Since I go back to Montana at least annually, I’d heard of Red Ants Pants and its music festival for years. My mom is a fan of Red Ants Pants owner Sarah Calhoun, who created her own line of outdoor work clothes for women when she discovered women were expected to just put on what men wear out on the ranch. However, it wasn’t until this past summer that I got to visit the store and discover Sarah’s story.
I was especially impressed when I e-mailed Sarah (a former outdoor education instructor) this past fall and asked if she could provide information for a California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom conference where I would be presenting. Most of the teachers who attend those conferences are women and school gardening is a central focus. Sarah answered immediately to tell me Red Ants Pants stickers (which sell for a $1 in her store) and brochures on her foundation were already in the mail. All the educators who attended my workshop on painting barn quilts in the classroom received copies. I do have extras and will gladly mail them to you if you e-mail me through the contact page of this website.
Sarah grew up on a farm in Connecticut and later moved to White Sulphur Springs, Montana, the home of Red Ants Pants, according to the biography on her website. Her business grew out of her own desire to wear outdoor work clothes that would fit her comfortably, withstand the perils of heavy labor, and, perhaps, be a little more flattering than the men’s clothing that had long been Montana women’s only alternative. In 2007, Red Ants Pants was born.
In a few years, she started the Red Ants Pants Music Festival, which attracts top country acts to a cow pasture outside tiny White Sulphur Springs every July. This year’s festival is set for July 25-28 and ticket sales open in April. Camping is available at the fairgrounds with shuttle service between the campsite and concert. This music festival finances the Red Ants Pants Foundation, a non-profit that funds community grants, timber skills workshops, and women’s leadership events.
The three-day timber skills workshops teach women to use and maintain hand and power tools. Chainsaw 101 teaches beginners how to use chainsaws to cut and maintain trees. Carpentry 101 helps beginners learn to uses
Last October Red Ants Pants started a girls’ leadership program for high school juniors who are able to attend three retreats and three webinars throughout the year.
Interested in purchasing some durable clothing for outdoor work? Click here.