Vendor opp
The Fairgrounds is partnering with the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce to provide a New Year’s Resolutions Solutions Expo. This event will showcase the wide array of activities and services available in our community. Non-profits and clubs looking to boost their group attendance should consider participating in this event. Applications available at www.rc.mt.gov/fair.
Wednesday, December 25
Community Christmas dinner
Cornerstone Bible Church and the Family Shelter of the Bitterroot Valley invite you to a free Community Dinner on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Cornerstone Bible Church, 280 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. This is for anyone who needs a good hot meal, or just doesn’t want to be alone on the holiday. Call Ashley, 381-8794, for more information.
Friday, December 27
Eagles taco night
Tacos, burritos and quesadillas with all the trimmings will be served Friday, December 27 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Eagles, 125 N. 2nd, Hamilton. The public is welcome.
Saturday, December 28
Stevi Christmas Bird Count
Bitterroot Audubon will sponsor the 49th annual Stevensville Christmas Bird Count on Saturday, December 28. Birders of any skill level are invited to participate, since the emphasis is on having fun and learning more about birds and their habitats, in addition to collecting valuable scientific data. The Stevensville count is typically one of the largest in Montana, both in terms of number of participants and number of bird species seen.
Birders can participate in the Count in two ways. Field observers can gather in the basement conference room of the Stevensville Ranger Station (88 Main Street) between 7:30 and 7:45 a.m. on December 28th to form small teams that search portions of the count circle. This is a great way for beginners to learn about birds from experienced birders.
Feeder watchers stay at home part or all of the day and count the birds on their own property, as long as the land is within the Count circle (a 7.5-mile radius circle centered on the Ranger Station). New feeder watchers are especially needed to replace some that have moved away over the past few years. Both groups contribute valuable data and help make the Count successful. Either way, participants can spend as much or as little time as they have available that day. Call Count organizer Dave Lockman at 777-2929 or 381-7679 for additional information.
Sunday, December 29
Golden Age dance
Come down and dance to the live band at the Golden Age Club on 727 S. 5th St. in Hamilton on Sunday, December 29 from 1 to 4 p.m. This is a non-alcohol, non-smoking venue. Snack potluck will take place at music break. Cost is $3.00 a person.
Fifth Sunday Singalong
On Sunday, December 29 at 6 p.m., Stevensville United Methodist Church doors will be open for a town-wide fellowship centered on singing the “oldies and goodies” of the faith. This month, there will be a Christmas Carol sing-a-long. A special group of performers will also be featured. After the hour of singing, there will be fellowship time with coffee and treats. Participants are invited to bring some goodies to share, so that the load of serving is shared. Come help build a new tradition, and find a real blessing from being with God’s people who rarely get the opportunity to meet together in one place with voices lifting together in praise to the Lord.
South Valley Singspiration
A South Valley Gospel Singspiration will be held Sunday, December 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Darby Community Club House. Everyone is welcome. The event is sponsored by the South Valley Churches.
Tuesday, December 31
Trillium Brass Trio performance
The Bitterroot’s own Trillium Brass Trio will perform at 4 PM on New Year’s Eve, December 31 at 4 p.m. in the Music Recital Hall at the University of Montana, Department of Music. In a celebration of brass, this year the Trio has invited three musicians to join them for specialty pieces: Cathy Gillhouse, harpist, of Ronan, Nami Takagaki, from Japan, on tuba, and Jackson Pepion, trumpeter from Hamilton. For more information call Elliott Oppenheim at 273-4212.
Daly Mansion New Year’s Eve Bash
The Daly Mansion Preservation Trust invites you to ring in the New Year and step back in time during the Roaring 20’s New Year’s Eve Bash and Poker Party on Tuesday, December 31 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Daly Mansion. Enjoy an evening of live roaring 20’s dance music by Boyd Combo, poker playing, bingo, dance contest, mystics, food, prizes, and a grand fireworks display at midnight. Admission is $35 per person or $50 for two. Attendees are encouraged to dress the part; however, costumes are not required. To make reservations or for more information, call 363-6004 ext. 2#. All funds raised that evening go to support the operations of the Daly Mansion and the Margaret Daly Memorial Arboretum. The Daly Mansion is located at 251 Eastside Hwy between Hamilton and Corvallis. If you need a tow home that night, Tipsy Tow services will be provided courtesy of AAA and Wimps Auto Body. Child care for the evening is also offered; make arrangements with Ladder Preschool by calling the event reservation line.
New Year’s Eve Party
The Ravalli County Fairgrounds is hosting a New Year’s Eve Party on Tuesday, December 31. Tickets are $10, tables reserved in advance are $150. Dance the night away with Joan Zen 5 Piece Funky Soul & Reggae Band, and food and drinks to purchase from Caffe Firenze. Ring in 2014 at the Bitterroots best NYE party! For more information call the fairgrounds office at 363-3411.
New Year’s Eve dance
A New Year’s Eve country western public dance will be sponsored by Bitterroot Dancers, Inc. on Tuesday, December 31 from 7 p.m. to 12 midnight at the Bedford Building/City Hall (2nd floor) at 223 S. 2nd, Hamilton. “Pay Dirt” will provide live music. Admission is $10. There will be a no host bar. A potluck dinner starts at 6 p.m. (bring a dish to share).
Wednesday, January 1
Golden Age Club
The Golden Age Club will not have a business meeting on January 1 but will have its next business meeting on February 5 at 1 p.m. with the usual birthday program to follow at 2 p.m. with a talk on migratory birds. Membership dues are due on January 1.