Let's Ride: Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo schedule

From carousel ponies to bucking broncos, there will be something for just about everyone to ride at the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo on Aug. 14-18.

There will be three nights of PRCA Rodeo, a carnival, a Demolition Derby, Relay Races, live musical performances and thousands of exhibits.

This year’s fair will feature a night of Cruisin’ the Oldies with live performances by Shirelles original lead singer Shirley Alston Reeves, The Fleetwoods, Brian Hyland, and Johnny Tillotson on Tuesday, Aug. 13. Country music star Chris Young will take the stage Wednesday, Aug. 14.

The RAM PRCA rodeo will feature world-class male and female competitors from Canada and across the western United States aiming for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in December. Events will include bareback, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, barrel racing and bull riding.

Rodeo-goers will be treated to the ever-popular Relay Races. Teams from across the West will compete for cash prizes in this fast-paced competition. And back by popular demand is the Justin Mutton Bustin’ sheep riding contest for children ages 5 to 7.

The Demolition Derby brings the fair to a smashing finale on Sunday. Concert, rodeo and demolition derby tickets can be purchased at the fairgrounds office or online at www.nwmtfair.com.

Schedule

Tuesday, Aug. 13

8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Judging of various 4-H/FFA and Open Class exhibits

7 p.m. Carnival opens on the Midway

7:30 p.m. Cruisin’ the Oldies in the Grandstand

Wednesday, Aug. 14

8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Judging of various 4-H/FFA and Open Class exhibits

2 p.m. Rooster Crowing contest in the Poultry Barn

3 p.m. Carnival opens on the Midway

7:30 p.m. Chris Young concert in the Grandstand

Thursday, Aug. 15 – McDonalds Day/Senior Citizen Day

8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Judging of various 4-H/FFA and Open Class exhibits

11 a.m. Crafty Cookie Contest for kids in the Expo Building

12 p.m. Carnival opens on the Midway

7 p.m. Mutton Bustin’ in the Grandstand Arena

7:30 p.m. Don K Ram PRCA Rodeo – Wrangler Night

Friday, Aug. 16

8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Judging of various 4-H/FFA and Open Class exhibits

10 a.m. Parade in downtown Kalispell

12 p.m. Carnival opens on the Midway

3 p.m. Pig wrestling in the Northern Stars Arena

7 p.m. Mutton Bustin’ in the Grandstand Arean

7:30 p.m. Don K Ram PRCA Rodeo – Wounded Warrior Night

Saturday, Aug. 17

7:30 a.m. Livestock Buyers Breakfast in the Trade Show Center Arena

8:30 a.m. Market livestock sale in the Trade Center Show Arena

10 a.m. – noon Entries accepted for the Great American Pie Contest in the Expo Building

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Judging of various 4-H/FFA and Open Class exhibits

11 a.m.  Carnival opens on the Midway

2 p.m. Great American Pie Contest judging in the Expo Building

3 p.m. Pig wrestling in the Northern Stars Arena

6:30 p.m. Relay Races in the Grandstand Arena

7 p.m. Mutton Bustin’ in the Grandstand Arena

7:30 p.m. Don K Ram PRCA Rodeo

Sunday, Aug. 18

9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Judging of various 4-H/FFA and Open Class exhibits

10 a.m. Cowboy Church

12 p.m. Carnival opens on the Midway

6 p.m. Demolition Derby in the Grandstand