“That Big of a Parade”: After Nearly a Decade, Montana Rodeo Enthusiasts Return to Heavy Traffic and High Spirits

Residents of the quiet town of Billings were in for a pleasant surprise on Saturday, October 14. The Montana area saw unusually heavy traffic on the weekend – traffic of a different kind. No, it wasn’t cars, SUVs, wagons, or RVs. It was a huge herd of cattle! What were so many animals doing in Billings all at the same time? Apparently, it was part of a ‘cattle drive’, organized by The NILE.

The NILE organised the cattle drive in the East Billings Urban Renewal District. According to KTVQ, there were more than 50 head of cattle roaming on the streets. The favorite cowboys and cowgirls accompanied the animals. It’s the first time in almost 10 years that a cattle drive has been organized in Billings. The cowboy area is perfect for such a drive, where current and former equestrian and rodeo professionals reside.

Rodeo and Cowboy Western Lifestyle

The cattle drive in Billings was part of an initiative “to enhance and preserve the Western way of life”, revealed Leah Clark, general manager, The NILE Rodeo, adding, “And what’s more Western than a cattle drive?” She said that “favorite part” was seeing families understand that they need to “have their children here to learn about livestock. To learn about the cattle industry…”.

However, it’s not the first time such a drive took place. The Billings Cattle Drive used to be held earlier, with the last one being in 2014. “We’re almost 10 years (later). In 2014 it was a part of The NILE,” said Clark. This year, The NILE brought the drive back. The organization held the cattle drive in partnership with the Billings Industrial Revitalization District and the Alpha Overhead Door company.

History of Cattle Drive in Billings

A six-day cattle drive was organized from Roundup to Billings in 1989. As many as 4,000 cattle participated in the cattle drive that was 60 miles long. “That was the big cattle drive where they brought cattle in from outside of the city,” revealed Clark, calling it an “awesome experience”. She said that the 2023 cattle drive is not “that big of a parade” as the one in the eighties, but it is a comeback drive. 

She is as excited about the 2023 cattle drive in Billings. Family and friends come together in droves to catch a glimpse. Clark said that part of the purpose of the event was youth education. “So not only do we have youth here, but on Monday and Tuesday, we’ll have 1,700 fourth graders and we’ll have 1,800 4-H and FFA members,” she revealed.

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“We would really like to encourage people to come to the rodeo on Sunday. It’s a matinee, it’s a great time to come for the family,” she urged. One such family who visited Saturday’s cattle drive was that of Dan Mortensen, an equestrian world champion. 

In his 17 years with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), Mortensen won the saddle bronc rider world championship six times. He was adjudged the all-around champion once. “It’s a good Western heritage event, livestock event…Beautiful morning and fun times…,” Mortensen said of the cattle drive. 

Clark further informed about a high school showcase at the event. In this, the top two high school rodeo competitors from Montana will get a chance to compete with professional cowboys. Isn’t it a good way to introduce kids to the Western way of life?

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