The premier event of the Montana Bale Trail is the annual WHAT THE HAY contest. This amazing display of whimsical, cleverly decorated and sculpted hay lines a 22 mile route from Hobson to Utica to Windham. Expect to see over 50 hay bale sculptures. People’s Choice Ballots will be handed out at the contest entrances in Hobson and Windham, beginning at 8 a.m. Live ballot voting ends at 5 p.m.
Experiencing the amazing collection of hay bale artwork on the Montana Bale Trail is a true Montana bucket list item. Come take part in this unique contest.
The fantastic and imaginative bale sculptures are displayed in fields along the “Bale Trail,” a 21 mile loop just south of U.S. Highway 87. The “Bale Trail” runs along state highways 239 and 541 with the eastern end being in Hobson, the western end at Windham, and Utica (home of the famous Oxen Yoke Inn) being the halfway point.
The “What the Hay” (Montana Bale Trail) is organized by The Friends of the Hobson Library/Museum and sponsored by local businesses and private individuals. It is held annually on the first Sunday following Labor Day in conjunction with the Utica Day Fair. This truly unique event features “am-hayzingly” creative and (most often) quite amusing sculptures made of hay and straw.
There are two categories in the bale building competition: adult and children under the age of 13. Sculptors have come from all walks of life and have ranged in age from 3 to 83. The only BASIC rule is that each entry must be made of hay. Any person is welcome to enter the contest and there is absolutely NO entry fee. For those people interested in joining the competition, hay bales and a display location can be provided. For further contest information contact the Hobson Library and Montana Bale Trail at 406-423-5453.
For more information check out https://www.montanabaletrail.com