including a street dance, battle of the bands and chili cook-off.

The weekend starts off with “Alive After 5,” an outdoor summer street party in down-town Billings, hosted by the Billings Gazette on Thursday, June 14.

“We are pleased to expand the reach of the event and part-ner with others in promoting health and fitness as a way of life not only in our community but regionally,” said Michael

Gulledge, publisher of the Gazette.

On Friday, June 15, the Albert Bair Theater has booked the legendary 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 Health-care and the Billings Gazette will host a healthy living festi-val. 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 entry fee is $20 for adults and $15 for children 8 and under for those registering before April 20. Those register-ing after June 1 are not guar-anteed a micromesh T-shirt.

You may register at www.heartandsolerace.org. For questions, you may call Mon-tana Amateur Sports at (406) 254-7426.

For discounted accommoda-tions, visit www.heartandsol-erace.org. Click on Race Details and Host Hotels.

Heart and Sole


Runners start the 5K race at the Heart and Sole Run atSt. Vincent Healthcare.

CINDY UKENCINDY UKENCINDY UKENBY

REDISCOVER MONTANA



MORE INFOMORE INFOMORE 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 non-residents. For more information, call (406) 254-7342 or call (406) 247-2940.



Lots of Things Happening to keep Billings Hopping


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, execu-tive 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 down-town 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 Friday affix signs and flags to their storefronts so shoppers can find them.

Alive Af ter 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 dif-ferent downtown venues and offer dancing, food and bever-ages.

Strawber ry Festival:June 9Think 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 60-foot strawberry shortcake. The event, which runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., includes live music and more than 100 booths that fea-ture food, arts and crafts and activities for children.

Wild West Soiree:June 16The 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 wrist-band 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-

pers at the free street dance that will go from 7 to 11:30 p.m.

Yellowstone Valley Farmers’ Market:

The 26th edition of the farm-ers’ 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 27Timed bike races for partici-

pants of every level of rider run on a six-block circuit downtown. Onlookers can cheer their favor-ite bicyclists as they race around the course.

Ar twalk:Aug. 3, from 5 to 9 p.m. One of five annual downtown

artwalks, visitors can drop by downtown galleries and busi-nesses 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. 9-12Though the details for this

year’s event haven’t been an-nounced, the event includes four days of musical acts at different venues downtown and in other parts of Billin gs.

SUSAN OLP SUSAN OLP SUSAN OLPBY

REDISCOVER MONTANA


Breezy of The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band plays the main stage at Magic City Blues.



RM FUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTSFUN FACTS• Fort Peck Reservoir:

More than 50 different kinds of fi sh 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 fl ying onward.

• Plentywood: This lively, small town features exotic animal farm tours & a hot air balloon rally in June.

MISSOURI COUNTRYMISSOURI COUNTRYMISSOURI COUNTRYMISSOURI COUNTRYMISSOURI COUNTRYMISSOURI COUNTRYMISSOURI COUNTRYMISSOURI COUNTRYMISSOURI COUNTRYMISSOURI COUNTRYMISSOURI COUNTRYMISSOURI COUNTRYMISSOURI COUNTRYMISSOURI COUNTRYMISSOURI COUNTRYMISSOURI COUNTRYMISSOURI COUNTRYMISSOURI COUNTRY

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Fort Peck Dam a Marvel to Take InMore than 20 billion gal-

lons of water and 1,600 miles of shoreline. Four million cubic yards of gravel, a half-million cubic yards of quarry 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 lit tle intimidating so the real-ization 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 anniver-sary 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 construc-tion. 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 work-ing to bring in people who helped build the dam, or at least their families.

“We’ve got people from all over the country whose families worked on the dam,” she said. “We’re trying 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 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 celebra-tion is a picnic after the morn-ing ceremony, speeches from Ruch and Lois Lonnquist, author of “50 Cents an Hour,” a book chronicling the dam’s history.

Fromdahl said that Montana politicians have also expressed interest in joining the celebra-tion.

In 2011, heavy flooding and late snowmelt swelled Mon-tana’s rivers and lakes and the area around Fort Peck was not immune the deluge.

When the Missouri River

flooded, despite rumors to the contrary, the dam held and did not overflow, something dam officials say speaks to the work done 75 years ago.

“There is no greater testa-ment to excellence and endur-ance 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 between Wolf Point and Glasgow.

For more information on the celebration, call 406-526-3411.

Brett French/Billings GazetteWater bursts into the air, creating a rainbow, at the base of the Fort Peck Dam spillway on the Missouri River.

Brett French/Billings GazetteAlmost a mile wide at its base and nearly four miles long, the Fort Peck Dam was constructed in the 1930s as part of the Pub-lic Works Administration’s efforts to employ Americans during the Great Depression.



CulbertsonJune 15-16: Frontier Days

A 40+ year tradition, Fron-tier Days features parades, rodeo, community follies and other entertainment. The whole community comes out for the parade, with local business and community 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 www.culbertsonmt.com.

Aug. 10-12: Roosevelt County Fair

This summer favorite offers traditional county fair events including 4-H and FFA live-stock auction, along with some unique activities. The evening dress review features area young men and women model-ing their own creations. The Farmhand Olympics has egg throwing, shovel race, and bale stacking events. The O-Mok-See, games on horseback open for all age divisions. Fair also includes a fun run, evening con-cert, horse show and two free meals. The fair runs 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily at the fairground. For more info, call (406) 392-5365 or Email [email protected].

Sept. 1-2: Labor Day Wagon Train/Trail Ride

Relive the days of home-steaders 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 www.culbertsonmt.com.

Fort PeckMay 28-Sept. 3: Fort Peck

Summer Theatre

This summer theater experi-ence 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 profes-sional 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.fortpeck-theatre.org or call (406) 228-9216.

June 16: Longest Dam RaceDon’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-

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 Gover-nor’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.

GlasgowAug. 5-7: NE Montana Fair

Celebrate summer at the Val-ley County Fairgrounds with an old-time fair. This family-friend-ly fair includes: free entertain-ment, children’s activities, cook-ing contests, local talent show, two nights of PRCA rodeo and wild horse race, a demolition derby and livestock exhibits and sale. It’s a run for the rib-bons with judging of quilting, arts and crafts, needlework, baking, woodworking and photography entries in 4-H and open class competition. Conces-sions, games, bike rodeo and more. Rodeo runs Sunday and Monday 7 p.m.-midnight. Call (406) 228-6239 or visit www.northeastmontanafair.com for details.

Brett French/Billings GazetteFort 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.



MaltaJune 4-6: Montana Dinosaur

Festival/Dancing with Dinos

The Great Plains Dinosaur Museum is central to this family weekend of fun. “Dino Days” kid’s activities include fun, crafts, activ-ities, prizes and entertainment by “Dinosaur Hunter” Arch Ellwein. Enjoy a “Dino Burger,” served at City Hall. Enjoy a classic Pitch Fork Steak Fondue dinner at the Malta VFW Club, on Saturday at 6 p.m., followed by

“Dancin’ with the Dinos” - a fun take off of the famous TV show; best dancers will be deter-mined by popular vote. Call (406) 654-5300 or visit www.great-plainsdinosaurs.org.

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 [email protected].

ScobeyJune 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 ori-ented 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 entertain-ment. Event runs daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call (406) 487-5965 or Email [email protected] for details.

July 31-Aug. 1: Daniels County Fair

Called the “best family fair in northeastern Montana,” expect all the classic fair events includ-ing: NRA rodeo demolition derby, entertainment, 4-H events, open class exhibits, carnival, petting zoo, commercial exhibits, parade and more! The Daniels Country Fair is located on Fairgrounds Road. Hours are 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., with great food is available on site. For schedules and details, call (406) 487-2468 or Email [email protected].

SidneyJune 23: Town & Country

FestivalFun for locals and tour-

ists alike, this festival features sidewalk sales, a parade down Main Street and an old fashioned barn dance. Held in conjunc-tion 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 FireworksThis annual Jaycees spon-

sored event is held at the Sidney Country Club on Highway 16 at the west edge of Sidney. Show starts at dusk. Call (406) 433-1916 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.

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 entertain-ment on site. Visit www.richland-countyfairandrodeo.org or call (406) 433-2801 for more info.

Aug. 4-5: Indian Arts Showcase

This event brings together As-siniboine 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, demon-strations, drumming and dancing. Call (406) 433-1916 or visit www.nps.gov/fous for details.

Aug. 25: MonDak Harvest FestThis Harvest Fest is an antique

tractor and pickup pulling contest held at the Richland County Fair-ground. Featured events include a kids’ pedal pull and motor bike

training and a “Show and Shine” car show. Call (406) 433-1916 or visit www.sidneymt.com for details.

Wolf PointJuly 12-14: Wolf Point Wild

Horse StampedeThis three-day event is jam-

packed with fun and includes: a PRCA sanctioned rodeo, daily pa-rades, 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 pow-wow in Montana, this celebration brings the generations together for a great weekend of fun. Event features special ceremonies for naming of individuals and honor-ing 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 [email protected].

MISSOURI COUNTRYMISSOURI COUNTRYMISSOURI COUNTRYAug. 1-4: Richland County Fair

EVENTSEVENTSEVENTS

Courtesy photoMedicine Lake has a lot of sport fishing.



MISSOURI COUNTRYMISSOURI COUNTRYMISSOURI COUNTRY

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 Jerry Rodriguez says is an under-the-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 week-end.

“We have 361 species of birds that use the refuge,” Rodriguez said. “People are just astounded at the diversity of birds that use this portion of the state.”

Near the North Dakota border and just east of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, the refuge is 31,000 acres of land, including the 8,200-acre Medi-cine Lake, set aside in 1935 by

the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser-vice as a breeding ground and sanctuary for migratory 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 northeast-ern part of the state.

To hear Rodriguez describe it, Medicine Lake is a bustling center of avian activity as soon as the winter ice melts off the lake, lasting through the sum-mer 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, sometimes-endangered species such as Sprague’s pipits, chestnut-collared longspurs, hawks and falcons.

“During the breeding season these birds are extremely ac-

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 wild-life, bird hunting there legally during the appropriate season and with the proper permits, observe sharptail grouse danc-ing grounds via a blind set up by management, a 100-foot-tall observation 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 inverte-brates. Rodriguez said nonmo-torized 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 informa-tion 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 self-guided auto tour of the refuge that traces a path around the lake.

For the history 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, every-thing we have,” Rodriguez said. “We’re unique.”

For more information, call the Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge at 406-789-2305 or go to http://www.fws.gov/medicinelake.

ZACH BENOITZACH BENOITZACH BENOITBY

REDISCOVER MONTANA

Courtesy photo Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge hosts a wide variety of waterfowls.

Avian ActivityMedicine Lake a Bird-Watchers Delight

Courtesy photo 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.

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