Alzada Cowboy Poetry, Music and Art Show

The 30th Annual Alzada Cowboy Poetry, Music and Art Show will be held on Sunday, October 6th at the Alzada Community Hall in Alzada, MT. It will be a double celebration as the Alzada Community Hall is 90 years old, having been built in 1929. Because of extra time for recalling the history of the hall and the beginning of the annual event, this year's show will not have featured performers or artists but rather recognize all those who have helped over many years. Alzada Community Club members appreciate the continued support of the audience.

Organizers of the show are excited each year to see the new art and new and former performances. The building opens at 10 a.m. for viewing of artwork. The free program of poetry and music begins at 1 p.m. and traditionally continues until about 5 p.m. The Alzada Community Club, along with help from many community members, will serve lunch all day. Proceeds from the meal are used for yearly expenses and maintenance. Door prizes will be given.

When the Alzada Community Club organized the first show in 1989 to celebrate the Montana Centennial, they never envisioned that it would still be happening 30 years later. The first show was to provide funds to rewire the old hall.

Over the years, the show has helped facilitate the building of a smaller meeting room and kitchen and refurbishing the building several years ago. Siding and new windows have been added to the hall, along with a new heating system.

The community building is used for many things including the annual show, school and youth activities, anniversary parties, baby and wedding showers, elections and funerals. In the past it was also a popular spot for dances throughout the year, especially after the annual rodeo. Many recall when the heating system was a big wood fired stove in the corner and that the hall was used for youth and men’s basketball. Likely, the community builders of the building never dreamed that it would still be so valuable 90 years later.

An additional bonus of the show is many friendships which have been formed in a four state area among the performers, artists, audience and Alzada community members. It has been likened to a huge family reunion since traditionally about 200 people attend each year. Children have grown up attending the event and now bring their own children to enjoy the show. Senior citizens especially enjoy sharing the day each year.

Anyone interested in performing or showing artwork is asked to contact Gay Arpan, (406) 828-4517, email kgarpan@rangeweb.net or Chris Maupin (307) 467-5260, email cmaupin@rtconnect.net. Likewise, they would love to hear from people who have memories of the hall.

Each poet, musician or musical group may do two selections. Artwork may include paintings in any medium, photographs, leatherwork, sculptures, needlework, quilts, woodwork or other art projects. Each artist may bring three items to display. Organizers would like the artwork to be there by noon on Saturday.