Little Shell hosting Indian Relays this summer at Expo Park
Horse racing at Montana Expo Park has been replaced with Indian Relays, organized by the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana, for the 2026 fair.
The relays are set for July 25-26.
This year’s fair is July 24-Aug. 1 and this year’s theme is “Red, White and Fair.”
Susan Shannon, Expo Park manager, told Cascade County Commissioners during a June 23 meeting that more details were coming soon.
On June 12, Shannon told commissioners she’d met with Little Shell representatives but wanted them to be aware of the event before she signed agreements.
She said they were expecting about 2,000 attendees.
Commissioner Joe Briggs said, “people have been asking for this for years.”
During the June 23 meeting, Commissioner Eric Hinebauch said he was curious to see if the relays draw a good crowd.
Shannon told The Electric that the Little Shell had a standard rental agreement for the Expo Park facilities so a contract didn’t need to go before the commission.
The Great Falls Turf Club canceled horse racing for this summer facing “unexpected budget shortfalls” that left it unable to cover the “substantial operational expenses” required to host the annual event.
The club has new leadership and is planning to take the upcoming year to restructure its finances with “the definitive goal of reestablishing the racing in Great Falls,” according to the club.
Concert lineup announced for 2026 Montana State Fair
The Big Sky Rodeo is July 29-Aug. 1 and tickets are on sale now.
Carnival wristbands are also on sale now for $30 through July 24. After that, the price increases.
Shannon said that competitive exhibit entry forms and additional fair details were coming soon.
