BILLINGS, MONTANA--March 27, 2000--Summertime in Billings, Montana is filled with Old West and New West excitement through the many events that are taking place. From western reenactments to contemporary music festivals, there is plenty to see and do in Billings during the summer. All events welcome large groups and are ready to accommodate the needs of motorcoach travelers.
Strawberry & Jazz Festival -- June 10
For a food, craft and music fiesta, visitors will enjoy Billings during the Strawberry & Jazz Festival. Food vendors selling a variety of strawberry items, craft displays and children's activities take place all day within a three block area in downtown Billings. In addition, jazz musicians will provide exciting entertainment throughout the day. This year's featured guest, Kevin Eubanks of NBC's The Tonight Show, will perform during an evening show.
Custer's Last Stand Reenactment -- June 20-23
Each year in Hardin, Montana (45 miles south of Billings) over 200 actors gather to replay the events leading up to the Battle of the Little Bighorn. The five performances of Custer's Last Stand Reenactment draw visitors from around the country and internationally. The Reenactment takes place in conjunction with Little Big Horn Days. Throughout the weekend visitors will enjoy authentic Indian cuisine, a quilt show, musical entertainment, a parade and an 1876 Military Ball in which participants dress in period costume. This year will also feature the Trial of General George Armstrong Custer, a production portraying the possible trial George Custer could have faced had he survived the battle.
Summer Fair -- July 15-16
This juried arts and crafts fair takes place in the great outdoors and features a variety of items by regional artists. The items are available for purchasing during the fair. There is also live entertainment, concessions and activities for children. Summer Fair is sponsored by the Yellowstone Art Museum, located in Billings. This facility has become known as the finest contemporary art museum in the Northern Rockies.
Clark Day -- July 29-30
In 1806, William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition came through Billings as he was returning from the Pacific Ocean via the Yellowstone River. On July 25 he noticed a large cliff emerging from the river. Clark climbed the rock and carved his name and date in the sandstone. He named the cliff Pompeys Pillar, after
Sacagawea's young son who had made the journey with the Expedition. Clark's signature is still visible today and is the only physical evidence remaining from this epic journey. Each year in July, Pompeys Pillar Historical Association hosts Clark Day, a celebration of Clark's visit to the area. Throughout the two-day event visitors will enjoy reenactments, interpretive stations, an authentic buffalo feed, an astronomy study, a morning bird walk, a river float and more.
Big SkyFest -- July 21-23
Spectators will see the big sky of Montana fill with unique shaped hot air balloons during the largest balloon event in the Northwest, Big SkyFest. Held at Oscar's Entertainment Complex just outside of Billings, this event is enjoyable for the entire family. Activities begin with a downtown parade and the fun continues throughout the weekend with a carnival, booths and games and musical entertainment.
MontanaFair -- August 12-19
The largest event in Montana, MontanaFair, takes place in Billings each August. Over 250,000 people head to Billings each year to enjoy the carnival, concerts, rodeos, livestock and craft booths and horse racing. All events are held at MetraPark facilities. The American Bus Association has listed MontanaFair as one of the "Top 100 Events in the U.S."
Crow Fair -- August 17-20
This year marks the 82nd annual Crow Fair Pow Wow, known as the Premier pow wow of the Plains Indians. Visitors to Crow Fair can enjoy the culture and heritage of the Crow and other Plains Indian tribes through the spectacular parades, dance competitions, authentic Indian cuisine and all-Indian rodeo. The events take place in Crow Agency, Montana (60 miles south of Billings) along the historic Bighorn River. With over 1,000 authentic teepees set up to accommodate the participants, Crow Fair is sometimes referred to as the "Teepee Capitol of the World."
Northern International Livestock Exposition -- October 14-21
The Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE) is a week-long cowboy mardi gras. Top cowboys and cowgirls in the country come to Billings to compete in the NILE Rodeo. Many of these participants are competing for a spot in the National Finals Rodeo. In addition there is a trade show with various agriculture and ranching products, a horse auction, livestock show and other western entertainment. All events are held at the 10,000-seat MetraPark arena.
For more information on Billings, Montana or the events mentioned, please contact Ginny Jensen at 406-259-4546, e-mail ginny@go2h2o.com or visit the Billings Convention and Visitors Council web site at http://billingscvb.visitmt.com.
