The Retort

Summer Review

September 25th, 2009 by Lou Donaldson Of The Retort Staff

Alas, the days of summer’s warmth are beginning to dwindle and soon the wraps of winter shall once again be upon us. Although the days of merriment and warmth are fading fast they are not yet gone, and the memories of summer fun shall hopefully sustain until the warmth returns.

This year, as in years before, the state fair came to town with attractions galore. Rides, Indian tacos, the annual rodeo, and several concerts were some of the excitement at Montana Fair.

Hopefully many young girls were able to attend the Kelly Clarkson concert, if for no other reason than to see the curvy influential singer without the benefit of air brushing so commonly found on magazine covers. For the older generation, Peter Frampton made a well-received appearance with lower ticket prices.

As usual, there was bull riding, rodeos, arena cross, and the big air bash. At the fair there were also many open air events, for example, L.A.R.P.ers (live action role playing) and clog dancers from Roundup.

One humorous attraction this year was the Pokémon-themed fun house. The funhouse was an obvious proclamation that the Pokémon franchise is dying out. It’s clear something is on its way out when they make it into a rather lame carnival fun house.

Montana Fair was, as always, a wondrous event of sights, sounds, and smells. It would be even better if fair and park officials would lower the entrance price.