News & Events

Wild West Fest

The Wild West Fest is an annual event held at the Kleffner Ranch and presented by The Montana Living History Program.  Currently slated for the second Saturday and Sunday in August they offer two fun filled days of  "all things western."  The Montana Living History Program is an organization of volunteers dedicated to re-creating and re-enacting the days of Old West Montana.  The heart of their program is their volunteers who are skilled and experienced artisans, re-enactors, equestrians, firearm experts and historians. Their program is supported by the fundraising efforts of this annual Festival.   

Press Release

The Fourth Annual Montana Wild West Fest will be held August 8 and 9, 2009 at the historic Kleffner Ranch in East Helena. The Fest will be a two day celebration of Montana Frontier Heritage and a showcase for "All Things Western."

Lush green fields along the Prickly Pear stream and the largest historic barn in Montana provide the background for The Festival events.

The Festival emphasizes the cowboy era (1860 - 1914). Attractions include the largest gathering of Montana gunfighters in one place. over 50 re-enactors will be on hand for the daily shootouts at the Prairie Dog Town outdoor theater. National and local western entertainers will provide performances at the open-air stage.

There will be various Living History Exhibits including blacksmithing, goldpanning and the Camp Courage military encampment by the U.S. Second Cavalry.

Western vendors showcase a variety of merchandise for sale, food, ice cream and drinks at reasonable old-fashioned prices are available at The Fest.

The public is invited to participate in the Chili-Cookoff, Quilt Show and Victorian Fashion show. Horse drawn wagon rides and horse rides are also at The Fest.

Saturday, beginning at 5:00 p.m. is a Western Bar-B-Que. Tickets are limited to the first 150 guests. The Frontier Ball begins at 7:30 p.m. and the AM String Band will provide the music for this gala event. Tickets to the Ball are $10 per person and $3 for kids under 12.

The day fee for admittance to the Fest is $6 for persons 12 and older. Kids 5 to 11 are $2 and children under 5 are free. Once you are through the gates, all daytime activities at the Fest are free.

For more information about the Fest and a schedule, look at the website www.montanalivinghistory.org or call 406.458.3700.