BILLINGS, MONT. - This year the 47th Annual NILE Stock Show & Rodeo will take place October 14-18 at MetraPark in Billings, MT.  

With the Stock Show Fast approaching, things are active here in Billings. This year's dates are Oct 14-18. From Professional Rodeo, to Cattle shows, a parade, shopping and equine events, the NILE has something to offer for everyone this year. 

NILE week will actually kick off with the NILE Parade where we bring "The NILE Downtown" on October 11 at 2:00 p.m. The NILE Lou Taubert Cattle Drive and Parade will bring a motor less parade and cattle drive of 70 head of long horn steers through the streets of downtown Billings MT.

From there we head into the Stock Show, with Tuesday the 14th being the start of our 13 Cattle Breed shows and the Junior Fed shows spotlighting Junior Fed Market Steers, Lambs, Hogs and Goats. This year we head into Wednesday the 16^th showcasing Ranchers Day at the NILE with our New Commercial Classic Bred Heifer Pen Show and Cattlemen's Cut judging contest. Come see the best cattlemen in Montana present 3 head of commercial bred heifers aiming to win their share of over $10,000 in total cash and prizes. Can't bring heifers to the event? Enter up in the Cattlemen's Cut judging contest and match your skills evaluating cattle against those of our judging panel. The winner receives a prize package valued at over $3500 for a small entry fee of $10.

Be sure to plan on attending the rodeo Wednesday night to watch the Champion Steer Selection as well as seeing the Junior Fed Parade of Champions. Thursday those very animals and kids, will offer their best at the Junior Fed Livestock Sale at 5pm.

Wednesday night the NILE Rodeos take center stage with the NILE Ranch Rodeo Finals, followed up Thursday - Saturday with some of the nation's best cowboys and cowgirls competing in the PRCA/WPRA Professional Rodeos in MetraPark Arena each night at 7pm.

Throughout the week, watch the finest of horse flesh in the NILE Gold Buckle Futurities and Horse Sales. As well, the exciting new event known as the AQHA Ranchers Heritage Challenge will present some outstanding horses in this premier working cow horse event held right in the MetraPark arena Friday morning the 17^th at 7:30 am.

Our Equine Alley, and Trailer Row lead visitors right into the Equine Extravaganza in the Montana Pavilion on Friday and Saturday. View, free of charge, international equine clinicians, the latest in technological advancements in tack, horse health seminars and also see Stallion Row.

Simply want to shop and eat? Visit one of the over 200 vendors and 25 + food vendors on tap for this year's stock Show. Plenty of shopping and dining to meet everyone's desire! From Boots, to boutiques, barn yard supplies and everything in between, there is something for everyone. Take a spin through the vendors and play NILE Bingo for your chance at daily ticket drawings and the shot at the $250 gift card to one of the NILE vendors. 

See you at MetraPark October 14-18. It's just the place to be. 

For a complete listing and details of all the NILE events, go to www.thenile.org or call the NILE office at 406.256.2495.