In the dead of winter, silent January, ranchers and farmers have a brief reprieve before calving and lambing begins.  At a time when snow softly blankets the world-famous grasslands of our Big Sky Country, winter wheat is sleeping and everything on four legs is carrying a baby.  Life is silently growing! The earth is renewing life and its energy. Montanans are pausing to celebrate the agricultural lifestyle we love!  Montana Winter Fair, with roots of origin going back to 1946, is a celebration of Montana’s world-class agricultural production and enviable “western way of life”.

The public is encouraged to attend and participate!  There are no gate fees for the overall Winter Fair.  The skijoring and equine clinic do charge a small spectator fee.  If you choose to participate in an event, please check the individual events for participation fees, rules and registration.

Schedule of Events:

Friday, January 17, 2025

10am -2pm: Central Montana Research Roundup

The 2025 Research Roundup topic: Using Winter to Help Grow Crops in Central Montana.   

Location:
Eagles Club
124 W Main St.
Lewistown, MT

2:00 pm - 7:30 pm: Western Expo Trade Show

Montana Winter Fair's Western Expo Trade Show brings together a unique blend of farm, ranch, home, art and food booths that highlight Montana's western way of life.

Attendees
There is no entry fee for this event.

View vendor list below
Western Expo Vendor Registration

Western Expo Booth Pricing and Information

Location:
Trade Center
Hwy 191 North
Fergus County Fairgrounds
Lewistown, MT

Livestock Judging Contest

Schedule:

1:00 pm- Check-in
2:00 pm- Judging
4:30 pm- Awards

Registration
Review Rules, then complete online registration below.

Registration deadline:  Thursday, January 16, 2025
No late registrations will be accepted.

A release of liability must be signed prior to participation.

Livestock Judging Rules & Information

Livestock Judging Registration

Location:
Livestock Pavilion
Hwy 191 North
Fergus County Fairgrounds
Lewistown, MT

2:00pm-6:00pm: Qulilt & Fiber Arts Show

Exhibit open during the Montana Winter Fair

People's Choice and Quilter's Choice will be awarded at 2pm on Sunday via Facebook Live.

Registration
Please review rules, print registration form and attach to your entry.
There are no entry fees

Quilts and Fiber Art pieces must be delivered to Lewistown's Sew Pieceful between January13th & 16th or mailed to the LSP at 214 W Main Street, Lewistown, MT 59457 (Entries must be postmarked by 1/06/25).  There will be a maximum of 5 entries per person.

Qulilt & Fiber Arts Show Rules & Information

Qulilt & Fiber Arts Show Registration

Location:
Ag Building
Hwy 191 North
Fergus County Fairgrounds
Lewistown, MT

Savor the Flavors of Montana

Wheat, whiskey and wine... beef, barley and beer... sample the food and drink grown & produced under the Big Skies of Montana.  Catered by Brooks Market, Lewistown.  No host cash bar provided by the Wrangler, Grass Range.  Featuring Willie’s Distillery spirits.

Schedule:

5:15 pm: Doors Open
5:30 - 7:30 pm: Food & Drink Tasting

Tickets are $25 and are available online below.

Your payment will be securely processed using the Stripe payment platform.

An online processing fee will be assesed on all online ticket purchases.
You will receive a payment confirmation once your payment has been processed.

All tickets purchased online will be held at will call for pickup the night of the event unless other arrangements are made.

Location:
Trade Center
Hwy 191 North
Fergus County Fairgrounds
Lewistown, MT

Saturday, January 18, 2025

9:00 am - 4:00 pm: Western Expo Trade Show

Montana Winter Fair's Western Expo Trade Show brings together a unique blend of farm, ranch, home, art and food booths that highlight Montana's western way of life.

Attendees
There is no entry fee for this event.

View vendor list below
Western Expo Vendor Registration

Western Expo Booth Pricing and Information

Location:
Trade Center
Hwy 191 North
Fergus County Fairgrounds
Lewistown, MT

9:00am - 4:00pm: Qulilt & Fiber Arts Show

Exhibit open during the Montana Winter Fair

Gallery Reception

All are welcome and encouraged to attend the Fiber Artists' Reception on Saturday, January 18th at 10am. This is a great time to visit about the exhibition and meet other artists!

Registration
Please review rules, print registration form and attach to your entry.
There are no entry fees

Quilts and Fiber Art pieces must be delivered to Lewistown's Sew Pieceful between January13th & 16th or mailed to the LSP at 214 W Main Street, Lewistown, MT 59457 (Entries must be postmarked by 1/06/25).  There will be a maximum of 5 entries per person.

Qulilt & Fiber Arts Show Rules & Information

Qulilt & Fiber Arts Show Registration

Location:
Ag Building
Hwy 191 North
Fergus County Fairgrounds
Lewistown, MT

Ag Ambassador Contest

The Ag Ambassador Contest is open to ANY junior high or high school student. You do not need to be a 4-H or FFA member to participate.  The Prepared Speech portion of the event will take place in Lewistown, MT on the morning of Saturday, January 18th. All other portions of the contest will be completed virtually.

Awards (4 categories)

Prepared Speech: 1st Place - $150, 2nd Place - $75
Newspaper Article: 1st Place - $100, 2nd Place - $50
Radio Spot: 1st Place - $100, 2nd Place - $50
Social Media Posts: 1st Place - $100, 2nd Place - $50

There is no registration fee

Ag Ambassador Rules & Information

Ag Ambassador Contest Registration

Location: Trade Center/ Virtual

Cat Show

Schedule:
1:30 pm - Registration
2:00 pm - Show

Registration
Review Rules, print registration and bring with you for on-site registration the day of the event.

Cat Show Rules & Information

Cat Show Registration

Location:
Trade Center
Hwy 191 North
Fergus County Fairgrounds
Lewistown, MT

Chili Cook-off

Schedule:

10:00 am - Registration
11:00 am - Judging

Chili served immediately following the judging.

Registration
Print registration form below, fill out and bring with your entry on the day of the event.
There is no fee for this event

Chili Cook-off Rules & Information

Chili Cook-off Registration

Food Safety Information

Location:
Trade Center
Hwy 191 North
Fergus County Fairgrounds
Lewistown, MT

Cinnamon Roll Bake-off

Schedule

10:00 am- Registration
11:00 am- Judging
Cinnamon Rolls served immediately following the judging.

Registration
Print registration form below, fill out and bring with your entry on the day of the event.
There is no fee for this event

Cinnamon Roll Bake-off Rules & Information

Cinnamon Roll Bake-off Registration

Food Safety Information

Location:
Trade Center
Hwy 191 North
Fergus County Fairgrounds
Lewistown, MT

Dog Weight Pull & Clinic

Dog Weight Pull (Saturday), extra harnesses for others to try.

Dog Weight Pulls, 10am and 1pm

Dog Weight Pull Registration, January 18
$20/ dog/ pull

Morning Pull:
Weigh In: 9:00 am; Pull Start: 10:00 am

Afternoon Pull:
Weigh In: 12:00 pm; Pull Start: 1:00 pm

No charge for spectators both days.

IWPA Dog Pull Information

Location: Main Fairgrounds Entrance

Fiddle & Picking Contest

Schedule:

8:00 am - Late Registration & Warm up
9:00 am - Round 1 (3 required tunes)
1:00 pm - Round 2 (3 tunes)
6:30 pm - Round 3 (3 tunes)

Age Divisions
Class 1: Peewee – 8 & under
Class 2: Junior-Junior – 9-12
Class 3: Junior – 13-18
Class 4: Adult 19 and over
Class 5: Junior Picking (12 & Under)
Class 6: Picking (13 & Over)

Registration
Please read all rules, regulations and registration info by clicking the buttons below.

Fiddle & Picking Rules, Fees & Information

Fiddle & Picking Registration

Location:
School of Music
Montana Day Building
224 W Main St
Lewistown, MT

10:00am: Lewistown Hoppers

Jump Roping demonstrations and opportunities to try out your jump roping skills.

No Registration is needed.

Location:
Trade Center
Hwy 191
Fergus County Event Center
Lewistown, MT

10:00am - 4:00pm: Old McDonald's Barn

Please contact Rhonda or Randy if you would like to bring an animal to display.

All kinds of animals, big and small!!!
There is no cost to attend this event.

Please contact Rhonda or Randy if you would like to bring an animal to display.

Spectators
There is no charge for this event

Location:
Draft Horse Barn
Hwy 191 North
Fergus County Fairgrounds
Lewistown, MT

Poultry Show

Schedule:

2:30 pm - Registration
3:00 pm - Show

Registration
Review rules, print registration and bring with you for on-site registration the day of the event.

Poultry Show Rules & Information

Poultry Show Registration

Location:
Trade Center
Hwy 191
Fergus County Event Center
Lewistown, MT

Rabbit Show

Schedule:

3:30 pm - Registration
4:00 pm - Show

Registration
Review rules, print registration and bring with you for on-site registration the day of the event.

Rabbit Show Rules & Information

Rabbit Show Registration

Location:
Trade Center
Hwy 191 North
Fergus County Fairgrounds
Lewistown, MT

3:00pm - 5:00pm: Saddle Fits, Bits and Sore Horses

This casual, interactive session will be conducted by Candi Zion of Winifred, MT, rancher and horsewomen who has over 50 years experience training colts and barrel horses.  

Candi will share her knowledge of bit types, how they function, and when and what bit to use. With the help of Candi's ranch horse, Diamonds for Romance, a practical demonstration of saddle fitting and a discussion of what is making your horse sore will follow.

Registration
No registration is needed.

Location:
Trade Center
Hwy 191 North
Fergus County Fairgrounds
Lewistown, MT

Skijoring

Schedule:

10:00am: Competitor meeting followed by track inspection.

11:00am: Races begin

Spectators
Regular Seating
$5 per day, 12 and under free;  Bring blankets for warmth;  Concessions will be available.
You may NOT bring your own heaters.
Enter the 3rd gate at the Fergus County Fairgrounds and watch for signage.
The public is not allowed in the competitor staging area or on the track.

Hot Spots
$50 per day, Includes 8 seats and 1 patio heater. Limited number, must be pre-purchased.
Contact Jennifer at 406-366-1677 with questions.

Registration
Review Rules, then complete online registration.

Skijoring Rules and Information

Skijoring Intent to Enter

Skijoring Information

Location
Grandstands
Hwy 191 North
Fergus County Fairgrounds
Lewistown, MT

6:00 pm: Skijoring Party, Calcutta & Auction

Join us for a live band, skijoring calcutta and live auction! More information coming soon!!

Location:
Stockyard Bar
Hwy 191 North
Lewistown, MT

Stick Horse Rodeo

Schedule:

10:00 am - Registration
11:00 am - Stick Horse Rodeo

Registration:
Children ages 3 to 8, as of the day of the event, may participate.
There is no charge for this event.
Please register on location the day of the event.

Stick Horse Rodeo Rules and Information

Stick Horse Rodeo Release Form

Location:
Livestock Pavilion
Heated Sale Barn
Hwy 191 North
Fergus County Fairgrounds
Lewistown, MT

Yearling Horsesmanship Clinic

Training and techniques for yearling horses.  Groundwork exercises to help prepare your young horse for saddling, riding and liberty work.

Schedule:

10:00am - 12:00pm: session
1:00pm - 3:00pm: session

Registration & Fees

Auditors - $10 for all sessions

Handlers - $50 for 2-hour session

Contact Chris (406-366-2606) for more information and registration

Location:
Livestock Pavilion
Hwy 191 North
Fergus County Fairgrounds

Sunday, January 19, 2025

Youth Beef Show

Schedule:

7:00am - 9:00am - Check-in
10:00am - Show

Registration
Review Rules, then complete online registration below.  

Registration forms and fees must be received by Thursday, January 16, 2025, 6:00pm. No late entries are accepted.

Youth Beef Show Rules & Information

Youth Beef Show Registration

Stalling Information

Spectators: There is no entry fee for this event.

Location:
Livestock Pavilion and Sale Barn
Hwy 191 North
Fergus County Fairgrounds
Lewistown, MT

10:00 am - 1:00 pm: Western Expo Trade Show

Montana Winter Fair's Western Expo Trade Show brings together a unique blend of farm, ranch, home, art and food booths that highlight Montana's western way of life.

Attendees
There is no entry fee for this event.

View vendor list below
Western Expo Vendor Registration

Western Expo Booth Pricing and Information

Location:
Trade Center
Hwy 191 North
Fergus County Fairgrounds
Lewistown, MT

10:00am - 2:00pm: Qulilt & Fiber Arts Show

Exhibit open during the Montana Winter Fair

People's Choice and Quilter's Choice will be awarded at 2pm on Sunday via Facebook Live.

Registration
Please review rules, print registration form and attach to your entry.
There are no entry fees

Quilts and Fiber Art pieces must be delivered to Lewistown's Sew Pieceful between January13th & 16th or mailed to the LSP at 214 W Main Street, Lewistown, MT 59457 (Entries must be postmarked by 1/06/25).  There will be a maximum of 5 entries per person.

Qulilt & Fiber Arts Show Rules & Information

Qulilt & Fiber Arts Show Registration

Location:
Ag Building
Hwy 191 North
Fergus County Fairgrounds
Lewistown, MT

Dog Weight Pull & Clinic

Dog Weight Pull Clinic (Sunday), extra harnesses for others to try.

Starts at 10:00 am
No Registration Needed
Beginner/ novice training
Harnesses will be available.

No charge for spectators both days.

IWPA Dog Pull Information

Location: Main Fairgrounds Entrance

Skijoring

Schedule:

10:00am: Competitor meeting followed by track inspection.

11:00am: Races begin

Spectators
Regular Seating
$5 per day, 12 and under free;  Bring blankets for warmth;  Concessions will be available.
You may NOT bring your own heaters.
Enter the 3rd gate at the Fergus County Fairgrounds and watch for signage.
The public is not allowed in the competitor staging area or on the track.

Hot Spots
$50 per day, Includes 8 seats and 1 patio heater. Limited number, must be pre-purchased.
Contact Jennifer at 406-366-1677 with questions.

Registration
Review Rules, then complete online registration.

Skijoring Rules and Information

Skijoring Intent to Enter

Skijoring Information

Location
Grandstands
Hwy 191 North
Fergus County Fairgrounds
Lewistown, MT

Date: January 17 - 19, 2025

Location: Various Locations

Click Here for More Information