The 2024 Montana State Fair extends a heartfelt THANK YOU to all who worked, exhibited or attended and made this year’s fair unforgettable. The enthusiasm of our fair goers is a testament to the love of the fair in our community. Funkanometry, Cast In Bronze and the Mirror Men provided new grounds entertainment for enjoyment. New this year was BINGO at the 3 Rivers Communications stage. Bingo was well received and was enjoyed daily. It was a great way to get out of the sun, relax, have some fun, meet new folks and enjoy some great food and maybe even be able to yell BINGO!! Milk-A-Goat stole the show in its new location with FFA, Tomaskie’s Mules, and Barnyard Friends.
Even with the high temperatures and a changing economic landscape, fair goers embraced the spirit of the fair. We were thrilled to see families and friends come together to make lasting memories and celebrate the best of what the Montana State Fair has to offer.
The 2024 Montana State Fair was a strong year with revenues of more than $1,850,000. Fair goers enjoyed their traditional favorite fair food on Food Alley. Sabores de Oaxaco added some spice to the lineup while Firehouse added a Spam Slider and Spam Fries. All the returning concessionaires were back for guests to enjoy their favorite items. The food concessionaires grossed $841,114.
Starship & Foghat, BUSH, Trace Adkins, Tape Face, and the Newsboys set the stage for the night show lineup in the Pacific Steel & Recycling Arena. Jeff Dunham delivered an unforgettable performance, with all new material, captivating the crowd with his trademark humor and engaging characters. The audience was thoroughly entertained on Friday, August 2, as he provided a much-needed dose of absurdity for anyone who needed a good belly laugh.
From gentle carousals to thrilling “Speed” rides, the Mighty Thomas Carnival has a ride for everyone and every age group. Over the course of the nine-day event, The Mighty Thomas Carnival grossed $826,191. Fun was had by all!
Friday, August 2, was the most visited day at the fair with 12,948 fairgoers enjoying a day at The Mighty Thomas Carnival, PRCA Big Sky Pro Rodeo, and the Jeff Dunham show. Total paid guests at the 2024 Montana State Fair were 72,718. The total fair gate admission revenue was $407,562.
Rodeo enthusiasts felt the ground rumble and the fans roar as the most daring cowgirls and cowboys took on the PRCA Big Sky Pro Rodeo produced by Sankey Pro Rodeo and Phenom Genetics. Women’s Breakaway Roping made its debut at the 2024 PRCA Big Sky Pro Rodeo. Attendance for the 4-night event was 8,856. Pepsi Night brought 2,582 rodeo fans for the final night of action-packed rodeo.
Commercial vendors provided their unique items and best deals for the Fair shopper and there were many fantastic new items purchased throughout the course of the event.
Competitive Exhibits took center stage throughout the week with judging and awards displayed for the viewing pleasure of the fair guest. The heritage of the fair starts with Competitive Exhibits. Junior Livestock crowned several Montana State Champions over the course of their show.
AND….”You’ve Got Plans” for the 2025 Montana State Fair, opening on Friday, July 25 through Saturday, August 2 at midnight. See you next year!
