Find the real Montana in Helmville on Labor Day weekend

Labor Day marks the end of summer in Helmville and most of Montana. The hay is baled and the cattle haven't come home from the native pastures. Children are either in school or about to start. For ranchers, it's a hiatus between haying and the fall work.

Over fifty years ago a number of ranchers decided to take their horses to the old rodeo grounds a half-mile from town and spend the day enjoying various contests that included horses and horsemanship.

The day was a success and was repeated during the next years, with competition for children and some horse races being added. Over time the event got larger, with more public and more contestants.

There is a large grandstand on the grounds which were the scene of rodeos for number of years during the 1920's and 30's. But the event gradually faded away, replaced by baseball, which was popular after WWII. Many small towns in Montana had their own teams in those days, so the rodeo area was converted to a baseball field during the 1950's.

Baseball gradually fell out of popularity, so the old grandstand and arena/baseball diamond sat abandoned for an extended time, until the local ranchers decided to make use of them for their own enjoyment.

The event grew in popularity and size, and eventually the community built a set of corrals plus an arena. The town decided to offer two-day rodeo to the public. It's grown every year since, with professional cowboys and livestock taking the place of the small collection of horsemen who started the tradition. It's become a homecoming weekend, when people who once lived in Helmville return to shake hands and renew acquaintances. From a collection of locals leaning on their pickups, watching the few events, the rodeo has matured into a well-known occasion, considered one of the best small rodeos in Montana. It now draws a couple thousand spectators during the Sunday and Monday of Labor Day.

It's an easy show to attend, and surprisingly inexpensive. Entrance for adults is only $7, with younger children paying less. There are acres of good parking and very little, if any, congestion at the gate.

If there are lines at the concessions, they're short. Hamburgers and hot dogs are cheaper than at any cafe or restaurant, as are the beer and soda pop. It's less expensive than staying home and mowing the lawn.

The show itself is well run, and there is no delay between events. Both the cowboys and the rough stock are high quality professionals, plus there are some activities in which children can participate. Spectators from Missoula, Butte, and Helena are easily home before dark.

The large grandstand was renovated only a year ago, and offers excellent protection from the sun and wind. With other stands around the arena, there is no lack of seating.

The local bar sponsors a dance on Saturday night, and there is a one at the community hall on Sunday night. Given the reputation for rowdiness at rodeos, the Helmville dances are an anomaly, being family friendly and peaceful.

The area offers acres of parking, plus room for campers or camper trailers.

They serve breakfast on Monday morning for less than people would spend eating at home.

Helmville is located only twenty miles from the Drummond exit on I90, and fewer than ten miles from Hwy 200, just east of Ovando. The drive is less than two hours from Butte, Anaconda, Helena, or Missoula. It's a short and pleasant drive.

Many people who have guests seeing Montana and the rural world for the first time make the rodeo a new experience for their visitors, It's more spectator friendly than the large shows where the audience is far from the action.

So if you have a vacant day or company you can't decide how to entertain on Labor Day, consider the Helmville rodeo. It's the real Montana.