"What’s the Prairie Fest All About"?

Over the past 30 years Sheridan County has lost over 60 businesses and half its population. Young people every year leave looking for financial opportunities elsewhere. This departure prevents new businesses from investing and life in Sheridan County (and for much of rural America), as we know it, is in danger of becoming extinct. Everybody, at some point in time, has said that "SOMETHING" has to be done. The Prairie Fest and the concept is one of those "somethings." It may not be a cure-all – but it’s a start.

The Sheridan County Economic Development Corporation, along with the newly formed Plentywood Economic & Alumni Foundation, Montana Adventures Marketing and other organizations have decided to make a stand and take a road less traveled. The plan is to create an alternative economy through tourism, recreation and entertainment. It’s a major undertaking, but with everyone’s help and support it’s more than just possible. To get the ball rolling a series of special events and festivals are already in the planning and marketing stages. The first one is scheduled this summer, June 28 through July 6 called the “1st Annual Sheridan County Prairie Fest 2003.” Plans to promote a Fall Festival and a Winter Carnival are also being considered, plus an ongoing series of special events and fundraisers promoted by Montana Adventures. These events may include: chariot racing, ski joring, tractor pulls, drag racing, national dance competitions, theater plays, music promotion, concerts, mountain and road bike racing, kayaking, triathlons, duathlons, marathons and . . . . quiltingathons? (more information will be available at the mixers and in future newsletters).

The underlying goal for organizers is to provide an ongoing forum to showcase Sheridan County and provide
benefits for businesses to possibly relocate and former residents and alumni to return. Immediate goals is to
stimulate the existing economy, work with the local merchants to expand and create new business opportunities, and
encourage young people to stay and establish their careers at home.

As part of the local promotional process and to bring awareness to the program (as are these weekly email news releases), a series of of information and social mixers are planned. They will be held every other week (usually on Friday) hosted by a variety of county businesses and merchants. The mixers will provide the time and place to distribute information, answer your questions, create momentum and also provide an economic opportunity for the host location. The mixers are free — just show up and have some fun. Food and beverages will be served. Special planning meetings have also be scheduled and will be held on a regular basis. These meeting are not social events, but are scheduled to work on the "nuts & bolts" and to address the hard questions such as issues with trash, security, lodging, rest rooms, permits, traffic, signage, marketing, liability, money and all the the other fun stuff associated with planning an event. So if you want to find out first hand "What-We’re-Up-To" we urge you to attend these meetings. The following events are scheduled for February and March. We welcome your comments and suggestions.

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FEBRUARY 7 – FRIDAY
PRAIRIE FEST MIXER. Robin Hood Lounge in Plentywood. 6 PM. Everyone welcome. Finger food, Happy Hour priced
beverages served. Up-to-date information regarding the festival will be available. Karaoke and regular Friday night
activities as usual at the Hood.

FEBRUARY 8 – SATURDAY
PRAIRIE FEST PLANNING & SCHEDULING MEETING 1 PM in the Jubilee Room at the Courthouse in Plentywood.
Individuals or companies hosting, or considering hosting a Prairie Fest event, civic organizers, clubs plus anyone
interested in volunteering are urged to attend.

FEBRUARY 9 – SUNDAY
JAM SESSION at the Blue Moon. 3 PM ’til 9 PM. If you missed the mixer at the Robin Hood on Friday Prairie Fest information will
be available at this time. This is also one of the last events for the Moon before the new owners take over.

FEBRUARY 14 – FRIDAY
VALENTINE’S DAY?

FEBRUARY 21 – FRIDAY
PRAIRIE FEST MIXER Heil Photography in Medicine Lake (the old Moose Lodge building. 605 Minnehan, of 5th St.). 6 PM, Everyone welcome. For additional information call Lisa Schmidt 789-2549, or numbers below.

MARCH 7 – FRIDAY
PRAIRIE FEST MIXER at the Stockman’s Bank in Plentywood. 6-8 PM. Everyone welcome. Stockman’s Bank and Plentywood Power Equipment are co-promoting the Prairie Fest Top Farm Hand Competition. Event information and sign-up will be available.

MARCH 21-22 FRIDAY & SATURDAY
FARM EXPO. Civic Center in Plentywood. Prairie Fest is tentatively planning to maintain a booth and hosting a mixer following the event Friday evening the 21st. Location TBA?

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PRAIRIE FEST CONTACTS:

Dennis Ketterman MONTANA ADVENTURES. Event planning, marketing, advertising, volunteers and newsletter. 765-1401. [email protected].

Mickey McCall Sheridan Economic Development EDC 765-8088. [email protected].

Karla Aus Chamber Rep and county wide lodging. 765-2810.

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Thank you and we look forward to seeing you this Friday (before or after the game) at the Robin Hood.
Dennis Ketterman