16th Annual Big Sky Draft Horse Expo - Deer Lodge

Saturday, September 17, 2011 - Sunday, September 18, 2011

The Annual Big Sky Draft Horse Expo, Montana's only draft horse show, will be held at the fairgrounds in historic Deer Lodge. Activities included with the purchase of the $15 event button, Montana's only Quilt and Carriage show which displays heritage quilts, lap robes and accessories with carriages and other vintage horse drawn vehicles, and the induction of members to the Montana Teamster Hall of Fame.

Added attractions include a trade show of a variety of arts, crafts, harness and leather equipment, and others offering a unique shopping experience.

Arena events each day are varied. Visitors will see Belgians, Percherons, Shires, Clydesdales, Fjords, mules and warm-bloods competing in single and team classes including unicorn, tandem, four horse and exciting six horse hitches. All the hitch show horses are decked out in glistening harness with shiny brass or chrome hardware. Teamsters will show their skill and farm style teams while competing in log skidding, cultivating, obstacle course, feed team race and other events. Stick horse or goat races for youngsters from the grandstand provide fun and prizes for kids.

Social gathering to honor "Hall of Fame" inductees on Saturday evening. On Sunday is the Cowboy Church service at the fairground.

The $15 event button provides visitors with two days of Expo, and the Quilt and Carriage Show, trade show, Teamster Hall of Fame induction, 4 days of free entry to 5 museums in Deer Lodge and discounts at selected merchants. Day tickets for only events at the fairgrounds are $8 each and children under 10 years are free.

RVers can stay at several full service campgrounds or can dry camp at the fairgrounds.

Deer Lodge, the Draft Horse Capitol of Montana, is the place to be in September. For more information on these events telephone 406-846-2854 or www.drafthorseexpo.com.