BILLINGS, MONTANA --- December 1, 1999 --- The Billings, Montana Chamber of Commerce is excited to be hosting Wing Ding XXII, July 4-7, 2000. Expecting around 15,000 participants, the first Wing Ding of the new Millennium will be an occasion to remember. During Wing Ding there will be many events, contests and activities for Wing Dingers to participate in.
Wing Ding XXII starts out with the downtown welcome party. Food vendors, games, entertainment, a mini-grand parade and a community welcome from the mayor are among the list of events for the kick-off party. For the 4th of July celebration, Billings is planning a concert with a top name performer and an unforgettable fireworks display. Throughout the week there will also be seminars, competitions, a trade show and other fun events for Wing Ding participants. Don't plan to leave early. Billings is also hosting a post-event party to keep the fun going just a little longer. Click on the G.W.R.R.A. logo on the Billings Chamber of Commerce site at http://billingscvb.visitmt.com for more information on events taking place throughout the week of Wing Ding.
For accommodations, there are still rooms available at Montana State University (406-657-2588). Many of the rooms are complete with private showers, complimentary laundry, microwaves and fresh linens. In addition, private home owners are beginning to show interest in opening their doors to Wing Ding participants. There will be guest houses, full basements and extra rooms available. Some will be charging a minimal fee, but many are offering space free of charge. There will also be hotels within an hours drive of Billings offering a Wing Ding discount. These hotels are en route to Yellowstone National Park and Little Bighorn Battlefield. Be sure to visit the Billings Chamber web site for up-to-date information. The list of accommodations available during Wing Ding will be updated December 15 on the site.
While in Billings, Wing Dingers are invited to visit the attractions, enjoy the scenic beauty and participate in the recreational opportunities available within the city of Billings and throughout the state of Montana. Billings is located on the banks of the longest free-flowing river in the contiguous United States, the Yellowstone River. Almost 200 years ago, in 1806, the famous explorer William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition traveled down the Yellowstone River on his return trip from the Pacific Ocean. Wing Ding participants will be riding their Honda Gold Wings along the trail of Lewis and Clark and should be sure to visit Pompeys Pillar, which contains the only remaining physical evidence of the journey---Clark's signature etched in the sandstone bluff. The country will begin celebrating the Bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 2003, so Wing Dingers will be ahead the crowds expected to visit this historic landmark.
There are many other sites around Billings to enjoy including Little Bighorn Battlefield, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, two Indian Reservations and the Beartooth Pass and the historic town of Red Lodge. Wing Dingers are also invited to visit our nation's first national park, Yellowstone National Park, only 3 hours from Billings, and the "Crown Jewel" of Montana, Glacier National Park, located in the west side of the state. Contact the state tourism office for additional information on attractions, events and accommodations throughout Montana.
Billings and all of Montana are looking forward to extending a warm welcome for all the attendants of Wing Ding XXII. We'll see you in July!
Contact the Billings Chamber of Commerce at 800-735-2635 for your Wing Ding Vacation Kit, or visit the web site at http://billingscvb.visitmt.com for lodging and events information during Wing Ding XXII.
