As kids growing up on the West Side of Great Falls, Montana, our lives revolved around just three things:  family, church, and school. It was a beautiful way to grow up.  These days, I still have those three things, but I also have community.  Several of them, and each one has brought tremendous richness to my life.  Each one has made life more beautiful. 

 

A Google definition of community reads something like this - 'A diverse group of people with different characteristics and backgrounds but with a common link that binds them all to the benefit of them all.'  That sounds about right.  It's fun to be part of a community.  It's even more fun to build one.

 

Our community, the Greater Yellowstone Adventure Series community, begins on Saturday.

 

 

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Race Check In:  8:00 to 9:30 

 

Location: Lion's Club Park in Ennis

 

Race Start:  10:00 AM 

 

Race Day check in is available

 

 

When one community joins another, life becomes even better.  

 

For the 6th year in a row, the gracious and gifted folks at Willies Distillery will be hosting a free pig roast for their community.  On the spit will be locally raised pigs that had been fed spent grains from Willies distilling magic.  There will be music, games, prizes, and of course world class spirits for world class individuals (that means us).   This is a family event open to everyone.  

 

Here's how you join these communities. 

 

First, upon waking up, give thanks to whomever you give thanks to for being able to wake up in Montana.

 

Second, drive to Ennis.  Be sure you arrive between 8 and 9 AM to check in or to sign up for the Water to Whiskey 5K at Lion's Club Park.  The race is open to EVERYONE - sprinters, runners, walkers, crawlers, and strollers as well as hoppers, skippers, and jumpers. 

 

Third, around 9:45 or so, runners will be asked to slowly congregate on the bridge over the Madison River.  Traffic will be briefly stopped so the race can start right on top of the Madison River.

 

Fourth, the race starts at 10:00 AM sharp.  You're on the water and you're running to the whiskey (with a short excursion to church in Jeffers).

 

Last, finish your race at the front door of Willies Distillery. High five your friends and family, collect your medal, have some water, and then get ready for an incredibly beautiful afternoon. 

 

Two communities become one on a Saturday in Southwest Montana.

 

Wow!  That's how to make life more beautiful. 

 

Stay Happy, Healthy, and Always Keep Running Forward.

 

Sam

 

 

p.s. If you are still looking for more reasons to run, take a look at this op-ed that was published this week in the Missoulian newspaper.