Wow, last night was my first night of “Art Weekend in Great Falls”. OK, it was Wednesday and not the weekend, but Great Falls’ art frenzy has begun. I attended the Footprints on the Trail show sponsored by the Western Heritage Artists at the Great Falls Holiday Inn. There is a lobby art show and they also had good old western tunes being played in the lobby by the Jeni Dodd Trio. It never ceases to amaze me when I see … Read more
The Western Art Capital of the World – that’s what folks call Great Falls this time of year. It all began with one art show and auction – the C. M. Russell Art Auction, named after western artist Charlie Russell. There are now art shows and auctions throughout the city – the Great Falls Native American Art Show, Western Heritage Artists Show and Sale, Jay Contway and Friends Art Show, March In Montana Show and … Read more
Wow, I went to the Farmer’s Market in downtown Great Falls tonight and decided that this is the time for garden produce at great prices and the best quality. Crookneck squash, basil, heirloom tomatoes and beets rounded out my purchases tonight. Just enough to get me through until the next market Saturday morning. Throughout Russell Country, communities large and small host Farmer’s Markets. Some expand to crafts, entertainment and luscious baked goods. Going to the market becomes … Read more
If you’re a motorcycle person, there’s always a quest for another route. We have some fun routes posted on our website but here’s another one submitted by Great Falls biker Moe. Leave Great Falls, MT on I-15 north and ride to Power, MT. Turn west on MT Hwy 431 which will take you in to the small community of Power. Ride to the T intersection and turn west towards Fairfield. Keep heading west through Fairfield, cross … Read more
This past weekend I drove to Two Dot, MT for a ranch wedding. What a beautiful drive! On the way there I drove US 89 over Kings Hill Pass through Monarch, Neihart and then a quick jog in to White Sulphur Springs. White Sulphur was hopping with the parade just about to start. Their Labor Day rodeo followed the parade. Lots of out of town folks looking for some small town fun. As I passed … Read more
Hey shutterbugs, Russell Country is conducting a photo contest for images taken within the 13 county tourism region. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3 entries selected and Russell Country retains publication rights for all photos submitted. So…even if you don’t win you could see your favorites published! First place winner will receive $150. Second and third place winners will receive $100 and $50, respectively. Digital images are preferred and should be submitted … Read more
Last Saturday I was out at Giant Springs State Park just east of Great Falls, MT. It was one of those days where you just felt lucky to be outside. The weather was awesome. The park had invited artists to set up their easels and do some plein air painting. I hope it was as fun for the artists as it was for me watching them. Some were set up on the manicured lawns at … Read more
I’ve been lucky to periodically get glimpses of work in progress the past few years at the Blaine County Wildlife Museum in Chinook, MT. It’s now open to the public. Housed in a movie theater turned musuem, the facility has actually been in development for the past 15 years. Chinook is located right on US Hwy 2 and signs will direct you to the Blaine County Historical Museum and the Wildlife Museum which are only about a half … Read more
Sunday afternoon was one of those perfect summer days – temps about 90, no humidity, a light breeze, cottonball-like clouds and blue sky. I decided to attend an outdoor concert on the lawn at the C. M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, MT. Music was provided by the Old West Trio, aptly named because they played songs of the old West and there were three of them! A couple seated behind me said they heard this group play … Read more
Dixie says goodbye to our blog and shares a few more thoughts with us. As we reflect on the last 6 days, we’d just like to say “We made it all the way through the Montana Dinosaur Trail! It is do-able and fun!” Our mileage was close to 1,500 miles across some amazingly varied terrain. I wish everyone could enjoy the state of Montana. It is beautiful! On our last day we drove from Glacier … Read more