Our past, present and future

Our past, or why we call this Red's Run…

by Kelly Stephens: While I was growing up in Tulelake, California in the 60’s, a local machinist by the name of Red Butler was like a second father and a mentor to me. I spent time with Red riding in and driving his OL’ Dodge, a 1942 WC-53 Carryall---the Coolest Rig on the Road ! Our trips to “Medicine Lake” in the OL’ Dodge to go snowmobiling or cut Christmas Trees left me with fond memories of Red, his Dodge and Medicine Lake.Over the years I kept in touch with Red and in 2009 gave him a ring, we decided to go to “Medicine Lake” in our OL’ Dodges to cut Christmas Trees. We had a great 1^st Christmas Tree Rendezvous run in 2009. Unfortunately Red passed the following summer and in memory of Red Butler, we’ve named our Christmas Tree Rendezvous event “Red’s Run”. Time moves on but the fond memories of Red and cutting our own Christmas Trees in the OL’ Dodge remain with us.

Our present: where we are today

By Kelly Stephens The Red’s Run Event, an 11 year tradition, starts with arrival to the renowned McCloud Hotel with its great accommodations, fine restaurants and incredible hospitality. We rev up our Vintage Power Wagons, Jeeps and 4x4’s on Thursday and head out in search and collection of Christmas Trees. The next day we endeavor our “treacherous” journey to the icy Medicine Lake. After a full day of playing in the deep powder snow we nestle by the fire for a friendly “White Elephant” exchange. We close out the week on Sunday at the Stephens’ in Southern California where we unload and distribute the trees. We enjoy a last meal together before we part ways.



Red’s Run—a time for meeting new friends, renewing previous relationships and spending time with our families !

By Kelly Stephens The Mountain Brumby Project is part of the way we honor Red's legacy. It is a complete ground-up restoration of a 1942 Dodge WC-53 Carryall. It was so much a part of his life that we decided to honor that with this restoration. We hope you enjoy the video!

Our future: where Red’s Run is headed

By Kelly Stephens 2021 will be the end of a chapter, Red’s Run Number 13. In 2021 we’ll have one more Red's Run before migrating over to a new direction where we will give back to those who do ministry. Yes, we’ll still be cutting trees, driving vintage 4x4’s and enjoying time with our friends and families! Our goal will be shifting to not just ourselves but an event directed to “Give the gift of Christmas to others,” Over time, we’ll be partnering up with other like-minded organizations to accomplish our new objectives.