Spread the Warmth: The Annual Big Sky Coat Drive is Back!

As the unmistakable chill of winter settles into the mountains, our community's incredible spirit of generosity lights up. We're excited to announce that the annual Big Sky Coat Drive is back to ensure every one of our neighbors stays warm and safe this season.

This annual drive is a true grassroots effort that brings together local businesses, non-profits, and residents. 

New This Year: We're Collecting Boots!

Thanks to a new partnership with the Rotary Club and the Big Sky high school, we can help keep our community warm from head to toe. In addition to distributing warm winter coats, gently used winter boots will also be collected and distributed this year.

How You Can Help: Donate Your…

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You’re invited to participate in our annual Gingerbread House competition at our Livingston office! Show off your skills and creativity as you design and decorate your gingerbread house. Your creation will be on display at our Livingston office during the Christmas Stroll on December 5th, where visitors will get to vote for their favorites. We have multiple categories so everyone can participate:

Youth Category: 12 & Under

  • 1st Place: Trophy and $100
  • 2nd Place: $50
  • 3rd Place: $25

Open Category: For Anyone

  • 1st Place: Trophy and $300
  • 2nd Place: $150
  • 3rd Place: $75

Drop off your magical gingerbread creation at our Livingston office between December 1st - 4th. We can't wait to see what you create! If you have any questions, call Melody at our…

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Short Answer: No. For most buyers in the Gallatin Valley, waiting for lower rates is a risky gamble. The high demand in our market means home prices are likely to rise, wiping out any potential savings from a slightly lower rate. A better strategy is to "marry the house, date the rate."

This article breaks down the financial risks of waiting and explains the strategy of buying now and refinancing later.

 

What Does "Marry the House, Date the Rate" Mean?

If you're a potential homebuyer in the Gallatin Valley, you're not alone in feeling "on the fence." You've seen mortgage rates climb from their historic lows, and it’s tempting to hit pause, wait for them to drop, and then jump into the market.

It feels like the logical play. A lower rate means a…

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Finding Childcare in Gallatin Valley Shouldn't Be a Full-Time Job. Gallatin United Way Has a New Solution.

If you're a parent in Gallatin or Park counties, you know the feeling. The endless waitlists. The constant calls. The high-stakes lottery of finding a safe, affordable, and available childcare spot for your child. It’s a stressful, overwhelming process that can feel like a full-time job in itself.

In a region where the cost of infant care can rival college tuition and 61% of families live in a "childcare desert"—with far more children than licensed spots—this isn't just a family issue. It's a community and economic crisis.

When parents can't find care, they're forced to miss work, reduce their hours, or leave the workforce entirely. This strains…

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Get Ready for the Annual Ennis Hunters Feed!

Calling all foodies, hunters, and anyone who loves a good time! The annual Ennis Hunters Feed is just around the corner, and it's an event you won't want to miss. For over 30 years, this beloved local tradition has been kicking off rifle season in style, bringing together friends, families, and visitors for an afternoon of delicious food, lively music, and community spirit.

A Feast of Wild Game The heart of the Hunters Feed is the wild game cook-off. Chefs of all skill levels, from seasoned pros to enthusiastic home cooks, serve up their most creative and mouthwatering wild game dishes. As you stroll down Main Street, you'll have the chance to sample a wide variety of unique creations, from classic chili…

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Get Ready for an Unforgettable Weekend of Music: The 2025 Livingston Songwriter Festival is Just Around the Corner!

The Livingston Songwriter Festival returns from October 2nd to 4th, 2025! This three-day event will feature an incredible lineup of hit songwriters from Nashville and rising stars from Montana, all set against the stunning backdrop of Livingston, Montana.

Prepare to be moved by intimate performances as artists share their songs and stories in a series of "songwriter rounds" held at various charming venues throughout downtown Livingston. This is your chance to get up close and personal with the creative minds behind the music you love.

A Stellar Lineup of Talent

This year's festival boasts an impressive roster of both legendary and…

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The Future is Bright: Exciting New Updates for the Gallatin County Fairgrounds

A cornerstone of our community since 1903, the Gallatin County Fairgrounds has long been a cherished space for the region to gather and celebrate. Situated on 65 acres in the heart of Bozeman, just a mile from downtown, it’s a place where memories are made. Now, exciting new plans are underway to revitalize this historic venue, ensuring it remains a vibrant hub for generations to come.

Honoring the Past, Building for the Future

The fairgrounds holds a rich history of horse tracks, agricultural barns, and annual fairs. While this long history is a major strength, it also comes with challenges. Officials acknowledge that many facilities are old, with significant deferred…

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Reaching New Heights: Big Sky to Unveil the Stunning Kircliff Observatory on Lone Peak!

Anyone who has stood at Big Sky Resort and gazed up at the iconic Lone Peak knows the sense of awe it inspires. It’s the heart of the resort, a rugged beacon against the vast Montana sky. For years, skiers and riders have cherished the world-class terrain and breathtaking views from its slopes. Now, Big Sky is making that summit experience more accessible and spectacular than ever before.

Get ready for a game-changer! Big Sky Resort has announced the grand opening of the Kircliff Observatory at the summit of Lone Peak, slated for Winter 2025. This isn't just a warming hut or a small lookout—it's a destination in itself.

A Window to the Top of the World

So, what…

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A groundbreaking ceremony was recently held for the new VIM hotel on the campus of Montana State University. The hotel, a partnership between MSU and Lone Mountain Land Company, is a significant development for both the university and the Bozeman community.

A Fusion of Hospitality and Education

The VIM hotel is more than just a place for visitors to stay; it's a "teaching hotel" designed to provide hands-on experience for students in MSU's hospitality and culinary arts programs. Students will have the opportunity to work alongside seasoned professionals in a real-world setting, gaining invaluable skills in hotel management, culinary arts, marketing, and more. This innovative approach will help to prepare the next generation of leaders for Montana's…

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What's New at MOR? A Look at Cretaceous Crossroads and More!

If you're looking for a great way to spend a day in Bozeman, the Museum of the Rockies is always a top choice. It’s a place that manages to be both a world-class research institution and a genuinely fun destination for all ages. With a fantastic new dinosaur exhibit just opened and another exciting one on the horizon, now is the perfect time for a visit.

Let's walk through what you can see at the museum right now, starting with the main event!

The Big News: Welcome to Cretaceous Crossroads

The Siebel Dinosaur Complex has a brand-new addition, and it's a must-see. The Cretaceous Crossroads exhibit takes a fascinating approach to the end of the dinosaur era. Instead of just showing off…

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