Thankful for so much about living in Livingston

JOHN CARROLL

Enterprise Managing Editor

It’s the season to be thankful and grateful. So here are a few things that I’m thankful for about living in Livingston, Montana I’m thankful for the Pray for Snow Celebration at the Livingston Depot Center that kicks off the early holiday season. What a wonderful, magical tradition that Dale Sexton and his staff and volunteers organize every year that raises tens of thousands of dollars for Loaves & Fishes through a silent auction and raffle. The Depot was rocking on Saturday night as hundreds of residents showed up for the festive, annual community event that benefits a great cause.

I’m thankful for the holiday traditions of Livingston. Like the annual Thanksgiving community dinner and Christmas luncheon at the Civic Center, Light up Livingston in Depot Park, the Christmas Stroll downtown, and the Christmas Eve service at the Depot.

I’m thankful for the arts and theater community in Livingston and our local performance venues such as the Blue Slipper Theatre and the Shane Lalani Center for the Arts, which just finished an amazing run of “Oliver” with the biggest cast in production history.

I’m thankful for our local artists, the downtown art walk and our multiple art studios on Main Street.

I’m thankful for storytelling night in Livingston hosted by Elk River Arts & Lectures, the nonprofit arm of Elk River Books. I’m thankful for Elk River Arts & Lectures for cultivating the literary legacy of Livingston by showcasing local and regional writers, authors, poets, and storytellers.

I’m thankful for our independent bookstores, our mom-and-pop coffee shops, and our small, local businesses.

I’m thankful for our local restaurants, and the Livingston nightlife—our pubs, sports bars and pool parlors.

I’m thankful for the music scene in Livingston and grateful for the many talented musicians who live here. Too many to name them all.

I’m thankful for our local music venues such as The Attic, Pine Creek Lodge, The Murray Bar, and The Old Saloon.

I’m thankful for the Livingston Farmers Market and the weekly community gatherings at Miles Park during the summer.

I’m thankful for our annual Fourth of July parade down Main Street and the venerable Livingston Roundup Rodeo that just celebrated its 100th anniversary.

I’m thankful for our places of worship and outlets for spiritual retreat.

I’m thankful for our parks, the Yellowstone River, Paradise Valley, and the many options here for outdoor recreation.

I’m thankful for the American Legion on B Street and all they do for the community and our local veterans who served our country in the U.S. armed forces.

I’m thankful for the Yellowstone Film Ranch and the growing film industry here.

I’m thankful for our local nonprofit organizations and foundations that give, uplift and pour so much back into the community.

I’m thankful for our city and community leaders such as city manager Grant Gager, our city and county commissioners, chamber CEO Leslie Feigel and LBID director Kris King.

Im thankful for the city’s recreation department and our new wellness center that is being built in north Livingston.

I’m thankful for our emergency responders, police and fire personnel, and healthcare workers.

I’m thankful for our local schools, educators, high school athletic teams and the wonderful tradition of celebrating state champions with a police escort down Main Street.

I’m thankful for the diverse people of Livingston of various backgrounds and occupations such as ranchers, fishing guides, artists, service workers, and urban professionals.

I’m thankful for our community culture of acceptance of all people regardless of race, gender, status, politics, or sexual orientation.

I’m thankful for the Livingston Enterprise for resurrecting my career and putting work-related passion back in my life.

But mostly today I am just thankful for finding Livingston, Montana more than three years ago. I moved here from Georgia seeking a new start in life. And I have fallen in love with this mountain and railroad community and the people who live here.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

John Carroll is managing editor of the Livingston Enterprise.