Red Lodge beckons convention goers
By Paul Tash
Montana Tavern Times
Two years' worth of planning will come to fruition when the 56th annual Montana Tavern Association convention roars into Red Lodge Sept. 12-15.
“Things are coming along really well,” said Rocky Roberts, chairman of the local planning committee for the Carbon-Stillwater Tavern Association.
“It's been a lot of work,” he said. “I'm sure it will be a lot of fun.”
The MTA last held the convention in Red Lodge in 2003, so tavern owners are familiar with the town's beautiful backdrop and unique attractions. The local crew has been working diligently putting the “business and pleasure” affair together since it was awarded the convention two years ago at the Missoula convention.
The convention's slogan is “Rumble in Red Lodge,” and it will feature several motorcycle-themed events throughout the fun-packed social agenda.
The planning committee is comprised of overall chairman Roberts, who also chaired the trade show, luncheon and cocktail party; Lindy Stevens, vice chairman; Jimmy Howard, golf tournament chair; Kerri Cunningham, pub-crawl chair; Jim Johnson, Industry Party chair; Amanda Richter, luncheon chair; Leta McGann, Thursday brunch chair; and Kam Stevens, chair of the poker tourney, bowling and transportation committees.
Those folks have received plenty of support from the MTA office in Helena, as well.
“The local members of the Carbon/Stillwater Tavern Association have done a fantastic job lining out a variety of fun and interesting things to do,” said Chris Caldwell, administrator for the MTA in Helena. “They have put forth great effort on the convention, and it's been a pleasure working with them.”
Caldwell also urged those planning to attend to pre-register before Sept. 10. It's easier for those manning the registration table, and it's cheaper and more convenient for convention-goers, as well.
A registration form is available on Page 25 of this month's Tavern Times, or the MTA office (442-5040) can send one out.
Put the car keys away
Once convention-goers arrive in Red Lodge, they won't need to use their vehicles again until they leave, said transportation chair Kam Stevens. Buses are planned to take folks from venue to venue, and smaller buses and vans are available for special requests. The transportation is all free.
“And a local taxi service has agreed to run backup,” Stevens said, adding that the MTA is picking up the cost – “so it won't cost anything for a member to call the taxi in case they miss the main bus.”
Golfers get it going
As always, the convention tees off with a golf tournament on Monday afternoon (see story Page 17). A large turnout is expected this year at the Red Lodge Mountain golf course, which is “one of the most scenic, beautiful courses you'll find,” Roberts said.
“Every time you turn around you see the mountains,” he said.
All par threes will offer a hole-in-one giveaway, including one for a Harley Davidson motorcycle.
For those who don't golf, a fantastic outing featuring several unique, local attractions (see story Page 24) is scheduled. The tour will visit the Carbon Co. Historical Museum, the Beartooth Nature Center, Sam's Tap Room and brewery, and will conclude with some bowling at the Silver Strike.
“The bowling is a great alternative for those who don't want to golf,” Stevens said.
“It'll be a good time. We'll have time for a couple games of bowling. You can relax a little bit, have a cocktail or two, suck up some air conditioning, and then head on over to the 19th Hole party.”
Party at Bone Daddy’s
Oh, yes. The 19th Hole party, the perfect way to end the first day in Red Lodge, will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. at Bone Daddy's Custom Cycle.
The annual Roger Frampton Poker Tournament begins Monday night at 9 at the Silver Strike (see story Page 25). Survivors from the first night will advance to the finals tables Tuesday night.
Most conventioneers will be able to sleep in a bit Tuesday morning, if Monday night was too long. But members of the MTA Public Relations committee will have to rise and shine soon enough to gather for a committee meeting from 9:30 to noon Tuesday at the Rock Creek Resort.
The Trade Show will open from 10 to 5 in the Roosevelt Gym (see story Page 20). Convention organizers were expecting nearly 70 exhibitors who will be displaying the latest in industry products, equipment and services.
Those attending the Trade Show won't have to leave for lunch – a luncheon is planned at the exhibit area. And a cocktail party, with some prizes to be given away, is planned in the same area at 4-5 p.m. Of course, beverage suppliers are generous with their samples throughout the day.
Suppliers throw bash
The fun really gets started at the popular Industry Party, set for Bull 'N Bear at 5:30-7 p.m. Industry suppliers throw a big bash with a huge variety of “heavy hors d'oeuvres' and drink, said Industry Party organizer Jim Johnson.
“It's great,” he said. “It's always a good time.”
And finally Monday, a fun-filled pub crawl is planned to a dozen or so local establishments, with a variety of games to play along the way.
Budget and Legislative and Gambling committees will meet Wednesday morning beginning at 9:30 a.m., and the Trade Show continues until 1 p.m.
Sam's Tap Room will host a luncheon for men and women at noon. Organizers last year in Havre combined what previously had been separate luncheons for men and women, and the affair was a big success. Red Lodge organizers have decided to follow suit.
Officials to speak
Then conventioneers will load into the transport vehicles for a ride back to the Rock Creek Resort for the start of the General Session at 2 p.m. There, they will hear from a variety of state regulatory officials, including representatives from the Attorney General's office, Shauna Helfert and others from the Department of Revenue's Liquor Control Division, and Rick Ask and his crew from the Department of Justice's Gambling Control Division.
The General Session is the place to hear from, and ask questions of, the officials in charge of regulating the hospitality industry.
The main convention banquet follows the General Session. MTA's Mark Staples as always will emcee the event, and the year's major awards will be presented, including the prestigious Durkee Award and the MTA Worker of the Year Award.
The banquet is also where the winners of the MTA raffle prizes will be announced, including the $10,000 grand prize winner.
Only members vote
Thursday is business day. Following a brunch buffet, convention-goers will gather for the Business Session at the Rock Creek Resort. All tavern owners are welcome to attend, MTA members or not, and hear about the issues paramount to the success of their businesses. However, you must be a 2011-2012 MTA member to vote.
Now, with all those activities planned, it's hard to imagine conventioneers having much free time. But if they can make time, plenty of off-agenda activities are available, as well.
Chairman Roberts mentioned site-seeing along the Beartooth Highway (voted the No. 1 motorcycle touring highway in America), fishing, hiking, or just plain walking.
“Red Lodge has, I think, about 10 miles of walking paths in and around the city,” Roberts said. It also has “good shopping for the ladies,” he added.
“I've got a good group of people working hard,” he said. “We're doing are best to make the Rumble in Red Lodge the best MTA convention to date.”