Red Lodge Christmas Stroll - Two Evenings Full of Good Food, Music and Memorable Characters - Photo Journal of December 5, 2009

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Education & Training

Red Lodge Christmas Stroll - Two Evenings Full of Fun, Food, Music and Memorable Characters - Photo Journal of December 5, 2009

On the second night of the Christmas Stroll in Red Lodge (www.redlodge.com/stroll), I made my way out of the office from the back door.

Near the Back Door of Prudential Red Lodge

Anyone feeling in the mood for some disco dancing?

I went through the parking lot and across the street to my favorite wine and speciality food store: Babcock & Miles (www.babcockandmiles.com).  It was snowing and it added a sense of magic to the evening.

Babcock & Miles - Red Lodge Christmas Stroll 2009

Not only did they have a master chef at the store which was dishing out some mouth watering gourmet food, but they also had some very original holiday cookies.

Flying pig cookies at Babcock & Miles

Next, I took a break along my stroll to watch and listen to a band playing some holiday music.

And the Band Played Holiday Music - Red Lodge Christmas Stroll 2009

Next  stop is the Sylvan Peak store (http://www.shopredlodge.com/shoprl/pc/_store_level_3.asp?IDBrand=5) which was packed with night shoppers.  There, behind the counter, I saw a friendly face who managed to surprise me with her elf appearance. 

Osana the Elf at Sylvan Peak

Oh my! Those were some big ears for an elf!  Do You Hear What I Hear?

As I stepped out to the snow to continue my stroll, I noticed that there were many local residents who decided to have their dog participate in the stroll.   Here is a photo I managed to snap while on the go.

Strolling with the Family Dog - Red Lodge Christmas Stroll 2009

The street was full of unexpected and memorable characters!

Sandwiched between two cookies - Red Lodge Christmas Stroll 2009  

In the photo above is my dear friend Susan which I managed to convince to pose in between two enormous cookies (they were promoting girl scout cookies and raising funds for the boy and girl scouts of Red Lodge).  

Just after seeing the giant cookies, I came across another surprising appearance in a store window.

Mannequins Coming to Life - Red Lodge Christmas Stroll 2009

These beautiful ladies were striking interesting poses in the window and were promoting a health and fitness store for women. 

I continued North and got to Kibler and Kirch (www.kiblerandkirch.com), a great furniture and interior decor store.  The place was very well decorated for the holidays!  There was more delicious food awaiting as well some more holiday musical entertainment.  Talk about more treats for the eyes, the ears and the stomach!

Olive and chicken delight at Kibler and Kirch - Red Lodge Christmas Stroll 2009 Musical Trio at Kibler and Kirch - Red Lodge Christmas Stoll 2009

After another interesting indoor visit, I ventured back outside and continued my stroll North and headed to Lights on Broadway (Lights on Broadway Info). 

Lights on Broadway - Red Lodge, Montana

When I got there I was greeted by the owners Tammy and Laurie and they did not waste any time to ask me if I wanted to try their chili or the egg nog.  I could not resist trying the lightly spiked egg nog.    Here is a special chandelier that was altered to display the holiday colors.

One of Many Beautiful Chandeliers at Lights on Broadway - Red Lodge, Montana

Drink in hand, I thanked the hostesses and went outside to continue my stroll.  All along main street, there were many fire pits in place for those wanting to take a break and get some warmth around a nice fire.  I thought they added additional ambiance to the Christmas Stroll.   You be the judge by looking at the following photo.

Flames at a Fire Pit on Broadway - Red Lodge Christmas Stroll 2009

The snow was continuing to fall.  It was interesting to see the various reactions of the people strolling on main street.  Some were walking at a fast pace between stores to avoid getting too much snow on them.   Some were happy to see the snow and to take their time enjoying every bit of the outdoor stroll.  There were also those younger ones who loved the snow and took advantage of the street being closed to automobile traffic to make snow angels.

Having fun doing a snow angel on main street - Red Lodge Christmas Stroll 2009

Here are two other characters that appeared along the stroll (only one is real).

Santa Claus - Red Lodge Christmas Stroll 2009 Indian at a newly opened art gallery - Red Lodge Christmas Stroll 2009

Even at the Christmas Stroll in Red Lodge, seing a real indian is not something you would expect.   One of many memorable characters and likely the most special and unexpected person that I got to encounter along my stroll. 

One other unusual photo posted in my blog.  One of me in front of the very popular Red Lodge sign: the Red Lodge Cafe sign.  I am wearing my Montreal Canadiens winter hat ("tuque" as they would say it in Quebec). 

Gerry at the Red Lodge Christmas Stroll - December 2009

This completes the photo journal of my fun filled evening of Christmas strolling in Red Lodge! 

Happy holiday season from Red Lodge, Montana.  It's Good to Be Here!!

Gerry Khatchikian, ASA, TRC (4 languages spoken: English, French, Spanish, Armenian)
Realtor Associate

ASA: Associate of the Society of Actuaries    TRC: Transnational Referral Certification

Gerry_Khatchikian@yahoo.com

All photos and/or written content produced by Gerry Khatchikian. All rights reserved and may not be reproduced or reprinted without express written permission of Gerry Khatchikian, Realtor Associate.

Comments (23)

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Your photo journal is a perfect way to get in the spirit of Christmas. Thanks Gerry!
I hope you have a super week!
Paul

Dec 07, 2009 12:56 AM
Mary Douglas
United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado - Red Feather Lakes, CO
REALTOR, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Hi Gerry, Thanks for taking us along, through your post, on the Christmas Stroll.  It looked like a lot of fun, and the snow was the perfect addition to the Christmassy photos!

Dec 07, 2009 02:07 AM
Tony & Darcy Cannon
Aubrey and Associates Realty - Layton, UT
The C Team

Gerry, great stroll!  I agree that the falling snow added to the magic of the stroll, I also liked the pig cookies, very original!

Dec 07, 2009 05:26 AM
Gerry Khatchikian
Red Lodge, MT
ASA, TRC, SFR

Al and Peggy,

I am glad you were able to join me virtually through this post.   It was interesting to see the mix of snow and flames.  It made for a good study and of course, I pick the best photo to share on this post.   I did bring my beanie bag with me (thanks to the tip from you) as I was planning on photography at night. 

Dec 07, 2009 09:04 AM
Gerry Khatchikian
Red Lodge, MT
ASA, TRC, SFR

Marc,

This year's stroll had all the right ingredients!   It was very enjoyable along the entire closed street and side streets.  We were lucky that it was not as cold as initially anticipated for Saturday night.   And the photos was just a small glimpse of all the fun festivities.   :)

Dec 07, 2009 09:08 AM
Gerry Khatchikian
Red Lodge, MT
ASA, TRC, SFR

Paul,

Thanks.  I am glad I was able to share some of the Christmas spirit from Red Lodge.   I look forward to reading and seeing photos of the celebrations going in you neighborhood and other places thanks to AR.

Dec 07, 2009 09:11 AM
Gerry Khatchikian
Red Lodge, MT
ASA, TRC, SFR

Mary,

You are very welcome.   It is a pleasure to share the spirit with you and and all my friends here on AR.  The snow did add some magic and made it even more special.

Dec 07, 2009 09:13 AM
Gerry Khatchikian
Red Lodge, MT
ASA, TRC, SFR

Tony & Darcy,

I am glad you came back to see the photos of the Christmas Stroll in Red Lodge.  The teaser post worked!   :)

Dec 07, 2009 09:14 AM
Michael Bergin
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES - Alexandria, VA
Northern Virginia Real Estate

Fun times - thanks for playing tour guide.  We just had our first, light/wet snow on Saturday and it certainly put everyone in the mood.

Michael in Alexandria - Northern Virginia's Best Small City

Dec 07, 2009 09:31 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
GreatWest Realty - Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Real Estate Agent

Gerry - When I began scrolling down through your photos, I just knew there had to be a moose in there somewhere.  Then I saw the Moose racks:-)  It wouldn't be a post from you without those critters.

Dec 07, 2009 10:55 AM
Gerry Khatchikian
Red Lodge, MT
ASA, TRC, SFR

Michael,

You're welcome!  It starts with a light snow and next thing you know you get more and more.   :)

Dec 07, 2009 11:29 AM
Gerry Khatchikian
Red Lodge, MT
ASA, TRC, SFR

Myrl,

You saw moose when I thought I did not post anything with moose in this post!   I had to check back to see and you are right.   Good catch!

Dec 07, 2009 11:30 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Blessed Realtor - ABR, CRS

Wow, great pics Gerry!  You really captured some memorable moments in an evening full of fun!

Dec 07, 2009 03:51 PM
Gerry Khatchikian
Red Lodge, MT
ASA, TRC, SFR

Melinda,

Thank you for visiting this post and for the compliments.   It was quite a festive atmosphere and I am glad I took along my camera to capture some of the memorable moments and characters at this year's Christmas Stroll.   

Dec 07, 2009 04:21 PM
Cynthia Bartch
Granville, OH

Well Gerry thank you for taking me along on this fun filled evening! The Red Lodge Christmas Stroll looks like it's super fun for everyone and you photos made me feel like like I was right there with you in the snow that I miss so much :)  What a great photo blog!!!

Dec 07, 2009 10:26 PM
Al & Peggy Cunningham, Brokers
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage - Brampton, ON
Our Family Wants To Help Your Family!

Had to come back and look once more at your photos Gerry.  You captured the essence of an old town Christmas and its just beautiful. Everytime we see something different.  This time, I enjoyed the coloured lights under the blanket of snow. 

Dec 08, 2009 12:28 AM
Gerry Khatchikian
Red Lodge, MT
ASA, TRC, SFR

Cynthia,

Thank you for the positive feedback.  It was a pleasure to take you along.   Check out Myrl Jeffcoat's recent post for some snow in the Sacramento area.   It looks like if you wish and continue to think about snow, you may eventually succeed to get some in your area even though it may seem unlikely at first.  But you know that you are always welcome to visit my winter posts to see more photos of that white powdery stuff that we now seem to have in abundance in my area.

Dec 08, 2009 03:25 AM
Gerry Khatchikian
Red Lodge, MT
ASA, TRC, SFR

Al and Peggy,

You have the festive hats on so feel free to visit this post as many times to look at the 17 photos that I uploaded.  :)

By far this is my post with the most photos.   At the Christmas Stroll, there were a lot of people strolling but on here, given that there are lots of photos and it is a lengthy post, you have to do a lot of scrolling (scroll down that is) to see the entire post!  :) 

Dec 08, 2009 03:34 AM
Jim Frimmer
HomeSmart Realty West - San Diego, CA
Realtor & CDPE, Mission Valley specialist

I really liked that snowy dog picture. It was my favorite, followed by the fire. That very last one, though? Can probably do without it! It's down right scary. Perhaps left over from Halloween? LOL

Happy Holidays!

Dec 10, 2009 04:44 PM
Gerry Khatchikian
Red Lodge, MT
ASA, TRC, SFR

Jim,

I thought you were referring to the photo of the indian before I realized that it was me!    Sorry if I scared you.  Must be the bright red neon lights!   :)

Happy Holidays and thanks for visiting my blog and commenting on my holiday posts!

Dec 13, 2009 10:45 AM

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