Best of Backroads Vol. X

Episode 137 - Paintings, Partials, & Pies: Follow competitors in the cherry pit spitting and cherry pie eating contests at the Flathead Cherry Festival in Polson. Learn the story of Hobson dentist Virgil Stewart who began his practice in 1912 during an era when most rural Montanans could not afford such care. Hike into the Sweet Grass Hills where an unexpected natural wonder rises out of the prairie. And meet an eastern Montana man whose passion for art has literally spread all over the town of Forsyth. William Marcus hosts the program from historical landmarks near Havre and Chinook. 

Episode 138 - Hook, Line, and Singer: Backroads meets a western Montana man who has worked hard to improve access to the state's great outdoors. A terrifying highway accident left Chris Clasby a quadriplegic, but it couldn't diminish his passion for hunting and fishing. His spirit comes through as we tag along on a fishing trip on the Missouri River. Next is a tour of Rock City near Valier, a sandstone metropolis of hoodoos carved by Two Medicine River. The show profiles Chontay Standing Rock, a student at Stone Child College on the Rocky Boy Reservation, who has a unique approach to American Indian songs. He adds some English words and a striking stage presence to put his own spin on traditional music. And in Deer Lodge Backroads visits retired rancher, Gene Hensen, whose unlikely collection of home appliances grew from necessity. William Marcus hosts the program from the Fergus County Courthouse in Lewistown. 

Episode 139 - Not Forgotten: Backroads remembers a DeBorgia man who left behind a legacy on film. He went from western Montana lumberjack to improbable filmmaker and in the process provided memories for his family and all of us to share. It's not possible to share a tasty artifact from Montana's military past in Miles City. You'll find out why. Did you ever wonder what a cow was thinking? We'll meet a Toston woman who took that a step further and wrote songs about it. Listen in on Judy Williams' entertaining concert and see how her approach to having fun has impacted others. And we learn the traditions and family ties that inspire Crow Indian artist Kevin Red Star during visits to his studio in Roberts and family ranch near Pryor. 

Episode 140 - Making Connections: Meet Iris Dodge who was inspired to record the vanishing cowboy life in paint and poems. The Backroads crew followed Iris for a day and talked with her about her collection of 52 remarkable paintings and the lives behind the portraits. In Butte spend a fun day at the annual Lineman’s Rodeo. Professionals and amateurs show off their skills while catching up with colleagues in their demanding professional that keeps the power on in Montana. In Jefferson City, explore the flowers, plants and trees at Tizer Gardens and Arboretum – which may be the prettiest six acres in Montana. And in Kalispell meet a vibrant 84-year-old woman who still teaches dance classes. While learning proper form and technique, some of her students make an even greater connection. William Marcus hosts the program from the annual Creston Fire Department Auction and Country Fair in northwest Montana.