Following Thursday’s parade in downtown Great Falls, the first-ever Fourth of July Hootenanny kicked off.
Several blocks off Central Avenue were closed for the event, which included live music, food and beverages. The stage sat at 5th Street and Central Avenue.
The inaugural Hootenanny started around 2 p.m. with singer Carlton Anderson. Anderson grew up in Texas, inspired by country music legends Willie Nelson and George Strait. He eventually became the first person in his family to graduate college, soon signing with Warner Chappell Music. He is now one of the most sought-after songwriters in Nashville.
Country singer Granger Smith headlined the show. A few of Granger’s hit songs include “Backroad Song,” “Happens Like That” and current single “You’re in It.” He has a social media following of 7 million people and recently released his first book: “If You’re City, If You’re Country.” Upon announcement, the book hit number one on Amazon’s best-seller list in pre-order sales.
Admission to the event was free and was sponsored by local businesses, including the Montana Credit Union. All donations went toward the Great Falls Symphony Foundation.
Organizers hope to make the Hootenanny an annual event. For more information on how to get involved with the Fourth of July Hootenanny, click here.
