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Jun 5, 2019

Mark your calendar: the fair is coming! The 2019 Montana State Fair begins on Friday, August 9. It closes on Saturday, August 17. Before you pack the car and head for Great Falls, bring this information with you. It’ll help you decide how to enjoy your time at the fair. 

Save Money

Enjoy your time at the fair while you save money. Buy a Valupass now, and you are covered the week of the event. The pass includes your general admission to three concerts, Supercross, and three nights of the rodeo. It also includes your fair ticket for the entire week. If you purchase the pass before July 1, it costs $64. If you buy it after July 1, the price increases to $69. If you buy the pass and can’t use it one night, you can give to your friends or family to use.

Explore a Variety of Exhibits and Attractions

Start your day at the fair by exploring exhibits for everyone. Check out some of the local artwork produced by adults and school children. Prepare for your jaw to drop when you see the size of some of the crops on display. Make time to visit a variety of vendors throughout the park. You can get information from your favorite community organization or even stock up on your favorite products.

Bring your appetite to the fair. As you explore the exhibits, enjoy a taste of foods you only find at the fair. Indulge your sweet tooth in homemade ice cream or your desire for savory treats with a wide variety of fried foods.

Spend the Night Enjoying a Show

The fun doesn’t end after a day of exploring the exhibits, rides, and attractions. Throughout the week there are nightly concerts and shows to entertain you. Keep in mind that many of the shows have an additional ticket price on top of your fair admission.

The shows are spread out between four different stages. The Chelsea Plaza hosts Kelly McDonald throughout the week. The Rock Bottom Boys perform three shows a night on the Exchange Club Patio. If you are at The 4th Avenue Stage, enjoy the Mango and Dango theatrical circus through the week.

Keep an eye out for Mango and Dango as they work through the fairgrounds as well. You may also see the Animal Cracker Conspiracy of high walkers strolling throughout the fairgrounds.

The Rimrock Auto Arena stage hosts the main acts throughout the week. Opening night sees Restless Heart along with Blackhawk and Shenandoah. The next night take a trip back to the 1990s with 98 degrees. Current country fans will enjoy the music of Old Dominion on the third night.

After three nights of concerts, there is a Supercross motorcycle event on Tuesday, August 13. Head for the grandstands to cheer on your favorite rider. If you would like some more traditional entertainment, check out the Yellowstone River Roundup PRCA Rodeo. This three-day event is located in the grandstands. It starts on August 15 and runs through the end of the fair.

Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes to explore the fairgrounds and plan plenty of time so you can enjoy your visit. Bring your camera to capture the shows, attractions, and family fun.

Image by Tracy Elizabeth via cc by 2.0