The range of performers consisted of Andrea Harsell, a vibrant and lively singer; Montana A Capella Society, a group of performers, and other acts such as Sidhe, a two man band, uniquely mixing folk and classical music.

A masquerade ball took place in the University Ballroom and tables were set up in the upstairs University Center where kids and kids at heart could create their own Masquerade Masks.

So next New Year’s Eve, bring the whole family down to First Night Missoula.

For more information, call Monica at 1(406)544-3098.

           The Missoula Osprey supports the Missoula area with many of their fundraisers at the home games. At least 4,600 students participated in Hit the Books in 2009. About 50,000 books were read through the program by students in at least 100 class rooms throughout the area. Approximately, $100,000 in prizes were given out to the students, including tickets to home games, school supplies and autograph sessions with the Missoula Osprey.

        The Osprey also donate 20 tickets to every home game to a youth sports team, the US Bank Dugout Team. They also donate 20 tickets to all 38 Home games to local non-profits, where they sit in the Staybridge Suites/ Missoula Independent Corner of Ogren Park. Another fundraiser that the Missoula Osprey offer is 50/50 drawings. The money earned from 50/50 at the games goes to local non-profit organizations.

        Ollie Osprey is available for your own fundraisers! To find out how to get Ollie to your event, ticket info, or for more information on the Missoula Osprey, visit http://missoula.osprey.milb.com.

 For almost 40 years, Missoula Children’s Theater has been entertaining families. MCT’s goal is to educate children and teens, develop life skills and a love for the performing arts.
                Jim Caron and Don Collins were the founders of Missoula Children’s Theater, but it wasn’t always about the kids. They first started casting kids as their actors when it seemed necessary: Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, and Hansel and Gretel. The Snow White performance was so popular that Miles City booked it for a performance. Jim and Don did not want to be responsible for driving seven kids 500 icy miles, so, they decided to audition kids in Miles City.

When 450 kids showed up for the audition, the traveling theater began. Excellent production and sold out shows began the fame across Montana for MCT.
                Missoula Children’s Theater still continues to grow, reaching out to small towns and large. For more information on Missoula Children’s Theater, visit http://www.mctinc.org/index.php.

Meet Me In Missoula

The Missoula Downtown Association, The Missoula Convention & Visitor’s Bureau and Missoula Cultural Council have joined forces to sponsor a “Meet Me in Missoula ” weekend promotion from May 1st -3rd, 2009.

The community has a number of events scheduled including:

• First Friday Art Walk
• Opening day at the Missoula Farmer’s Market
• Garden City Brewfest
• Maggotfest - Rugby Festival
• Lippizanner Stallions
• Missoula Children’s Theater Performance
• UM’s Performance of Shakespeare’s Medea

For more information on the event, including a full list of what’s happening, visit Meet Me in Missoula where you can invite your family and friends to join you in the fun! Local hotels will be offering special rates and they are planning to give away prizes.

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Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana. We provide services in, but not limited to: Missoula, Superior, Alberton, Saint Regis, Lolo, Clinton, Turah, Potomac, Florence, Corvallis, and Hamilton.

For more information on Kevin and Monica Ray or Western Montana Real Estate, they can be reached at 406-207-1185 or online at www.YourMT.com.

Missoula’s art community has a diverse range of artists, festivals, art walks, theater, music and dance. Downtown Missoula has an abundance of galleries: photography, sculptures, paintings, ceramics, and local crafts. First Friday is a prime showcase of the talent and culture found in Missoula on the First Friday of every month. At least 11 different locations are included in the First Friday art walk. For more information on First Friday Missoula, visit http://firstfridaysmissoula.blogspot.com.

China Woods

716 Dickens

406-550-2511

www.chinawoodsstore.com

A premier source for Asian art.

The Dana Gallery

246 North Higgins

406-721-3154

www.danagallery.com

Represents over 40 artists, photographers and more.

Gallery Saintonge

216 North Higgins

406-543-0171

www.gallerysaintonge.com

Dedicated to photography and events.

Gallery Upstream & Laurie Lane Studios

141 South Third West

406-542-3623

www.laurielanestudios.com

Winning trout photography and paintings.

 
L.A. Design

337 East Broadway

406-543-50773

www.pirnieartshowroom.com

Known for award winning custom framing.

Missoula Art Museum

335 North Pattee

406-728-0447

www.missoulaartmuseum.com

Thought provoking and contemporary art pieces.

 
Monte Dolack Gallery

139 West Front

406-549-3248

www.dolack.com

Unique art with a sense of humor by artist Monte Dolack.

Murphy~Jubb Fine Art

210 North Higgins, Suite 300

406-728-7050

www.kendahljanjubb.com

Original artwork and archival limited edition art.

Whooping Crones Gallery

508 East Broadway

406-721-3042

www.whoopingcronesgallery.com

Contemporary fine art and collections.

Wm. Gamradt Gallery

111 West Front

406-542-3313

www.gamradtgallery.com

Scenes of Montana wildlife and landscapes.

For more information on Missoula’s Arts or Cultural events, visit the Missoula Independent at www.missoulanews.com. Or, for information on Missoula, the arts or the Real Estate market, contact Kevin or Monica Ray at Access Realty, 406-207-1185 or visit us online at www.YourMT.com.

Written by Kelsey Ray, Corporate Blogger for Access Realty

Information on More Pet Friendly places in Missoula.

If you have any questions about Missoula, Western Montana, or real estate in the area, contact Kevin & Monica Ray of Access Realty at 406-207-1185 or 406-822-SOLD (7653).

The trail runs along the Clark Fork River through the heart of downtown and goes East to the University and West to Orange Street.

From this trail, you can see Missoula’s amazing scenery, historic buildings, and enjoy the lifestyle that bring people to Montana.

The trail is wide enough for both walking your dog or bicycling. It is marked along the way with ten plaques on stone pillars to help you identify some of Missoula’s important historical & geological features, including:

Historic Marker Topics:

• Southside Historic District
• The Built Environment
• Clark Fork River Crossings
• Meriwether Lewis
• The River
• Rattlesnake Valley and Mount Jumbo
• Rattlesnake Creek
• Glacial Lake Missoula
• The University of Montana
• Missoula Mills

Brennan’s Wave is also a feature along the trail on the West side of the Higgins Street Bridge. Brennan’s Wave is a man-made, engineered whitewater play pool for kayakers.

Caras Park, the site of many festivals and events, is directly North of the River. In addition, Caras Park is also home to Missoula’s Carousel and Dragon’s Hollow Playground.

Missoula’s Old Milwaukee Station is along this trail. this depot has been at the center of Missoula for nearly 100 years. Designed by J.A. Lindstrand, the depot was built in 1910 to serve the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railway Company. It features two observation towers, a Spanish-style roof, and walls constructed of imported brick from China. Since 1992, the depot has served as headquarters for the Boone & Crocket club.

This is a great way to relax in Missoula, and to see some of the best the city has to offer.

For more information on Missoula, or to request a Free Relocation Packet, Contact Kevin & Monica Ray at 406-207-1185.

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Kevin & Monica Ray are real estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana. For more information on Western Montana, they can be reached at 406-207-1185 or online at Missoula Real Estate.

For those of who live near Missoula, this is no surprise. Other towns that were also ranked in this category are:

1.) Missoula, Montana
2.) Lander, Wyoming
3.) Idaho Falls, Idaho
4.) Silver City, New Mexico
5.) Ogden, Utah
6.) Carbondale, Colorado
7.) Prescott, Arizona
8.) Reno, Nevada
9.) Pagosa Springs, Colorado
10.) Red Lodge, Montana
11.) Tucson, Arizona
12.) Colorado Springs, Colorado

Read the full article here.

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Kevin & Monica Ray are real estate sales and marketing professionals in Missoula and Western Montana. To contact them, call 406-207-1185 or visit us online at www.YourMT.com.

Just visit your nearest PetSmart store and look for the PetSmart Charities recycling display to pick up a free postage paid pre-addressed envelope. Drop it in the mail and PetSmart Charities will receive a $2 -$15 donation for every cartridge or phone recycled through this program. Plus, you will help save the environment too!

You can also buy recycled ink cartridges on their website.

It’s really easy with the plastic prepaid envelopes that are available at the Petsmart stores.

Check it out, you’ll be glad you did.

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Kevin & Monica Ray are Real Estate Sales & Marketing Professionals with Access Realty in Western Montana. To contact Kevin & Monica, call us at 406-207-1185 or visit us online at Missoula Real Estate.

Foreclosures can be an opportunity to get properties at a discount. We have personally purchased two foreclosed properties ourselves and feel like we made a good investment.

However, it is important to be aware that can be risks that come with foreclosed properties such as:

• AS-IS: Most foreclosures are sold “As Is” and without a seller’s property disclosure that would list any known defects in the property. There are usually specific forms that you will be required to sign to protect the bank that has taken possession of the property. Make sure you have a thorough home inspection so you know what you are buying.
• REDEMPTION PERIOD: Many states have a “Redemption Period” where a person who lost a home to a foreclosure can payoff the property and redeem it. Make sure you understand your rights and all potential risks if you buy a foreclosure.
• PRICE - just because a property is a foreclosure does not necessarily mean that it is priced at a discount below other homes on a market. Make sure you understand the current market value of the home. Your Realtor (R) can help you understand the local market.
• FORECLOSURE ALERTS - There are several services that will charge you a fee to notify you of foreclosed properties. If you are in an area with very few foreclosures, this may not be worth the investment.

If you are looking for foreclosures or short sale properties, in or around the Missoula, Montana area, contact Kevin & Monica Ray of Access Realty at 406-207-1185. If you have legal questions regarding foreclosures or laws in your state, please contact an attorney. Visit us at Missoula Real Estate & Homes For Sale