List your special event  HERE, fill in the blanks and submit. Promote your event with a directory, or
banner display linked to your website, or entry form page. Contact Dennis for details and rates
406-765-1401, or email
dennisk@nemont.net
2008  Calendar of Events
- Energy  
- Environment  
- Transportation
- Health & Fitness  
- Sports & Recreation
Eastern Montana Economic
Solutions and Opportunities
script type="text/javascript">
Tande Auction Services, Inc.
Box 306
Scobey, MT 59263
buynsell@tandeauction.com
406-487-5568
.
Nolan’s Inspections, LLC
Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
Nolan Kienitz, Owner/Inspector
Nolan@NolansInspections.com
972-922-2111

Tom R. Lidahl, DMD
223 North Main Street
Plentywood MT 59254
trlidahl@aol.com
406-765-2700

DeShaw Agency
920 W. First Ave.
Plentywood, MT 59254
dagency@nemont.net
406-765-1860

FEBRUARY

February 1-2: Great Rockies Sportshow, Great Falls    
Now in its 6th year, Great Rockies Sportshow is where northcentral Montana sportsmen and
women gather under one roof for three days, visit with exhibitors and other outdoor experts to get
ideas, buy products and book vacations for their outdoor adventures! 406-580-3907

February 1: Cowtown Beef Breeders Show, Craft Expo & Ag Trade Show, Miles City
The Cowtown Beef Breeders Show was organized to help the beef industry showcase their
breeding programs. It has grown steadily over the past years filling 4 blocks with portable pens
back to back and full of yearling bulls. 877-234-2890

February 1-3: Whitefish Winter Carnival, Whitefish
Whitefish Winter Carnival: The Grand parade and Kiddie Carnival will be Saturday. Come join us
and be a part of the fascinating mythology of Whitefish for the 49th year!!! 406-862-3501

February 2: Skin to Win Randonnee Festival, Bozeman
This is the 4th year for this mountaineering event at Bridger. Recreational and professional
divisions for men and women available. This is a high endurance event requiring the ascent of
several thousand feet and then descending steep expert terrain. Great prizes for top finishing
competitors. 800-223-9609

February 3: 60th Doug & Rollie Smith Downhill and Super G, Whitefish, MT
This is one of the longest running Alpine Speed events in the country, and in the world today. This
is the 60th year of the race, in line with the resort's 60th Anniversary. This year's race will be held
on the Ursa Major race course, one of the best speed tracks in the US. 406-862-2900

February 3: Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon & 5K, San Francisco, CA
Both point to point races start and end in Golden Gate Park. Registration limited to 10,000.
Contact: Diane Kotta Email:
info@rhodyco.com. Tel. (415)759-2690.

February 5: Announce Significant Funds for Deer Lodge Economic Development Projects
Governor Brian Schweitzer, Area Legislators, Local Officials, Montana Department of Commerce
Officials & Representatives from the Rialto Theatre & Sun Mountain Lumber. 2:00 PM @ Rialto
Theatre, 2:30 PM @ Sun Mountain Lumber

February 5: Guns, Safety and Freedom, MSU SUB room 276
This LTL looks at guns, our rights, and the true meaning of the Second Amendment including an in
depth discussion on the legal and social implications. Contact: Carmen McSpadden,
leadershipinstitute@montana.edu Tel. 406-994-7275

February 8-9: Chocolate Festival, Anaconda, MT
Local merchants give away free chocolates to all customers. A constable fines any merchants
found not giving away chocolate, with proceeds going to their favorite charity. This year there will be
a Children's Valentine Box Contest. The Antique Quilt Exhibit and Bake Sale will also be held. 406-
563-2422

February 8-10: Great Rockies Sportshow, Bozeman, MT
This is the BIG ONE! Great Rockies Sportshow in Bozeman is Montana's premier sport show
featuring a huge variety of exhibitors, features, and seminars on the great outdoors. Whether it's
fishing, hunting, camping, boats, vacation travel or the great outdoors. 406-580-3907

February 8-9: Glendive Agri-Trade Exposition, Glendive, MT
The annual Glendive Agri-Trade Exposition (GATE), features commercial booths and exhibits,
workshops and seminars, a bull sale, stallion show, food and drinks, banquet and dance. GATE
emphasizes agricultural vendors and related workshops.  406-377-5601

February 8-14:  Race to the Sky Sled Dog Race, Helena    
The Race to the Sky will have its official kick-off celebration on Friday, February 8, starting with a vet
check at noon. That evening an auction for rides at the restart in Lincoln will happen. Don't miss an
opportunity to bid on a sled ride with a Race to the Sky competitor406-881-DOGS (3647)

February 9: Dummy Jump, Big Sky
Get ready for a day of crashes and laughs as local and regional teams design and decorate the
best crash test dummies. The day will begin with creativity judging in the plaza followed by a quick
lift up the mountain where the dummies are launched off a kicker on the Ambush headwall. 800-
548-4486

February 9: New Year Parade, Butte    
The parade begins at the Butte-Silver Bow Courthouse (155 W. Granite St.) at 3 pm and proceeds
through the streets of Uptown Butte accompanied by noisemakers and firecreackers, led by
Montana's parade dragon (the dragon was a gift to the people of Montana from the people of
Taipei) 406-782-3231

February 9: 22nd Annual Chocolate and Valentine Fair, Helena
The 22nd Annual Chocolate and Valentine Fair with over 60 vendors is the place to taste or
purchase all kinds of delectable food, nuts, craft and gift items. 406-442-4000

February 9: 17th Annual Snowmobile Poker Run, Trout Creek
17th Annual Snowmobile Poker Run is an all day event with registration on Friday evening and
Saturday morning before 9:00am. Starts along Clark Fork River Valley on a groomed trail in the
Kootenai National Forest. There will be free food and soft drinks available. 888-827-4458

February 22-24:  Cardboard Classic Creative Judging, Parade & Races, Red Lodge
Winter Carnival is a much anticipated three-day themed event in Red Lodge for kids and adults.
Events include the Cardboard Classic Most Creative Judging, Parade and Race, Fat Tire Mountain
Bike Race, King and Queen of the Mountain Race, scavenger and treasure hunts, Bogart's
Jalapeno Eating Contests and much more. 800-444-8977

February 23: 29th annual Yellowstone Rendezvous XC Race, West Yellowstone, MT.
There are six different races to choose from depending on your age and ability:  2K, 5K, 10K, 25K
classic, 25K and 50K. The six races are run concurrently and skiers of all ages and abilities
participate every year. The Rendezvous Race is the culmination of cross country ski racing in our
region and, as the name implies, it is a reunion of old timers and new comers alike who have
trained and skied on our trail system for years or who are skiing here for the first time.  Run on the
beautifully groomed, rolling terrain of the Rendezvous Ski Trails, there is no better way to celebrate
the end of the winter season than to ski in the Yellowstone Rendezvous Race!
info@rendezvousrace.com or Yellowstone Rendezvous Race, PO Box 65, West Yellowstone, MT
59758. 406-646-7265 or 406-640-0465 (evenings)

February 26: An Evening with ISHMAEL BEAH, MSU SUB Ballrooms
The world over, wars are now fought by traumatized, drugged children carrying AK-47s. Ishmael
Beah explains what it meant to be a child soldier, a killer, a refugee, and how he regained his
humanity.  Beah is an activist and author of the bestselling memoir A Long Way Gone.
Contact: Carmen McSpadden,
leadershipinstitute@montana.edu. Tel. 406-994-7275

MARCH

March 2: Big Sky Winterfest, Big Sky, MT
Great family event.  Various races including 4 person relay, 3 legged race, dog joring and more.  
Spend a day surround by the beautiful mountains in Big Sky.  Event starts at Noon at the Big Sky
Community Park.  $15 Unlimited Adult Racing, $7 Unlimited Children’s Racing, $35 Unlimited
Racing for all Family Members, $5 for one race only. Email:
info@bigskychamber.com Tel. 406-
995-3000

March 3: Eric Weiner  “The Geography of Bliss” MSU SUB Ballrooms
Author, Peabody Award winner, and NPR correspondent, Weiner takes audiences on a whirlwind
tour of countries pursuing happiness. He shows where happiness is with a beguiling mixture of
psychological insight, scientific research, geopolitical analysis and wry humor.
Contact: Carmen McSpadden,
leadershipinstitute@montana.edu. Tel. 406-994-7275.

March 4: ASMSU Presidential Debate, MSU SUB Ballroom C
This dynamic debate between candidates running in the 2008 ASMSU Presidential Election is
FREE and open to the public. 12:00pm – 1:00pm. Contact: Carmen McSpadden,
leadershipinstitute@montana.edu. Tel. 406-994-7275

March 16: Emerald Across the Bay 12K, San Francisco, CA
All runners must take free shuttles from Aquatic Park to the Sausalito start.  Run across the Golden
Gate Bridge and thru the Presidio. 3 wave start to avoid bridge crowding, big "Celebration of
Running" post race party. Contact: Diane Kotta. Email:
info@rhodyco.com
Tel. (415)759-2690.

March 16 - 5 K, Yellowstone Rim Runners Club, Pioneer Park, Billings
1:00pm. Info - Bill Harrington   855 1069

March 19: Montana Chamber to hold Climate Change Dialogue, Billings
Crowne Plaza Hotel 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.  The Dialogue will feature the release of a new economic
study focusing on how much more Montanans can expect to pay if climate change legislation is
passed at the federal and state levels. The Dialogue will also feature local business people and
lawmakers who will discuss these economic impacts to the Montana economy. A lunch program
will feature a speaker of national business prominence. A lunch will be provided to attendees who
register with the Chamber and pay a $50 registration fee. Contact  Jon Bennion, Montana
Chamber of Commerce, 406 442-2405, ext. 104. jon@montanachamber.com  .

March 25:  “Building Vital Communities from the Inside Out” Bozeman
MSU Strand Union Building Ballroom. Internationally recognized as an inspiring, Northwestern’s
John (Jody) Kretzmann, straightforward, and wise advocate of strength-based approaches to
building healthy local communities, Kretzmann builds leaders to mobilize citizens’ resources to
solve problems. 7 - 8:30 PM. Contact:Carmen McSpadden,
leadershipinstitute@montana.edu. Tel.
406-994-7275

March 29: 5K and 1Mile Walk, MSU-Billings
World Water Day.  Info - Karen Lucas   237 3608

APRIL

April 4-5: Annual Home & Garden Show & Sale, Great Falls   
Montana's largest Home & Garden Show and Sale! This annual sales event features over 300
exhibitor booths covering 80,000 square feet at the Fairgrounds in the Four Seasons Arena and
Exhibition Hall. See hundreds of products for your home and yard. Talk with builders about your
remodeling or construction plans. Talk with landscapers about outdoor projects. Phone: 406-452-
4663. Email:
montanahomeshow@yahoo.com .

April 9: FREE FILM “Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision” Bozeman
MSU Procrastinator Theatre (125 Linfield Hall) Sculptor and architect Maya Lin who, at age 21,
designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. reveals an ability to address the
major issues of the times through the healing power of art.  Contact: Carmen McSpadden,
leadershipInstitute@montana.edu
Tel. 406-994-7275

April 26: Walk Away From Winter & Jr. Ranger Day, Deer Lodge
Take part in nature & bird walks and shake off those winter blues. The park is launching their new
Jr. Rancher booklet.  There will be kids activities, prizes and wagon rides.  Free Admission for
more information see website:www.nps.gov/grko. Contact:  Karen Shoemaker,
karen_shoemaker@nps.gov. Tel. 406-946-2070 ext. 224

April 26: Country Music Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, Nashville, TN
Run to the rhythm of Music City with over 30,000 participants and experience some of Nashville’s
most scenic sights.  With 50 bands playing on 27 entertainment stages, hundreds of cheerleaders
and thousands of spectators on the course – you will have the race of a lifetime. The beat goes
on…music continues into the night as all marathon and half marathon participants are treated to a
post race concert in downtown Nashville.  Past performers include Sara Evans, Phil Vassar, Brad
Paisley and Martina McBride. Elite Racing,
cmm@eliteracing.com. Tel 800-311-1255

April 27: The Ice Breaker Road Race, Great Falls
This race is one of the premier running events of the state. This annual event has been named
one of the top 100 road races in the country by Runner's World Magazine. Geared toward both
families as well as experienced and elite runners, it offers a 5 mile race, 3 mile run and a 1 mile
run/walk. The Ice Breaker has attracted an average of over 4,000 participants each year and is not
only a fitness, competitive event, but also a social event for the community. Phone: 406-771-1265.
www.icebreakergf.com. Email: cstein@ci.great-falls.mt.us .

April 27: Peaks to Prairie Triathlon, Billings
The traditional Peaks to Prairie is a unique Montana race that's run-bike-boat. Athletes compete
either as a soloist or in teams. There will be a climbing wall and kid's "race," food, live music, a
raffle drawing, and lots of fun. Contact race director:
peakstriathlon@gmail.com .

April 28: JANE GOODALL “Reason for Hope”, Bozeman
MSU Brick Breedan Fieldhouse. The world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees discusses the
jungles of Africa and gaining the animal’s confidence over 25 years. Her research is revolutionizing
scientific thinking towards the evolution of humans.  6 PM. Contact: Carmen McSpadden,
leadershipinstitute@montana.edu. Tel. 406-994-7275

MAY

May 3: Prescott YMCA Whiskey Row Marathon, Prescott, AZ
30th annual. Races include marathon, half marathon, 10K, 2 mile fun run/walk. Out and back
challenging course run in the cool pines offering panoramic views of Northern AZ peaks
Contact: Laura Winniford Email:
laura@prescottymca.org. Telephone: 928-445-7221

May 5:  Workday Devil Mountain Run, Danville, CA
5K/10K loop courses using residential streets and the Iron Horse Trail.  Kids dashes follow during
post-race expo. Contact: Diane Kotta. Email:
info@rhodyco.com. Tel. (415)759-2690

May 10: 27th Annual Montana Women's Run, Billings
The Montana Women's Run is held annually on the Saturday before Mother's Day in celebration of
the mutual pursuit of health and fitness. This is one of Montana's premier events for women and
draws a crowd of more than 5,500 participants every spring. The Montana Women's Run is also a
fund raiser. Since 1994, The Montana Women's Run has returned over $319,000 to the Billings
community for women's services. Last year we were able to contribute over $50,000 to support
women's health in the Billings area. Phone: 406-656-6973, or 406-255-8488.  
www.womensrun.
org.  Email. info@womensrun.org .

May 10: Great Falls Bike Club's Belt Creek Road Race, Great Falls
The Great Falls Bike Club will hold it's annual Belt Creek road race. The one-day, two-stage event
is comprised of a time-trial and a road race, and is open to riders of all ages and abilities. Phone:
406-761-7021
www.greatfallsbicycleclub.org. Email: johnjuras@gmail.com .

May 10: Don't Fence Me In Run Tail Run, Helena
The Don't Fence Me In Trail Run is hosted by Prickly Pear Land Trust. This event consists of a 12k,
5k, and a 5k dog walk and is fun for the whole family. Phone: 406-442-0490
Fax: 406-442-1790.
www.pricklypearlt.org. Email: info@pricklypearlt.org .

May 10-11: STOKR - Scenic Tour of the Kootenai River, Libby
STOKR (The Scenic Tour of the Kootenai River) is a 2-day bicycle tour that benefits Habitat for
Humanity. Riders choose between a 45 mile or 98 mile ride for the first day. Day 2 is a 38 mile
loop. All rides begin and end at the Chamber of Commerce in Libby. Phone: 406-293-2441
www.stokr.org. Email: gregrice@libby.org .

May 14: 10 Ways to Effectively Brand and Positon Your Business, Big Sky, MT
Marketing tips from Wendy of Wantulok Designs. Email: info@bigskychamber.com. Telephone
995-3000

May 21 thru September 3: Alive @ Five, Helena, MT
Free music each week at a different Downtown location. It's a great way to kick back and enjoy a
beautiful evening along the most historic mile in Montana. For more info call 447-1535.


JUNE

June 1: Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, San Diego, CA
Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon celebrates its’ 11th anniversary. This Southern Californian favorite features
live bands on 26 stages, 2,000 energizing cheerleaders, fantastically themed water stations and a
beautiful course showcasing some of San Diego’s finest landmarks. The weekend’s celebrations
are kicked off with a two-day Health & Fitness Expo and conclude under the stars at a post-race
headliner concert.  Join the fun and celebrate the Big 11 in San Diego! Elite Racing,
rnrm@eliteracing.com. Tel. 800-311-1255

June 6-8: 35th Annual Governor's Cup Race, Helena, MT
Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, 10K, and 5K, Special Olympics/Physically Challenged
10.5 mile Bicycle Event .
www.govcup.bcbsmt.com.  Co-Race Directors, Trinda Smith,
trinda@caring4kidsmt.com . Janet Robinson, janet_robinson@bcbsmt.com. P.O. Box 451,
Helena, MT 59624. 1-888-340-3724.

June 12-14: Summer Games, Butte
Contact Kay Newman, Director, Montana Senior Olympics, 2200 Bridger Dr, Bozeman, MT 59715
406-586-5543.
kayjn@imt.net .

June 14-15: Annual Double Divide Ride, Helena
A bicycle ride that crosses the Continental Divide twice. Enjoy two days of cycling 139 miles (83
miles the first day, 56 miles the second) through rolling hills, tranquil valleys and challenging
mountain passes. Plus, the DDR is famous for its outstanding food fare – you won’t go hungry!
www.helenabicycleclub.org .

June 20-22: Montana Festival of the Wind, Harlowtown
Celebrate the great Montana Wind and Montana's largest Wind Energy Center through wind-
related contests and competitions, entertainments and events. During the celebration, a spectrum
of events designed for almost everyone is available: cycling and running, chili contest alongside
arts and crafts and merchandise, tours of the Judith Gap Wind Emery Center, kite making and
flying as well as fishing for children, our one-and-only Windbag Contest, musical performances,
golf scramble, car and motorcycle rallies and street dance. The highlight of the celebration is an
alternative energy conference which is designed for consumers and presented within days of the
Montana Festival of the Wind. wwwharlowtonchamber.com. Email:
chamber@harlowtonchamber.
com. Tel. 406-632-4694

June 27-29: Custer's Last Stand Reenactment, Hardin, MT
Once again, General George Armstrong Custer and his men will meet their fate at this years
Reenactment.  Take a trip back inot time, watch this authentic battle and listen to the story as it's
played out by over 250 cavalry riders and Indians. Contact: Betty Seder,
sederbetty@yahoo.com
Tel. 406-665-3577

JULY

July 11-13: National Folk Festival, Butte
Butte will be the site of the National Folk Festival, the nation’s longest running national festival
dedicated to the traditional arts.
Contact George Everett. Email: geverett@mainstreetbutte.org
Tel. 406-497-6464. For further information.   MORE >>

July 13: Eden Medical Center's Run to the Lake, Castro Valley, CA
Both 5K & 10K run up Lake Chabot Rd;  the 10K enters the park and run up the West Lake trail
before re-entering the road for the return to the Medical Center for a big health expo
Contact: Diane Kotta. Email:
info@rhodyco.com. Tel. (415)759-2690

July 13: Missoula Marathon, Missoula
Full, Half and Kids Marathons.  The full and half are point to point, the kids marathon is a log
system. Contact: Jennifer Boyer,
racedirector@missoulamarathon.org. Tel. 406-626-4055.

AUGUST

August 9: Big Sky Country Fair, Big Sky, MT
Big Sky Community Park. A 5k opens the fair, followed by a local community parade, art exhibits
and live music!  Numerous children's activities and food vendors.  For vendor information please
print off our registration form at www.bigskychamber.com/calendar.  For more information call the
Big Sky Chamber at 406-995-3000. Email:
info@bigskychamber.com











August 31: Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach, VA
The 8th annual Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon returns to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront on August 31,
2008. Join the Labor Day weekend celebration featuring over 20 local bands, the best crowd
support from over hundreds of cheerleaders and residents from surrounding neighborhoods, plus
an amazing headliner concert on the sand. This race is limited to 20,000 participants and will sell
out.  Register today! Contact: Elite Racing. Email:
rnrvb@eliteracing.com

SEPTEMBER








September 21: Banana Chase 5K/10K, San Francisco, CA
Both courses start outside Kezar Stadium, run Golden Gate Park, and finish inside the stadium.  
Young Champions Races (ages 5-18) follow on the track in age appropriate distances.
Contact: Diane Kotta. Email:
info@rhodyco.com. Telephone: (415)759-2690.

September 21: ING Philadelphia Distance Run, Philadelphia, PA
Still fast, flat and spectacular after 31 years!  Music every mile will enhance your running
experience as the course rolls through beautiful Fairmount Park and along the Schuylkill River.  
This classic half marathon finishes by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with the Rocky steps
beckoning you to pump your fists in triumph. Contact. Elite Racing. Email:
runphilly@eliteracing.
com. Tel. 800-311-1255

September 21: Montana Marathon, Half, Relay, 10K, Billings
Starts in Molt, MT with rolling hills and views of the Beartooths, into town to finish at Wendy's Field
Stadium. Contact Kate Novakovich. Email:
knovakovich@bresnan.net Tel. 406-252-3038


OCTOBER

October 5: Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 Marathon San Jose, San Jose, CA
On October 5th we're taking it to the streets of San Jose, CA for the third annual Rock 'n' Roll Half
Marathon San Jose. Whether you're a rookie runner or seasoned veteran out for a PR, this is the
race for you! The flat, fast course promises for a great experience and stellar times. With bands at
every mile and themed water stations, it is bounded to be a Rockin’ good time. Everything's Better
by the Bay...Rock This Way! Contact: Elite RacingEmail:
rnrsj@eliteracing.com

NOVEMBER

November 16: Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, San Antonio, TX
The race routes will highlight the signature sights of San Antonio, including the Alamo and lush
Mission Trail, home of five missions and centuries of culture. In true rockstar fashion, 70 live
bands, 40 cheer teams and themed water stations will line the course to keep you entertained
from start to finish.  Continue the party with your fellow runners and friends at the evening
Headliner Concert Celebration at the Alamodome. Every participant receives FREE entry. Other
Elite Racing acts include INXS, the Gin Blossoms, Train, Chris Isaac, Ozomatli and the Goo Goo
Dolls. Contact: Elite Racing. Email:
rnrsa@eliteracing.com. Tel. 800-311-1255

November 30: Run Wild! 5K/10K, San Francisco, CA
Traditional Golden Gate Park Thanksgiving weekend race. Wild! costume contest in the 5K.  All
registered runners receive a long-sleeve Wild!t-shirt and a free entry to the NEW Academy of
Sciences. Contact: Diane Kotta. Email:
info@rhodyco.com. Tel. (415)759-2690

DECEMBER

    ........................................................................................

JANUARY 2009

January 18:  Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, AZ
Discover the beauty of Arizona at the sixth annual P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & ½
Marathon.  Perfect running weather and flat courses run through three spectacular cities and make
for a world-class running event, while 70 live bands, 40 cheer squads and a free Headliner
Concert make it an all-out rockin’ party.  After the race, stay and live it up Arizona style!  Enjoy
fabulous shopping, restaurants, spas and golf, or relax at the resort pool in true rock star fashion!   
Contact: Elite Racing. Email:
rnraz@eliteracing.com Tel. 800-311-1255.

January 24: Seeley Lake Biathlon, Seeley Lake, MT (Certified MONTANAFiT Event)
Details coming soon. Seeley Lake Area Chamber of  Commerce. Cheryl Thompson, 406.677.2880
slchamber@blackfoot.net   www.SeeleyLakeChamber.com



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