Events

Shelby, MT…the epicenter of the boxing world nearly 100 years ago

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Shelby Chamber of Commerce recently had their annual banquet to recognize the leaders of this northern Montana town with 3100 population. Hats off to the Chamber leading this small town on the Hi-Line. You could say Shelby hits above its weight class when it comes to the business community. As I sat at the table enjoying the corned beef and cabbage, this nice man sitting next to me struck up a conversation. After exchanging general … Read more

Favorite Things to do in Meagher County

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On my last visit to Meagher County I starting counting the reasons why people came to vacation in the area. I saw hikers, hunters, campers, retired couples out for a getaway, and people who came to soak in the thermal springs. All in all, that covered quite a variety of people. Here’s a bit of history of the area. The largest town in the county is really a small quaint town of about 1,000 people. … Read more

Mighty Mo Brew Co. – Mighty Good Beer and More

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It was 2013 when Mighty Mo Brewing Company established their brewery in downtown Great Falls. It quickly became a great gathering place, lunch place, dinner location, beer drinking place and more. Two guys, one great idea, that sums it up, but I’m sure it took a lot of hard work to get to opening day. Mighty Mo, which is also how locals refer to the Missouri River, is located in a historic building right on … Read more

Charles M. Russell and the 1919 Victory Stampede

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It’s been 100 years since an amazing exhibition of Charlie Russell’s masterpieces went on view at the Calgary Stampede. At that time, Russell headlined the exhibits in an effort to help boost a struggling Stampede Rodeo in the Alberta town of Calgary. The event spanned one week and the events and exhibits commemorated and chronicled the changing West, a good fit for cowboy Charlie’s art. Charlie and Nancy Russell shipped 24 paintings and 8 bronzes … Read more

Joplin’s Secret Scenic Drive

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Joplin hosts an annual Art In The Park and Car Show each June and it was on my list of events to attend this year. And what an event it was! There were vendors of all kinds, live music and over 60 vintage vehicles in the car show. And, of course, I couldn’t pass up a yummy slice of pie at one of the food booths. What kind? Raspberry rhubarb with pecan topping. Homemade, unique … Read more

Antique Motorcycles Cruise in to Great Falls

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One hundred antique motorcycles are spending the night in Great Falls tonight and their owners are busy tuning things up for tomorrow’s ride. The parking lot of Great Falls’ Heritage Inn looks like a cross between a museum and a mechanic’s garage. Bikes and their owners were working on parts, some were dismantling engines, all in 48 degree temps and a drizzle of rain. The Cannonball Motorcycle Ride is an endurance ride that could be … Read more

Young and Old Danced at The Little Shell Pow Wow

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This past weekend I attended the Little Shell Pow Wow at First People’s Buffalo Jump State Park near Ulm, Montana. This was a traditional pow wow, not a competitive one, and the atmosphere was relaxed and family-oriented. I arrived early but not in time to manage to get a parking spot in the parking lot! Volunteers were very organized though and they had a system of directing vehicles in a pattern on the surrounding grassy areas. The … Read more

Memories of Author Ivan Doig

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Author Ivan Doig was born in White Sulphur Springs, Montana and moved to Dupuyer, Montana with his father when he was six years old. Both communities, and some in between, share their love for this author who became one of my favorites. Dupuyer has taken the lead on preserving Doig’s memories. He was born on June 27th and each year the community has Doig Day complete with birthday cake and a wonderful sharing of memories. … Read more

Historic Belt Theater Reopens

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A work in progress is what folks called it for many years. Prior to that the “old Belt theater” was just referred to as a mess. Today you would hope to take your best friends and family to see the beautifully restored theater and meeting space. The Historic Belt Theater held a grand opening last week and received rave reviews. As you walk down Castner Street in Belt, Montana, the storefront looks nice but you have no idea what … Read more

Cowboy Artist Charlie Russell: The Women In His Life and Art

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A new exhibition just opened at the C. M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, Montana. At first glance, the title “Charles Russell: Women in His Life and Art” seems out of line, perhaps an ill-fit for America’s cowboy artist. Most western art aficionados I know value Russell artwork because he created such realistic images of wildlife and he portrayed the Plains Indian tribes with such accuracy. Since Russell lived the “cowboy way of life” he produced poignant and … Read more