The year marks the 23rd consecutive Montana Bale Trail, formerly called "What the Hay." Started as a good-natured "spoof" between two neighboring ranchers, this event has now become a nationally recognized celebration and in 2003 was named as Montana's Tourist Event of the Year.

This event now sponsored by The Friends of the Hobson Library/Museum is held annually on the first Sunday after Labor Day, the featured attraction of the Event is an eye-catching and "am-hayzing" display of more than 50 incredible hay bale sculptures lining the Montana Bale Trail. The Bale Trail is a 21 mile long loop of state highways 239 and 541 just south of U.S. Highway 87. The eastern entrance to the loop begins at Hobson, the western end is at Windham, with Utica (home of the famous Oxen Yoke Inn) located directly in the middle.

The hay bale sculptures are displayed in fields between Hobson and Windham (Highways 239 and 541), with Utica being the halfway point. Titles of the bales are mounted next to each entry. There are two categories: adults and children aged 12 and under. The only rules are it must be made out of hay. Any one from anywhere is welcome to enter the contest; hay and a location can be provided. Entrees are free.

Montana Bale Trail is a fun community event the whole family will enjoy. You will spend the day viewing creative hay bale sculptures and touring the small towns of Hobson, Utica, and Windham. The three communities combined boast a wide array of dining and social opportunities.

Beginning in 1990 the event has grown from a handful of entries to over 50 entries. Numerous television spots and press articles in out-of-state newspapers and magazines such as People and Sunset have covered this curious event. Although local farmers and ranchers make up the majority of the sculptures, there have been entrants from all parts of Montana as well as California, New York, and Arizona.

For further information about the Montana Bale Trail visit our website at http://www.MontanaBaleTrail.com.