Story by Laurel Hunt | The Electric summer intern

Looking for something fun this weekend? Look no further than Augusta, Montana.

On June 27, the Augusta American Legion Rodeo celebration kicks off, with a wide variety of festivities, leading up to the rodeo at 2 p.m. June 29.

“The Augusta Rodeo is one of the oldest rodeos in Montana and the rodeo grounds are steps from downtown Augusta,” Tia Troy said.

She’s the volunteer rodeo chair for the Augusta Area Chamber of Commerce.

Although the rodeo brings people in from various places and allows them to see what else the town has to offer, it also focuses people on the heart of their community.

“Once people come out to the rodeo, chances are they’re going to come back to Augusta to recreate memories, enjoy other events and support our community and what it has to offer,” Troy said.

In its 88-year history, the rodeo has become a tradition for families across central Montana.

This year’s parade theme is 88 – Let’s Celebrate!

Part of the excitement is local competitors, including Ross Mosher and Denver Krone, competing in steer wrestling.

Other Montana cowboys and cowgirls look forward to contributing to the excitement of Montana rodeo.

“Rodeo weekend is a big deal for Augusta – it brings people to our community, introduces them to Montana’s state sport and gives them a taste of small town life,” Troy said. “It’s also a heck of a good time and is an event that helps provide a strong economic boost for locally owned small businesses.”

The weekend festivities are below.

June 27

Live music at:

• The Taylor Agency
• Buckhorn Bar
• Western Bar
• Lazy B
• Outlaw

June 28 

• Wapiti Fun Run (sign up in front of the school)

  • 10K at 8 a.m.

  • 5K at 9 a.m.

  • 1-mile run at 10 a.m

• Vendors along Main Street

  • Jewelry, clothing, tumblers, birdhouses, wood items, home goods, herbal products, metal art, a hat bar, quilts and more

• Games for kids
• Parade starts at 2 p.m. along Main Street
• Rodeo slack performances start at 5 p.m.
• Live music at:

  •  Allen’s Maniz Store

  • Buckhorn Bar

  • Lazy B

  • Western Bar

  • Outlaw

June 29

• Vendors along Main Street

• Games for kids

• Rodeo begins at 2 p.m.

Augusta businesses will be serving up tasty food and libations. Grab breakfast at Outlaw Women’s Saloon and lunch and dinner at Buckhorn Bar, Lazy B Bar and Café or Outlaw Women’s Saloon, as well as dig into world-famous tacos from Allen’s Manix Store.

While in Augusta, peruse local shops like Lightning Bug Coffee Shop and Boutique, F.M. Mack and The Forge, and sip on wine at Blue Pine Wine. Stroll through vendor pods to pick up local items, snacks and food.

Buy general or reserved tickets at 406tix.com. General admission tickets will be sold at the gate.