Escape from Bozeman

Ennis is an ideal place to stage a low-rent getaway from this summer's revolving parade of guests, weddings, and company barbecues. Known around the world for fantastic fly fishing on the Madison, the town also sports an impressive summer calendar of events for anglers and nonanglers alike.

Beginning May 23 and running through September 26, the Ennis Farm to Fork Farmers Market will operate in its new, permanent location at the Lone Elk Mall. Vendors at the Farm to Fork will offer locally raised meats, produce, plant starts, baked goods, and crafts. For more information, e-mail [email protected].

Never straying far from its fishing heritage, the Ennis Lions Club hosts its annual Kids and Father's Day Fishing Derby. Held at the riverside park, this fishing derby gives kids 12 and under the chance to hook some of the lunkers in the little park pond. While junior fishes, dad gets to be the coach and cheering squad. The event concludes with an awards ceremony and barbecue.

One of the most popular events in Montana is the annual rodeo, and Ennis is no exception. Running July 3 and 4, this NRA-sanctioned event is a major show for some of the region's top cowboys and cowgirls, who will compete in both rough stock and timed events. The Ennis Rodeo is a popular event statewide, so get your tickets early. For reserved seating, call Katie at 406-682-4230. In conjunction with the rodeo, the annual parade is a can't-miss event for the entire family and a great primer for the rodeo later that day.

Another time-honored Ennis event is the annual Shedhorn Sports Hunters Rendezvous. Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, the even runs on August 22 and 23 and is sponsored by the biggest little gun shop in the area. The festival features 1,500 firearms and attracts dozens of factory representatives from numerous sporting companies. This event is bigger than a sale and better than many gun shows.

As the summer winds down, Ennis plays host to another great event: the Madison Fly Fishing Festival. Taking place September 4-9, this five-day event is an all-out celebration of fly fishing, angling art, fishing culture, and all things fly fishing. For more information, check out ennisflyfishing.com.

Kurt Dehmer is owner of Durty Kurty's Guide Service and knows Ennis like the back of his hand. For more information on any of these or other events, contact the Ennis at ennischamber.com or 406-682-4388.