Santa Claus returns to Ovando

Christmas Fest in Ovando

After 14 years of losing weight due to missing Thanksgiving Weekend, Cowboy Claus has rescheduled his annual visit to Ovando Montana and the Blackfoot Valley for the first Saturday in December. December 5th to be exact this year. Yup he is changing up the annual Ovando Old West Christmas Fest.

For one day only, at 1 pm, Cowboy Claus will, as he has in the past, arrive into downtown Ovando via highway 200 on his steady stead, Nick. At the Museum he will greet the kids, have them sit on an antique saddle, and listen to their Christmas holiday wishes. After which he reports directly to Santa Claus who has relegated the rural areas of Montana to Cowboy since he understands ranch kids a bit better.

As in the past those joining Cowboy Claus in Ovando from 10 am to 6 pm will be Too Tall Tom with his axe throwing, Ovando Outlaw shooters, wagon rides around town, gingerbread house making, kids face painting and activities, and back due to popular demand: The Bite of Ovando Cook Off. The starring competitive food this year will be Meatloaf. There’s millions of way to fix it up. So no loafing around; bring in your best and vote for the rest. Winner gets a $25 beef gift certificate and a trophy with eternal bragging rights.

When darkness falls the beauty of a holiday decorated hamlet called Ovando comes alive along with a bon fire at the edge of town to take the chill off, and roast some s’mores. Food venders will be around town serving up fry bread to chocolates, burritos to sliders; and a few local artisans will be showing off their crafts wares for sale.

Ovando Old West Christmas Fest, Saturday December 5th, 10 – 6; located mile marker 44 to 45 off highway 200; between Missoula and Great Falls. For information contact Kathy, Ovando Organizer of Frivolous Affairs at 406-793-0018.