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Contents Gl acier country Yellowstone country Southwest country Southeast country Central country Missouri river country Spring/Summer 2015

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ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION Rediscover Montana is a publication of Lee Newspapers of Montana — The Billings Gazette, Missoulian, Montana Standard, Helena Independent Record and Ravalli Republic. www.rediscovermt.com © 2015

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From the

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W e l c o m e t o M o n ta n a Montana’s nearly endless roads will lead you to some of the most special places in the world. The rivers, streams, mountains and plains you’ll find under our wide open skies truly make Montana the Treasure State.

Exploring our breathtaking landscapes will leave you with a lifetime of memories. Our unique access to public land and rivers provides world-class opportunities for hunting, fishing and recreating.

There is truly something for everyone in Montana — something that will leave you planning your next adventure in Big Sky Country.

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July 10-12, 2015 Butte, Montana

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Visit Glacier Country for the River City Roots Festival, Huckleberry Festival, Mission Mountain NRA Rodeo, Bitterroot Celtic Games and more.

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‘In the Footsteps of Norman Maclean’ t o c e l e b r a t e li t e r a r y i c o n

By DILLON KATO Rediscover Montana

A stone’s throw from the cabin his family has owned for nearly a century, a group of Seeley Lake residents is holding a festival honoring a Montana literary icon.

“We feel like we’re long overdue to honor the works of Norman Maclean,” said Jenny Rohrer.

Rohrer is the coordinator of the “In the Footsteps of Norman Maclean” festival, which will have its inaugural celebration in Seeley Lake this summer, July 10-13.

Maclean, author of a book synonymous with Missoula and western Montana called “A River Runs Through It” spent much of his childhood in Missoula, where his father John was the reverend of First Presbyterian Church.

Rohrer said in 1922 the family built one of the first cabins on Seeley Lake.

“Norman would come back from the University of Chicago for a few months every year in the summer, and write longhand on the deck of his log cabin on Seeley Lake,” she said.

Those writing sessions became not only his seminal work, but also a series of short stories and novellas, as well as “Young Men and Fire,” the nonfiction work published posthumously that detailed the men who died in the 1949 Mann Gulch Fire.

Rohrer said the festival was arranged to celebrate the work of the man she called “Montana’s most recognizable author,” and rose out of a group of artists in 12

Kurt Wilson/MISSOULIAN

John Maclean, author and son of Norman Maclean, works at a desk in the family cabin. Between John Maclean and his father, five books have taken shape in the cabin, including “A River Runs Through It,” written by hand at the time by Norman Maclean.

Seeley Lake called Alpine Artisans who regularly hold author readings in town, including those done with Maclean’s son John, who will also be a keynote speaker at the festival.

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Saturday is devoted to the impact of “A River Runs Through It,” and Sunday is for “Young Men and Fire,” Rohrer said.

In addition to his son, Maclean’s grandson Noah Snyder will be a featured speaker. Alan Thomas, the editor of “Young Men and Fire,” as well as Pete Dexter, author of National Book Award-winning “Paris Trout” who wrote a story about Maclean called “The Old Man and the River” that appeared in Esquire magazine are some of the other speakers on tap for Saturday’s events, which take place at the Double Arrow Resort.

The festival begins with a Both days of the weekend, dinner reception on the nearby the organizers have put together Blackfoot River on Friday, July 10, tours of Maclean’s favorite local when attendees can meet some of fishing holes. During an open the speakers who will be a part of Please see Maclean, 13 the weekend.

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Maclean

If you go

A festival called “In the Footsteps of Norman Maclean” is set for July 10-13 in Seeley Lake.

More information about the festival, including tickets and a full schedule of events, is available online at www. macleanfootsteps.com.

Continued from 12 mic portion, organizers will be inviting locals on stage to speak about the Maclean family. And of course there will be a screening of the film adaptation of “A River Runs Through It” on Saturday.

“We found a person who was his cleaning lady for 20 years, and a business teacher at SeeleySwan High School who typed his handwritten manuscripts,” Rohrer said.

She said Maclean and “A River Runs Through It” are touchstones recognized not just around the country but across the world as quintessentially Montanan.

“One of the people working on the festival was in Machu Picchu and said they were from

Kurt Wilson/MISSOULIAN

John Maclean walks a trail along the shore of Seeley Lake near the cabin. “One of the things that a lot of us who are Montana writers find out is you’re better off if you’re not in Montana when you write. You need that distance,” said Maclean. “The landscape here is so overpowering, why write?”

Montana and the person went ‘Oh, ‘A River Runs Through It’?’” she said.

The rest of the weekend will be largely devoted to “Young

Men and Fire” including talks from Laird Robinson, who collaborated with Maclean on the book and was a close friend later in his life.

“He was working for the Forest Service, and he put his job on the line to uncover the alleged cover-up,” Rohrer said.

While she and the other organizers are hard at work putting together the first of what is planned to be an annual event, Rohrer is already looking to the future.

“One reason we called it ‘In the Footsteps of Norman Maclean’ is after this first year we plan to honor other authors who have been influenced by Maclean,” she said.

Elk Country

visitor CEntEr

Directions: Take I-90 to Exit 101 in Missoula. Drive 1⁄4 mile north to 5705 Grant Creek Road. accessible with RV parking. Open year round.

For information, call 406-523-4545 or 866-266-7750 or visit www.rmef.org.

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720-0315-001

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

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M u l t id a y p r o f essi o n a l bike r a ce t o t a ke o ver M iss o u l a June will mark the firstever Tour of Montana, complete with time trials, road races, a cycling clinic, and several nonracing events in downtown Missoula.

By DAVID ERICKSON Rediscover Montana

A massive, first-of-its-kind, multiday professional cycling race and festival will take over Missoula this summer.

The Tour of Montana is a fourday series of professional road races to be held July 16-19, with all events based out of Caras Park in downtown Missoula.

According to executive director Nicole Adamson, not only will it be the first multiday professional road race in Montana, it will also be one of the only races in the world to offer men and women the same purse, the same sponsored media coverage and the same challenging course.

“No one else is doing those three things,” she said. “Women will make the same amount of money and race on the same course. So it’s a new format.

We were creating a format from scratch, and tennis is a successful sport in terms of equal purse prizes and media coverage. So that’s what we modeled our format after. Imagine women’s pro tennis before Billie Jean King, and that will give an idea of where women’s cycling is today. With the Tour of Montana, we’re shattering the mold and setting the standard for how future bicycle races will be developed.”

Thursday, July 16, will be the team time trial. The race will be held in conjunction with Downtown Tonight.

“Team time trials kind of went out of fashion for a while, but now more races are including them, including the Tour de France,” Adamson explained.

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Courtesy photo

ational cyclists will take to the road for the “big ride,” which will be led by featured VIPs from the professional peloton.

“We will try to include some On Friday, July 17, there will gravel elements, although it will be a classic road race on a circuit mostly be a road race, because course through Missoula featur- gravel riding is becoming more ing plenty of climbing and a sprint popular,” Adamson said. finish downtown.

During the entire weekend, “We are doing a closed-circuit there will be an expo, food, live race instead of an out-and-back music and races for kids each day. race,” Adamson said. “Our hope There will be a parade, as well as is by doing that, we can really get a bicycle film festival running at the community involved. At any the Roxy Theater in May, which point along the race, anyone in will show classic cycling films like Missoula will be able to see and “Breaking Away” every Thursday. engage with riders.”

“People will be able to go and Saturday, July 18, is the “big experience road racing and what day,” according to Adamson. that’s like,” Adamson said.

There will be a full day of categoThe event will finish with a ry, amateur and citizen criterium giant party downtown, with the events, with men and women Montana premiere of the film racing at twilight on a high-speed “Half the Road,” a documentary course through downtown Misabout efforts of the Women’s Cysoula. Criterium races are held cling Association to get a women’s on short courses and racers take race at the Tour de France. many laps, usually all packed From June 19 to 21, there will together, at high speeds and high be an all-women cycling clinic led intensity. by professionals in the Bitterroot Sunday, July 19, is the day of Valley, capped off by a Saturday the Gran Fondo, which will start 100-kilometer race and a party at and finish in Missoula. RecreRed Barn Bicycles in Hamilton.

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Adamson, who lives in Hamilton, said she and race director Kurt Stockton were impressed

by Missoula when they looked at potential sites for the events.

“Missoula really stood out for host cities as far as a potential host city,” she said. “After three years, it will become a true Tour of Montana, but Missoula will always be the headquarters of the race and festival headquarters, but it will be like the Tour of California, where it spreads out across the state.”

Adamson said many professional cyclists are excited to come to Montana to race, and she really anticipates cooperating with the community.

“Eventually we’ll be a nonprofit,” she said. “We’ve been working with the city and the state, and (Destination Missoula) and the Adventure Cycling Association. We really want to make it an inclusive thing. We don’t want to be the people that come in and close roads for four days.

We are hoping to bring in gobs of money, and really have it be a hub of art and culture in downtown Missoula.”

Spring/Summer 2015

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Glacier country Calendar BIGFORK

Bigfork Festival of the Arts Aug. 1-2 For the 37th time, the streets of the town of Bigfork on Flathead Lake will once again be lined with art, food, music and crafts for the annual Festival of the Arts.

Sunset magazine recently named Bigfork as one of the most picturesque towns in the Northwest, and the festival is the perfect time to see how right they were. The more than 6,000 people who show up every year for more than 140 art vendors from around the region can’t be wrong. More information is available at the event’s website, www. bigforkfestivalofthearts.com.

North American Indian Days in Browning features traditional Blackfeet dancing.

Donnie Sexton

BROWNING

North American Indian Days July 9-12 This year marks the 64th annual North American Indian Days. The celebration is a way to see authentic Blackfeet traditions.

Tepees are pitched on the powwow grounds for four days of contest dancing, games, a number of sports events and socializing.

The event is one of the largest gatherings of United States and Canadian tribes. Once you hear and feel the mystery of the drum, see the traditional and fancy dancing, and see these proud Native people, then you will begin to understand the Blackfeet.

HAMILTON

“Nano:The Science of Small” exhibit May 7-Aug. 1.

Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford, 16

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Explore how the study of nanoscience is relevant to our ever-changing world. the museum will offer hands-on science activities for kids of all ages each Saturday morning at 10 a.m. and science lectures for adults on some Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. For more information, visit www. brvhsmuseum.org.

35th Annual Bitter Root Day June 13 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford. This Bitter Root Day, the Museum is collaborating with Marie Torosian, director of the People’s Center, to bring in drummers, dancers, artisans and beading demonstrations. Torosian will

also present information from the People’s Center Museum and will have a special raffle. This will mark the third year for the increasingly popular “Create a Difference” Recycled Craft Competition and Exhibit, which includes a people’s choice style vote with a variety of prizes for the winners. The day’s festivities will include arts, crafts and produce from local and out-of-area vendors, children’s activities, food and live music.

Call 406-363-3338 for more information.

Daly Days July 24-25 Hamilton’s annual heritage celebration, Please see Glacier, 18 Spring/Summer 2015

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Glacier country Calendar

Glacier

Merchants from downtown Hamilton will spend this next year looking for new ways to bring people to the community and support local business. The annual Daly Days offers visitors a chance to attend events both in the downtown area and at the nearby Historic Daly Mansion.

Continued from 16 Daly Days is always held the last weekend of July. Sponsored by the Hamilton Downtown Association, the event takes over nearly all of town for two days. At the historic Daly Mansion, reenactments will show visitors facets of everyday life from a century ago. The streets of downtown play host to a vintage car show and sidewalk sales, taking advantage of the annual Bitterroot Brewfest that happens the same weekend. Carriage and pony rides carry participants around town. Visit www. hamiltondowntownassociation.com for more information.

Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering Aug. 15-16 Previously known at the Bitterroot ScottishIrish Festival, Hamilton’s annual celebration of Celtic pride at the Daly Mansion has its roots in two of the towns most famous residents, the Scottish John Hamilton and Marcus Daly, an Irishman. The Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering will include traditional music and food as well as Celtic pipe and drum competitions and highland dancing. Celtic sports like the shot put and hammer toss round out the festivities. Visit www.bcgg.org for more information.

“The People of Fire and Ice” exhibit Aug. 22-Nov. 10 Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford.

Long before Yellowstone was a national park, the region was utilized for its many resources and inhabited by humans. This exhibition explores the history and lore of humans in the Yellowstone area 11,000 years ago to today. Six humanities themes are explored throughout The People of Fire and Ice, including history, archaeology, anthropology, art history, folklore and jurisprudence.

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PERRY BACKUS/ Ravalli Republic

KALISPELL

Arts in the Park July 17-19 Northwest Montana’s largest and longestrunning art show continues in its 47th year in downtown Kalispell’s Depot Park. The juried show includes high-quality jewelry, clothing, photography, paintings and pottery from around the nation, with more than 100 artists setting up their booths.

Organizers also include interactive children’s activities, as well as bringing in food and local entertainment. The show is a benefit for Kalispell’s Hockaday Museum of Art. Visit www.hockadaymuseum.org for more.

The Event at Rebecca Farm July 23-26 Every year in the beautiful Flathead Valley, Rebecca Farm in Kalispell holds the largest equestrian triathlon in the country, simply called The Event. With more than 600 competitors and watched by more than 20,000 spectators, the celebration is not to be missed. More information at www. rebeccafarm.org.

MISSOULA

Out to Lunch and Downtown ToNight June through August Summers in Missoula aren’t complete

DAVID ERICKSON/Ravalli Republic

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

without at least one visit to the weekly lunch and dinner food and music festivals in Caras Park. Downtown ToNight takes place every Thursday from June through August from 5:30-8:30 p.m. This year, for the 15th anniversary of Downtown ToNight, the Missoula Downtown Association has extended the festivities into the first two weeks of September as well. Out to Lunch is held every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and has been going strong for 30 years. In addition to food vendors, both events feature live music from local bands and touring artists.

Please see Calendar, 20 Spring/Summer 2015

Montana Made & Inspired TheMontanaShop.com Located in The Bookstore at The University of Montana Spring/Summer 2015

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Glacier country Calendar

Calendar Continued from 18 Last Best Solstice June 21 Missoula artists welcome in the official start of summer by setting up their easel and canvas along the Clark Fork Riverfront Trail in Missoula. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the public is invited to watch local artists create one-of-a-kind drawings and paintings celebrating the Summer Solstice.

Take advantage of the summer Saturday in Missoula to wander the three downtown public markets in between checking in on the artists’ progress. Following the demonstrations, the artwork is auctioned off to the public.

Tour of Montana Bicycle Festival July 16-19 The Tour of Montana is a four-day series of professional road races, with all events based out of Caras Park in downtown Missoula.

Several high-speed, team and traditonal road races to choose from. Expo, food, live music and races for kids each day. Parade and an all-women cycling clinic led by professionals in the Bitterroot Valley, capped off by a Saturday 100-kilometer race and a party at Red Barn Bicycles in Hamilton.

Celtic Festival Missoula July 24-25 The annual celebration of Celtic culture returns in 2015 for another weekend of dancing, food and free music. Every year, the festival brings traditional performances as well as modern takes on Celtic traditions.

This year’s bands will be headlined by The Tossers, The Screaming Orphans and returning favorite The Young Dubliners.

Visit www.celticfestivalmissoula.com.

River City Roots Festival Aug. 28-29 The largest arts and music festival in the 20

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Dancers fill the streets of downtown Missoula during the annual River City Roots Festival in August.

TOM BAUER/ Missoulian

area takes place right in the middle of downtown Missoula. River City Roots Fest features live bands playing on a stage set up in the middle of the streets, including local and nationally touring groups. There is also a juried art show featuring painters, sculptors and photographers from around the region, with special children’s and family activities set up in nearby Caras Park.

POLSON

Mission Mountain NRA Rodeo June 26-27 From bareback riding to barrel racing, there’s no shortage of action during two days of rodeo at the Polson Rodeo Arena.

Add in steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, team roping and live music on Friday for one exciting weekend, with the action starting each night at 8 p.m. following youth events. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids.

Flathead Lake 3-on-3 Hoop Shoot July 24-26 The 23rd annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament will be held in Polson on the last weekend in July. More than

TOM BAUER/Missoulian

Meagan O’Brien dances for the crowd at Celtic Festival Missoula. Every year, the festival brings traditional performances as well as modern takes on Celtic traditions.

300 teams are expected to participate in the competition, with all proceeds being donated back to the community.

Please see Events, 21 Spring/Summer 2015

Glacier country Calendar

Events

contest, music and ice cream, takes place downtown and at Lewis and Clark Park.

More information about the celebration, including its historic ties to Stevensville, can be found online at www.creamerypicnic.com or by calling the Stevensville Main Street Association at 777-3773.

Continued from 20 More information is available at www. flatheadlake3on3.com.

SEELEY LAKE

‘In the Footsteps of Norman Maclean’ July 10-13 Inaugural celebration in Seeley Lake Festival celebrates Norman Maclean, author of “A River Runs Through It.” The festival begins with a dinner reception on the nearby Blackfoot River on Friday, when attendees can meet some of the weekend’s speakers. Saturday is devoted to the impact of “A River Runs Through It,” and Sunday is for “Young Men and Fire.” More information about the festival, including tickets and a full schedule of events, is available online at www.macleanfootsteps. com.

TROUT CREEK DAVID ERICKSON/Ravalli Republic

The 14th Annual State Barbecue Championship takes place in conjunction with the Creamery Picnic on Aug. 7-8.

STEVENSVILLE

Creamery Picnic Aug. 7-8 Some events are considered annual traditions. Few of them have the history of Stevensville’s Creamery Picnic, which will celebrate its 103rd year this Aug. 7-8. The event, which features a parade, barbeque

Huckleberry Festival Aug. 14-16 In 1981, the Montana State Legislature declared the town of Trout Creek to be the huckleberry capital of Montana. Every year the town, northwest of Thompson Falls celebrates one of Montana’s most iconic treats with a three-day event. On Aug. 14-16, the Huckleberry Festival returns for the 36th year, including more than 100 art, food, a parade and a variety of booths selling their huckleberry goods. Visit www.huckleberryfestival.com for more information.

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“A must-see attraction.” n.”

-Fodor’s

Museum of the Rockies at Montana State University is a Smithsonian Affiliate. Recognized for its dinosaur collection and its permanent regional history exhibits, MOR also thrills visitors with changing exhibits from around the world, the Martin Children’s Discovery Center, the Living History Farm (open summers), and the Taylor Planetarium, featuring a state-of-the-art digital projection system.

Visit us and experience MOR.

Be sure to visit the Living History Farm.

It’s free all summer long!

While regular admission fees apply to the main Museum, you can experience Montana’s 1890s homesteading era for free at MOR’s Living History Farm! Open May 23‒September September 20, 2015.

600 W. Kagy Blvd. • Bozeman, MT 59717 • 406.994.2251 • museumoftherockies.org 22

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Y E L L O W S TON E c o u n t r y

inside this section Sweet Pea Festival

r Musselshell Rive 87

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Columbus 278 Norris LIVINGSTON Sheridan River a te r w Jackson Museum of the Rockies 287 Nevada McAllister l l 89 Polaris Sti City Big Alder 212 Ennis Dillon Sky Virginia City 78 e Bannack rh Ruby River R e 191 Red u v Reservoir Cooke a Grant Be Lodge City MONTANA Clark Canyon 287 287 Reservoir WYOMING 212 Lower Yellowstone Lima Red Rock 15 National Reservoir Lake Park Lima Lakeview Monida zipline Upper Montana Whitewater Red Rock Lake Old Faithful Yellowstone Lake

ad

Ballantine Park City 90 BILLINGS Bighorn Canyon National Pryor Recreation Area Fort Smith Bighorn Canyon National 310 Recreation Area

rk Yellow sone

Anaconda

Calendar of events Visit Yellowstone Country for the Great Montana Sheep Drive, Rockin’ the Rivers, Livingston Roundup Rodeo and more.

Spring/Summer 2015

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S wee t P e a F es t i v a l c e l ebr a t es 3 8 t h y e a r children’s activities and, for the second year, a microbrew beer garden. Bozeman’s Catch Shakespeare unlargest parade takes place on der the stars while devourSaturday, as do the 5K, 10K ing a sausage-stuffed potato, and children’s runs. New this known affectionately as a year, the Bozeman Lions Club “tater pig.” will host a pancake breakfast That’s one way to enjoy the on Sunday morning.

Sweet Pea Festival, said PresiMusical performances dent Glenniss Indreland, but this year will include Shakey the annual art celebration’s Graves and Turnpike Troubaofferings are nearly endless. dours, with more to be anThe family festival returns nounced.

It’s an eclectic collection to Bozeman’s Lindley Park in that has something for evAugust for its 38th year, showCourtesy photos eryone, Indreland said. The casing music, art and enterDancers, musicians and family performers entertain across four stages at Lindley festival draws around 15,000 tainment and more than 100 Park in Bozeman during the annual Sweet Pea Festival. visitors each year. arts and crafts vendors. a week of activities along Main Festival wristbands cost Started in 1978 by a group of events today.

The festival is August 7-9, Street. $20 at the gate for a three-day self-described “hopeless optiHundreds will turn out to pass ($15 advance), or $10 at mists,” the festival maintains Friday through Sunday, but the celebration ramps up with color the sidewalks in downthe gate for a one-day pass. much of its playful spirit and town Bozeman in chalk on Children ages 7-12 get in for Tuesday Aug. 4. Then comes $5 per day, and those 6 and the Bite of Bozeman, featuryounger are free. ing local food and homegrown The Sweet Pea Festival is music. And throughout the a nonprofit enterprise, with week, visitors can stop by the excess revenue put toward its Bozeman Public Library to mission of cultivating the arts view the festival’s juried art in the Bozeman area. More show. than 400 volunteers help put The festival itself spreads the festival together each year. music, dance, theater and For more information, storytelling across four stages including a full schedule, or around Lindley Park. to buy advance tickets, visit There’s also a flower show, sweetpeafestival.org.

By DEREK BROUWER Rediscover Montana

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The Sweet Pea Festival takes place Aug. 7-9 in Bozeman. Events include musical performances, plays

by Shakespeare in the Parks, and local arts and crafts. The celebration lasts all week, with events like Chalk on the Walk.

Spring/Summer 2015

Museum of the Rockies debuts new dinosaur exhibit Montana State University

A towering dinosaur from northern Montana and six T. rex skulls are part of the Museum of the Rockies’ “The Tyrant Kings” exhibit, up in the Siebel Dinosaur Complex.

The exhibit features a fossilized T. rex skeleton that’s approximately 12 feet tall and 38 feet long.

Called “Montana’s T. rex,” the skeleton is about 60 percent real bone and one of the most complete specimens ever discovered.

It is the only T. rex skeleton to have been found with floating ribs in its abdominal cavity. The animal would have weighed nearly seven tons when it lived 65 million years ago.

Spring/Summer 2015

If you go

The Museum of the Rockies, shown from the outside here, has an exhibit featuring a real fossilized T. rex skeleton that’s approximately 12 feet tall and 38 feet long.

Beginning on Memorial Day, the Museum of the Rockies is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Visitors will also see timelapse video of how museum staff assembled Montana’s T. rex. Also on display is a series of T. rex skulls, all from Montana, that show how T. rexes grew.

The skulls range from one of the smallest T. rex skulls ever found to the largest T. rex skull in the world. Chomper is 13.5 inches long, and the Custer T. rex skull is 60 inches long.

With the opening of the exhibit, administrators said the Museum of the Rockies joins an elite group of museums around the world that display actual T.

Associated Press

rex skeletons instead of replicas or casts.

“The science and research behind this exhibit is remarkable,” museum executive director Shelley McKamey said in a press release. “It’s every bit as impressive as the exhibit itself.”

Montana’s T. rex was discovered in 1997 by Louis Tremblay near the town of Fort Peck, thus its original name of “Peck’s Rex.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture transferred ownership to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which then named the Museum of the Rockies as the repository.

Montana’s T. rex entered the museum’s paleontology collection in 1998. It is the first mounted real bone skeleton to be displayed from America’s Public Trust.

It is owned by the people of the United States.

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W h i t ew a t er b u s i n e s s o ffer s z i p l i n e t hr i l l s o u t s i d e Ye l l o w s t o n e P a r k

By BRETT FRENCH Rediscover Montana

Ziplines more than 1,200 feet long and skybridges are part of a Gardiner rafting company’s strategy to set it apart from the half-dozen other river rafting services there.

Montana Whitewater opened its zipline tours in 2012.

The guides shuttle guests out to the site, with the entire journey taking about three hours.

The Yellowstone Ranch Zip Tour features four ziplines, a skybridge and a final leap into the unknown. The longest zipline in this option is 800-feet-long. yellowstonezip. com lists this tour for $59 for adults and $50 for children Please see Zipline, 27

BRETT FRENCH/Billings Gazette

Cara Lunsford zips into the landing zone at Montana Whitewater’s zipline course northwest of Gardiner as guide Matt Rule prepares to catch her.

26

BRETT FRENCH/Billings Gazette

Guide Nicole Peterson zips across the first stretch of line.

r e d i s c ov e r M o n ta n a

Spring/Summer 2015

Zipline Continued from 26 ages 5 to 12.

The Yellowstone Ranch Grande Zip lasts about four hours and features seven ziplines — three more than 1,000 feet long — two skybridges and one final leap. The longest zipline in this package is 1,200 feet long. Adults pay $88 and children ages 8 to 12 pay $79.

Guests can also combine adventures for the zip and dip (rafting), or a saddle and paddle trip (rafting and a horseback ride) or glide and ride (ziplining and horseback ride).

The course was engineered

by Climbworks, a Tennessee company that specializes in designing zipline courses, as well as training its clients and helping them market the ventures.

The rope bridge is a 25-foot suspended walk and the rappel at the end drops participants 60 feet off the edge of the last platform.

“We want it to be exciting enough that adults and teenagers have a good time, but also calm enough to cater to seniors

BRETT FRENCH/Gazette Staff

Lindsey Champagne, of Memphis, Tenn., concentrates as she crosses the rope bridge.

and kids,” said Katie Raysom, sphere was “touchy feely.” zipline manager.

Now they’re more about the The company is a member of the Association of Challenge Course Technology, which sets standards and guidelines for 2,500 similar businesses, most of which are in the United States.

Raysom has seen ziplines and rope courses steadily evolve. At first, the courses were set up as team-building exercises. The ropes courses were “dinky” and the atmo-

place where they’re set up. In Montana Whitewater’s case, that’s mountain views and serenity at the zipline outside Gardiner.

At Montana Whitewater’s Big Sky location, the zipline features river crossings and large rock cliff faces on the Gallatin River.

“It’s nice that we ended up with two products that people can get different experiences,” Raysom said.

She also said the guides make the trip, since the company is more likely to get comments about them than the course.

“If you have good guides, they can make anything seem amazing,” Raysom said. “They can make it feel like an experience instead of just going on a roller coaster ride.”

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Spring/Summer 2015

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27

Yellowstone country Calendar BOZEMAN

Sweet Pea Festival Aug. 4-5; 7-9 Celebrate the arts in Bozeman at the 38th annual Sweet Pea Festival. The festival kicks off with Chalk on the Walk, an allday event where people are encouraged to chalk up the sidewalks. The fun continues on Aug. 5 with Bites of Bozeman, an evening event from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The festival starts back up at 4 p.m. Aug. 7 in Lindley Park. The weekend continues with a children’s run and parade to the park. A beer and wine garden featuring Montana microbrews, dining, music, performances by local theater and dance troupes, family friendly entertainment and activities, a flower show, and more than 100 arts and crafts vendors round out one of Montana’s favorite festivals. 406586-4003 or sweetpeafestival.org.

Bridger Mountains Raptor Migration Early August-Oct. 31 More than 20 years ago, Fred Tilly discovered the Bridger Range to be an important fall flyway for raptors. He conducted limited migration counts at the site in 1979, 1980 and 1982 to set the stage for Hawk Watch International, which began standardized counts in the 1990s. The count, organized by Montana Audubon since 2010, occurs from a helicopter platform located atop the ridge above Bridger Bowl Ski Area, about 25 miles northeast of Bozeman. The flyway is noted for the largest concentration 28

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BOB ZELLAR/Billings Gazette

An eagle takes flight. The flyway above Bridger Bowl Ski Area is noted for the largest concentration of golden eagles in the lower 48 states, and members of the public are invited to help count them during the Bridger Mountains Raptor Migration.

of golden eagles in the lower 48 states.

Public participation is free. Groups and children are welcome. 800-726-4295 or hawkwatch.org.

A Day in the Country/Quilting in the Country July 24-25 A Day in the Country on July 24 features four mini-classes with a country theme.

Cost for the day of classes is $99 and includes a country lunch. Quilting in the Country outdoor quilt show is July

25, with free admission to displays and demonstrations throughout original homestead buildings and in lovely gardens. 406-587-8216 or quiltinginthecountry.com.

LIVINGSTON

Livingston Roundup Rodeo July 2-4 The Livingston Roundup Rodeo has been a popular annual PRCA event in Please see Events, 29 Spring/Summer 2015

Yellowstone country Calendar

JAMES WOODCOCK/Billings Gazette

Gordon Johnson from Great Falls directs the Festival Orchestra during the Red Lodge Music Festival.

Events

music, art and craft vendors, free swimming and a wide assortment of food. Proceeds Continued from 28 benefit the community’s recreation department. the heart of Montana cattle country since 1924. Ranked as Livingstonmusicfest.wix. com/livsummerfest. This the 10th-highest purse in the nation over the Independence year’s headliners are Will Kimbrough, Holly Williams Day holiday, the rodeo draws and Jim Lauderdale, among more than 10,000 spectators every year to its open-air arena other musical performers. near the Yellowstone River.

A parade downtown at 3 p.m.

RED LODGE July 2 kicks off events, which Red Lodge Music Festival include nightly rodeos at 8 June 6-14 p.m. Livingston-chamber.com The Red Lodge Music Festival or livingstonroundup.com/ is the oldest and most home/tickets/. successful music festival in Montana, serving more than Summerfest Along 200 students annually and the Yellowstone presenting live performances July 17-18 by 30 professional musicians.

The annual summer festival is Because of the high quality of held in Livingston’s beautiful faculty performances, concerts Sacajawea Park, along the are taped for later broadcast banks of the Yellowstone over regional and national River. In its 16th year, the public radio, bringing Red two-day gala includes kids’ Lodge to national attention. activities, a basketball shoot, beer garden, live Please see Calendar, 30 Spring/Summer 2015

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Yellowstone country Calendar

Calendar Continued from 29 Throughout the week, admission to student concerts is free, and a nominal charge admits audience members to faculty concerts. Band and orchestra performances complete a worthwhile and memorable festival experience for all. Rlmf.org.

Home of Champions Rodeo and Parade July 2-4 The Home of Champions Rodeo is part of the PRCA circuit, bringing nearly all national champions to Red Lodge every year. Cowboys

compete, and clowns and bullfighters entertain the crowd. Beginning each day at noon is a parade for all ages.

Rodeo begins at 6 p.m. July 2-3 and 3 p.m. July 4. 406-4462422 or redlodgerodeo.com.

42nd Annual Art in the Beartooths July 11 Featuring signature artists Michael Ome Untiedt, Tyler Murphy and Charles Ringer.

More than 30 artists painting live on the deck of the Depot Gallery and in Lions Park. www. carboncountydepotgallery.org.

21st Annual Beartooth Rally July 17-19 The only motorcycle rally

that runs through the scenic Beartooth Highway. Three days of riding, live music, culminating with the Iron Horse Rodeo on Sunday at the Home of Champions Rodeo grounds. beartoothrally.com.

Bite of Bozeman aug 5

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Scandinavian, Scottish, Slavic, along with a variety of others — who worked and settled the area. The festival begins with an evening performance at Lion’s Park. Weekend activities include ethnic food, exhibits, daytime and evening entertainment, and activities for the whole family.

406-446-1718.

Festival of Nations July 31-Aug. 1 For more than 50 years, the Red Lodge Festival of Nations has Labor Day Arts Fair honored the burg’s roots as a Sept. 7 coal mining town and the diverse This annual art event features ethnic groups — German, English-Irish, Finnish, Italian, Please see Yellowstone, 32

2015

Your gatewaY to Yellowstone Park

CASEY PAGE/Billings Gazette

Flag bearers ride in the Home of Champions parade in downtown Red Lodge. The event includes a rodeo and parade.

SWEET PEA FESTIVAL

Festival week, aug 4-9 bozeman, mt Incredible Bands aug 7-9

Arts & Crafts aug 7-9

Sweet Pea Parade aug 8

Don’t Miss Any Festival Events Happening All Week Aug 4-9! for details and to buy tickets visit: sweetpeafestival.org Spring/Summer 2015

Calendar of Events

July 6.........................Livingston Wheels Car Show 8am July 2........................ Livingston Round Up Parade 3pm July 2-4.......................Livingston Round Up Rodeo 8pm July 2-4........................... Festival of Arts - Depot Center July 10-12.................................. Yellowstone Boat Float Livingston to Columbus July 16.....Roundhouse Roundup Chuckwagon & Dance Depot Center, Livingston July 17-18 Summerfest 2 Days of Live Music!

Miles Park July 23-26............................. Red Ants Pants Music Fest White Sulphur Springs July 29-31....................... Park County Fair - Livingston Aug. 1-2.......................... Park County Fair - Livingston July 31-Aug. 2......3 Day Fiddlers Picnic - Mercer Ranch Aug. 2........ Demolition Derby - Livingston Fairgrounds Aug. 7-9.................. Livingston Gun Show- Fairgrounds Aug. 13.................. Livingston Hoot- Music & Activities Downtown Aug. 15.......................... Stafford Fun Run, 1K, 5K, 10K Aug. 16.

Bark In The Park - Animal Shelter Event Miles Park Aug. 29.................................. The Mane Event & Dance Music Ranch Montana Sept. 5-6 .......................Last Best Fest- Theatre and Arts Wednesdays..........................................Farmers Market Miles Park, 4:30-7:30PM 4th Friday of the Month.................Downtown Art Walk Downtown Livingston, 5:30-8:30PM Spring/Summer 2015

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Yellowstone country Calendar

Yellowstone Continued from 30 more than 80 artists’ booths displaying and selling bead work, pottery, paintings, sculptures, photography and more. Free, live entertainment throughout the day includes fiddlers, belly dancers, folk musicians, food booths, a concession stand and much more. Festivities begin at 9 a.m.

Admission is free. Redlodge.com.

REED POINT

Great Montana Sheep Drive (Running of the Sheep) Sept. 6 Hundreds of Montana woollies take to the main street of Reed Point during this Labor Day weekend staple. Events begin at 10 a.m. and include a street fair, parade and street dance. 406-326-2315

THREE FORKS

HANNAH POTES/Billings Gazette

The famous “Running of the Sheep” will take place Sept. 6 in Reed Point.

Riot. Autograph, Shamans Harvest, Saliva, Puddle of Mud and many more. An Aug.6 preparty starts the weekend rocking. It all takes place at The Bridge at Three Forks, off of Highway 2, four miles east of Lewis and Clark Caverns. Rockintherivers.com.

Headwaters Country Jam June 25-27 Now in its seventh year, the jam has expanded from a country music concert to include many other events, such as the Redneck Olympics and Redneck Beauty Pageant. Headliners include Trace Adkins, Clint Black, Uncle Kracker, Gloriana, Randy Rogers Band, The LACS, Austin Webb, Granger Smith featuring Earl Dibbles Jr. and Blackjack Billy, Western Underground, Charley Jenkins, Western Skies, Jessica Lynn, Sasha McVeigh and even more to be announced. The event takes place at The Bridge at Three Forks, off of Highway 2, four miles east of Lewis and Clark Caverns.

Headwaterscountryjam.com.

Celebrating America July 4 The Hebgen Basin Volunteer Fire Department hosts its Burger Bash barbecue at the Visitors Center, with all proceeds going to help fund various community needs. Live music, a parade at 6 p.m., and fireworks at 10 p.m. are also part of the celebration in one of the nation’s most beautiful and treasured regions.

Destinationyellowstone.com.

Rockin’ the Rivers Aug. 7-9 Montana’s premiere three-day rock festival has more than 1,200 camping spots with an arena that creates a natural amphitheater. This year’s lineup includes Dee Snider, Theory of a Deadman, Quiet

Smoking Waters Mountain Man Rendezvous July 31- Aug. 9 Step into the experience of 1800s life. The encampment, complete with Trader’s Row, fires the imagination of what life in that era was like. Entertainment,

32

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WEST YELLOWSTONE

demonstrations and seminars on a variety of “life-as-it-was” skills give a deeper appreciation of challenges and dangers that were faced and overcome. Tomahawk and knife demonstrations, black-powder shoots, mountain-man storytelling and musicians are all a part of the annual event.

Admission is free. The encampment is visible to all travelers arriving on U.S. 20 from the southwest. The Rendezvous is located on the Gallatin National Forest Service land immediately west of West Yellowstone and adjacent to Iris Street.

Twoturtlestradingpost.com.

Annual Kirkwood Trout Cook Off Aug. 15 The day starts with health and education classes at 9 a.m. Then sailboat races, fly-casting lessons, kayak rides and teams cooking trout entries make for a memorable day at the lake. Get a team together and plan to enter now; any fish caught from Hebgen Lake this summer and used in an entry add points to the score. Get details at the Cook-Off page at kirkwoodresort.com.

Spring/Summer 2015

en We ri Op tra st l 1 e nc 7t ns e h, 20 15

ap

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SOUTHWEST MONTANA HOT SPOTS 1 PHILIPSBURG Sunshine Station

3830 MT Hwy 1 (406) 859-3450 www.SunshineStationMT.com

2 GEORGETOWN

Brown Derby

360 Brown Derby Lane (406) 563-5788 www.BrownDerbyInn.com

5 BUTTE Metal’s Sports Bar & Grill 8 W. Park (406) 782-5534 www.metalssportsbar.com Daily 11am-11pm

1 2

7 Gables

3

Muddy Creek Brewery 2 E. Galena (406) 299-3645

Rocker 4 5

Oasis Restaurant & Casino

Montana Hwy 1 (406) 563-5052 www.SevenGablesMontana.com

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

3 ANACONDA

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery

Anaconda Chamber of Commerce

2900 Harrison Ave. #2 (406) 494-2490 www.perkinsrestaurants.com

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

Community Hospital of Anaconda

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

Pork Chop Johns 7

6

401 E. Commercial Ave. (406) 563-2422 www.coppervillageartcenter.org

St. James Healthcare

MUSEUM

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

Dee Motor Company

Christina’s Cocina

Unique Expressions Harvest Church Butte Campus Gifts & Stamps

El Taco Mexican Cusine

Horizon Credit Union

2201 Silver Bow Blvd.

(406) 723-8444 www.christinascocinacafe.com 2300 Harrison Ave. (406) 723-9329 Sun.-Thur. 10am-10pm; Fri.-Sat. 10am-11pm

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

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

Glacier Bank

r e d i s c ov e r M o n ta n a

Member FDIC

1880 Harrison Ave. ATM AVAILABLE 3701 Harrison Ave. 807 So. Montana

(corner of Iron and Montana)

www.glacierbank.com 34

Royse’s Hamburgers, Shakes & More 2340 Harrison Ave. (406) 782-1971 Mon.-Sat. 10:30am-7:30pm

Copper Village Museum/Art Center

1200 E. Commercial (406) 563-5225 RFWave High Speed www.deemotors.com GM, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Chevy Internet 204 E. Commercial Dunne (406) 563-5333 Communications Inc. www.rfwave.net 204 E. Commercial Subway Eat Fresh (406) 563-7115 1420 E. Park (in Thriftway) www.rf-team.com (406) 563-6570 Goosetown Training Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 5am-11pm; Center Fri. & Sat. 5am-Midnight 909 E. Front St. (406) 563-7878 4 ROCKER www.goosetownhealthclub.com Subway Eat Fresh Hours: 5:45am-9pm Town Pump Plaza Glacier Bank Member FDIC (406) 782-0101 ATM 307 E. Park Ave AVAILABLE (406) 563-5203 5 BUTTE www.glacierbank.com Butte Plaza Mall 3100 Harrison Ave. (406) 494-3362

8 W. Mercury (406) 782-0812 www.porkchopjohns.com

229 N. Montana (406) 299-3238 www.harvestchurch.tv

ATM 1555 Harrison Ave.

AVAILABLE (406)

723-8288 www.hzcu.org

Joe’s Pasty

1641 Grand Ave. (406) 723-9071 Mon.-Fri. 7am-7pm; Sat. 7am-6pm; closed Sunday

Lisac’s Tire

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

Lisac’s Tri Stop

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

1425 Dewey Blvd.

(406) 490-6735

World Museum of Mining

1555 Museum Way (406) 723-7211 www.miningmuseum.org MUSEUM

6 VIRGINIA CITY

Bale of Hay Saloon

(406) 843-5700 www.baleofhaysaloon.com

7 DILLON

Barrett Hospital and Health Care 600 State Hwy 91 S (406) 683-3000 www.barretthospital.org

Spring/Summer 2015

INSIDE THIS SECTION

SOUTHWEST COUNTRY Flat

hea dR iv

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rk F o

Choteau

Freezeout Lake 287 Fairfield nR iver 200 Augusta

Dearb

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GREAT FALLS Cascade

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Bitterroo t R.

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Georgetown Lake

White HELENA CanyonSulphur Springs 287 Ferry Lake 12

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Darby

90 Jeff e

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Logan Manhattan Three Belgrade Forks

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n River

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Virginia City

o Madis

Ruby River Reservoir

e rh ve a Be

Galla

287 Nevada City

Dillon

15

tin River

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Visit Southwest Country for the Montana Folk Festival, Evel Knievel Days, the Fairy and Wizards Festival, Last Chance Stampede and Fair and more.

Neihart

Hauser Lake

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90

Monarch

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200

Blackfoot R

HAMILTON

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iver Missouri R

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

287

Gallatin Gateway Emigrant

191 Petrified forest Mammoth Hot Springs 287

Lima Reservoir Monida

West Yellowstone

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

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M o u n t H e l e n a M u s ic F e s t re t u r n s w i t h a gre a t l i n e u p o f m u s ic

By TERENCE CORRIGAN Rediscover Montana

After a year of involuntary hiatus, the Mount Helena Music Festival returns this year, June 2627, re-energized with a slight shift in focus and a backyard barbecue contest.

The event sponsored by the Helena Business Improvement District has taken a slightly different tack by farming out production of the popular event to Calvin Richards’ business Helena Nights.

In years past the Helena music festival drew 2,500 to 3,000 people per day, and Richards is hoping for at least that number in this revival year.

Richards’ music acts are “paying homage” to the event’s past while injecting new life into it by including some musical acts that may appeal to a younger set.

The musical theme is Americana, and Richards is negotiating for acts that encompass the wide variety of styles that fall under the Americana umbrella: old-timey hillbilly bands, Memphis blues, bluegrass, country and Zydeco.

Richards is also trying to focus on presenting Montana-based bands.

When interviewed in late March, Richards was still involved in lining up performers, but one act he’d gotten does represent what he’s trying to do — to appeal to a wider age group. He’s engaged Billings’ Best New Band for 2015, Omnithex, who he describes as “unique.” The band, formed in 2012, describes itself a little more eclectically as “post-alternative, progressive hard rock.”

Richards is also focusing on 36

Independent Record photos

The Mount Helena Music Festival returns this summer after a one-year hiatus.

improved side offerings for the event, hoping to draw more arts and crafts vendors and a wider variety of foods — not just the standard festival fare of hot dogs and hamburgers. There will be several microbreweries on hand to provide alcoholic beverages.

The barbecue contest is aimed at drawing talented backyard barbecue chefs. To enter, chefs should figure on preparing ribs and chicken and two grilling meats and possibly there will be a dessert category.

The festival will be held in the area encompassed by Women’s and Hill parks, with Fuller Street closed off for the two-day event.

There will be blanket seating, and attendees should provide for their own comfort with chairs, blankets and umbrellas.

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The Mount Helena Music Festival returns this year, June 26-27, to Women’s Park in Helena.

The average ticket price for the two days will be $25.

The festival begins Friday night at 4 p.m. and ends at 11. On Saturday the festival gets underway at 2 p.m. immediately following the Helena Farmers’ Market.

Richards is coordinating with local club owners and he said there will be live music and after-parties throughout the city. For Richards, the event’s mission is twofold: to

promote downtown Helena and to support live music.

“I love live music and hope people will support it,” he said, “and go see what’s out there.”

Vendors interested in participating and barbecue chefs interested in competing should contact Richards at 558-9292. For ticket information call the Helena Business Improvement District at 447-1535.

Spring/Summer 2015

Billings Gazette

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park tour guide Pam Schroeder explains to a group of tourists the various features of the Pardise Room, the largest cave in the park.

L e w i s a n d Cl a r k C a ver n s S t a t e P a r k i s je w el i n s t a t e ’ s s y s t em actually visited the caverns.

You can be sure if they had, this geological wonder would defiNestled in the hills east of nitely have earned a mention in Whitehall is one of the Norththe expedition’s journals. west’s largest limestone caverns Today, visitors can visit — just waiting to be explored. the site by taking the twoMontana’s first state park, mile, two-hour guided tour Lewis and Clark Caverns, was that winds through the cavnamed by President Theodore erns — and a host of hanging, Roosevelt in honor of the Corps icicle-shaped stalactites and of Discovery leaders Meriweth- stalagmites. The caverns are er Lewis and William Clark. naturally air-conditioned and The Corps traveled through lighted for safety. Be forethis region of Montana in 1805, warned, an occasional bat and although it bears their sighting is common.

The park also includes a new names, Lewis and Clark never

By PAULA J. McGARVEY Rediscover Montana

Spring/Summer 2015

visitor center, interpretive displays, gift shop, food and beverage concessions, an amphitheater and regular interpretive events presented throughout the summer. Camping is available, with a large campground (40 sites), and a teepee, and three cabins, which can be reserved online, and a group camping area, which must be reserved by contacting the park directly. Ten miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking are also available.

Birding is another popular pastime at the park.

If you go

The park is open all year. Summer hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and until 7 p.m. during midsummer.

Guided cavern tours run May 1 through Sept. 30. Tours are two hours long and leave approximately every half-hour.

Tour schedule: n May 1-June 14: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. n June 15-Aug. 19: 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. n Aug. 20-Sept. 30: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Admission is $12 for guests 12 and older, $5 for children ages 6-11.

Children 5 and younger are admitted for free.

The park is located at 25 Lewis and Clark Caverns Road, Whitehall, MT 59759 Call 406-287-3541 or 406-2873032 for more information. For campground and cabin reservations, call 855-922-6768.

Information adapted from stateparks.mt.gov/lewis-and-clarkcaverns and visitmt.com.

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C e n t e n n i a l S i n a t r a is t h is y e a r ’ s S y m p h o n y U n d e r t h e S t a rs

By MARGA LINCOLN Rediscover Montana

One of Helena’s premier summer events, Symphony Under the Stars, celebrates “Centennial Sinatra,” the music of Frank Sinatra, 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 18, on the Carroll College lawn.

Now in its 12th year, the free outdoor concert is a festive night of music and picnicking, ending with a fireworks finale.

Steve Lippia, who’s been called Sinatra’s “heir,” stars in this year’s production.

“I know his (Sinatra’s) voice,” said Helena Symphony Music Director Allan R. Scott, who has been a lifelong Sinatra fan.

“There is very little distinction between Frank Sinatra and Steve Lippia. It’s uncanny.”

Critics agree. In fact, some write that Lippia even outsings Sinatra at the latter part of his career.

Lippia has performed with numerous symphonies across the country, drawing huge crowds, said Scott. “He’s not an impersonator,” he’s just adopted Sinatra’s vocal style.

“What makes his music so fantastic is not only his voice, but Sinatra’s orchestrations. He purchased all the symphonic orchestrations,” which are written for orchestra with a big-band component. “We’re playing the exact orchestrations Sinatra used.”

Last year, the Helena Symphony performed the Magical Music of Disney, which drew an estimated 18,000 to the Carroll College lawn for this popular 38

Thom Bridge/Independent Record

A sunset casts a backdrop for the 11th Annual Symphony Under The Stars.

summer concert that’s sponsored by the college and the symphony.

“We wondered how we could top Disney,” said Carroll College President Tom Evans.

“Most folks, no matter how old they are, know the music of Sinatra.”

So perhaps “Ol’ Blue Eyes” can give “Lion King” and “Mary Poppins” a run for their money.

“To say I am an avid Sinatra fan is stating it mildly,” said Scott. “I have 300 Sinatra CDs.” And at least 100 Sinatra records.

Growing up with a firstgeneration Italian mother in Philadelphia, Scott heard Sinatra’s music throughout his

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childhood, he said. It’s been a major part of his life.

His mother and grandparents listened to the local radio programs “Friday with Frank” and “Sunday with Sinatra” every weekend.

So Scott couldn’t help but note, he said, that 2015 is the Sinatra Centennial, marking 100 years since Sinatra’s birth.

“Sinatra is such an important icon in American music.”

“My goal is just another exciting Symphony Under the Stars,” he said. “Sinatra comes close to appealing to most generations. It’s such a classic American iconic sound.”

“We hope everybody likes this theme and wants to come,”

said Evans. “It’s such a pleasure seeing that many people on campus and having a good time.

Please come. It’s such a joy for us and all the people in the symphony. It’s a wonderful thing to do here in Helena.”

Last year “is tough to top,” Evans concluded, “but we’re going to try.”

For more information about SUS, call 406-4421860. Limited reserved seating for $25 goes on sale June 1. For more information, visit facebook.com/ SymphonyUnderTheStars.

Bring your blankets, picnic baskets and lawn chairs. However, dogs and smoking are not allowed.

Spring/Summer 2015

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Spring/Summer 2015

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Associated Press

Montana’s Masonic lodges got their start at Bannack, the state’s first territorial capital. Historians debate the role of Masons in formation of Montana’s Vigilantes.

H i s t o r y c o m e s a l i v e i n M o n ta n a’ s f i r s t t e r r i t o r i a l c a p i ta l associates known as the “Pikes Peakers” discovered gold in the BANNACK — Through the banks of Grasshopper Creek in doorway of Doctor Ryburn’s 1862. By that fall, word had spread house the harmonies flowed freely across the West, and an encampinto the crisp afternoon air. Piano ment of 400 hardscrabble miners songs recalled a bygone era when were working the “Grasshopper similar tunes enlivened the brew- Diggins.” The camp would swell eries, gambling halls and hotels to 3,000 the following spring. On that once lined these dusty streets. Nov. 21, 1863, a post office was esBannack, once a bustling min- tablished and the town of Bannack ing camp, first territorial capital was born. of Montana and birthplace of Numerous dwellings and vigilante justice, is now a state structures sprung up quickly park. Here, the past is present and around Bannack. Early buildings the music still stirs the soul. included an assay office where Bannack boomed after John gold was inspected for purity, White and a group of Colorado a brewery constructed by John Associated Press

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Manheim during the winter of 1862-63, and Skinner’s Saloon, built on the south side of Grasshopper Creek on Yankee Flats and moved to Bannack in the spring of 1863.

By that time Henry Plummer had made his way to Bannack. The former San Quentin Penitentiary inmate who served time for manslaughter arrived in the upstart mining town with mayhem on the mind. Shortly after arriving in Bannack, Plummer was tried and acquitted for the murder of Jack Cleveland, but by May 1863 had somehow managed to get himself elected sheriff.

Plummer used his newfound authority — and old criminal ties — to exact a reign of terror on Bannack and its residents. He headed an outlaw gang known as the Innocents, who, in the course of eight months, allegedly committed numerous robberies and 102 murders. Plummer’s gang of road agents struck miners on their way to and from Bannack.

“There were gun fights that broke out in Skinner’s Saloon,” said Sara Parks, an AmeriCorps volunteer in Bannack. “Cyrus Skinner was believed to be workPlease see Bannack, 43 Spring/Summer 2015

Bannack Continued from 42 ing for the Road Agents. He would get people drunk and get information from them on where they were headed.”

The Innocents’ outlaw ways didn’t last long. On Dec. 23, 1863, the first Vigilance Committee was organized to restore order.

Citizens from nearby Virginia City and Nevada City, and burgeoning Alder Gulch, joined with the fair people of Bannack to rid themselves of the Road Agents’ scourge.

On Jan. 10, 1864, vigilantes tracked down Plummer and two other members of his gang.

Plummer and the other men were hanged at a gallows just north of town. Plummer pleaded innocence, but in the end begged the vigilantes to “please give me a good drop.”

Skinner, a San Quentin contemporary of Plummer’s, must have felt the heat coming. He left Bannack sometime in the latter half of 1863 and opened a new saloon in Hellgate near present-day Missoula. The vigilantes tracked him down and hanged him for his alleged association with the Road Agents.

After relative order was restored to Bannack, the town blossomed. A Masonic lodge, school and Methodist church were built between 1871-1877. Bannack’s most iconic building, the Hotel Meade, was constructed in 1875 as the original Beaverhead County Courthouse.

Times changed for Bannack with the coming of the Utah and Northern Railroad in 1880. The railroad terminated in the nearby settlement of Dillon. With an emphasis on agriculture and freighting, and a downturn in mining, Spring/Summer 2015

Associated Press

Students pan for gold at Bannack State Park.

Dillon supplanted Bannack as the economic center of Beaverhead County.

In February 1881, by a vote of 665 to 495, Dillon was chosen the Beaverhead County seat, making it the political center as well.

Bannack hung on, with the Hotel Meade serving fine food and offering rooms on and off through the 1940s. The onset of World War II, and an accompanying ban on all nonessential mining, effectively ended Bannack’s existence as a viable community. The Bannack Post Office had closed in 1938 and the school shuttered its doors in the early ’50s. There was no doctor and no place to buy groceries.

Though Bannack was largely abandoned, the community of Beaverhead County recognized

the strong role the town had played in the region’s history.

When I.B. Mining Company property was put to auction, longtime Bannack resident Chan Stallings cast the winning bid.

Stallings sold the property to the Beaverhead Country Museum Association, which transferred the property to the State of Montana on Jan. 23, 1954.

Today, Bannack is one of the crown jewels of the Montana State Parks system. On July 17, 2013, when the town was struck by an historic flash flood that knocked down the assay office and drug store just prior to Bannack Days, scores of volunteers turned out to help.

Unearthed by the flood were numerous bottles, a large boiler and other artifacts that had long

If you go

Tours are conducted from the visitor center, which is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.Bannack Days, with historic displays, re-enactors, and activities, are held annually the third weekend in July.For more information call, 406-834-3413 or go to stateparks.mt.gov/bannack/

been buried — mysteries that offer a new glimpse into Bannack’s past.

Gov. Steve Bullock attended the reopening of the park in September 2013 and commended the community’s efforts to preserve Bannack.

“This is our first territorial capital, and this place means so much to Montana’s past and Montana’s future,” Bullock said.

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Southwest country Calendar ANACOND

honoring Butte’s famous stuntman Evel Knievel. evelknieveldays.org.

A rt in the Park July 17-19 Arts, food, crafts and music in the shade of Washoe Park and along Warm Springs Creek. 406-563-2422 or coppervillageartcenter.com.

AUGUSTA

American Legion Rodeo and Parade June 28 This is one of the largest one-day rodeos in Montana.

The annual Augusta Rodeo features a parade and a rodeo.

Located under the Rocky Mountain Front, Augusta is the closest entry into the Bob Marshall Wilderness, and there are many other recreational choices in the Augusta area.

Walter Hinick/Montana Standard

Western swing band “Hot Club of Cowtown” played the Montana Folk Festival on the Original stage.

BUTTE

Features fireworks at Big M on July 3, sponsored by the Kenneally Family and Town Pump Foundation, and parade on Harrison Avenue on July 4.

For information, contact Butte Community Celebrations at lredfern1731@yahoo.com or call 406-565-7689.

Butte Freedom Festival July 1-4

Montana Folk Festival July 10-12 Thousands of people flock to the Mining City every summer for this free festival.

This year’s lineup includes the Campbell Brothers, Dale Ann Bradley, Preston Shannon Band, Savoy Family Cajun Band ane more. www. montanafolkfestival.com

Uptown Art Walk June 5 Art Walk is held the first Friday of the month through the summer and early fall. Call 406-782-5217 or visit facebook.com/ uptownbutteartwalk for more information.

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Montana Lineman’s Rodeo July 18 Event takes place at the Butte Vigilante Saddle Club Rodeo Grounds, 6354 Albany St. Ir is a competition for lineman, equipment operators and tree trimmers through safe work conditions. All ages have much to watch and do, including bucket truck rides, a bounce house, ladies pole climb, electric safety demonstrations and more. mtlinemansrodeo. com.

Evel Knievel Days July 23-25 The festival features motorcycle and human stunts, races, food and music

Butte 100 mountain bike race July 25 The Butte 100 consists of two individual races, 50- and 100mile distances, taking place atop the Continental Divide outside of Butte. The race has grown from a small group of dedicated locals on a gravel road to world-class athletes competing on world-class trails. butte100.com.

The An Ri Ra Montana Irish Festival Aug. 14-16 Nationally known musicians gather for this free festival at the Original Mineyard. The event celebrates Irish heritage and Irish contributions to the community of Butte and the state of Montana and features food and kids’ activities.

Scheduled performers include The Town Pants; Ken O’Malley and The Ne’er Duwels; Runa; Cathie Ryan Band; Dublin Gulch; and the Trinity Irish Dancers. the event also features 10K, 5K and Please see Events, 45 Spring/Summer 2015

Southwest country Calendar

Continued from 44 1-mile races. Visit mtgaelic. org/an-ri-ra-montana-irishfestival for more information.

CLANCY

Fairy and Wizards Festival June 27 Annual Fairy and Wizards Festival. This is the one day of the year that garden fairies and wizards can be seen with the naked eye. Fun and festivities for the whole family.

Dress as your favorite fairy, gnome, elf or wizard.

Vendors, activities for the kids, music, great food, kid’s parades! Meet the Fairy Godmothers and the Tooth fairy, Storyteller Fairy and the Troll that lives under the bridge. Tizer Gardens.

406-933-8789 or www. tizergardens.com.

DEER LODGE

Tri-County Fair and Rodeo Aug. 12-16 The week concludes with always-favorite Demolition Derby at the fairgrounds at 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16. For more information, call 406846-2094.

Big Sky Draft Horse Expo Sept. 18-20 At the fairgrounds in Deer Lodge. For more information, call 496-490-1305.

DILLON

Montana’s Biggest Weekend Sept. 5-7 The Dillon Jaycee Labor Day Spring/Summer 2015

Rodeo, concert and parade provide an exciting end to summer. The arena action lures America’s top riders and ropers. For details, visit www. dillonjaycees.com.

PHILIPSBURG

Flint Creek Valley Days July 24-26 Three days of seeing old friends, dancing, parades, pancake breakfast, kid carnivals and a car show. For information, call 406-8596726.

Aber Day Reunion Concert Aug. 22 The Aber Day Kegger will reprise its celebrated union of charity and revelry for the first time in 36 years. The Aber Day Reunion Concert will feature Mission Mountain Wood Band alongside Wylie and The Wild West and Shane Clouse and Stomping Ground.

More information is available at www.philipsburgrotary. org and facebook.com/ pburgconcert.

HELENA

1st Fridays First Fridays of each month Stores in Downtown Helena along Last Chance Gulch will be open later (from 5 to 9 p.m.) on the First Friday of every month. For more information, visit Helena 1st ridays Facebook page at ​facebook. com/1stfridayshelena.

Alive@Five Wednesdays June 3-Aug. 26 Enjoy live music in downtown Helena at the 18th annual Alive@Five summer concert

series, every Wednesday night from 5 to 9 p.m. People of all ages are welcome. Alive@ Five features good food, a family atmosphere and free music at different downtown locations each week. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy a beautiful evening along the most historic mile in Montana.

For more information about Alive@Five, please contact Downtown Helena Inc at info@helenabid.com or call 406-447-1535.

Helena Farmers’ Market. The musical theme is Americana, and specific acts will include old-timey hillbilly bands, Memphis blues, bluegrass, country and Zydeco. downtownhelena.com Symphony Under the Stars July 18 The theme this year is Centennial Sinatra, and will feature the music of Frank Sinatra at 8:30 p.m. on the Carroll College lawn. Steve Lippia, who’s been called Sinatra’s “heir,” stars in this year’s production.

Governor’s Cup June 13 Marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, kids’ marathon and Last Chance Stampede and fun run. Visit www.govcupmt. Fair com.

July 22-25 Martina McBride performs Mount Helena Music Festival July 22. Tickets are $40 in June 26-27 advance and $45 the date of After a year’s hiatus, the the show. Montana’s Annual festival returns re-energized “Last Chance Stampede and with a slight shift in focus Fair” will be held at the Lewis and a backyard barbecue and Clark County Fairground’s contest. The average ticket new facility. Check out the price for the two days will be exhibits, ride the Northstar $25. The festival begins Friday Amusement Carnival Rides night at 4 p.m. and ends at and take in three exciting 11. On Saturday the festival nights of Professional gets underway at 2 p.m.

Rodeo Cowboys Association immediately following the action.

36th ANNUAL ARt IN thE WAShOE PARK IN ANACONDA!

SponSored by Copper Village art MuSeuM bands including the Hot Rod Deluxe on w e n g Satur urin day.

Feat July 17, 18, 19

Hours

Events

Friday- Noon to 10:00 P.M. Saturday – 10:00 A.M. TO 9:30 P.M. Sunday 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

80 Art and Craft Booths | 20 Food Vendors r e d i s c ov e r M o n ta n a

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Southeast country

Inside this section Makoshika State Park

iver th R

Neihart

Crow Fair Houser

Hilger Stanford 200 Hobson LEWISTOWN Moore

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White Sulphur HELENA Springs 287 Canyon Ferry Winston Lake 12 Townsend

Judith Gap

r ive eR n o st low MILES CITY Yel Pompeys Pillar National Historic Landmark 94

90 BILLINGS

90

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Melville

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Magic City Blues

Glendive

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lder R. ou

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Harlowton Shawmut

89

200 Jordan

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200

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Denton

212 Crow Northern Cheyenne Agency Indian Reservation

12

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59

Riv er

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15

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Belt

Cascade

Fairview

Winifred

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Fort Peck Reservoir

Mi ssouri River

Fort Benton

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ith Jud

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310

Grant Village Calendar of events Shoshone Lake

Visit Southeast Country for the Big Sky State Games, Little Bighorn events, Fourth of July celebrations and more.

Spring/Summer 2015

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Billings Gazette

Clay and shale make for a shifting, ever-changing landscape at Makoshika, which is often called dinosaur park because 10 species of dinosaurs have been found there.

Makos hik a gain s popul arit y as l argest s t a t e p a r k wi t h im p r e s s i v e g e o g r a p h y Montana hundreds of years ago, before paleontologists came up with names for the fossilized The Lakota Sioux stayed away beasts buried in the soil. from what is now Makoshika The only wildlife there now State Park, calling it “land of bad are small game and rattlesnakes. spirits” because of the shifting But 65 million years ago during soil and massive horned skulls the Cretaceous Period, dinopoking out of the rocks. saurs thrived in the subtropical Now 60,000 visitors come climate of the area. every year to look at the dinosaur Some of the rocks bear fossils and to take in the sundescriptive names like Moby drenched canyons and fingerDick, a long, rounded, whalelike mesas that make this land like form near Valley View look like it’s on another planet.

Loop, or the Choirboys or GobImagine wandering through lins, two names for the tall, human-like rock formations the arid badlands of Eastern

By JACI WEBB Rediscover Montana

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near the ampitheater.

The Hell Creek Formation within Makoshika, just south of Glendive, captures history’s transition from dinosaurs to mammals. Ten species of dinosaurs have been discovered in Makoshika, most notably the Triceratops, whose fossilized skull is on display in the Makoshika visitor’s center, and the Tyrannosaurus rex. Visitors often find fossils that, while tempting, cannot be taken from the park.

At 11,538 acres, Makoshika is the largest of Montana’s 56 state

parks, and there are many opportunities for solitude.

Makoshika sits at the end of Snyder Street in Glendive. One minute, you’re driving through neighborhoods and the next you’re in an eerie land of columns rising 25 feet out of the clay, casting shadows across the gullies.

Walking or driving through Makoshika, the effects of erosion on the landscape are apparent.

The wind carves the stone into shapes not unlike the dinosaurs Please see Makoshika, 50 Spring/Summer 2015

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49

Makoshika

The land before time

Continued from 48 that once roamed here. This contrasts with the thigh-high honey clover and ponderosa pine and juniper, making for some shaded, sweet-smelling trails.

“My favorite trail is Kinney Coulee,” said Makoshika park manager Nate Powell. “You start in the pine trees, go through the badlands and end up in the pine trees again. The ecology just changes as you go through.”

The Kinney Coulee Trail is a half-mile long and descends 300 feet to the bottom of the coulee.

The clay and shale of the lower sedimentary layers erode easier than the sandstone layers, and when the softer material erodes away, caprocks of sandstone are left to teeter over

Billings Gazette

Rock formations at Makoshika State Park make it a popular spot for photographers.

Early morning and evening are the best times to capture the colors of the rocks.

the spires. It gives the area an otherworldly appearance.

The community began advocating for Makoshika to become a park as early as 1893, but it wasn’t until 1953 that it became a state park. In 1939 the federal

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government built the main road into the park as a response to Montana Gov. Frank Cooney’s request to designate Makoshika a national park.

“Our numbers continue to increase every year. The word is getting out,” Powell said. “I’ve talked with visitors here from all over the world.”

Increased visitation may be the result of the attention Makoshkia has been getting from national media. CNN named the park’s towering Cap Rock one of the Top 10 rock formations in the U.S. Last summer, Country Magazine heralded Maskoshika as one of the Top 10 Hidden Gems among parks across the country.

Makoshika celebrates two things — dinosaurs and buzzards.

The number of turkey vultures in the park has declined in recent years from its peak of 60 to the 30 vultures last summer. Park ranger Tom Shoush said a large rookery blew down in recent years, and it’s led to a decline in the population. More than half of Montana’s bird spe-

Makoshika (Ma-KO-shi-ka) State Park has been a hotbed for paleontology, anthropology and geology since exploration began there in the 1800s. The landscape is extreme with 600foot overlooks, hogback ridges, rock pinnacles and caprocks.

The park offers camping, hiking, biking, an archery range, an 18-hole disc golf course, and an amphitheater for weddings and other special events. The visitor center, which offers a self-guided tour chronicling 74 million years of Eastern Montana history, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Labor Day to Memorial Day. For more information, go to fwp.mt.gov.

cies are found in Makoshika, including mountain bluebirds, but the local favorite is the vulture.

“Turkey vultures are one of nature’s cleaners. They take care of dead animals and are an important part of the biological cycle,” Shoush said. “When you see them, you know that winter is over. They are like a mascot to us.”

Makoshika honors the return of the buzzard with the annual Buzzard Days road race and other events the second week of June.

Visitors who spend a full day or two in the park can experience how the changing light affects the colorful shades of the rock in early morning or the evening.

Shoush warns of driving or walking in the park when it rains because the clay turns to sticky gumbo.

The Lakota may have feared this land, but for visitors today, Makoshika is a place of wonder and beauty with vistas changing with the light and the seasons.

Spring/Summer 2015

Find ‘descendants of colonial S pa n i s h h o r s e s ’ o n t h e Pryo r M o u n ta i n W i l d H o r s e R a n g e American wild horses are descended from domestic horses, some of which were brought The Pryor Mountain Wild over by European explorers in Horse Range, established in the late 15th and 16th centuries, 1968, encompasses 38,000 acres plus others that were released of Forest Service, Bureau of or escaped captivity in modern Land Management and National times. Over this 500-year pePark Service land on the Monriod, these horses have adapted tana-Wyoming border near the CASEY PAGE/Billings Gazette successfully to the Western Bighorn Canyon.

A band of wild horses walks through Mustang Meadows in the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. range.

About 160 horses live on the To assist in educating the range. Most of them live high in the Pryor Mountains, accessible Udall’s order, the passage of the Horse Range is unique in both its public about the Pryor Mountain wild horse herd, the BLM partWild Free-Roaming Horses and setting and for the wild horses by rough dirt roads. ners with the Pryor Mountain that inhabit it. Many of the Burros Act in 1971 allowed for In 1968, Interior Secretary horses have primitive striping on Wild Mustang Center located in expansion of the range to areas Stewart Udall set aside 31,000 their backs, withers and legs and Lovell, Wyo. acres in the Pryor Mountains as where horses were “presently To learn more, visit are reputed to be descendants of a public range for the wild horses found.” pryormustangs.org.

The Pryor Mountain Wild “colonial” Spanish horses. living there. Subsequent to Rediscover Montana

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C r o w Age n c y t o re p rise r o l e a s t e p ee c a p i t a l o f t h e w o r l d

By MIKE FERGUSON Rediscover Montana

Now in its 97th year, the Crow Fair Powwow Celebration is honoring the generation that will keep North America’s largest camping powwow popular into its next century — Crow youth.

In fact, said Noel Two Leggins, who’s handling publicity for the Aug. 12-17 event that’s held each year at Crow Agency in Big Horn County, young people are the main reason Crow Fair organizers are adding an additional day this year.

A youth powwow will be held the evening of Wednesday, Aug. 12.

“As we get close to the 100th anniversary, we felt we wanted to change the atmosphere,” Two Leggins said. “In all the years it has gone on, we never saw one that recognized the youth. We never saw the royalty portrayed like they are this year. We need to showcase them and prove through our culture and tradition that we do care for our children.”

Two families are donating horses to give away during the youth powwow. Additional powwow items to be given away will include backpacks, school supplies and financial incentives.

“All the youth will walk away with something,” he said.

“A give-away is the way we show how we care for people.”

A dozen or so Crow Fair princesses have spent time during the spring traveling 52

HANNAH POTES/Billings Gazette photos

A drum circle provides music for the dancers during Crow Fair.

Dancers of all ages take part in powwows at Crow Fair.

to powwows throughout the West, he said. At every stop they distribute literature inviting people to Crow Fair. As a result of their efforts, Two

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Leggins said he expects up to 50,000 people to attend this year’s celebration.

“We want them to walk away with a great show —

dancing, singing, all that good stuff,” Two Leggins said.

With a lack of readily available hotel rooms nearby, many of those visitors will stay in Billings. But a fair amount will take advantage of Crow Fair’s self-proclaimed status as the tepee capital of the world.

The tepees could be fuller than usual because many Crow Fair visitors, including specially invited guests, have told organizers they plan to camp out rather than stay in a hotel room, Two Leggins said.

“People forget how it feels to tough it out. They’ve forgotten what it took to survive back then,” he said. “People Please see Crow Fair, 55 Spring/Summer 2015

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Crow Fair

year to show it off for three days,” he said.

Continued from 52 Crow Fair’s general manager, Burdick “Son-Son” Two have told us they want to camp Leggins, who is Noel’s brother, has said that all the expected to feel like they belong. If you visitors are welcome because come with your motor home, the more who attend, “the that’s OK, but the main image more likely it is that they’ll of the Crow is our teepee.

“It is our home, our mother. bring good fortune,” Noel Two Leggins said. “We want lots of It shelters us and deeps away people to come. Maybe some the elements in the winterwill bring prosperity and good time,” he added. “We just tell fortune to the tribe.” people to bring a warm jacket, All the dancers who will because at night it gets cold.” perform Saturday and Sunday The Saturday, Aug. 15, will stay in a designated campparade is expected to attract ing area.

Families will help the 20,000 spectators and pargeneral manager to feed them, ticipants. Even among all the keeping energy levels high. teepees, horses and pageantry, “Every time someone visthe item that will be showcased its,” Two Leggins said, “we is the beadwork, according to show them that we mean them Two Leggins.

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J o h n F o g e r t y , L u ci n d a W illi a m s t o h e a d li n e M a g ic C i t y B l u e s

By JACI WEBB Rediscover Montana

Tim Goodridge thought he would find a music festival to run while he looked for a real job.

That was 14 years ago and since then, Magic City Blues has brought more than 150 music acts to Billings and brought people from throughout North America to Billings for what has grown to be a four-day festival with three venues.

Buddy Guy, John Fogerty and Lucinda Williams will headline the urban music festival July 30 through Aug. 2 in Billings.

Tim and his wife, Pam, had just moved back to Montana after spending a few years living and working in Vancouver, British Columbia, when they came up with the idea of bringing more music to Billings.

“It was something that was conceived as a sideline and it has become my life,” Tim said.

“After I have done this for a while, it’s hard to imagine doing anything else. You get addicted to the adrenaline of it.”

This year, there will be a few changes to make the festival even more successful and fanfriendly, Goodridge said.

Most notably, the dates are changing. After hosting the event on the second weekend of August since its inception, Goodridge moved it to the first weekend in August for a few reasons. In 2001 when Magic City Blues launched, it was the only big music festival happening in 56

CASEY PAGE/Billings Gazette

Fans cheer for at Magic City Blues in South Park.

the area. Rockin’ the Rivers also started in 2001 and Rockin’ the Railroad started a couple of years ago in Sheridan, Wyo., on that same weekend.

Then, there’s Montana Fair, which opens the second weekend of August and often features its night shows that weekend.

“I’m a firm believer that you can’t just stick to the same formula every year in entertainment. If you do, you lose your fan base over time,” Tim said.

MCB is set for July 31-Aug. 2 this year. The festival kicks off again with a free show on July 30 at St. John’s Lutheran Home, followed by a July 31 concert on

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Montana Avenue, and Aug. 1 and 2 all-ages shows at South Park.

Tickets are available at Holiday stores in Billings, Cactus Records in Bozeman and at www. magiccityblues.com/. Tickets are $49 for general admission for Friday, July 31, or Sunday, Aug. 2, and $69 for the Saturday, Aug. 1, night show. Three-day passes are $139.

Guy will headline the show on July 31 on Montana Avenue. Kelley Hunt opens for Guy and The Congress opens the evening. The second stage will feature Jarekus Singleton, Steepwater Band and the Austin Young Band.

Fogerty headlines the Aug. 1

show at South Park. O.A.R. will open that show. Billings native Guthrie Brown returns to town to perform with his project, Guthrie Brown and the Family Tree. Brown and his band will also play the free show on Thursday, July 29, at St. John’s Lutheran Home.

Williams headlines the Aug. 2 show at South Park with openers Los Lobos and Edward David Anderson.

Goodridge is also tapping in Billings’ growing food truck culture and arranging to have four or five of the trucks both downtown on July 30 and at South Park on Aug. 1 and 2.

Spring/Summer 2015

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Southeast country Calendar BILLINGS

Heart & Sole Run June 20 In its 36th year, this benefit race attracts people of all ages and abilities. Starting at St. Vincent Healthcare, a 2-mile health walk and a 5K and 10K run end in Dehler Park. A free Active Life Festival with fun, music and food follows. Proceeds benefit the YMCA Healthy Community Campaign and trails development. 406-254-7426 or heartandsolerace.com.

Alive After 5 June 4-Aug. 27 A local favorite, this popular weekly concert series has grown to include free, live performances from 5 to 9 p.m. every Thursday (and one Wednesday).

Music lovers enjoy concerts at various downtown locations, where beverages and food are also available. 406-259-5454 or downtownbillings.com/events/aliveafter-5/.

Moss Mansion Springfest June 6 SpringFest is held on the parklike grounds of the Moss Mansion, 914 Division St., from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Featuring arts and crafts vendors, food concessions, and live entertainment and a kids’ corner with carnival style games. 406-256-5100.

Montana Renaissance Festival June 6-7 Take in the atmosphere of a 16th century European Country Faire and its bustling marketplace on the grounds of ZooMontana.

The event will feature full-contact armored jousting tournaments. Storytellers, musicians, singers, dancers and villagers will be on hand in period dress. 406-652-8100 or montanarenfest.com.

Festival of Cultures June 14 Celebrate cultural diversity with participants from all over the region and neighboring states. From 10 am. to 5 p.m., 58

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HANNAH POTES/Billings Gazette

The Munirah Tribal Dancers of Red Lodge perform belly dancing numbers for attendees of the Festival of Cultures at Rocky Mountain College.

ethnic entertainment, a student-created inspirational fine art show, interactive children’s activities and hooping fun for young adults are all on the lush lawn of Rocky Mountain College. Food is available, but attendees are welcome to bring picnic baskets. The festival is hosted by the Institute for Peace Studies, and admission is free. 406-657-1042 or rocky.edu.

Strawberry Festival June 13 A pancake breakfast starts the day at 7:30 a.m., and downtown streets are lined with more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, children’s activities, food and fun at 8 a.m. Free, live entertainment on two stages and a 60-foot strawberry shortcake make for one fun, sweet day. 406-2595454 or downtownbillings.com/events/ strawberry-festival/.

Highland Games June 20 This Scottish-Irish inspired event features athletics, piping, drumming, dancing on the grounds of ZooMontana. Lea Ann Yucha at 406-652-8100 ext. 213.

HANNAH POTES/Billings Gazette

Thousands gather for food, musical instrument “petting zoos” and live music at Symphony in the Park at Pioneer Park.

Symphony in the Park June 28 This free outdoor community concert is a Please see Calendar, 60 Spring/Summer 2015

KNOWING HOW THE STORY ENDS

IS JUST THE BEGINNING

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Southeast country Calendar

Calendar

than 30 competitions take place around town throughout the weekend. 406-2547426 or bigskygames.org.

Continued from 58 great way to take in the Billings Symphony Orchestra at Pioneer Park. Picnicking begins at 4 p.m., an instrument ‘petting zoo’ at 5 p.m. and the main concert at 7 p.m.

406-252-3610 or www.billingssymphony. org.

Summerfair July 11-12 Check out one of the largest juried arts and crafts festivals in the state at this fundraiser for the Yellowstone Art Museum. The event is at Veterans Park and admission is $3 for adults, free for those 17 and younger. Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

406-256-6804, ext. 236 or artmuseum. org.

Magic City Blues July 31- Aug. 2 Montana’s largest urban music festival takes over two venues this year, Montana Avenue on Friday night and South Park on Saturday and Sunday. 406-670-2329 or magiccityblues.com HANNAH POTES/Billings Gazette

Swimmers exit the water as the sun rises for the cycling leg of the Big Sky State Games Triathlon at Lake Elmo State Park.

Big Sky State Games July 17-19 This Olympic-style sports festival hosts more than 10,000 Montana and Wyoming residents. Opening ceremonies include torch lighting by an Olympic athlete. More

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Events Continued from 60 Featuring local riders and re-enactors from around the United States, the Battle of the Little Bighorn Re-enactment began nearly 20 years ago as a way to impart more Native American history and culture, and takes place during Crow Native Days.

Littlebighornreenactment.com.

Crow Fair

and 10K runs, and festival games are part of the fun, and each year, new events are added. Admission is free. 406-377-6256 or stateparks.mt.gov/makoshika/.

Cars in the Park June 26-27 The Badlands Drifters Car Club hosts this annual two-day car show in Eyer Park, where more than 30 trophies are awarded. Other events include a scavenger hunt, fun run and a dance to ‘60s music at Moose Lodge.

Badlandsdrifters.com.

HARDIN

HANNAH POTES/Billings Gazette

Crow dancers perform during the grand entry at the ninth annual Crow Fair in Crow Agency.

Aug. 12-17 The nation’s largest modern-day American Indian encampment features dancing, drumming, food, daily rodeos and racing, traditional beadwork, buckskin and leather work, evening powwows, morning parades and at the close of the fair, the DanceThrough Camp. Daily grand entries and afternoon war bonnet dances are included in this authentic annual event. 406-638-3708.

Little Bighorn Days June 24-28 The past comes alive every June in and around Hardin. Highlights of Little Bighorn Days include living history areas, arts and crafts fairs, a book fair, a 5K run/walk, a Lamborghini show, and the annual Custer’s Last Stand Re-enactment of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Before and after the show, cavalrymen who’ve set up camp are on hand to talk about events and demonstrate skills such as bullet making and weapon cleaning. Parades, an 1876 Grand Ball and much more are offered. 406-665-1672 or thehardinchamber.org and custerslaststand. org.

CASEY PAGE/Billings Gazette

Kayla Woody, 12, sprays water at the crowd lining Main Street in Laurel for the Fourth of July parade.

Fourth of July Celebration More than 15,000 people gather at Thomson Park for activities, including a pancake breakfast, the Chief Joseph Run, kiddie parade, grand parade, food and craft fair, live entertainment all day, and one of Montana’s largest fireworks displays at night. 406-6288105 or laurelmontana.org.

POMPEYS PILLAR

HUNTLEY PROJEC

hreshing Bee T Aug. 15-16 The South Central Montana Antique Tractor and Machinery Association sponsors this weekend of steam and gas threshing with events for the whole family. A stationary engine display, gas tractor and steam engine plowing, hay GLENDIVE baling, binding, a sawmill, wood planer Buzzard Day and shingle mill, working blacksmith June 13 shop, tractor pull competition, parade, The annual return of the turkey vulture to Eastern Montana is celebrated at Makoshika arts, crafts, live music and concessions State Park. Entertainment and events for all are daily at Huntley Project Museum of age groups, including a pancake breakfast, Irrigated Agriculture. Antiquetractorclub.

Buzzard Burger lunch, nature walks, 5K org/2015threshingbee.

Spring/Summer 2015

LAUREL

BOB ZELLAR/Billings Gazette

The Elk River Brigade fires of a volley at Pompeys Pillar during Clark Days.

Clark Days July 25 William Clark’s stop at Pompeys Pillar on July 25, 1806, is marked at Pompeys Pillar National Monument. Historical talks, nature walks, Native American cultural presentations, music, and food are part of the annual commemoration, where Saturday camping is allowed for just one night of the year. 406939-5380 or pompeyspillar.org/clark-days r e d i s c ov e r M o n ta n a

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INSIDE THIS SECTION

CENTR AL COUNTRY

Lewis and Clark Museum

GLACIER

Polebridge

in g -to

Eureka

Fortine 37 Stryker

R lathead

Lake Koocan

508

F ork N. F

usa

Yaak

Babb -theSun Rd. St. Mary

Blackfeet Indian Reservation

N

15

232 Fresno Reservoir

Go

Cut 93 Whitefish Bank 89 NATIONAL i Ri 2 Lake Browning ver W E West Glacier i R v Troy Martin 49 Two edicine er Coram Whitefish City M S Libby 56 Hungry PARK Columbia Falls East Glacier 2 Horse Ashley Lake Essex KALISPELL Heron F 2 Bigfork Hungry lathea Marion Somers Noxon dR Red Ants PantsLakeside Horse iv 200 Reservoir Flathead Proctor Lake Swan Trout Creek 89 Elmo Dayton35 Lake 2 Ko otena

.

Shelby

2

Dodson

Milk River

Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation

Marias R iv er

Lake Elwell

HAVRE Malta

Milk River

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Fort Belknap Indian Reservation

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The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center in Great Falls attracts an average of 48,000 visitors annually.

U.S. Forest Service

‘The whole story o f t h e e n t ire j o ur n e y ’ L e w i s a n d C l a r k m u s e u m a tt r a cts a l m o st 5 0 , 0 0 0 v i s i t o r s a n n u a ll y others deal with a part of the trail within their segment.”

The center, managed by the Great Falls is home to one of USDA Forest Service and conthe premier attractions along the structed along the bank of the 3,700-mile Lewis and Clark Trail. Missouri River, attracts an averThe Lewis and Clark National age of 48,000 visitors annually.

Historic Trail Interpretive Center Two introductory videos are “tells the whole story of the entire available for visitors, and staff journey,” said Jeff LaRock, the also offers them a variety of short center’s interim manager. “All the talks.

By MIKE FERGUSON Rediscover Montana

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r e d i s c ov e r M o n ta n a

One of the popular talks is called “The Amazing Air Gun” and focuses on Meriwether Lewis’ air rifle, LaRock said. Capt.

Lewis purchased the weapon believing that members of the Corps of Discovery would run out of ammunition. It became a toy that Lewis enjoyed pulling out and demonstrating for Native Americans.

“They were quite impressed,” said LaRock, adding that a highquality air rifle can be just as effective as a black powder rifle.

As they enter, visitors will notice a large copy of an 1802 map created by a British cartographer that LaRock says “at its time was the best map in the world.” The Please see Museum, 65 Spring/Summer 2015

If you go

The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center is at 4201 Giant Springs Road in Great Falls. Between May 23 and Sept. 30, it’s open daily 9 a.m. through 6 p.m.

Admission is $8 for people 16 and older, free for children 15 and under, and $6 for scheduled group tours. Free admission is available June 13, Sept. 26 and Nov. 11.

Learn more by calling 406-727-8733 or by visiting www.fs.usda.gov/main/ lcnf/learning.

A life-size depiction of the 1805 Great Falls portage is the centerpiece exhibit at the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center.

U.S. Forest Service

Museum Continued from 64 region that would become the American West “is largely blank,” LaRock said.

As they amble on, visitors learn how Lewis and Clark met and started recruiting members of the expedition.

The centerpiece is a life-size diorama of the Great Falls portage in 1805. It features the reproduction of a large dugout canoe.

Generally speaking, exhibits on visitors’ left side interpret the actions of the members of the expedition. The right side interprets the Native peoples they encountered.

Summertime activities include the June 6 Sulphur Springs Trail Hike, a 3.6-mile guided and moderately challenging hike that will depart from Gibson Park.

June 19-21 are the dates for the annual Lewis and Clark Festival. The first two days are marked by historical programs, children’s activities, Native American cultural programs and wares sold by artisans and local craftspeople, all at Gibson Park. On Sunday, June 21, several float tours will make their way down the Missouri River.

Each Friday from June 26 through Aug. 28 staff and volunteers will offer Riverside Voices. The free presentations begin at 7 p.m. and generally last an hour or less.

Spring/Summer 2015

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i n 5 t h y e a r , R e d A n t s P a n t s f e at u r e s Bingham, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Rediscover Montana

A music festival held in a cow pasture on the Jackson Ranches outside White Sulphur Springs is heading into its fifth year featuring the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Ryan Bingham and Keb Mo as headliners.

The July 24-26 Red Ants Pants music festival will also bring back the Montana Beard and Mustache State Finals by popular demand.

“The momentum keeps growing every year as the festival has become a bucket list item for musicians and fans around the world. It’s all about bringing good hardworking folks together to enjoy some incredible music in one of the most beautiful places around,” said Sarah Calhoun, Red Ants Pants Music Festival founder and producer.

Th music festival benefits the Red Ants Pants Foundation, a nonprofit organization in support of women’s leadership, working farms and ranches, and rural communities.

The full lineup includes Ryan Bingham, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, three-time Grammy winner Keb’ Mo’, country musician Lee Ann Womack, the Turnpike Troubadours, and Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis.

Singer-songwriter Holly Williams, granddaughter of Hank Williams Sr., will also take the stage, along with New York-based Americana-roots trio Red Molly, Lucero, Par66

Courtesy photo

Red Ants Pants is set for July 23-26 just northwest of White Sulphur Springs. Headliners include the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Ryan Bingham.

If you go

A three-day weekend pass is $125 in advance and $140 at the gate.

One-day passes are $50 in advance and $55 at the gate. Camping is $20 per person for the weekend.

Camping passes are available only at the gate.Kids 12 and younger get in free for festival and camping when accompanied by an adult.

Tickets can be purchased at the following outlets: Forde Nursery, Great Falls; Blackfoot River Brewing, Helena; Rockin’ Rudy’s, Missoula; Conley’s Books, Livingston; Cactus Records, Bozeman; Red Ants Pants, White Sulphur Springs, or online by going to redantspantsmusicfestival. com/

Beard and Mustache State Finals.

The schedule n Friday, July 24, 4 p.m. start: The Last Revel, Shook Twins, Lucero, Lee Ann Womack, Keb’ Mo’. n Saturday, July 25, noon start: The Lil’ Smokies, Del Barber, Holly Williams, Red Molly, sonsfield, Shook Twins, Del of dollars to the rural economy. Red Ants Pants fashion show, Barber, The Lil’ Smokies and Additional activities will in- Turnpike Troubadours, Ryan the Easy Leaves. clude the agricultural and work Bingham.

The event will bring in more skill demonstration area, the n Sunday, July 26, noon than two dozen artists perside stage, featuring a dozen start: The Easy Leaves, Parsonsforming on separate stages. bands from across the region, field, Bruce Robison and Kelly The festival brings in millions a kids tent, and the Montana Willis, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

r e d i s c ov e r M o n ta n a

Spring/Summer 2015

Central country Calendar FORT BENTON

Annual Fort Benton Summer Celebration June 26-28 Montana’s ‘birthplace’ community celebrates summer. Three days packed with activities including a parade, Old West re-enactment, Art On The Levee.

Crafts and Fun Things at Old Fort Park.

Ice cream social, living history and more. 622-2013 or of fortbenton.com/ sumcel

GREAT FALLS

26th Annual Lewis and Clark Festival June 19-21 This weekend of rediscovery is your opportunity to experience an incredible journey through the weathered pages of the daily journals kept by Lewis and Clark; all shared with you through presentation, ceremony and guided experience. Demonstrations, exhibits and other events of this week will touch you forever, as the history of this 200-year-old adventure unfolds. lewisandclarkfoundation.org.

Montana State Fair July 24-Aug. 1 Experience Montana’s culture and history in Great Falls. Night shows, the Mighty Thomas Carnival, five nights of pro rodeo, 40 food vendors, livestock shows, stage acts, quilts, floral and cooking exhibits and more. montanastatefair.com.

Spring/Summer 2015

Fergus County Fairgrounds. Diamond Rio on July 24, featuring Restless Heart.

PRCA rodeo on July 22 and 23. BGM Racing Bump-n-run and demolition derby on July 25. centralmontanafair. com.

Rediscover Montana

The Charlie Russell Chew-Choo has been in operation since the late 1990s and offers guests a three and a half hour train ride through the sparse ranchlands and mountains outside town, complete with a full prime rib dinner.

LEWISTOWN

Charlie Russell Chew Choo Dinner Train Tours beginning on Mother’s Day and continuing through the summer A 56-mile round trip on the route of the old Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific railroad to Denton and back. www. montanadinnertrain.com.

Pioneer Power Days June 14 Experience history as it was in an early1900s town. A “slow race” features a parade of early model tractors and steam engines, a full blacksmith shop, an early-1900s shingle mill, old-time hay balers and rock crushers and other various demonstrations.

Lewistown Airport.

Central Montana Fair and Rodeo July 22-25

Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering Aug. 13-16 Yogo Inn. 30th Annual Montana Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Western Music Rendezvous. Featuring Red Steagall and Dave Stamey. montanacowboypoetrygathering.com.

Lewistown Chokecherry Festival Sept. 12 The 25th annual event includes a chokecherry culinary contest, pit spitting contest and live entertainment. Also includes kids’ activities and a 10K and 5K. www.lewistownchokecherry.com.

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS

Red Ants Pants Music Festival July 23-26 Red Ants Pants Music Festival marks its fifth year in a cow pasture outside White Sulphur Springs. Thursday night street dance in downtown White Sulphur Springs. Friday, Saturday and Sunday music festival, featuring Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Ryan Bingham, Keb’ Mo’, Lee Ann Womack and more. Kids’ area, food and beer vendors, craft vendors, agricultural demonstrations, camping available. redantspantsmusicfestival.com. r e d i s c ov e r M o n ta n a

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A general store display at the MonDak Heritage Center in Sidney.

M o n D a k H eri t a ge C e n t er i n S id n e y r o t a t i n g i t s summer e x hibi t s

By MIKE FERGUSON Rediscover Montana

Summertime exhibits at the MonDak Heritage Center in Sidney will range from art created by veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder to a traveling exhibit called the Dakota Series.

Spring/Summer 2015

Except for ticketed events, admission is free at the center, located at 120 Third Ave. S.E. in Sidney.

Generally, said executive director Kim Simmonds, the center shows one featured exhibit in the Center Gallery and

The MonDak Heritage Center in Sidney.

Please see MonDak, 70 r e d i s c ov e r M o n ta n a

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More information

LARRY MAYER/Billings Gazette photos

The MonDak Heritage Center is at 120 Third Ave. SE in Sidney. Except for ticketed events, admission is free.

The center is open from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.

Tuesday through Friday and 1-4 p.m. Saturday.

Reach the center at 406-433-3500 or visit mondakheritagecenter. org.

The center also houses the Lillian Anderson Jensen History Library, the Charlotte Rees Gabisch Art Library, a permanent art collection, a regional photo archive, a growing collection of genealogical research, a dinosaur and fossil collection and public meeting rooms.

A homestead house interior at the MonDak Heritage Center in Sidney.

MonDak

Jane Bradbury will deliver a speech — and take on a numContinued from 69 ber of historical figures — during an event titled “WellBehaved Women Rarely Make one or more smaller shows on History.” the walls of the Outer Gallery. n From July 30 through Oct. One of the main draws is 31, the work of the Blue Buffalo Pioneer Town, which takes Artists, a diverse community visitors back a century to a of artists, will be exhibited. bustling place.

Simmonds recommends “That is a big hit with evspending two hours on a visit eryone,” Simmonds said, as is to the center — an hour to see a train displayed in the cenPioneer Town and the lowerter’s basement. Some visitors, level exhibits and 45 minutes she said, head straight down or more on the rest of the to the basement just to blow exhibits. the train whistle. After that, A schoolroom display at the MonDak Heritage Center in Sidney.

The MonDak Heritage she said, they leave the center group will perform.

Contact Center gets its exhibits from August, the Dakota Series, satisfied. the museum at 406-433-3500 donations, loans from loa traveling exhibit of Native Among the offerings in the for information, including cal patrons and artists and American works by the artist coming months: ticket prices. from booked traveling shows.

Robert Schwieger n In June and July, “The Art n Shakespeare in the Park is Those interested in donating n On June 20, the center of War,” art created by comset for 6 p.m.

July 8 in Central historical items can contact will host what Simmonds calls bat veterans living with post Park the center at 406-433-3500 or “a brand-new event” — Burgtraumatic stress disorder n At 7 p.m. on July 10, Mary mdhc@richland.org. n From June through ers, Brews and Blues. A blues 70

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Spring/Summer 2015

B ir d p a r a d ise : M e d ici n e L a ke h o me t o h er o n s , p elic a n s , cr a n es

By RICK and SUSIE GRAETZ University of Montana Department of Geography

Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge is one of Northeast Montana’s most alluring gems.

Just 22 miles south of Plentywood, Medicine Lake NWR is in part located above the former channel of the Missouri River. Before the last ice age, the river ran north to Hudson Bay. A glacier moving out of Canada forced the waterway to turn south. When the massive flow of ice receded, it left a blanket of glacial till, resulting in rocky, rolling hills interspersed with numerous wetlands, marshes and ponds.

Medicine Lake is the largest of these bodies of water. For its water, it depends upon summer thunderstorms, winter snowmelt, the flow of Big Muddy Creek reaching the area from the north and Lake Creek coming from the northeast. The name is derived from medicinal herbs and roots Indians gathered around its shores. An exploration of the surrounding higher terrain shows teepee rings and other signs of long-ago use.

More than 100,000 migrating waterfowl make Medicine Lake their warm-weather habitat. Great blue herons, white pelicans, geese, grebes and 10 different species of ducks share this prairie ecosystem with countless other birds. Each year as many as 30,000 ducklings are produced, and every fall more than 10,000 sandhill cranes spend a week here. Foxes, racSpring/Summer 2015

Fog rises above a sleepy Medicine Lake on an early autumn morning.

RICK AND SUSIE GRAETZ

coons, pheasants and deer also populate the area.

The refuge boasts the largest pelican rookery in Montana and third largest in the nation. These magnificent birds nest on the big island in the middle of Medicine Lake. More than 2,000 white pelicans are born each season.

The piping plover, a rare bird, actively breeds in the wetlands.

Their flutelike call is one of the great sounds of nature.

Geese are the first to arrive.

Showing up in February and March, they set up their territory and prepare for nesting even before the ice melts. It’s usually late April before Medicine Lake thaws, just in time for the summer dwellers to arrive.

All the winged creatures leave by around the first of November when the lake begins to freeze.

Coulees that drain toward the lake offer shelter for the animals

that stay throughout the long cold months. Winter at Medicine Lake is quiet, as ice and snow dominate the landscape and temperatures can plummet to 50 degrees below zero.

As you tour the refuge, you’ll note some cultivated areas.

Farmers plant grain fields on several hundred acres each spring. The refuge keeps about one-quarter of the potential harvest and then lets it stand as a wildlife food source. This practice helps keep birds and animals out of the local fields.

Although wildlife is there throughout the summer, May, June and October are the best months to see Medicine Lake.

July and August can get quite hot. Montana’s warmest temperature on record was documented here, when the thermometer reached 117 degrees on July 5, 1937.

2015 Season

46 Years of Bringing Live Theatre to Northeastern Montana Show Times: Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 pm Sundays 4:00 pm

Always... Patsy Cline May 29, 30, 31 and June 5, 6, 7 One Man. Two Guvnors June 12, 13, 14; 19, 20, 21; 26, 27, 28 The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas July 10, 11, 12; 17, 18, 19; 24, 25, 26 Tarzan July 31; August 1, 2; 7, 8, 9; 14, 15, 16 Steel Magnolias August 21, 22, 23; 28, 29, 30; September 4, 5, 6 Reservations are encouraged Box Office: 406-526-9943 For Season Ticket Information Call 406-228-9216 or Visit www.fortpecktheatre.org

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W o l f P o i n t t o c e l ebr a t e 1 0 0 t h bir t h d a y

By MIKE FERGUSON Rediscover Montana

In addition to its annual Wild Horse Stampede, the community of Wolf Point plans a centennial celebration July 8-11 to mark the 100th anniversary of the town’s incorporation.

“The centennial is starting to build some momentum,” said Duane Kurokawa, who’s on the committee planning the celebration. “People have ideas about what should be done, and they’re volunteering to do things.”

Besides the Stampede — a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association event held each evening Thursday through Saturday at the Stampede Grounds — planners have put together a number of events Wednesday through

More information

To learn more, visit www. wolfpointchamber.com/wolfpoint-centennial.html.

Saturday to help the community celebrate its century status.

“I don’t feel a day over 95,” Kurokawa joked.

On Wednesday evening, “a nice meal of some kind” will be served at the Stampede Grounds.

That will be followed by the Texaco Country Showdown — a musical competition in which winners will advance to state and,

potentially, regional and national competitions. An outdoor dance beginning around 9 p.m. will follow the showdown.

On Thursday, a noon parade will go right down Main Street.

Parades are also set for Friday and Saturday.

A carnival opens Thursday at 5 p.m. Following the Stampede’s first evening session, a street dance will be held downtown featuring the music of Ryan Chrys and the Rough Cuts.

From Wednesday through Saturday, volunteers will staff a booth called “Centennial Central” at the Wolf Point Museum on Highway 2. Periodic book-signings and presentations are planned at the site.

Local authors who have published histories of the community will be on hand, according to Kurokawa.

Each night at the Stampede, a handful of themed floats will be highlighted and displayed. A narrator will talk about each one being featured and its significance to the community, Kurokawa said.

Saturday is being billed as Good Neighbor Day, with some interesting and varied ways to celebrate the occasion. The day will be marked by gun fights, a pie-eating contest, a morning cowboy church service, art in the park and bed races.

“It’s a throwback to the 1950s and 1960s,” Kurokawa said.

Following Saturday’s final event at the Stampede, the Billings band Downtime, which plays everything from reggae to country music, will bring the fun to a close by playing for a downtown street dance.

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steamboatdrygoods@gmail.com OPEN EVERY DAY! • M-F: 10am-6pm • Sat: 10-5 • Sun: 12-4 72

r e d i s c ov e r M o n ta n a

Spring/Summer 2015

Missouri River country Calendar CULBERTSON

Frontier Days June 26-27 For more than 40 years, rodeos, parades, community follies and other entertainment has highlighted The Culbertson Saddle Club’s event. Evening rodeos can be viewed from the grounds’ unique tiered parking.

Parades start at noon both days. 406-7876643.

FORT PECK

Fort Peck Summer Theatre May 30-Aug. 31 Built as a movie house in 1934 to entertain the people who came to work during the construction of one of the world’s largest earth-filled dams, the theatre is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and now hosts professional actors, technicians and regional performers of all ages. This season includes “Always...Patsy Cline” May 29-June 7, “One Man. Two Governors” June 12-28, “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” July 10-26, “Tarzan” July 31-Aug. 16 and “Steel Magnolias” Aug. 21- Sept. 6.

Performances start at 7:30 p.m. FridaysSaturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays. 406-2289216 or fortpecktheatre.org.

Longest Dam Race June 20 Each year, the world’s largest hydraulically earth-filled dam sets the scene for the area’s biggest race. Run a 10K course rising 350 feet over two miles, run or walk a flat 5K course on the dam or a 1-mile paved course through Kiwanis Park, or ride a flat 10-mile Spring/Summer 2015

Rediscover Montana

Howie Hammond stands atop a sandstone rise on his ranch north of Malta. Just across a narrow ravine from where he’s standing is the site where Nate Murphy found Leonardo, one of the best-preserved dinosaur fossils in the world.

bike route. This year marks the event’s 21th anniversary. Entry is $20 and includes free T-shirt. The race concludes with an awards ceremony at the park. This event wraps up before noon. 406-228-2222 or glasgowchamber.net.

Montana Governor’s Cup Walleye Tournament July 9-11 This catch-and-release tournament at Fort Peck Lake attracts anglers from 18 states and Canada. Over $65,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded. A public fish fry, Guys and Gals Tournament and

youth tournament are also part of Eastern Montana’s largest fishing event. 406-2282222 or montanagovcup.com.

MALTA

Dinosaur Digs Last weekend in June; other dates TBA Great Plains Dinosaur Museum’s paleontologist Dave Trexler leads authentic, scientific experiences, as dinosaur and other fossils are discovered and uncovered.

The focus this year is digging up Triceratops fossils. Participants ages 11 and older Please see Calendar, 74 r e d i s c ov e r M o n ta n a

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Missouri River country Calendar

Calendar Continued from 73 explore new areas, as well as excavate and jacket bones, learn basic local geology, surveying techniques, how to collect and record scientific data from a site, and how to safely collect and transport fossils.

Children ages 10 and younger may take part in the museum’s Junior Paleontologist programs. The museum offers a look into a working fossil laboratory. Visitors view Leonardo the Mummy Dinosaur and other remarkably preserved members of the Brachylophosaurus family, plus a wide array of Montana specimens under preparation.

406-654-5300 or greatplainsdinosaurs.org.

PLENTYWOOD

Annual Car and Motorcycle Show June 6 This annual show of classic cars, trucks and motorcycles has entrants from Montana, North Dakota and Canada. A craft show and food vendors are also at the fairgrounds, where the public can view the show at no cost. Later, participants drive a parade around town and 45-mile fun run to Medicine Lake for a banquet. The show is open to the public at 9 a.m. 406-581-2021 or sheridanclassics.com.

POPLAR

Wild West Days June 12-14 On May 12, Kids Day activities begin at 10 a.m. with bike races, contests and more downtown. On June 13-14, festivities include a parade downtown at noon, rodeo at the rodeo grounds at 2 p.m. Arts and crafts, food and evening activities and fun round out the weekend. 406-768-3371.

SCOBEY

Pioneer Days June 26-28 Pioneer Days features the Dirty Shame 74

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Larry Mayer/Billings Gazette

A collection of historic buildings and antiques are on display in Scobey’s Pioneer Town .

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

SHERIDAN COUNTY

Prairie Fest June 27-July 4 Throughout Sheridan County, towns including Westby, Plentywood and Medicine Lake celebrate the area and its way of life with events and activities. For details, contact the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce. 406-765-8500.

SIDNEY

Sunrise Festival of the Arts July 11 Thousands of people visit scenic Veterans Memorial Park for one of Eastern Montana’s

premier events, featuring displays by artists and crafters from several states, “Writers Row,” free entertainment, prizes, food and kids’ activities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 406433-1916 or sidneymt.com.

WOLF POINT

Wolf Point Brewfest June 27 Several breweries will be in attendance, including Missouri Breaks Brewing, Yellowstone Cellars, Lockhorn Cider House and Uberbrew. The event features craft beer, wine, music and food. Tickets are $37.50 in advance and $40 at the door.

The event is set for 6 p.m. at the Stampede Grounds, and attendees receive a souvenir glass. Visit wolfpointchamber.com for tickets.

Wolf Point Wild Horse Stampede and Parade Centennial Celebration July 9-12 Wolf Point’s centenniel celebration will pan four days and encompass the annual stampede, Good Neighbor Day, the Texaco Country Showdown and several parades.

Spring/Summer 2015

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12th Best baccalaureate college in the nation Washington Monthly Magazine

2015 best western college The Princeton Review

2015 military friendly school Victory Media

ATOP10MININGSCHOOL Mining Global

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8th in THE NATION FOR HIGHEST EARNING ENGINEERING & COMPUTERSCIENCE DEGREES NerdScholar.com

23rd best public school and the 66th overall Money Magazine

one of america's 650 top colleges Forbes

6th TOP COLLEGE IN THE NATION FOR HIGHEST STARTING SALARIES The Washington Post

ONE OF THE TOP PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES FOR GRADUATES RETURN ON INVESTMENT The Wall Street Journal

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Montana Tech is producing graduates who are IN DEMAND. mtech.edu 1.800.445.83244