2010 MontanaFair Entertainment Line Up

Billings, MT— MontanaFair General Manager, Bill Dutcher is pleased to announce the 2010 MontanaFair Entertainment line up!

MontanaFair will kick off on Friday, August 13th, Sneak a Peek Night with Jason Aldean (bio) in the Rimrock Auto Arena at 7:00 PM. Opening for Aldean will be the up and coming McClymonts (bio). Country rocker Jason Aldean has been steadily cementing his status as country music’s next superstar with number one hits like “Why,” “She’s Country,” “Big Green Tractor,” and “The Truth.” Tickets are $45 VIP, $35 reserved and $25 general admission.

On Saturday, August 14th the arena is going to rock like a hurricane with the Scorpions (bio) and their Get Your Sting and Blackout World Tour at 7:00 PM. Scorpions’ hits include “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” “Still Loving You,” and “No One Like You.” Tickets are $45 VIP, $35 reserved and $25 general admission.

Saturday afternoon features a Demolition Derby from Checkered Flag Productions at 2:00 PM in the Grandstands. Stay tuned to montanafair.com for participation information. Tickets are $20 reserved, $17 general admission, and $12 kids general admission.

Sunday, August 15th, get ready for some modern rock with Hinder (bio) and Finger Eleven (bio) at 7:00 PM in the Rimrock Auto Arena. Combining raw riffs with big hooks and vocal harmonies, Hinder takes their cues from rock legends like Aerosmith, AC/DC, KISS, and Guns N’ Roses, and update them with modern guitar sounds. Hits include “Lips of an Angel,” “Use Me,” and “Up All Night.” Canadian alternative rock band, Finger Eleven will open the show. Finger 11’s hits include “One Thing” and Paralyzer.” Tickets are $35 festival floor and reserved and $25 general admission.

MontanaFair’s Arenacross moves outdoors to become Supercross on Tuesday, August 17th. The outdoor event will feature a bigger, more complex track, and higher jumps! Tickets are $20 reserved, $17 general admission, and $12 kid’s general admission.

New in 2010, MontanaFair Rodeo goes pro! MontanaFair will feature a three day PRCA rodeo event Thursday, August 19th through Saturday, August 21st, 7:00 PM all three nights outdoors in the grandstands. The MontanaFair ProRodeo will feature PRCA athletes competing on some of the best stock in the country provided by the Sankey Rodeo Company! Tickets are $25 VIP, $22 reserved, $15 general admission and $12 kids general admission.

MontanaFair offers a “Really Big Deal” on entertainment…it’s called the ValuPass! Seventy-five bucks ($75) gets you general admission to all eight MontanaFair shows – Jason Aldean w/The McClymonts, The Scorpions, Hinder w/Finger 11, Demolition Derby, Supercross and 3 Nights of Pro Rodeo. The ValuPass can be shared with family and friends. New this year, the ValuPass also includes gate admission every day of the fair! Event tickets may also be upgraded to reserved seating for an additional fee.

Tickets go on sale on Saturday, May 1st at 10am and can be purchased at the MetraPark Box Office, Rimrock Mall Customer Service Counter, local Cellular Plus stores, online at: www.metrapark.com and www.montanafair.com and by phone at 800-366-8538 or 406-256-2422. A limited number of seats are available for those with physical limitations or special needs. Please mention these needs when ordering. Show tickets include fair gate admission during the day of the event.

For more information about all MontanaFair activities, visit: www.montanafair.com

Jason Aldean, Friday, August 13th

If you’ve listened to any country music radio station in the past hour, you’ve heard Jason Aldean.

You might have heard his rock-infused “She’s Country” single, the lament-laden ballad “The Truth” or the traditional country music styling of “Big Green Tractor.” Given Aldeen’s success, chances are good you heard all three.

The chart-topping hit songs are from his third album “Wide Open” and his Wide Open Tour is kicking off MontanaFair’s lineup of nightly entertainment with a Friday Sneek a Peek show at 7 p.m. Aug. 13 in the grandstands. The McClymonts, a trio of sisters from Australia, will open the show with their lilting, three-part harmonies.

Fans will appreciate the sincerity in Aldean’s music and heartfelt live performance. As the album title and tour name implies, Wide Open speaks to the unlimited opportunities life has to offer and a life lived honestly.

“Wide Open is the only way I know how to live,” Aldean said. “I don’t do anything half-ass, and you never have to guess where I stand on things. I’m pretty much an open book. I understand there may be hitches along the way, but if I’m in, I’m in no matter what.”

Tickets for the Jason Aldean and McClymonts show are $45 for V.I.P., $35 for reserved seating and $25 for general admission. Tickets include MontanaFair gate admission.

The Scorpions, Saturday, August 14th

Best known for their 1984 heavy-metal hit “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” The Scorpions have been defining hard rock for 40 years and have sold more than 100 million records worldwide.

MontanaFair fans will have one of the last opportunities to see the German-born rockers play live before wrapping up their farewell Get Your Sting and Blackout World Tour in Chicago later this month.

Current band members include Klaus Meine lead vocals, Matthias Jabs guitar, Rudolf Schenker guitar, Pawel Maciwoda bass, and James Kottak drums. Schenker was among the founding members of the band, and Meine has been singing lead since 1970.

They’ll perform songs from their 17th and last studio album, “Sting In the Tail” which was released in 2009 and dig into their archive of more than 200 original songs for even more hits like “Wind of Change,” “No One Like You,” “Still Loving You,” and “Send Me an Angel.”

The Scorpions will rock the grandstands Saturday, Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $45 for V.I.P., $35 for reserved seating and $25 for general admission. Tickets include MontanaFair gate admission.

Hinder and Finger Eleven, Sunday, August 15th

Hinder is authentic rock and roll – raw, big and loud. Their sound is reminiscent of legends Aerosmith, AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses with a modern guitar sound all their own. They’re rocking the grandstands at MontanaFair Sunday, Aug. 15. with Canadian alt-rockers Finger Eleven.  

Hinder’s hits include “Lips of an Angel,” “Use Me,” and “Up All Night.”

The band is made up of Joe Garvey lead guitar, Cody Hanson drums, Austin Winkler lead vocals, Mike Rodden bass, and Mark King rhythm guitar. Garvey, Hanson and Winkler started the band in 2002 in Oklahoma City.

In those early years, Hinder toured the U.S. almost non-stop and gained a following through their high-energy live shows. They released their first major EP “Extreme Behavior” in 2005 under the Universal Records label. A year later, the album was certified gold, and “Lips of an Angel” reached the top 20 in the pop singles chart. That song has since gone quadruple-platinum. 

Finger Eleven is best known for “One Thing” and “Paralyzer.”

Finger Eleven is made up of Scott Anderson vocals, James Black guitar, Rick Jackett, guitar, Sean Anderson bass, and Rich Beddoe drums. The band got together in the mid-90s when band members were still in high school.

Their most recent album “Them vs. You vs. Me,” which includes “Paralyzer,” was released in 2007. The band is currently working in its next album, which is expected to be released in October.  

Catch the Hinder and Finger Eleven show at 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15, in the grandstands. Tickets cost $35 for reserved seating and $25 for general admission. Tickets include gate admission to MontanaFair.

Supercross, Tuesday, August 17th

Consider MontanaFair Supercross as the bright side to the destruction done to MetraPark Rimrock Auto Arena by the tornado in June. Under the lights in the grandstands, the track will be expanded to include more features, higher jumps and a more challenging course. Fans of motocross will be impressed with the changes. They’ll see higher top speeds, more spills and more chances for up-an-coming riders to upset the leaders.

This event features more than 100 pro and amateur riders from 10 states vying for $12,000 in cash and prizes.

The races start a 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 for reserved seating, $17 for adult general admission, and $12 for children’s general admission. Tickets include MontanaFair gate admission.

For more information, contact Thor Loper at 406-698-4742 or click on www.billingsmotorcycleclub.us

3 Nights of PRCA Pro Rodeo, August 19th-21st

Some of the biggest names in rodeo are coming to MontanaFair to meet some of the toughest roughstock in the west during the three-day PRCA Pro Rodeo event Thursday, Aug. 19, through Saturday, Aug. 21.

The Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association sanctioned event is expected to draw at least 400 competitors, who will be vying for a share of almost $100,000 in prize money. The stock will be provided by Sankey Rodeo Company of Joliet, Mont. Vince Bruce, the “Wizard of Whips and Ropes” will provide entertainment between events.

All the rodeo action will be in the grandstands, outdoors, in a traditional setting. The rodeo starts at 7 p.m. all three nights. Tickets are $25 for VIP seating, $22 for reserved seats, $15 for adult general admission and $12 for children’s general admission. Rodeo tickets include MontanaFair gate admission.

ValuPass offers 7 MontanaFair shows for $75

See three of MontanaFair’s premium shows, Supercross, and take in three nights of PRCA Pro Rodeo for only $75.

ValuPass tickets are for general admission to the Friday, Aug. 13, Jason Aldean concert, the Scorpions show on Saturday and the Hinder and Finger Eleven show Sunday as well as Supercross races on Tuesday, Aug. 17. and a seat at three nights of Pro Rodeo action Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 19-21. All the shows will be held in the grandstands.

Need more convincing?
The ValuPass is transferrable, so you can share it with friends, and it includes gate admission for all nine days of the fair – a $72 savings on the adult gate admission cost alone.

The ValuPass is on sale now, but must be purchased by Friday Aug. 13. Buy them at the MetraPark Box Office, Rimrock Mall or local Cellular Plus stores. Purchase online at www.montanafair.com or www.metrapark.com or order by phone at 256-2422 or 800-366-8538.

Hotel California

Who doesn’t know the tune that starts with, “On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair …?” The memorable lyrics of the song, Hotel California, by The Eagles are evidence that the band, which broke apart in 1982, had become a legend.

Hotel California, performing at MontanaFair, is a tribute band founded in hopes of keeping The Eagles’ music alive. The band strives to accurately reproduce the classic sounds of The Eagles, and has been granted rights and received permission for the live performance of The Eagles hits.

Each concert includes The Eagles mega-hits, “Take it Easy,” “Heartache Tonight,” and, of course, “Hotel California.” The Eagles fans will also hear the newer tunes, “Get Over It” and “Love will Keep Us Alive.”

Hotel California is a polished tribute band, but they also perform solo hits by Don Henley, Glen Frey, and Joe Walsh.

Hotel California has been playing The Eagles hits for two decades and has received national acclaim. This is the second year the band has performed at MontanaFair

Hotel California will play their free show on the Pond Stage, Friday at 6, 7:15 and 9:30 p.m. and daily the rest of the week at 5, 7:15 and 9:30 p.m.

The Bad Larrys

The Bad Larrys with their “genuine homegrown American music” have become a fan favorite at MontanaFair. This is the fourth year the acoustic duo, Jay Aiken Scott Moore – no, neither is named Larry – have performed at the fair. Aiken plays the guitar and Moore plays the upright bass. The duo hails from the Flathead Valley and has been making music together for more than a decade.

The variety of music they play, including folk, bluegrass, blues, country and old time rock and roll, lends itself to wide audience appeal, and the popularity of the covers they play will have most everyone in the crowd singing along.

Their set list – easily 100 tunes – varies from Sublime to John Prine and Neil Young to Aerosmith. Between songs, their light humor and natural banter makes the entire show fun.

The Bad Larrys define the best of MontanaFair’s free entertainment and shouldn’t be overlooked.

They’ll be playing on the Exchange Club Patio Friday Aug. 13 at 7, 8:45 and 10:30 p.m. and daily the rest of the week at 5:45, 6:45, 9, and 10:30 p.m.

Gwen Sebastian

Nashville recording artist Gwen Sebastian and her band Breakaway may just be the next big thing on the country music scene. With a sound that has been compared to legends Dolly Parton, Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan, Sebastian has been earning praise all her own.

Sebastian recently released a six-song EP from Open Road/Lofton Creek Records titled V.I.P. She co-wrote four of the six tracks, and the title track, “Barefoot Girl V.I.P.,” hints to her small town roots.

Sebastian grew up in tiny Hebron, North Dakota, in a home filled with music. Her father played guitar and fiddle, her mother played bass, and both were singers. Her younger brother played drums, and she took piano lessons as a child.

“Ever since I was little I put on shows in the living room and tried to perform,” she said.

Sebastian loves traveling and building a following one fan at a time. She’s equally at ease in the city and the country, and now calls Nashville home. Here at MontanaFair, she’s not far from her hometown, but her hectic touring schedule has taken her to concert halls, county fairs and juke-joints across the country.

"It's the smiles on people's faces that keep me going," Sebastian said.

Sebastian and her band Breakaway have opened for Taylor Swift, Phil Vassar, Sugarland, The Oak Ridge Boys, Don Williams and Emerson Drive. In addition to her original tunes, she covers country music hits by artists ranging from Trick Pony to Patsy Cline. Her popularity has her returning for a second appearance at MontanaFair.  

Gwen Sebastian and Breakaway will play daily on the Pond Stage at 4, 6:15 and 8:30 p.m.

Splash Dogs

The Splash Dogs competition on Fourth Avenue promises to be a wild and wet time as dogs compete for the longest jump from a dock into a 25-foot long pool.

The show includes entertainment, and competition. Dogs will take a running leap into the large pool in hopes of posting the longest jump. All breeds are welcome and dozens of local dogs and their owners will be joining the fun.

Dock jumping for dogs has become a popular event, drawing dog/owner teams from all over the West. Splash Dogs organizes and promotes dock jumping events and is sanctioned for dock jumping and dock diving events. Splash Dogs tracks overall event and individual rankings as well as offering a multi-level titling program for all participants.

Splash Dogs was founded by Tony Reed after he discovered his black lab, Sierra, could jump distances up to 20 feet. Splash Dogs has been featured on ABC Television in San Francisco and other media outlets.

Performance and competitions will be held daily at 2:30, 4:30, 6:00, and 8:00 p.m. Records will be kept all week for final competitions Saturday, Aug. 21, at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.

For more information contact Tony Reed at 925-783-6149 or go to www.splashdogs.com.

Advanced online registration, competition rules and training tips are available at www.splashdogs.com

Extreme Canines

The Extreme Canines Stunt Dog Show delivers unbelievable tricks, comedy, athleticism, speed and agility that will have fairgoers wondering what their dogs at home can do.

The mostly mixed-breed dogs in the show were all rescued from animal shelters and professionally trained to reach their maximum star potential. They will perform more than 40 tricks and high-flying stunts and compete in triathlon racing, high jump and freestyle Frisbee catch.

The high energy show is known for audience participation, and has become a MontanaFair favorite. The dogs and human performers are returning for thier fourth annual appearance.

Founded in 1999, Extreme Canines has been featured on the Tonight Show, the Ellen DeGeneres Show, David Letterman, the Nickelodeon Channel, Amazing Animals, Monday Night Football, Sports Illustrated, and in numerous commercials.

Extreme Canines Stunt Dog Show will be at Montana Park every day at 3, 5:15, and 7:15 p.m. throughout the fair.

For more information visit www.extremecanines.com.

Swoop Motorcycle Stunts

At a Swoop Productions street bike stunt show, you can expect wheelies, spins, circles, seat stands, burnouts and many other high-speed, heart-stopping stunts. Based out of Helena, the stunt team is made up of highly-skilled riders from Montana and throughout the Northwest.

The stunt track and obstacle course will be set up in the Guard Yard where a long strip of pavement will allow riders to strut their stuff and challenge themselves as individuals. They’ll all be riding compact high-performance sport motorcycles like those often seen on Billings streets.

Swoop Productions riders promote safety and control, and provide a family-friendly atmosphere.   

The team will perform Friday, Aug. 13, at 6:45, 8:15 and 10:15 p.m. and daily Saturday, Aug. 14, through Saturday, Aug. 21 at 3:30, 6:45, and 10:15 p.m.

Mobile Milking Exhibit

Where does milk come from? The easy answer may be “the supermarket,” but there’s more to learn at the MontanaFair’s cow milking exhibit, located in the Montana Park.

Children and adults can learn how milk is produced and processed, from the cow to the supermarket. The program starts with the instructor milking a cow in the mobile dairy. Throughout the demonstration, the instructor will offer information on the modern dairy industry, the health benefits of dairy products, and the anatomy of dairy cows.

The mobile dairy is sponsored by the Southwest Dairy Museum Inc. Demonstrations, which always include a question-and-answer session, run daily from Tuesday Aug. 17 through Saturday, Aug. 21 at 2, 4, 6, and 8 p.m.

For more information contact Dan Kimmet at 918-617-0750 or visit www.mobiledairy.com

Beach Volleyball

MontanaFair may be a long way from the ocean, but fairgoers can get feel for the sun, sand and fun of the beach with beach volleyball sponsored by GapWest Broadcasting.

Fairgoers can come out to watch, get a team together to compete or join in a pickup match. The court is located the Guard Yard near the giant bungee and here’s the schedule for play:

Friday, Aug. 13
6 to 6:45 p.m. learn to play volleyball in the sand with the help of an experienced coach
7:15 to 8:15 p.m. open play for anyone who wants to join the fun
8:45 to 10:15 p.m. exhibition play for four-person teams

Saturday, Aug. 14
2 p.m. to 11 p.m. women’s doubles tournament – expect advanced play and lots of competition

Daily from Sunday, Aug. 15, through Friday, Aug. 20
2 to 3:30 p.m. learn to play volleyball in the sand with the help of an experienced coach
4 to 6 p.m. show your school spirit and come out to watch local women’s high school and college volleyball teams compete
6 to 6:45 p.m. open play for anyone who wants to join the fun
7:15 to 10:15 p.m. King of the Beach competition for experienced players and teams

Saturday, Aug. 21
2 to 11 p.m. all-day tournament for four-person coed teams – expect fast-paced experienced play

For more information call Mike Nys at 656-0787 or Jes Wes at 939-4660 or Susy Paddock at 869-3678

Community Stage Showcases Local and Regional Talent

MontanaFair has talent, and not just in the big attractions featured in the grandstands. The Community Stage offers a steady stream of performers who could one day be a main attraction at MontanaFair.

This year’s lineup includes the Lewistown Hoppers competitive jump rope team; magician Chris White, who is a recent graduate of Skyview High; the Beast Krew with it’s “mountain blend” of rock, rap and hip-hop; the LosGuadalupanos Mexican Dancers; the Wildwood Cloggers; vocalist and Rocky Mountain College student Eryn Bent; the Billings Senior High Improv Troupe and numerous other music and dance groups.

Performances are scheduled throughout the day from about noon to 8 p.m. Some acts will perform several times.

For more information, contact Sandy Wong at 855-4829.

Heritage Arts

The MontanaFair Heritage Arts exhibits will take fairgoers back to the honest-to-goodness roots of the county fair tradition. This is where local cooks, bakers, gardeners and craftspeople display their handiwork and vie for a coveted blue ribbon. The competition includes three departments: culinary, horticulture and needlework.

If it can be baked or canned, there’s probably a category for it in the culinary department. Entries include pies, pickles, cakes and cookies, bread, biscuits and even beer and wine.

In the horticulture department, local gardeners can show off their prized roses or big-as-a-dinner plate dahlias. Vegetables are also included in the judging, with specific instructions spelled out in the handbook, which says, “parsnips should be small and of great length.”

The needlework department is all for the “warm fuzzies” with quilts, hand-knit sweaters, crocheted stocking caps and hand and machine sewn clothing. A catch-all novelty category includes crafts such as candle making, handmade toys, basket weaving and scrapbooking.

Several of the exhibitors in the Heritage Arts have been entering their handiwork in the fair for more than 30 years.

For more information contact Vonnie Casey at 254-8584 or 208-4451.

Fine Arts

Visiting the Fine Arts Department in Cedar Hall at MontanaFair is like stepping into a museum. You’ll find paintings, sculpture, photography and most every art form in between.

This year’s exhibitor challenge is “Montana Weather,” so many of the pieces will follow that common theme.

Fine arts competition is broken into three primary categories. The fine arts category includes stained glass, oil, acrylic and watercolor painting, drawing, graphic design, pottery, sculpture and mixed media. The photography category includes both professional and amateur work in color and black and white formats. And the decorative arts category includes china and porcelain painting as well as toll painting on a variety of surfaces for fun and function.

Here are a couple of fine arts demonstrations that are not to be missed:

Monday, Aug. 16, from 1 to 3 p.m. stained glass artist Roberta Fuller, will demonstrate mosaic techniques using stained glass. Mosaic is an ancient art form that assembles small pieces of tile, glass, stone or other objects to create an image. Fuller has long dominated the stained glass competition in the fine arts department of MontanaFair and is excited to share her expertise.

Tuesday, Aug. 17, from 1 to 6 p.m. a local group of china painters will be demonstrating the delicate and time-honored art of china painting. The painters start with a pure white porcelain form and bring it to life with paints and tiny brushes. The final steps in the process are firing and glazing to bond the paint to the porcelain.

For more information, contact Diana Sherman at 696-4737

Youth Art

MontanaFair’s Youth Art Exhibit is proof that artistic talents emerge early in life. All the artwork in the youth exhibit was created by children age 3 to17, and you’ll be surprised at what they’ve done.

The entries are from a broad range of creative expression and include such categories as cartooning, creative lettering, finger painting, recycled assemblage, jewelry, and woodworking. Of course, the fine arts – photography, painting, sculpture and photography will be represented as well. A few entries are collaborative efforts from siblings, schools and daycares.

High school students can enter to win one of three $100 scholarships that will be awarded during the fair. Each entry includes three selections of artwork using different media that students have created during the past year. Scholarship winners will be announced Saturday, Aug. 14.

The Youth Art Exhibit is located in a tent outside the Fine Arts Department at Cedar Hall. For more information, contact Jamie Porter at 869-5201.

4-H Fun

The Expo Center at MontanaFair is always buzzing with activity, but here are a few events not to miss:

Stick Horse Rodeo, 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14
Children between ages 2 and 6 will build stick horses and participate in a variety of rodeo events. The activities vary, but can include weaving through poles, turning around barrels and jumping over obstacles. Any child can participate, and the program is led by teens in 4-H.

Rocket Launch, 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17
4-H members who have been building rockets for their fair projects will be giving them a final send-off into the wild blue yonder. The group will meet at the Expo Center before traveling to the launch site.

Quiz Bowl, 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17
4-H club members test their mental mettle in a TV game show-style contest. The questions are about 4-H fair projects and can range from swine to needlepoint. About 30 children and teens participate.

Costumed Animal Parade, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18
4-Hers and their critters dress up in costume for some surprising, funny and off-the-wall results. The youngsters are judged on their costumes, animal handling and the creative narratives about the costumes. 4-H members often put many hours of crafting into the costumes.

Goat Obstacle Course, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19
Goats are known for being intelligent and obstinate, so there’s no telling what might happen as they navigate an obstacle course with their handlers. They’ll be expected to cross a bridge, hop up on hay bales and, with any luck, perform other tricks.


About 4-H

4-H is a nationwide youth development program that emphasizes practical, hands-on learning in a broad variety of subjects relating to health, citizenship, science and technology. 4-H was started to create opportunities for rural youth, but it has since expanded to include young people from urban areas as well. 4-H is for young people ages 9-19 and a program called Cloverbuds serves younger children.

There are 4-H clubs in most every county in every state in the nation, and participation in fairs is a hallmark of the organization. About 400 4-H youth from 20 clubs in Yellowstone County participate in the MontanaFair.

For more information, contact Roni Baker at (406) 698-6838 or 256-2828

4-H Pocket Pets

What is a cavie?
What goes into the proper care and feeding of a hermit crab?
What is a parakeet’s favorite treat?

All these questions can be answered by 4-H members who have Pocket Pets projects. They’ll be showing their animals Friday, Aug. 13, 6 p.m. Heritage Building.

Pocket pets help youngsters learn how to care for small animals, how to choose the right pet for their circumstances and how to show them. The pets can include reptiles, amphibians, birds and small mammals. The project is popular with urban 4-Hers whose parents haven’t given into their pleas to keep a horse in the back yard.

For more information, contact Roni Baker at (406) 698-6838 or 256-2828.

About 4-H

4-H is a nationwide youth development program that emphasizes practical, hands-on learning in a broad variety of subjects relating to health, citizenship, science and technology. 4-H was started to create opportunities for rural youth, but it has since expanded to include young people from urban areas as well. 4-H is for young people ages 9-19 and a program called Cloverbuds serves younger children.

There are 4-H clubs in most every county in every state in the nation, and participation in fairs is a hallmark of the organization. About 400 4-H youth from 20 clubs in Yellowstone County participate in the MontanaFair.

4-H Workshops and Demonstrations

There are 20 4-H clubs in Yellowstone County with a total of about 415 members. Their interests vary from livestock to robotics and sewing to astronomy. Each club is required to host a demonstration or workshop, which helps members gain valuable presentation and public speaking skills.

Here are a few must-see 4-H demonstrations and workshops:

Boots n Britches Horsin’ Around Workshop, Friday, Aug. 13, 8:30 p.m. SuperBarn
4-H club members will do presentations on horse care, confirmation and showing.

Heights Trailblazers Pepper Roasting Workshop, Saturday, Aug. 14, 2 p.m. Expo Center front entrance
Sounds simple: open flame, add peppers. But there’s a technique these 4-Hers will demonstrate to make the process easier.

Lockwood Soaring Phoenix Edible Arts Workshop, Saturday, Aug. 14, 4 p.m. Expo Center small bay
4-H members give you permission to play with your food, and will provide some food sculpture ideas.

Hesper Hustler’s How Joe’s Meat got on your Plate Workshop, Monday, Aug. 16, noon, Expo big show ring
From the pasture to the plate, these 4-Hers will describe the process of raising cattle, slaughter, processing and distribution.

Huntley Eagles Wind Energy Workshop, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 5 p.m. Expo small bay
These youth have been studying the benefits of wind energy and will lead fairgoers in building mini wind turbines.

Worden Riverdale Shooting Sports Gallery Workshop, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 5 to 7:30 p.m. SuperBarn
4-H club members involved in air gun and archery projects will demonstrate their skills and give fairgoers an opportunity to take aim and fire.

Ruff Riders Ice Cream in a Bag Workshop, Thursday, Aug. 19, 2:30 p.m. Expo small bay
Find out how easy making ice cream can be: measure ingredients, mix and keep it moving. These 4-Hers will show you how.

Yellowstone Mavericks Unicycle Workshop, Thursday, Aug. 19, 7 p.m. in front of the Heritage Building
Learn how to ride a unicycle and watch 4-H club members make it look easy.

Many more 4-H workshops and demonstrations are listed on the MontanaFair schedule.

For more information, contact Roni Baker at (406) 698-6838 or 256-2828.

About 4-H

4-H is a nationwide youth development program that emphasizes practical, hands-on learning in a broad variety of subjects relating to health, citizenship, science and technology. 4-H was started to create opportunities for rural youth, but it has since expanded to include young people from urban areas as well. 4-H is for young people ages 9-19 and a program called Cloverbuds serves younger children.

There are 4-H clubs in most every county in every state in the nation, and participation in fairs is a hallmark of the organization. About 400 4-H youth from 20 clubs in Yellowstone County participate in the MontanaFair.

4-H Junior Livestock Sale

For many youngsters in 4-H, Saturday’s Junior Livestock Sale is the culmination of many months of feeding, tending, training and showing livestock. At the sale, they say goodbye to their animals, earn money and look forward to a new project. The animals are purchased by local businesses and individuals, who are supporters of youth and 4-H. Most young people save the money they make from the sale of their livestock for college. Others use it to purchase animals for the next year’s project or build a herd of their own.

The Junior Livestock Awards Show will be held at 9 a.m. and includes a parade of grand champion livestock from every project category and breed. The auction sale begins at 12:30 p.m. Both events will be held in the Expo Center.

For more information, contact Roni Baker at (406) 698-6838 or 256-2828

About 4-H

4-H is a nationwide youth development program that emphasizes practical, hands-on learning in a broad variety of subjects relating to health, citizenship, science and technology. 4-H was started to create opportunities for rural youth, but it has since expanded to include young people from urban areas as well. 4-H is for young people ages 9-19 and a program called Cloverbuds serves younger children.

There are 4-H clubs in most every county in every state in the nation, and participation in fairs is a hallmark of the organization. About 400 4-H youth from 20 clubs in Yellowstone County participate in the MontanaFair.

FFA at MontanaFair

Learn to drive a tractor at the FFA Tractor Driving School at MontanaFair.
Climb into the seat of a modern piece of agricultural equipment and take it for a spin under the guidance of Montana FFA instructors. Those with tractor-driving experience can enter a driving contest to win prizes.

Also at MontanaFair, the Montana FFA Foundation will be holding a raffle to win a Case IH Scout utility vehicle donated by Torgerson’s Llc. Agricultural Sales and Service in Laurel. Tickets are $10 each and if you already have a Scout or don’t need one, you can take an $8,000 cash prize. Funds from the raffle support FFA programs across the state.

FFA is a national education program that instructs students in the science, business and technology of modern agriculture. At one time, FFA stood for Future Farmers of America, but the name was changed in 1988 to reflect the diversity of the organization.

For a full introduction to FFA, visit the FFA Building on the west end of the grounds during MontanaFair.

For more information, contact Ramey Lunceford at 406-582-4118

Habitat for Humanity Builds at MontanaFair

Billings-area Habitat for Humanity volunteers will be constructing a house during MontanaFair, and visitors are welcome to drop by and watch hour-by hour progress. The house will be located near the Heritage Building and tours are offered daily from 5 to 6 p.m.

By the end of the fair, the house is expected to be about two-thirds finished with complete framing, siding, doors, windows and roof. After the fair, the house will be moved to its permanent foundation near Newman Elementary in Billings South Side. Moving costs are sponsored by Stockman Bank, and the house should be finished by October.

The three-bedroom home is for Amanda Nelson and her two children. Amanda will be working alongside volunteers all week to help build the house. She’s hoping to add to the required 350 sweat equity hours required by Habitat for Humanity, but also wants to thank volunteers and visit with curious fairgoers.

Volunteers are needed to fill shifts throughout the week. The shifts run from 1 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Each shift needs about 15 volunteers. Building experience is helpful but not necessary, and all volunteers are supervised by construction professionals.

To sign up for a volunteer shift, call 652-0960.

The work on Amanda’s home is made possible thanks to a grant from Thrivent Financial’s ThriventBuilds with Habitat for Humanity program, which is supported by the local Lutheran community.

Native Culture Day

The teepee has been a way of life for Crow Indians for centuries, and Crow tribal members will be erecting a teepee during MontanaFair as part of the events surrounding Native Culture Day, Sunday, Aug. 15.

A two-hour program, led by members of the Crow Tribe, begins at 1:30 p.m. at the Community Stage.

As the teepee goes up, members of the tribe will discuss the history of the teepee and the symbolic significance of its various components. They will also share some of the oral traditions that have been passed down describe how the teepee came to be. Visitors will be able to look inside the teepee once it is finished.

The program also includes American Indian intertribal dance. Men and women, teens and children will be dressed in traditional regalia for the presentation and singing and drumming will be provided by the Black Whistle Singers. During the social dances, audience participation will be encouraged.

The event is sponsored by the Little Horn State Bank.

American Indians with a valid tribal ID will receive free gate admission.

For more information about the program, contact Corky Old Horn at 855-9963.

Deals and Days

With a host of daily discounts and promotions, MontanaFair offers great deals on the best summer entertainment around. Pick your day, or come all week. Either way, it’s affordable.

Surfer Joe’s Budweiser Day, Friday, Aug. 13

Country music artist Jason Aldean headlines the night show entertainment after a performance by opening band The McClymonts. The concert starts at 7 p.m. in the grandstands. Tickets are $45 for theVIP section, $35 for the reserved section, and $25 for general admission. All show tickets include free MontanaFair gate admission a coupon for $2 off adult tickets is available from fair sponsors.

Friday is also the Hot 101.9 Sneak a Peek Night. From 6 p.m. to midnight, ride wristbands are only $20 and you can pick up a coupon for a $2 discount at Hot 101.9 advertisers including Wendy’s Pizza Hut, Good Vibrations and Conoco Superstores. The fair opens at 4pm this day and admission is just $4.

Cellular Plus Day, Saturday, Aug. 14

The Scorpions take the stage at 7 p.m. in the grandstands for the Get Your Sting and Black Out Tour. Tickets are $45 for VIP, $35 for the reserved section, and $25 for general admission. Concert tickets include free MontanaFair gate admission all day. The show is presented by 103.7 The Hawk.

Saturday’s carnival deal is seven rides for $10. Tickets need to be purchased between noon and 5 p.m. but will be honored until midnight. Regular ride prices are $1 per coupon or 30 coupons for $25. (Rides require multiple coupons.) A $30 ride wristband is available for either the noon to 6 p.m. session or the 6 p.m. to midnight session.

Snapple Day, Sunday, Aug. 15

Hinder and Finger Eleven will rock the grandstands starting at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $35 for the reserved section which includes either seats or floor access, and $25 for seats in the general admission section. Once again, there is a $2 discount coupon on adult tickets available from fair sponsors. All show tickets include free MontanaFair gate admission.

Sunday is Native Culture Day, with American Indian dancing, singing, storytelling and demonstrations on the Community Stage from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by Little Horn State Bank.American Indian tribal members receive free gate admission from noon to 5 p.m. with a tribal ID.

Children 12 and younger receive free gate admission with an empty Snapple bottle until 5 p.m.

Sunday’s carnival deal is a $20 ride wristband from noon to 5 p.m. There is a $2 discount coupon available from fair sponsors for the afternoon ride wristband. Regular ride prices are $1 per coupon or 30 coupons for $25.

Humana Seniors Day, Monday, Aug. 16.

Seniors age 65 and older receive free gate admission until 5 p.m.

Carnival deals include a $20 ride wristband from noon to 5 p.m. There is a $2 discount coupon available from fair sponsors. Hot 101.9 Ride ‘Til U Drop offers $20 ride wristbands from 6 p.m. to midnight. Make the most of this deal with a $2 discount coupon available at Hot 101.9 advertisers, including Wendy’s, Pizza Hut, Good Vibrations and Conoco Superstores.

Alltel Wireless Day, Tuesday, Aug. 17

Supercross motorcycle racing gets top-billing Tuesday beginning at 6 p.m. Thanks to its new location in the grandstands, fans and competitors will enjoy a bigger more challenging course with higher jumps. Tickets cost $20 for all-ages reserved seating and $17 for adult general admission. Children’s general admission is $12. All Supercross tickets are good for MontanaFair gate admission and there is a $2 discount coupon on adult tickets available from fair sponsors as well.

Tuesday, carnival fans can buy a $20 afternoon wristband for rides between noon and 5 p.m. or take advantage of the KULR-8 Buddy Night. The promotion, which runs from 6 p.m. to midnight, offers a buy-one-get-one-free deal on gate admission and wristbands, which are on sale for $20. There is also a $2 discount coupon on the afternoon ride coupon available from fair sponsors.

Mountain Dew Day, Wednesday, Aug. 17

Help your less-fortunate neighbors with a food drive Wednesday. Children 12 and under will receive free gate admission until 5 p.m. if they bring a canned or packaged food item for the Billings Food Bank.

Inside the gate, today’s carnival deal offers a $20 afternoon wristband for rides between noon and 5 p.m. Once again,there is a $2 discount coupon on the afternoon ride wristband available from fair sponsors. Wristbands are available for $30 from 6 p.m. to midnight. Regular ride prices are $1 per coupon or 30 coupons for $25. (Rides require multiple tickets.)

Shipton’s Big R Day, Thursday, Aug. 19

It is rodeo time in the grandstands, and Thursday kicks off the first of three days of PRCA Pro Rodeo with livestock supplied by Sankey Rodeo Company. The Rodeo starts at 7 p.m., and tickets are $25 for the VIP section, $22 for the reserved section, $15 for adult general admission and $12 for children’s general admission. Rodeo tickets include MontanaFair gate admission and there is a $2 adult discount coupon available at fair sponsors.

Thursday’s carnival deal offers a $20 afternoon wristband for rides between noon and 5 p.m. It’s an even better deal with the $2 discount coupon available from fair sponsors. Wristbands are available for $30 from 6 p.m. to midnight. Planet 106.7 is sponsoring the Wrist & Ride evening carnival deal with ride wristbands on sale for $20 from 6 p.m. to midnight. Pick up $2 discount coupons at Planet 106.7 advertisers Wendy’s, Easy Money, Rimrock Auto Group and Good Vibrations.

Coors Day, Friday, Aug. 19

PRCA Pro Rodeo action continues in the grandstands at 7 p.m. Friday. Rodeo tickets are $25 for the VIP section, $22 for the reserved section, $15 for adult general admission and $12 for children’s general admission. Rodeo tickets include MontanaFair gate admission there is a $2 discount coupon on adult tickets available from fair sponsors..

Friday’s carnival deal is a $20 ride wristband from noon to 5 p.m. There is a $2 discount coupon available from fair sponsors. Regular ride prices are $1 per coupon or 30 coupons for $25.

Breakfast Exchange Club Veteran’s Day, Saturday, Aug 21

Catch the final night of PRCA Pro Rodeo Saturday at 7 p.m. in the grandstands. Tickets are $25 for theVIP section, $22 for the reserved section, $15 for adult general admission and $12 for children’s general admission. Save $2 on adult admission with the $2 coupon from fair sponsors. All tickets include MontanaFair gate admission.

All veterans with a valid military ID receive free gate admission.

Saturday’s carnival deal is seven rides for $10. Tickets need to be purchased between noon and 5 p.m. but will be honored all day and night. Regular ride prices are $1 per coupon or 30 coupons for $25. (Rides require multiple coupons.) A $30 ride wristband is available for either the noon to 6 p.m. session or the 6 p.m. to midnight session.

Need more deals?
Bargains are available all week with these great deals:

ValuPass
MontanaFair’s best deal is the ValuPass. See four of MontanaFair’s premium shows Supercross, and take in three nights of PRCA Pro Rodeo for only $75. All shows are presented in the Grandstand and gate admission for all nine days of the fair is included. The ValuPass must be purchased by Friday Aug. 13 at the MetraPark Box Office, Rimrock Mall or local Cellular Plus stores. Purchase them online at www.montanafair.com or www.metrapark.com or order by phone at 256-2422 or 800-366-8538.

Buy early and save
Get great deals on advance purchase carnival ride tickets by buying a voucher for 60 tickets for $40. Get for your gate admission in advance with a strip of eight admissions for $30.  Available through August 13th.

Lunch Bunch
From noon to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, Aug. 16-20, admission to the fair is only $5. Lunch bunch diners will receive a token at the gate, buy their choice of fair-food lunch, and get a refund on admission if the token is returned by 2 p.m.

Everyday Coupons
Get $2 discount coupons for adult show tickets and $2 discount coupons for afternoon ride wristbands at MontanaFair sponsors Surfer Joe’s, Cellular Plus, Alltel and Shipton’s Big R.

Take MET Transit
Ride the MET bus to the fair and get a $2 discount coupon for gate admission that day or for a return trip.

Commercial Exhibits

With an opportunity to buy most everything from Tupperware to tractors, MontanFair’s commercial exhibits offer one of the most diverse shopping experiences you’ll find anywhere.

Vendors are from Billings and beyond and include local favorites like Brockels Chocolates as well as African imports and other novelties from abroad. Other booths offer cosmetics, kitchen gadgets, jewelry, clothing and home décor. Men can check out a selection of knives, tools, and farm implements.

For fun, fair visitors can pose for an old time photo, ride a mechanical bull, get a temporary (or real) tattoo, or get a quick massage.

The Montana Air National Guard will offer rides in a flight simulator and the Montana Department of Transportation will do demonstrations using its safety cage which simulates a rollover accident.

Many booths offer raffles or drawings to win weekend getaways, ATVs and other prizes.

Commercial vendors also include informational booths for veterans, service organizations, local politicians and churches.

For more information about commercial exhibits, contact Sue Watts 256-2401

The Mighty Thomas Carnival

The Mighty Thomas Carnival provides the midway at the 2010 MontanaFair in Billings August 12-21. The traveling show will provide thrilling rides, fun games, and tasty carnival treats at the Metra Park fairgrounds for the 31st straight year. Founded in 1928 in Lennox, South Dakota, by Art B. Thomas, the carnival is now based near Austin, Texas, and is providing its 83rd season of summer fun and excitement for fair-goers, including 40 events in 9 states. The 2010 tour began in Laredo, Texas on February 11, then winds through Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Utah, Arkansas, and Louisiana before returning home to Texas in late October.

New attractions on the Thomas Carnival midway this year at the fair:

Scrambler-- A carnival classic produced by the Eli Bridge Company out of Illinois, this rotary ride thrills young and old alike with its ever-turning cars that speed riders along and gives the sensation of being inside the centrifuge of a high school chemistry lab.

Starship 4000: Wisdom Manufacturing’s latest update of the archetypal space ship simulation, the feeling of weightlessness never gets old as the ship races around at over 20 revolutions per minute. This brand new ride features groundbreaking technological advances in its mechanical operation as well as dazzling new lighting and scenery packages.

Himalaya: A high-speed re-creation of an alpine snowmobile trip through the snow-capped peaks and valleys of the famous Asian mountains.

Hi Roller: This ride features a train that loops upside down around an oval track while simultaneously rotating the entire track over and over again. Riders in enclosed cars won’t be sure which way is up and which way is down while enjoying this incredible attraction.

The centerpiece of the midway is the towering Century Wheel, a 70 foot ferris wheel with gondola-style seating designed to be enjoyed by the entire family. Other thrilling rides include the spinning Thunderbolt, the exhilarating Zipper, and the swinging Pharaoh’s Fury. Adventurous riders will enjoy the whirling dervish of the Spider and the exciting wave action of the Moby Dick. The Super Shot, a 90-foot tall drop tower, always draws a crowd to watch the hilarious reactions of riders who have just completed the free fall to the bottom.

Thomas Carnival classics include the Tilt-a-Whirl, Merry-Go-Round (check out the new artwork on the carousel horses) the Crystal Lil's House of Mirrors, the Dodgem Bumper Cars, the Cliffhanger, the Dizzy Dragons, Tornado and more. In the children's midway ride area, look for the Marioland, the Barnyard, the Speedway, the Rio Grande Train and the live ponies, to name a few. The whole family can enjoy the Cobra Coaster, as well as the Fun for All Funhouse and the Fun Slide.

Popular carnival games include water races, the duck pond, balloon pop, basketball, break-a-bottle, big ring-o-bottle, grab bag fish 'til you win game, bulldozer-token push, and the rope ladder. Everyone enjoys the colorful prizes--hot items this year include extra large stuffed bananas and crayons, big bouncy knobby balls, teddy bears, dogs, frogs, picture mirrors, computer portraits, buttons, t-shirts, wall-hangings and a fantastic array of neat trinkets and novelties.

Enjoy great traditional fair food items on the midway, including corn dogs, foot long hot dogs, caramel and candy apples, funnel cakes, pizza, hamburgers, popcorn, cotton candy, sno-cones, and soft drinks, and for the first time, blooming onions.

Thomas Carnival facilities include generators and wire, light towers, benches, rest and shade areas, trucks, and trailers, repair shops, laundry and uniform facilities, offices and living quarters in addition to the rides, games and food concessions seen by the public on the midway. One hundred fifty traveling workers are joined by locally hired employees and helpers to set up, operate, and then dismantle the show after the MontanaFair closes late on August 21.

The carnival company is owned by Tom and Margaret Atkins and John and Carolyn Hanschen. Tom, president and general manager, is a graduate of South Dakota State University, where he majored in zoology. He has served the show for over 40 years, and is a leader in the carnival industry. He is a past president and trustee of the Showmen’s League of America, the carnival industry’s fraternal organization; and is also past president and trustee of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association, the industry’s trade organization, and he was elected to the board of directors of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions. Margaret and Carolyn are daughters of Bernard and Marvis Thomas, previous company owners. Mr. Thomas, an outdoor amusement industry icon, passed away in 2007. Marvis enjoys her retirement in Austin, Texas. John joined the company in 1976, and is a graduate of Macalester College, St. Paul, with a major in economics and business. He was elected Showmen’s League president in 1999, was 2007 chairman of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association, and is currently treasurer of the Showmen’s League of America.

Thomas Carnival has been named to the OABA’s prestigious Circle of Excellence. Carnival operations and procedures were audited by an outside evaluation team, and found to meet the standards for entry into the Circle. Only a handful of carnivals in the United States have been so recognized. In addition, Thomas Carnival contractors passed the evaluation and were also named to the Circle of Excellence and include Paul Atkins—Atkins Enterprises, Inc.; Margaret and Tom Atkins’ Midway Food Company; Dennis and Della Bossman’s Midwest Concessions; Steve and Alice Pegg's Pace Productions; Brandon and Katherine Petree’s Louis and Claire Concessions; and Dave and Dianna Winkey’s Wink Enterprises.

For further information, contact Tom Atkins at 512-750-3345 or John Hanschen at 512-282-4442.

Fair Food

A visit to the midway at MontanaFair is like a fun culinary trip around the world.

Billings’ Athenian Restaurant will be selling Greek gyros. Rocky Mountain Concessions sells bratwurst, Polish sausages and German Fleischkuekle, a savory meat pie. The Sons of Norway offer lefse and the always-popular Vikings on a stick. Taco del Sol offers south-of-the-border fare, and Tropical Island sells deep-fried plantain chips and Jamaican pork. You’ll also find Japanese sushi, and numerous Asian dishes that vary from egg rolls and noodle bowls to fried rice and wontons. At the Mr. Scoops booth, you can finish your trip around the world with sweet Italian ice.

A little less adventurous but no less scrumptious are the all-American carnival standards like corndogs, hot dogs, hamburgers, cheese curds, curly fries, nachos, pretzels and pizza.

Satisfy a sweet tooth with funnel cakes, cotton candy and caramel apples, or try deep fried Twinkie, Snickers candy bars, or Oreo cookies. Or you can take your dessert to go with a strawberry shortcake kabob. To cool off, enjoy fresh-squeezed lemonade, ice cream, milkshakes, root beer floats and Sno-cones.

And don’t forget the Lunch Bunch deal. From noon to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, Aug. 16-20, admission to the fair is only $5. Lunch bunch visitors will receive a token at the gate, and a refund on admission if the token is returned by 2 p.m.

The Lunch Bunch

Let’s do lunch at MontanaFair!

From noon to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, Aug. 16-20, admission to the fair is only $5. Lunch bunch diners will receive a token at the gate, and a refund on admission if the token is returned by 2 p.m.

Drop by MontanaFair for carnival classics including foot-long corndogs, hamburgers, curly fries, nachos, pretzels and pizza. For some ethnic variety, you’ll find Greek gyros, German Fleischkuekle, Norwegian lefse and Vikings on a stick, Indian tacos, sushi, egg rolls, and oriental noodle bowls.

MontanaFair’s food court also offers lots to drink, including fresh-squeezed fresh lemonade, ice tea, root-beer floats, milkshakes and espresso drinks.

For dessert, you won’t find cotton candy, Sno-cones, caramel apples and deep fried Twinkies anywhere but at MontanaFair.

Thinking of a Lunch Bunch visit? Let the MET do the driving. MET riders receive a coupon for $2 off adult gate admission.

Ride the Met to MontanaFair

Give up the search for that perfect parking space and let the Billings MET Transit take you to MontanaFair. Bus riders receive a coupon for $2 off gate admission, and have the luxury of curbside drop-off at the fairgrounds.

If you do drive, don’t forget to take the Tram from the upper parking lot to the Montana Pavilion and hop the Shiners’ train for transportation around the fairgrounds.

MET Transit is driving MontanaFair routes between the hours of 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily except Sunday, Aug. 15. The MET costs $1.25 per one-way fare for adults and children older than 6. Seniors 62 and older and the disabled ride for 50 cents one-way, and children under 6 ride free. The 18M and 16P routes are the ones to take.

Tips for Attending

Consider the following tips to make your time at MontanaFair the best it can be.

Park smart
MontanaFair is not responsible for loss or damage to valuables or vehicles in the parking lot. Lock your car, and don’t leave valuables within view.

Leave pets at home
Pets are not allowed at MontanaFair and should not be left in your car. Even on a mild day, temperatures inside a vehicle can be risky, and security personnel will report any animals left in vehicles to the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office. Dogs participating in the Splash Dog event will be admitted to the fairgrounds, but will not be allowed to leave the Splash Dog event area and need to be kept on a leash.

Be prepared
Wear comfortable shoes for walking, and bring a light jacket in case weather changes. Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated. MontanaFair vendors offer lots of beverage options, but several free drinking fountains are also marked on the fair map. A first aid station, sponsored by Billings Clinic, is also marked on the map and can offer help for blisters, cuts, scrapes, insect stings and other minor injuries. Emmanuel Baptist Church provides a changing station and private area for nursing mothers in the commercial exhibits area. Wheelchairs and strollers are available for rent at the Information Booth. Bring what you need, but avoid overpacking. Backpacks and large bags are not allowed on carnival rides.

Stay safe
MontanaFair is a weapons free event. Please do not bring weapons to the fair. Children under age 15 should be accompanied by an adult. Lost children and missing persons should be reported at the security center, located behind the stage near Fourth Ave.

For more information about MontanaFair security contact Dan Petersen of Starplex Security at 698-2512