Russell Dickerson to Perform at the NW MT Fair Rodeo
Submitted by Sam Nunnally,
Fairgrounds Manager
The 2023 Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo is scheduled for Aug. 16-20 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell and will feature a performance by rising country star Russell Dickerson, three nights of PRCA Rodeo action and a Big Air Bash. Tickets for the concert and all other grandstand events are now available for purchase at the fair office and online at www.nwmtfair.com. Dickerson is known as a high-energy, fun-loving singer/songwriter whose hits include Platinum chart toppers “Yours,” “Blue Tacoma,” “Every Little Thing,” “Love You Like I Used To,” and “She Likes It.” He recently released his third album through Triple Tiger Records, featuring 15 tracks that represent a fusion of different musical genres and eras that combine to produce a vibrant country sound. After graduating from Nashville’s Belmont University, Dickerson hit the road with his self-written songs, often relying on his wife for not just inspiration, but photography, video production and more. As his car’s odometer racked up miles, Dickerson said it became tough figuring out “something country fans would like.”
“I told myself ‘I’m just gonna keep going,’” Dickerson said. “‘I’m gonna keep driving my run-down SUV all across America playing for 25 people and 250 bucks a night, until something happens.’” Eventually dismissing the idea he could figure out what fans wanted, Dickerson instead embraced what he liked, and 2015’s “Yours” was the result, followed by several more hit songs.
Dickerson will perform on Wednesday, Aug. 16 at the Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo. Reserved seating tickets are $45, and party pit tickets are $55. General admission tickets for everyone over the age of five are $35. Children age five and under will be admitted to the general seating area free of charge. All tickets purchased prior to arriving at the fair include admission to the grounds. The concert is sponsored by Kalispell Toyota & Northwest Toyota Dealers.
The Ram PRCA Rodeo runs Aug. 17-19 and will feature world-class athletes from Canada and throughout the United States aiming for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Events include bareback, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, barrel racing and bull riding. Reserved seating tickets are $35, and general admission tickets for everyone over the age of 12 are $30. General admission tickets for children ages six to 12 are $15, and children age five and under will be admitted to the general admission area free of charge. On Aug. 17 only, seniors age 65 and older can purchase a general admission ticket on the fairgrounds for $15 for that evening’s rodeo The fair culminates on Aug. 20 with the return of the popular Octane Addictions Big Air Bash, a motorcycle and snowmobile stunt show featuring riders who have competed and medaled in the X Games. Adult tickets are $20, children ages six to 12 are admitted for $10, and children ages five and under are seated free of charge in the general admission area. For more information about the Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo or to purchase event tickets, visit www.nwmtfair.com or stop by the fair office during business hours.
Tester Secures $119.9M
Submitted By Sarah Feldman—Tester’s Office
In his continued push to ensure Montana communities have access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet connectivity, U.S. Senator Jon Tester today secured $119.9 million through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to build out high-speed internet to 61,000 locations across the state. This funding comes from ARPA’s Capital Projects Fund, which prioritizes building out internet infrastructure in areas that currently lack access to reliable internet. “As a third-generation farmer living in a rural area, I’m no stranger to the challenges Montanans face when their community lacks reliable, high-speed internet access,” said Tester. “Since I came to the U.S. Senate, I’ve been working to increase high-speed internet connectivity across our state so that folks in rural Montana don’t fall through the cracks. That’s why I fought for this funding in the American Rescue Plan, and I’m proud to see these federal dollars finally going to projects that will serve every corner of the Treasure State.”
This funding will be used to provide high-speed internet access to an estimated 61,100 locations across the state of Montana. Internet service providers that receive this funding will also participate in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides a $30 per month subsidy for low-income families. Tester is Montana’s leading champion for high-speed internet connectivity in rural America. Earlier this week, following Tester’s push, the FCC released new and increasingly accurate maps that illustrate what internet service options are available to a particular residence. Tester also worked across the aisle for months to negotiate the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) with a group of five Republicans, four Democrats, and the White House. Tester secured significant wins for Montana in the legislation, including $65 billion to deploy broadband to areas across the country that lack internet access and additionally make online connectivity more affordable.