BILLINGS, MONT. - The Northern International Livestock Exposition is taking entries for the NILE Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters Cattle Drive & Parade which will take place on Saturday, October 19 at 10:00 am.  The event will cap the week of activities associated with the 46th Annual NILE Stock Show & Rodeo in Billings, MT.  

Last year was the inaugural event that featured a cattle drive of 50 head of steers along with a trail boss, outriders, a chuck wagon and a bunk wagon that led the motor-less parade through downtown Billings. 

"We were very pleased with how well it went last year and know this year will be even better," says NILE General Manager Justin Mills.  "We really appreciate the support of the city and the Downtown Billings Association in working with us towards our goal of an authentic cattle drive in celebration and honor of our western heritage."  This year the Cattle Drive will be bigger with 100 head of steers, in addition, the Sheridan Drum & Bugle Corps. will also be featured in this year's parade.

The parade will be a motor-less parade, which means all entries must be riding horses or other ride-able animals, in horse drawn wagons, or walking.  A new route has been approved this year that will start at North 24th Street going west on 1st Ave. North, then turn north at North 32nd Street, then turn east onto 2nd Ave. North going east.  While the parade route will end at North 24th Street the Cattle Drive will continue on and end at MetraPark.  KGHL radio (790 am) will be broadcasting the parade under Skypoint, located next to Lou Taubert Ranch Outfitters on 2nd Ave. North. 

The public is invited to join back up with the Cattle Drive at MetraPark and enjoy all the great food and trade show vendors.  Other activities that day will include the Gold Buckle Performance Horse Sale, Angus Sale, cattle shows, and horse training demonstrations.  The day's activities will end with the final performance of the NILE ProRodeo featuring a laser light show and a salute to our veterans and active military. 

Wanted:  Parade Entries

The NILE is seeking Parade Entries for all categories:  Commercial Business, Political, Royalty, Costume or Mounted Individuals, Mounted Groups, Harness Teams, Marching Bands, Drill Units, Individual, Group, Community or Youth Organization, and Non-Profit Organizations.  All entries must be motor-less.

For Entry Information, Forms, or more information you can call the NILE office at 406.256.2495 or go online at:  www.thenile.org.