Distinctly Montana Magazine

DISTINCTLY MONTANA MAGAZINE • WINTER 2022-23 68 January and continuing until the end of March. Brunch kicks off at 10 a.m., and bingo starts an hour later after everyone is well- fed and ready to try their luck with a game of chance. Winter gives way to spring, and the off season wraps up with the annual Cake Walk benefitting the local Volunteer Fire Department in April and the much-cele- brated Mother's Day Brunch in May. Ex- pertly managed by Tanya Engle, the Elks Lodge #390 has nourished its communi- ty and has been rewarded accordingly. Members of the lodge hail from near and far, beloved for its small-town feel and devoted hamlet. ICE RINK AND CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING Mayor Justin Gatewood sings the praises of the Virginia City Ice Commit- tee, a group of dedicated, hardworking volunteers who perform what the mayor refers to as a labor of love, tending the community ice rink to provide a safe place for skating and hockey. Starting about 12 years ago, these volunteers de- cided to create a way to have great winter fun for free. The rink is tended by a Zam- boni to expertly resurface the ice as necessary and has a plentiful inventory of skates and hockey sticks for all ages to borrow while using the rink. Virginia City hosts two hockey tournaments per season, a two-day co-ed adults' tournament and the Goal Rush Squirt's Tournament for the youths. The ice is best from the first solid freeze, usually around Thanksgiving, until the thaw begins in March. Community members also tend the miles of cross-country ski- ing trails in the area. The trails weave through town, up into Alder Gulch, and beyond. Skiers and snowshoers are free to explore this historical area of Montana, enjoying the crisp winter air and what is surely an unforgettable winter adventure. Use of the rink is free, and the com- mittee happily accepts donations to maintain the Zamboni machine and provide the equipment. And, as Mayor Gatewood says, "None of it would be possible with- out the countless hours the committed group of volunteers puts into the rink and trails, making sure the rink is in the best conditions and the trails are well-groomed." What I had thought would be a sim- ple query into Virginia City's winter activities turned out to be a humbling experience. In this world that fre- quently feels so troubled and divided, I discovered that not only its citizens support the town. People from all over Madison County gather here, making this special place even more magical. It is the dedication and love of many volunteers and denizens that keep this community and the whole county together. The next time you find yourself driving through Virginia City in the win- ter, do not be fooled by the empty streets and quiet town. Look a little closer, and you will find this county-wide community wait- ing for you to join their winter fun. If you have any questions, consult the friendly local librarians! WHAT I THOUGHT WOULD BE A SIMPLE QUERY INTO VIRGINIA CITY'S WINTER ACTIVITIES TURNED OUT TO BE A HUMBLING EXPERIENCE.

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