The Cowboy Mardi Gras

Just a couple of old bags!
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Every year right about this weekend, Miles City goes from being the small, western, ranching town to home of the world famous, Bucking Horse Sale. http://missouririver.visitmt.com/categories/moreinfo.asp?IDRRecordID=8915&siteid=92  So just what is a bucking horse? I asked the same question. Well,think bull riding only done w/ horses.  (there are bull riding events as well though). This is a major event for the community and Southeastern, Montana as it draws many fans, potential buyers and those who just want the opportunity to have open containers on Main St. in downtown Miles City, Mt. The weekend starts with a outdoor concert, this year featured Trent Tomlinson, a rising country star. I use that word sparingly as his appearance and moves as well as some of his songs are more that of a rap star. Not the best concert we've ever been too. In years past groups such as the Bellamy Bros, and Charlie Daniels have come to Miles City. Unfortunately for us we got to see a Puff Daddy wanabee who says he wants to be the next Hank Williams Jr. (what's up w/ that?).

Bucking Bronc
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The rest of the weekend, was more enjoyable though. On Friday night there was bull riding, which we didn't make it to, but later that evening we did attend the street dance, what could affectionately be described as getting a drunk on. The town cordons off a section around the bars in town, three bands set up and play throughout the night. Starting roughly at 9Pm and going until who the heck knows, you pay $1 to enter the area and go from bar to bar, buying drinks, having the ability to NOT just drink IN the bar, but taking your drinks outside while listening to music, partying and dancing. Needless to say, as the night wears on you find yourself dodging drunks. We spent a few hrs  there enjoying some beers, the people watching was incredible. It's like a giant frat party! We hear that it has TAMED down considerably but is still known as the Cowboy Mardi Gras. The best part of it all, it was within walking distance to our house. (No drunk on for us, though)

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Saturday continues with several events, one being the parade down main street.  This was quite the parade, with your typical entrants but them some rather humorous floats. Our most favorite was the car carrying "just a couple of old bags". They were driving w/ bags on their heads. Then there was the giant oil rigging machinery, a business in Miles City that drills horizontally for oil. Geez, will wonders never cease. Where else can you find a dog that gets to travel around in a baby stroller? (just check out the photos) The event draws a drum and bugle corp from Sheridan, Wyoming who dress in attire reminiscent of General George Custer. (Miles City IS in Custer Co. after all). After the parade it is customary for them to go from bar to bar w/ a following, pounding their drums et al. The day continues with a bucking horse sale over at the fairgrounds. These are horses that are brought in for sale for buyers interested in finding that one in a million bucking horse that will win them money in rodeos. Amateur riders get on these rather excitable horses and attempt to ride and stay on the bucking beasts for the 8 secs. to show potential buyers just what these animals are capable of.  Intermingled between these events are typical horse races which you place your bets. Woo woo, we were big winners of .20 cents on one race, 1.00 on another. (Bring on the wheelbarrow). It was a fun, sunny afternoon. Later that evening, people head back over to the giant "beer garden" on Main st. for more of the frat party. On Sunday, there is what is known as the Match Bronc ride, where professional riders are auctioned to highest bidder and compete against each other for points, once again riding those bucking bronc horses. Although it is a dangerous sport, there requires significant strength, talent and big kahoonas to ride those horses. Once again another beautiful sunny, but hot afternoon but very windy. Of course, everyone wears jeans and boots here, but on no not me, I'm in my shorts and Teva sandals. Let's just say that w/ all the wind, and dust, I actually looked like a had a tan on my legs. Now I understand why everyone wears bluejeans in 80 degree weather. (City slicker, I know)

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Sunday night we could still hear those wild cowboys partying over on main street, the bar scene and Monday morning, I saw a very nice cowboy walking down the street in front of our house, obviously lost and not able to find where he parked his pick 'em up truck.

Just check out some of the fabulous photos Rich got at the bucking horse, matched bronc ride as well as some of the races.

Next weekend we head to Yellowstone for the Memorial Day weekend. We are renting a cabin just outside the park and are looking forward to driving the park in search of wildlife. That should be awesome but everyone keeps telling us, we will probably see or have snow. We'll have to see.

Where else can a dog get a ride in a baby stroller?
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Till next week

Dee, Rich, Scooby and Bear.