Northwest Magazines

Regional Travel Guide - Bozeman, Montana

Go Wild at Winterfest

BOZEMAN

Back for its sixth year, the Wild West WinterFest begs for cowboy boots and Stetson hats as festival-goers revel in this western extravaganza February 15 through 17 at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds.

It's everything from a packer scramble - the guy who packs his horse the fastest wins - to a Hay Contest - the one with the healthiest hay wins. Enter a contest or just enjoy the many events, including a chili cook-off, a dog confirmation and pet tricks competition, a keg-pulling contest on the snow for dogs, a snowboard rail jam, and a hockey tournament.

Visitors may enjoy a 4-H livestock show, the All-Star Dog Expo, a rabbit and poultry show, or the stallion parade. Old McLien's Farm Barn offers up-close access to farm animals from a momma pig with piglets to alpacas, as well as the more commonplace cattle and dairy cows.

Also on tap are lots of commercial exhibitors and food vendors, a photography show with People's Choice Awards, and a children's art show, says Debbie Holwegner of the fairgrounds staff.

One highlight of the three-day festival is the barn dance with Western Skies. New this year is a performance by Neal McCoy with special guest Charley Jenkins, and always popular are the junior fiddlers and hay wagon rides. (406-582-3270; www.gallatin.mt.gov/fairgrounds)

Northwest Travel Magazine January/February 2007

Updated February 11, 2008