13th ANNUAL WEED FUNDRAISER IN THE MADISON VALLEY

What a blast it was!  We went early and got a tour of the Sitz Ranch and learned about their history and their extensive operation.  They are internationally known for their Black Angus cattle and Bob Sitz did a great job making it very interesting.  The barn was filled with tables displaying wonderful silent auction items donated by various individuals and businesses throughout the valley.  The bidding accelerated in proportion to the free flowing wine! The main reason this is such a popular event in the Madison Valley is that it is a perfect time and place to meet and greet.  All the summer people and their guests are here and it is possibly the one time a year to visit with some folks.  At 5:30, everyone stood in line for a great prime rib dinner.  John Crumley, President of the Madison Valley Ranchlands Group, welcomed everyone and thanked the sponsors of the event.  He introduced a few special guests and then the live auction began.  The auctioneer did a great job and generated a lot of money for the MVRG's weed program.  But it's pretty easy when you have great auction items and the audience is in a generous mood!
We are looking forward to next year's Weed Fundraiser which will be hosted by another big ranch in our area.  Put it on your calendar for the first Saturday in August 2012. 
Toni Bowen, Arrow Real Estate, Ennis MT

www.arrowreal.com

SUMMERTIME IN THE ROCKIES

It has been quite a while since I posted anything to my blog because we have been amazingly busy this summer, even with such a slow economy.  We have been busy listing property, showing property and even SELLING property!  So far this year is much better than 2010.  The weather has been great, lots of people in town and the fishing reports are great!

You know you're from Montana when..."waders" refer to fly fishing, not the guys who work in restaurants!

This is Spotted Knapweed - a common Noxious Weed in the Madison Valley, that many people just see as a pretty purple flower.  

This Saturday is the 13th Annual Noxious Weed Fundraiser, which is the biggest social even of the year in the Madison Valley.  A friend from the east asked me if they serve weeds at our WEED Dinner!  I know it sounds funny but weeds are a serious issue here in the west because they take over native grasses and the cattle and game have less food to eat.  So we never miss this event and we'll be there in appropriate western dressy attire - "clean jeans, boots, nice shirt and cowboy hat."  Well, at least that's what the guys wear!  Ladies wear long western skirts and beautiful western boots and tops.  It is a great excuse to meet and greet your friends and neighbors.

Toni Bowen, Arrow Real Estate, Ennis MT
www.arrowreal.com, arrow@3rivers.net