Summer truly is our favorite time of year in West Yellowstone and although we are a small town, the family-friendly fun you can have celebrating the 4th of July may amaze you. We do the holiday right in Montana and because the 4th falls on a Friday this year, making it the ideal time to make your way out here and explore all that makes America’s birthday unique and special. We at Sweet Home Montana have done the research for you, finding all the West Yellowstone 4th of July activities you can enjoy on this wonderful holiday and listing them here to make it easy and don’t forget that all roads lead home to our comfortable holiday hideaways!
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This Day has it ALL!
West Yellowstone is known as being the gateway to Yellowstone National Park, but we think it should be known for having the best Independence Day celebration in the nation, and yes, that includes the one celebrated at the National Mall in Washington DC. Below is a list of activities you can expect during your stay in our hometown.
Stock Your Kitchen with Goodies from the Farmers Market
The day starts with the opening of the Farmers Market, held on the lawn of the Museum of the Yellowstone, starting at 1 PM. Offering local produce, flowers, homemade baked goods, and a selection of vendors selling their hand created items, this Farmers Market celebrates the joy of small town life as it celebrates our country’s 249th birthday.
Pie on the Porch
Historically, families have taken their sweet treats to the wide front porches of their homes, especially in the days before air conditioning and our own Pie on the Porch activity pays homage to those days. Held at the Union Pacific Dining Lodge, each slice costs $5, baked by some of the areas most talented bakers, and although it is called Pie on the Porch, there is also inside seating should you want a roof over your head. Starting at 1 PM, this is a fundraiser with the money going to the Library Foundation, the sponsor of the event, but be sure to be there early, because once the pie is gone, its gone.
Buffalo Chip Chuck, 3-5 PM, Pioneer Park Baseball Diamond
A somewhat unusual event, the Buffalo Chip Chuck is exactly what it sounds like. Participants toss dried patties of buffalo waste, with prizes going to the one who can toss their chip the furthest. There’s no need to feel grossed out though, the chips are collected in the winter, are thoroughly dried out and cured, before being covered in a thick coat of varnish. This is also a fundraiser for the library in town, and if nothing else is good for a laugh and probably some dramatic gagging by the youngest in your traveling group. (But we bet that their dramatization is all for show and they may want to try some buffalo chip chucking themselves!)
4th of July Parade, Everyone can Enter
Aren’t small town parades just the best? This one invites everyone to take place, but if you don’t want to march, its ok. Every parade deserves an audience and we can assure you your cheers, waves, and applause will be most appreciated. If you do decide to participate, dress up in red, white, and blue, wave your flag, and watch your step; the horses that are in the procession do not wear diapers and their “chips” will fall where they may. The parade starts at 6 PM and you will be judged; there are 3 prizes given to the best costume or float!
Free Music in the Park Concert
Starting at 5PM and lasting until the Fireworks begin to light up the sky, the music will have you dancing in your seat and as the kiddos run mild around the grassy area, the music plays loudly, and the sun shines down brightly you may wonder why you waited this long to check out 4th of July in West Yellowstone. It really is the most fabulous of days.
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Wild West Rodeo
Although the rodeo isn’t a specific holiday activity and it is held a little further away from the main parts of the celebration at the West Yellowstone Rodeo Grounds, this is an all-American adventure we know your entire family will adore. The rodeo starts at 7PM, so you may miss out on the music of the free concert, but we definitely think it’s worth it!
FIREWORKS!
The fireworks begin at 10:15 and by the time the sky lights up with the colorful explosions, we know you will be more than ready. Pioneer Park offers the best views of the show, but guess what? You can basically see the show from anywhere in town and that may include your own back porch in your Sweet Home Montana holiday hideaway. Reserve your favorite Yellowstone vacation rental today and be prepared to celebrate like you never have before!
