Saturday, December 2:  Beth Judy reads from Bold Women in Montana History, a series of compelling portraits of historic heroines, as part of Missoula's Parade of Lights. 2pm.

From the Blackfeet warrior Running Eagle to the stereotype-smashing librarian Alma Jacobs, the eleven women portrayed in this engaging book were indeed bold– breaking down barriers of sexism, racism, and political opposition to emerge as heroines of their time. Among them we meet Annie Morgan, a Philipsburg homesteader whose mysterious life is only now coming to light; the bronc-riding Greenough sisters, Alice and Marge, who became rodeo stars during the sport's heyday; and Elouise Cobell, champion of Native American rights.

This collection of short but informative biographies is both a valuable resource and entertaining read, proving what women can accomplish when they dare to be bold.

Beth Judy grew up near Chicago and currently lives in Missoula. After receiving a BA from Harvard University, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where she worked in public health, the arts, and later, writing and publication services. In 1992, she moved to Missoula and earned an MFA in creative writing at the University of Montana. From 1994 to 2014, she was a producer at Montana Public Radio, where she was known for her medicinal-plants program, "The Plant Detective." As a freelance writer, Beth has written for "Prairie Home Companion" and Montana Magazine, among other publications. She loves history, travelling, nature, and her home in Montana.