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Jul 26, 2018

The Montana State Fair | Taylor's Auto MaxEvery summer, Great Falls spoils its residents and visitors with a great lineup of exciting events and activities — and this blistering hot season is no exception. Check out these four fun-filled events coming up this summer.

  1. Pet and Doll Parade

The Pet and Doll Parade is an annual event in which kids dress in costumes and march down Central Avenue with their pets and dolls. Each year, the parade has a different theme — this year, it will be “Beach Party” — and all participants are encouraged to dress to impress, as they will be judged on the originality of their costumes.

Participants will be judged in eight divisions — pets, doll, cartoon, circus, occupation, sports, characterization, and frontier — with each division consisting of 6 to 20 categories. The parade will begin in front of the Civic Center on July 26 and is free both to participate in and attend.

  1. Montana State Fair

Montana State Fair is the largest summer event in Great Falls. This year, it celebrates its 87th anniversary from July 27 to Aug. 4 at the Montana ExpoPark. Fairgoers will have opportunities to enjoy various carnival rides, eat delicious fair food from local vendors, and stroll through exhibit halls. The musical lineup includes Brothers Osborne, Midland, the Temptations, Jeff Foxworthy, and Seether. Free shows will also be held at the 3 Rivers Stage.

  1. Lewis and Clark Festival

Taking place in Gibson Park, the Lewis and Clark Festival takes you back to Central Montana in 1805, as it recreates the events of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Re-enactors dress in the period attire, as they take part in the adventures of the Corps of Discovery, exhilarating visitors with tales of their lives along the Missouri River.

In addition to fine art and satiating food, the festival will feature a bluegrass concert, fun activities for the kids, Native American dancers and drummers, and more. This year, the festival is scheduled from Aug. 24 to Aug. 26.

  1. Sun River Valley Excursion

This event is organized by the Sun River Valley Historical Society and is created specifically for history buffs and anyone who wants to learn about Montana’s beginnings. Sun River Valley Excursion is part of the Lewis and Clark Festival and will explore “the wagon/stagecoach routes through the Sun River Valley and the Birdtail and Mullan Trails.”

You will tour the Robert Vaughn Ranch in Sun River and small — but historically significant — towns such as Simms, Fort Shaw, and Sun River. Along your route, you will get to see the old stone barn between Vaughn and Sun River and learn about the soldiers who were stationed at Fort Shaw. You will hear stories of the legendary Piegan chief Little Dog, his people, and their battle with the Crow.

The tour is scheduled for Aug. 25 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The tickets are $60 per person or $100 per couple and include lunch.

If you happen to be in Great Falls this July or August, make sure to attend one or all of these events. And remember, these are just the highlights of what’s coming up this summer in Great Falls.

 

Image by Tracy, Licensed via CC BY 2.0