We’re getting into fall festival season. Coming up September 5th through 8th is the Gallatin County Fair and 62nd annual Popcorn Day celebration in Ridgway. This Thursday, things get underway with the Baby Photo, Little Miss, Little Mr., Lassie, Junior Princess and Junior Miss contests at 5pm. It’s also the first night for the carnival with unlimited ride armbands available for $20 each. The 5K Color Run and Walk starts at 6pm. It’s also Gospel Night Thursday with the Phelps Sisters set to perform at the Ridgway Fire Department. That comes your way at 7pm.
Friday night entertainment includes the Beauty Queen contest at 7. That’s at the uptown stage. Also at 7 Friday, down at the fairgrounds, the UTV, ATV and motorcycle Barrel Races. Gates open at 5pm for that event.
Saturday is the day…the 62nd annual Popcorn Day festival. Action gets underway early with Helicopter rides available from 9:30am to dusk from the St. Joseph ballfield. The kiddie parade starts at 9:30 as well, that’s uptown. It’s followed by kids contests, an annual favorite which includes frog jumping, popcorn eating and bubble gum blowing contests at the main stage. The big Popcorn Days parade gets rolling at 1pm on Saturday. This year’s theme is Masquerade on Parade and entertainment on the main stage starts at 2:30 with John Ryan kicking things off. Down at the fairgrounds, the IHFSPA Tractor Pull gets started at 3pm. It’s followed at the fairgrounds with a Speed Horse show at 6pm. Entertainment on the main stage continues at 4:30pm with Back Paiges…followed by Kati Lynn taking the stage at 6:15pm and the headliner 6 to Midnight plays a free concert beginning at 8pm. As is always the case, you can enjoy free popcorn Thursday and Friday night. Saturday, Popcorn Day attendees will enjoy free popcorn all day long.
