Jun 6, 2011

Hitched To The TrainBy Jeff WindmeullerHelenAir.com

Before the Last Chance Tour Train passes the front of the store on Wednesday, driver Liz Bangerter rings a bell atop the engine — an old Jeep converted into a classic steamer.

Inside, employees of Birds and Beasleys Marsha Davis and Susan Beale-Spencer quickly gather up materials and rush out the front door.

Right as the two pop onto the sidewalk bordering Park Avenue — green signs in hand as they wave to the oncoming crowd — Bangerter has already told a short history of the store (it used to be a blacksmith’s) and mentioned the free gift every rider can receive when they bring their tickets inside.

“It’s a darn good deal,” says the engineer in a chipper and sweet midwestern style. “They have some made-in-Montana caramel bars that are to-die-for.”

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