Red lodge
Thursday, November 26, 2015
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Explore
November 2015
Christmas Stroll and Blade Parade: 25 years and going strong
Cover photo by tom egenes flash’s studio
INSIDE
By Brenda Maas bmaas@billingsgazette.com
Yellowstone Wildlife sanctuary: Learn about native Yellowstone ecosystem wildlife while standing only feet from mountain lions, black bears and wolves. Page 5 Upcoming events: Red Lodge is host to exciting events year-round; read up on the upcoming events. Page 5 Red Lodge Mountain: Time to hit the hill! Opening day at Red Lodge Mountain is set for Friday, Nov. 27. Page 6 Explore Red Lodge is a special advertising section of The Billings Gazette
general Manager Dave Worstell Retail sales Manager Shelli Scott director of Major accounts, Classified & digital sales Ryan Brosseau director of Marketing Allyn Hulteng special sections Coordinator Linsay Foley Content editors Brittany Cremer Brenda Maas section designer Kara Peterson
It’s a sight to behold. The annual Christmas Stroll, held in conjunction with the Red Lodge Blade Parade, stands as the event of the season for 25 years running. “There’s not a dark store in the town,” Kathy Robson, owner of Red Lodge Books & Tea and Stroll coordinator, said. “The entire downtown participates. It’s a big party and everyone has so much fun.” Although the Stroll has evolved over the years from a daytime event to a two-evening celebration, which includes a “kick-off” Blade Parade, the impetus remains the same. Focusing locally, celebrating the season and welcoming one and all, the Stroll encompasses the entire community. Merchants, about 50 in all, stay open until 9 p.m. both Friday and Saturday evenings, five blocks of Broadway are closed to vehicle traffic and a jovial atmosphere permeates the air—often along with toe-tapping tune from local musicians. According to Robson, most intersections have fire pits for warming hands and toasting marshmallows. Community organizations offer everything from hot chocolate to gift wrapping and “Mr. and Mrs. Grinch” wander about, entertaining young and old alike with prose from Dr. Seuss’ timeless tale.
Courtesy of Red Lodge Christmas stroll The commemorative poster, which celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Red Lodge Anniversary Stroll, was created by local artist John Kosel.
CHRISTMAS STROLL & BLADE PARADE DETAILS Friday, Dec. 4 5 – 9 p.m. Stores stay open late; street blocked for horse-drawn rides 5:30 p.m. Community Lighting Ceremony – start at library 6 p.m. Blade Parade 6:30 – 9 p.m. Santa and Tricksy the Elf greet children at the Elks Club
Saturday, Dec. 5 5 – 9 p.m. Stores stay open late; street blocked for horse-drawn rides 6 – 9 p.m. Sisters on the Fly open holidaydecorated trailers to public 6 – 9 p.m. Santa and Tricksy the Elf greet children the Elks Club
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“Giving lifelong sanctuary to non-releasable native Montana wildlife and sharing a message of conservation and education.”
Saturday – Sunday 10am – 4pm Closed Weekdays November - February
Participants, Donors, Volunteers & Staff Raised
$234,085 for 59 charities during this year’s event! Learn how you can help at:
FROM BILLINGS TURN LEFT ON 2ND STREET IN RED LODGE.
www.RedLodgeFunRun.org email: funrun@rlacf.org
www.yellowstonewildlifesanctuary.org
The Red Lodge Fun Run for Charities is organized by: The Red Lodge Area Community Foundation – PO Box 1871, Red Lodge, MT 59068
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