The annual Roundup Independence Days Extravaganza (that’s RIDE for short) brings music, rodeos, parades and quirky contests to the small town less than an hour north of Billings.
The four-day event, July 1-4, leads up to Independence Day with three evening concerts at the Roundup City Park, beginning Monday at 7 p.m. with Dancing in the Dirt featuring Zen.
The High Country Cowboys open Tuesday’s concert at 7 p.m.; this trio of Montana-born and bred brothers delivers traditional western sounds and three-part western harmonies, punctuated by award-winning yodeling, courtesy of lead singer Marty, named Yodeler of the Year three times by the Western Music Association. Ronnie McDowell, whose string of hits includes “The King Is Gone,” and chart toppers “Older Women” and “You’re Gonna Ruin My Bad Reputation,” takes the stage next.
On Wednesday, July 4, Jason Larson warms up the stage for Laura Velvet and the Bookhouse Boys. This talented show band delivers soaring vocals, energetic music and dazzling costumes in songs ranging from jazz and rock to funk and soul.
More Roundup fun
RIDE festivities kick off Sunday with Cowboy Church, and the annual Buttons and Bows Youth Rodeo.
Monday’s events include a Top Shot Competition at the Roundup Gun Club. A parade travels down Main Street at 11 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by Beer Barrel Water Wars (a fundraiser for the fire department). The park hosts Kids’ Kountry from 12:30-5 p.m. Tuesday, featuring Battle Balls and Laser Tag, booths and food vendors, followed by the evening concert and fireworks.
R.I.D.E. wraps up on the Fourth with a 5K run/walk/ride at 7:30 a.m. (register at imathlete.com), another parade at 11 a.m., and the Rodeo Roundup, 2:30 p.m. at the fairgrounds. The evening concert and fireworks cap Fourth festivities.
A wristband, which provides admission to all events except the run and rodeo, is $30 for adults, $5 for ages 6-12 and free for 5 and under. RV parking is available, and participants should bring their own chairs.
For details, visit www.roundupindependencedays.com, visit Facebook, or call 406-323-4163.