Home town celebration….that’s what the Livingston, Montana 4th of July event is. The best part  – it start July 2nd  and goes through the 4th.

The annual event begins July 2nd with several bbq’s in downtown Livingston and then the parade.  First Interstate Bank hosts a delicious free bbq, open to the community,  in their parking lot located next to the bank on Callendar and 2nd.

Plan to come early….the sidewalks fill up quickly for the parade!  You want to get a shady spot on 2nd or Main Street if possible.  So grab a free lunch and park your lawn chair or  fanny on the curb.

The  parade in Livingston is truly a hometown experience.  Marching, uniquely designed floats, local bands and music, mules and beautiful horses, Shriner clowns and even the fire department all come out for this event.  Heck, the town shuts down for the parade!!

The PRCA Livingston Round-Up Rodeo is every night at 8:00 p.m. with professional rodeo wranglers from all over the country.  It’s complete with the clowns, bull riding, bronco riding, barrel racing, roping and classy ladies who captivate you with  grace and beauty as they ride.

At the end of each evening, spectacular fireworks are displayed.  Of course at the cummulation of the rodeo on July 4th, the fireworks are at their best.  But the show is grand any night and you won’t be dissapointed.

If you can’t handle the rodeo (but I’m telling you, it’s a rich experience if you’ve never been), you can take in the fireworks from just about anywhere in Livingston.  Of course the closer you are to the Fairgrounds the better the view.

I’m completely serious when I tell you that we have visitors who come from all over the country for the events over the 4th of July. Livingston is abuzz with friendly faces, layed back attitudes and lots of glorious summer beauty. I mean, how can you beat the vibrant green landscape with the snow-capped purple mountains in the back drop?

If you are fortunate enough to be in Livingston for the 4th of July celebrations, stay long enough to take in a raft trip down The Yellowstone River or The Madison River or fish the rivers and streams. Take in Yellowstone National Park or head up over the Beartooth Highway for an incredible drop in temperature  (you’ll hit 11,000 feet) and some of the most beautiful phot ops you will ever see.

Whatever you do, plan your summer vacation to include the Livingston parade and rodeo.

If you are looking for a great time to come to Livingston,Montana Summerfest 2009 , has arrived!  It is worth the effort to plan your vacation around this event.  This year, the 10th annual Summerfest will be  July 17, 18, 19. 

Held on the banks of the Yellowstone River in Sacajawea Park, downtown Livingston, Summerfest is an outdoor music festival like no other.  This years event will host famous groups like The Drifters, Ringling 5, The Max, Bop-a-Dips and The Fossils as well as many others.

Music, dancing, food, and lots of fun for families!  There are vendors of food, crafts, jewelry… and a libation station!

Kids swim for free at the local pool (located in the park), face painting, basketball and lots of other kid friendly activities.

Check out the car show!  Hot rods, oldies, muscle cars….you are sure to find it at Summerfest!

The bands perform in the band shell with a large “dance floor” directly in front.  From there it’s wide lush green lawn to sit on.  Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. You can find shade or sun.  Visit the vendors at your leisure or just kick back and enjoy the view of the Absaroka Mountains while listening to the music.

There is an admission fee, but hey, the money goes back into the community to the Recreation Department and the Civic Center, which are responsible for our youth programs.

Gates open Friday from 4:00 – 10:00, Saturday 11:00-10:00 and Sunday 11:00 – 5:30.  For more info go to www.livingstonsummerfest.com