Co-founders cancel 31st Annual Alzada Cowboy Poetry, Music and Art Show

There will not be an Annual Alzada Cowboy Poetry, Music and Art Show this year according to founders, Gay Arpan and Chris Maupin.

The women who have produced the show since 1989 have decided to cancel due to COVID-19 concerns, noting that seating arrangements can not be made to accommodate health guidelines inside the Alzada Community Hall.

The show is traditionally held on the first Sunday in October and has always attracted a sizable crowd that fills the hall. When the Alzada Community Club organized the first show to celebrate the Montana Centennial, they never envisioned that it would still be happening 30 years later. The first show provided funds to rewire the old hall.

Over the years, it 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 over 90 years later.

Alzada Community Club members are hopeful that the show will take place again in 2021.