BILLINGS, MONTANA -- When you bring a group or convention to Billings, Montana, you'd better be ready for some good old fashion entertainment. Billings offers many unique entertainment possibilities and is capable of accommodating groups of various sizes. Billings is your Passport to the Legendary West, and with this passport comes old fashioned cattle drives, pitchfork fondues, rodeos and Old West shootouts.

One way to show your convention or group a unique dining experience is to put on a pitchfork fondue. This real western experience involves a pitchfork and a steel barrel filled with cooking oil to cook a jumbo steak. The great thing about a pitchfork fondue is that it can be done anywhere. You can choose from a variety of locations such as Pompeys Pillar, the sensory gardens at ZooMontana, Peter Yegen, Jr. Yellowstone County Museum, or a number of other unique locations in Billings.

After a hearty dinner, how about sampling another Montana experience: a western shootout! The Montana Gunfighters, Inc., founded in 1985, strives to perform the most authentic portrayals of the gunfights from 1850 to the 1890s. In fact, the Montana Gunfighters are by reputation the most historically correct gunfight reenactment team in Montana and were the 1998 O.W.L.H.F Showdown National Champions. The gunfighting reenactments are not only entertaining, but educational as well, as you get to experience the firsthand challenges of the early pioneers. The Montana Gunfighters will show your group or convention how legends like Rattlesnake Jake, John Wesley Hardin and Kid Curry made deals...with gun powder and six shooters.

The following are unique Billings companies offering convention or group tour entertainment:

• The Montana Gunfighters, Inc.: A performance group that delivers historically accurate portrayals of gunfights from 1850 to the 1890s. 406-446-3048
• Venture Theater: A performance group specializing in musical and comedy productions. 406-655-4224
• Billings Studio Theater Ensemble: A fourteen-voice ensemble that offers a wide variety of music. 406-652-1234
• Fun Adventures: A group event planning operation that can arrange a variety of entertainment including a historic trolley ride around Billings. 406-254-7180
• Custer's Last Stand Reenactment: Watch history come alive when over 200 reenactors dressed in full military uniform and Native American regalia replay this historic battle. 800-366-8538 or 406-665-3577.
• Double Spear Ranch: Enjoy learning about the lifestyle of the Montana rancher through real cattle drives, pitchfork fondues, and stories by the campfire. 406-259-8291
• Lonesome Spur Guest Ranch: Participate in the Montana way of life by enjoying old west cuisine, campfire singing, and real-life cattle drives. 406-662-3616
• Clark's Fork Camp: Located on the site of Clark's campsite during the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Enjoy outdoor cooking, a scenic tour down Yellowstone River and special programs for your group. 406-628-8687
• 7th Ranch: Follow the 7th Cavalry as you retrace the events of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. The 7th Ranch is located on the battlegrounds and offers guided packages. 406-638-2438

For more information on local entertainment for convention or group tours, or information on the Billings area, contact Rhonda Harms, Director of the Billings Chamber Convention and Visitors Council, at (406) 245-4111or 800 711-2630. Visit our web site at: http://billingscvb.visitmt.com.