The Augusta Rodeo

In Montana, the last weekend of June is famous for the Augusta Rodeo. Considered one of the best rodeos in the state, the small ranching town in north central Montana comes alive with a parade on Saturday, the “Slack” (where competitors qualify for the Rodeo) on Saturday night, and the Rodeo on Sunday afternoon. Augusta’s Main Street is filled with people drinking, partying, enjoying the weather and visiting with their neighbors. Latigo and Lace, a local boutique and art gallery, hosts an art opening on Saturday night, this year’s show was inspired by Montana author’s book titles—the artists were invited to create a painting interpreting one of the titles. The opening draws a diverse crowd: ranch owners, workers, out-of-state landowners, and local residents come to enjoy all that Sara Walsh, the owner, creates.

Many wandered to the Buckhorn Bar to buy a drink and then walk over to the Rodeo grounds for the Slack. With drinks in hand my friend and I walked down the alley as six members of the Sheriff’s Department strolled by and gave us a friendly hello. We stood by the gate to the arena to be near the horses and the cowboys. Kent Mosher, a great cowboy, was leading his four-year-old granddaughter around on a kind horse talking with his friends and neighbors. Mary Sexton, the Director of the Montana Department of Natural Resources, was in the stands with her friends. Summer finally got into full swing this weekend with temperatures in the 70s and clear skies. The country looks so lush; the wildlife are so happy! We ended the evening by returning to Ringside and having a barbecue on the deck, while watching the sunset and the mule deer grazing in the meadow below. It was a wonderful Augusta weekend!