Share

Rating: 5.0 (1 vote)

• Photos
• Video

• • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 

  • Previous
  • Next
• • Last Chance Stampede celebrates history
  • Monkey business at Last Chance Stampede
  • 
  • 

  • Previous
  • Next
  • Last Chance Stampede celebrates history
  • Monkey business at Last Chance Stampede

The Last Chance Stampede & Fair in Helena is a blast from the past this time around, and there's also a little "monkey business" going on this year.

The Stampede is taking a step back into history with a "50 Years Of Memories" exhibit.

Organizers are celebrating 50 years of the Last Chance Stampede through memorabilia from prior rodeos and events, with some items dating back 100 years from the original fair.

The Montana State Fair was held in Helena until an earthquake destroyed water lines and buildings in the 1930's; it is now held in Great Falls.

By the early 60's a group of men put together the tradition that continues today in Helena.

You can meet 26 former Stamepde queens as well as view old posters, picture, ribbons, and belt buckles.

Also on tap this year is some "monkey business," courtesy of Sam, a white-throated capuchin monkey.

Sam, along with border collie Bob and trainer Tim Lepard travel around the country performing with Team Ghostriders.

Lepard has trained Bob using special hand and voice commands to do things like herd sheep.

He says it takes a special dog to do the performance with a monkey on his back.