Fair features fun-filled family activities, night shows & plenty more
It’s almost here! The Big Sky Country State Fair returns to the Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Wednesday through Sunday, July 17th–21st for another round of food, fun, music, and so much more! Here’s a look at this year’s performers and some other highlights.
Popular country artist Jo Dee Messina is first to perform on Wednesday, July 17th. The seasoned veteran in the music industry is always evolving and reintroducing herself and her sound as she gains new experiences in life. Jumpstarting her career, Messina’s breakout song, “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” made her a household name. Following the success of her debut, she posted nine No. 1 hits, sixteen Top 40 songs, sold over five million albums worldwide, and was honored by the ACM Awards, CMA Awards, and GRAMMYs. As Messina’s resume grew, she proved to be a trendsetter and history-maker, becoming the first female in country music history to celebrate three consecutive multi-week, chart-topping songs.
Resurrection
Resurrection – A Journey Tribute follows on Thursday, July 18th. Setting out to create the most authentic Journey experience anyone has ever witnessed, the Nashville-based group spent countless hours discussing the look, sound, production, and FEEL needed for this tribute to deliver a live experience that would resonate on the highest level with the most avid Journey fan. The band has been on a whirlwind journey ever since, growing quickly from a weekend-warrior act into one of the most highly sought after tribute experiences in the country.
On Friday, July 19th, The Cadillac Three take the stage. Also from Nashville, the high energy trio is known to fuse classic Southern rock with the sounds of outlaw country. Singer-guitarist Jaren Johnston, drummer Neil Mason and lap-steel player Kelby Ray have known one another since they were teens and have been sharing stages together for nearly 15 years. The fellas are known for their songs “Party Like You,” “White Lightning,” and “The South” which featured guest appearances by Dierks Bentley, Florida Georgia Line and Eli Young. Their latest full-length, Legacy, released in 2017 and new single “Crackin’ Cold Ones with the Boys” is available now. Outside of the Cadillac Three, Johnston is a notable songwriter in his own right, co-penning tunes for Tim McGraw (“Southern Girl”), Keith Urban (“You’re Gonna Fly”), and Jake Owen (“Days of Gold”).
All night shows are held in Anderson Arena. Main stage acts are included with fair admission. Special seating and ticket packages are also available. The Pit Pass will be offered again this year at just $29. A limited number will be sold per show and the deal will include stage-side viewing, a private bartender, and private restroom facilities.
Additional Fair highlights include the Northstar Amusements Carnival, Bozeman Roundup Ranch Rodeo, Mud Bog, and Rocky Mountain Wife Carrying Championship. Other exciting events include the Warrior Run and Barnyard Brawl. Finally, the Morrison-Maierle Corral will feature Bugology, Extreme Dogs, Kids Pedal Tractor Pull, turkey races, Freckle Farm Petting Zoo & Pony Rides, Tyzen – Master Hypnotist, a comedian juggler, and so much more!
The Big Sky Country State Fair will be held July 17th–21st in Bozeman. Visit www.406statefair.com to purchase tickets and for more information on this year’s festivities. •
