Helmville Rodeo ready to bust from the gates this weekend.
HELMVILLE - It's one of Montana's enduring Labor Day traditions, and it all gets started this Sunday in Helmville.
The 54th Annual Helmville Labor Day Rodeo runs Sunday, September 2 and Monday, September 3 on their newly refurbished rodeo grounds. If you're heading out to attend either day, just follow the signage off Highway 271 as it heads out of Drummond, turning left on to Ovando Helmville Road right after you pass the post office on your left.
The Helmville Rodeo Club faced the prospect of having its annual event shut down in 2017, when the rodeo's land owners found out that the facilities had fallen out of compliance with its insurance standards. But a fundraising campaign found that the rodeo had ample support and pulled together more than the required $80,000 for the required renovations.
This year's two-day event features a nine-event slate of action that will include such fan favorites as Saddle Bronc, Tie Down and of course Bull Riding. Events begin both days at 1 p.m.
The weather for both days looks to be outstanding. Both days will be partly cloudy, with Sunday's high at 78 and Monday's at 76.
The Pre-Show starts at 12:30 p.m. and will have Miniature Bull Riding competitions. The event is open to youth ages 6-14 and they must have their own rigging. To enter call 406.793.5711.
Sunday's extra events will include a Calcutta with the Top 6 NRA Bareback Riders while Monday's Calcutta with use the Top 6 in Saddle Bronc.
Admission $7 for adults, $3 for kids and 6 & under are free.
Outside the main events of the rodeo will be something for everyone in the form of having a great time. There will be a dance Saturday night at the Copper Queen Saloon starting at 9 .m., with a dance at the Helmville Community Center Sunday night, also at 9 p.m. Sunday's event is $5 per person, $3 a beer and will feature music by the Lolo Creek Band.
Cooler's are not welcome at the event.
