MontanaFair 2021

Fabulous Fair Food

One of MontanaFair’s favorites is the once annual opportunity to grab that great fair food. For this week only, set your diet aside and come to MontanaFair. There are hundreds of foods and drinks to choose from, many are available only at the fair. Everyone loves the traditional corn dog, cotton candy, funnel cakes, lemonade, and snocones.

Or if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, why not try Walleye on a stick, strawberry shortcake kabobs, fried Oreo cookies, or chocolate covered bacon? Go with the usual or try something new. It’s all good!

The selection of foods at MontanaFair is like a culinary trip around the world. The midway offers Mexican fare, including tacos, burritos, and fajitas. Asian food includes egg rolls, stir fry, and teriyaki. The Sons of Norway sell the always popular Viking on a stick and fresh lefse.

There’s also German and Russian meat pies, and many other traditional dishes. Of course, you’ll find plenty of all-American foods such as hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, steak sandwiches, turkey legs, sweet treats, and drinks. With so many options no one will go home hungry.

Western Ranch Supply Expo

The animals are all over the grounds, but you can see animals most anytime in the Western Ranch Supply Expo. The home of the “most comfortable animals in Montana,” says MontanaFair General Manager Bill Dutcher. Over 63,000 square feet of air-conditioned space await animals and guests.

From cattle and goats, to pigs, sheep, and chickens, you’ll find them in the WRS Expo. Please wash your hands when you come in contact with animal areas. VIP Services stocks restrooms and provides handwashing stations throughout MontanaFair where people and animals come together.

Handwashing prevents the potential spread of disease.

Animals are always one of the biggest attractions every year at MontanaFair. Western Ranch Supply is a primary supplier to ranchers in Montana, Wyoming, and the western part of the Dakotas and features a large line of animal care and handling products.

“Western Ranch Supply has always focused on ag producers and 4-H,” said Keith Robinson, partner of Western Ranch Supply. “Helping kids show their hard work and get recognized for the effort is important to our next generation and our food supply.”

Keep in mind when you visit the Expo, animals shown on the floor of the building are in competition and being judged. Often you will see animals being prepared for their turn in the show ring. Please allow the judges and contestants space to do their work.

MontanaFair History

1916 was the start of something spectacular – it was the year of the first Midland Empire Fair. This fair promised to have the finest agricultural, livestock and industrial exhibits ever seen. The Midland Empire Fair brought together communities from all over Montana and Northern Wyoming. This allowed people to show off their projects they had been working on all year in hopes of winning a blue ribbon and some recognition. With great excitement for this new endeavor, the fair board made special arrangements with the Northern Pacific Railroad to run a train from the depot to the fairgrounds. This arrangement gave special rates for riders of the train to travel back and forth from the fair to home.

With great success the fair continued to grow over the years but in 1919, it was bigger and even more elaborate than years prior. This 4th annual fair had several counties of Northern Wyoming involved in showing in exhibits and livestock. Wyoming recognized that the Midland Empire Fair was a great advertising tool in the northwest.

Midland Empire Fair housed the finest livestock in the region and people traveled from all over. Soon, Montana started becoming known as a state in which purebred livestock was a specialty. Not only were the exhibits and livestock but also the attractions of horseracing and rodeo. The annual horserace drew in thousands and the rodeo brought in cowboys from all over the

nation. Both types of riders competed for the largest purses rewarded to winners.

The fair was a destination for exhibitors and a place where all the citizens from different counties could exchange helpful advice. They were able to discuss what worked for them and why as well as explain what didn’t work.

After having the name Midland Empire Fair for nearly 60 years, the fair board decided it was time for a name change and rebranded the fair as the Yellowstone Exhibition. The board felt that changing the name would help those that weren’t really sure what or where the Midland Empire was. Having Yellowstone in the name made the area more distinguishable. Also, they used exhibition instead of exposition because Great Falls used that in their name.

In 1969 came a great tragedy when the original Midland Empire Auditorium burned down. Though it was sad to see it go, the board used it as an opportunity to create a new facility that could be used year round and host more events than just an annual fair. Seven years later, the Metra was constructed. The name Metra came from an acronym for Montana Entertainment Trade and Recreation Arena.

The Yellowstone Exhibition lasted about for about 14 years until transitioning in to the MontanaFair that we have today here at MetraPark. Although the name has changed, the event still stays true to the original mission of celebrating agriculture and education and has become the largest event in Montana with 250,000 visitors annually.

Kesha with special guest Betty Who

Date: Aug 13, 2021

Time: 7:00 PM

Cost: $92.50, $75.50, $65.50, $53.50

Kesha attracts a diverse, passionate, and socially-engaged global audience who believe in the messages behind her music. Over her career, she has earned 10 Top Ten singles, over a billion views on YouTube, 2 number one albums, 4 number one songs at top 40radio, and nearly 40 million followers across social media.

Kesha’s latest album 'High Road' was called a body of work “wise and wild in equal measure” (Billboard), that “electrifies from the inside out” (American Songwriter) and “strikes a believable balance between vulnerability and the bluster she made her name on” (Stereogum).

Her previous album 'Rainbow', called "an artistic feat" by Entertainment Weekly and "the best music of her career" by Rolling Stone, earned Kesha the first GRAMMY nominations of her career.

Kesha’s ventures outside of music include a top rated TV program, an award winning film, a book, a cruise, and a cosmetics line.

As a songwriter she has penned her own music as well as songs for artists including Britney Spears, Ariana Grande, The Veronicas, and Miley Cyrus. Kesha is an animal rights crusader as the Humane Society International's first Global Ambassador and a passionate advocate for equality, being honored with the 2016 Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award. In 2016 she won Billboard's Women in Music Trailblazer Award and in 2018 she was named one of Time Magazine's Time 100, their list of the most influential people in the world.

Cody Johnson with Special Guest Anna Vaus

Date: Aug 14, 2021

Time: 7:00 PM

Cost: $79.50, $59.50, $49.50, $44.50

Johnson’s passionate, rowdy concerts have already drawn comparisons to Garth Brooks, and the music from his previous albums – inspired by ‘90s country foundations, but built for the 21st century – has made him a familiar presence on Texas and Oklahoma red-dirt radio.

Now, one of country’s most-sought-after, formerly unsigned musicians is matched with one of Nashville’s most influential labels, at his peak with a traditionally-built sound just as country music is experiencing a ‘90s revolution. Cody Johnson was a hold out for all the right reasons. And now he’s part of a team, again for all the right reasons.

“There’s that rodeo competitor in the back of my head that says, ‘I don’t want to ride a bull, I want to be a world champion bull rider,’” Johnson says. “All my heroes have taken this step, and I’ve been given the opportunity with Warner to take this step on my own terms with a huge monster behind the machine that I’ve created. It doesn’t get any better than that.” It’s Cody Johnson’s time.

Eli Young Band with Special Guest Muscadine Bloodline

Date: Aug 15, 2021

Time: 7:00 PM

Cost: $79.50, $59.50, $49.50, $44.50

With momentum still high following their fourth career #1, MULTI-PLATINUM hitmakers ELI YOUNG BAND are releasing an introspective new single with “Break It In” via The Valory Music Co. Under producer Dann Huff, the tune explores lessons in life and love that are only learned over time well spent. As showcased through vivid Benjy Davis, Brandon Day, Daniel Ross, and Michael Whitworth-penned lyrics, EYB further delivers a booming chorus: “Like these dusty boots that walked me through / The work that got me here / And these faded jeans with Skoal can rings / I’ve worn out all these years / When the shine wears off, when you lose that gloss / There’s so much more underneath it all / You think that good is good as it can get / Then you break it in.”

“We definitely didn't just start a band and have instant success. We’ve continued to build it up over the years — we broke it in,” shares EYB. "We’ve been blessed to have had our moments of being able to sit back and soak it all in. ‘Break It In’ carries a message you learn with time, and we’re so excited for these lyrics to be heard far and wide!”

“Break It In” closely follows THIS IS ELI YOUNG BAND: GREATEST HITS , which features chart-toppers – “Love Ain’t,” PLATINUM "Drunk Last Night,” 2X PLATINUM “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” and 3X PLATINUM “Crazy Girl.” EYB has always been unique in modern Country music as a true band of brothers who cling fast to their Texas roots and has maintained an impressive trajectory with singles earning Billboard 's #1 Country Song of the Year and ACM Awards Song of the Year . They have previously earned multiple nominations from GRAMMY, CMA, CMT, ACA and Teen Choice Awards.

While selling out venues as a headliner from coast-to-coast, EYB has toured with Jason Aldean, Dave Matthews Band, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, and Darius Rucker. They will continue to bring these fan-favorites and more on the road this summer with several festival appearances.

Professor Smart's Science Show

Date: Aug 13 - Aug 21, 2021

Performing three times daily!

“Fun'” is the word most used when it comes to describing Professor Smart's Science Show. Trained as a juggler, physical and verbal comedian, Todd Victor brings science to life with an interactive performance combining theatrical storytelling and very cool demonstrations.

Friday, Aug. 13

Aaron Crawford

Location: Ch iesa Plaza

Professor Smart's Science Show

Location: Montana Park

TH E JUNEBUGS

Location: Ch iesa Plaza

Thistle & Lace

Location: Republic Serv ices Patio

Saturday, Aug. 14

Aaron Crawford

Location: Ch iesa Plaza

Magician Louie Foxx

Location: Montana Park

Professor Smart's Science Show

Location: Montana Park

Roberto the Magnificent

Location: Montana Park

TH E JUNEBUGS

Location: Ch iesa Plaza

Thistle & Lace

Location: Republic Serv ices Patio

Chicken Rider

Aug 16 - Aug 21, 2021

Strolling four times daily!

Sheriff Fowler’s giant chicken has flown the coop and is headed to the fair! Introducing The Chicken Rider! With over twenty-five years of professional experience designing puppets, the Zambini Bros. creation is eggcellent!

Sunday, Aug. 15

Aaron Crawford

Location: Ch iesa Plaza

Magician Louie Foxx

Location: Montana Park

Professor Smart's Science Show Location: Montana Park

Roberto the Magnificent Location: Montana Park

TH E JUNEBUGS

Location: Ch iesa Plaza

Thistle & Lace

Location: Republic Serv ices Patio

Monday, Aug. 16

Aaron Crawford

Location: Ch iesa Plaza

Chicken Rider

Location: Strolling

Magician Louie Foxx

Location: Montana Park

Polly & Pickled Pete

Location: Strolling

Professor Smart's Science Show

Location: Montana Park

Roberto the Magnificent

Location: Montana Park

Si r Mimealot

Location: Strolling

TH E JUNEBUGS

Location: Ch iesa Plaza

Thistle & Lace

Location: Republic Serv ices Patio

Tuesday, Aug. 17

Aaron Crawford

Location: Ch iesa Plaza

Chicken Rider

Location: Strolling

Magician Louie Foxx

Location: Montana Park

Polly & Pickled Pete

Location: Strolling

Professor Smart's Science Show

Location: Montana Park

Roberto the Magnificent

Location: Montana Park

Magician Louie Foxx

Aug 14 - Aug 21, 2021

Performing three times daily!

Louie Foxx is the consummate kid that never grew up and it’s evident as you watch him interact with audiences of all age. He is living his childhood dream of being a magician.

As a kid he realized that he excelled at all of the things that adults told him were a waste of time. Instead of playing baseball in high school, Louie built himself a rickety table and rode the bus into downtown to perform magic tricks on the street corner and got paid by “passing the hat”. He’s come a long way since then.

The Society of American Magicians voted Louie The Best Stage Magician and Best Close-Up Magician in Minnesota in 1996. He has also been featured four times in the prestigious Linking Ring Magazine which is a magazine for the 13,000 members of the International Brotherhood of Magicians! Louie has also written several books about magic tricks for professional magicians, one of which has sold over 2,300 copies!

Louie is also a Two Time Guinness World Record Holder and has been on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, the nationally syndicated television show How ‘Bout That, Evening Magazine, New Day Northwest, Otra Movida TV in Spain, and in London’s Guardian Newspaper!

Louie is enjoying life as the rockstar dad. He now has a valid excuse to go to the zoo once a week and build forts out of the sofa cushions.

Roberto the Magnificent

Aug 14 - Aug 21, 2021

Preforming three times daily!

Come check out this crazy comedy stunt show filled with comedic chatter, breathtaking visual stunts, and lots of audience participation! Adults and children alike love his wild comical antics, highenergy pace, and amazing stunts.

Roberto learned to juggle and unicycle at age 11, within four years he was awarded a silver medal at the World Juggling Championships. Since then Robert has accumulated more than two decades of experience performing for live audiences.

Si r Mimealot

Location: Strolling

TH E JUNEBUGS

Location: Ch iesa Plaza

Thistle & Lace

Location: Republic Serv ices Patio

Thursday, Aug. 19

Aaron Crawford

Location: Ch iesa Plaza

Chicken Rider Location: Strolling Exit 53 Location: Ch iesa Plaza

Magician Louie Foxx Location: Montana Park

Polly & Pickled Pete Location: Strolling

Professor Smart's Science Show

Location: Montana Park

Roberto the Magnificent

Location: 4th Avenue Stage

Si r Mimealot

Location: Strolling

Thistle & Lace

Location: Republic Serv ices Patio

Friday, Aug. 20

Aaron Crawford

Location: Ch iesa Plaza

Chicken Rider

Location: Strolling Exit 53 Location: Ch iesa Plaza

Magician Louie Foxx

Location: Montana Park

Polly & Pickled Pete

Location: Strolling

Professor Smart's Science Show

Location: Montana Park

Roberto the Magnificent Location: Montana Park

Si r Mimealot Location: Strolling Thistle & Lace

Location: Republic Serv ices Patio

Saturday, Aug. 21

Aaron Crawford

Location: Ch iesa Plaza

Chicken Rider Location: Strolling

Magician Louie Foxx Location: Montana Park

Polly & Pickled Pete

Location: Strolling

Professor Smart's Science Show Location: Montana Park

Roberto the Magnificent Location: Montana Park

Si r Mimealot

Location: Strolling Thistle & Lace

Location: Republic Serv ices Patio

Willy G & The Smack Location: Ch iesa Plaza

The Junebugs

Date: Aug 13 - Aug 18, 2021

Performing three time nightly at the Lake Stage!

Imagine if Neil Young and Janis Joplin had three love children, and those children grew up to like folk rock and hip hop. The Junebugs combine high-energy pop and rock with Pacific Northwest folksy goodness to create a genre-bending sound you can kick up your heels to.

The Junebugs originated on the Vancouver, BC circuit before moving back home to Portland, OR. There, guitarist Barrett picked up drummer Kyle Owen and bassist Nathaniel Daniel, to round out the dynamic trio. Covering everything from Tom Petty to TLC to Lorde, the eclectic taste of the trio ranges from turn-ofthe-century Americana to modern Hip Hop, with a strong emphasis on vocal harmony. Their original tunes have a dreamy, sweet quality reminiscent of Neil Young and Iron & Wine, peppered with fiery banjo lines. There is something for everyone here.

“The American songbook is alive and well, and it didn’t end in the 1950’s,” Barrett says.

Thistle & Lace

Aug 13 - Aug 21, 2021

Three times nightly at the Republic Services Patio!

Thistle & Lace is an eclectic, acoustic duo that combines spot-on harmonies with hits from the past 8 decades to bring you a one-ofa-kind listening experience. Husband and wife duo Jon and Ashley started the group in 2016.

The group is made up of a cappella veteran Jon McLemore (Street Corner Symphony), musical theater maven Ashley McLemore (a.k.a. “Jon’s boss”) Their repertoire is as diverse as their members-there is something for everyone!

Aaron Crawford

Aug 13 - Aug 21, 2021

Performing three times daily at the lake

Based in the Pacific Northwest, Aaron Crawford is the founder, and original Cascade Country artist, Crawford is forging a new path: paying respect to the roots, instrumentation, and songwriting of traditional country, yet blending those flavors with the Seattle sound including the likes of the grunge scene icons Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and even Foo Fighters. Approaching his career with a blue collar mentality, Crawford writes and records his way (with a little help from his friends) choosing to build a grassroots following in the oft overlooked country scene of the Great Northwest. Penning the now ubiquitous “Evergreen” a tribute to living in the Seattle area, he has logged over 1,000 gigs, and it’s apparent. His live show is just that: a show. His charisma and stage presence entice the audience to sing along, and the powerhouse Seattle radio stations championing him and his band. If you haven’t heard of him yet, you will. His drive, enthusiasm, and desire to succeed, will most certainly make him a mainstay of the die hard country music scene.

Sir Mimealot

Aug 16 - Aug 21, 2021 Strolling Daily!

Chris Yerlig aka ‘Sir Mimealot’

Chris Yerlig, an English native began his mime career on the streets of Europe. In the US, where he is now based, Chris has performed at every type of event but particularly enjoys entertaining the folks at state and county fairs in the Rockies (WY, ID, UT and now MT). Also in his repertoire are shows for corporate events, festivals, schools and libraries, around the country. He has performed with Circus America at the Olympic Games in Athens, GA, and was a company member for ten years of Enchanted Circle Children's Theater in Holyoke MA. Chris's work has made people laugh around the world too: In Japan he performed at the Huis Ten Bosch Theme Park, and in China, at the Kimtom International Clown Festival of Shanghai. With Connecticut non-profit, Project Troubador, he has performed in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Morocco, Cameroon, Benin and Bangladesh. Since 2009 he has worked with Magicians Without Borders in El Salvador, Guatemala and India, performing and teaching mime to at-risk youth. For Clowns Without Borders he has organized and led clown tours to Haiti.