BILLINGS, MT – It’s a new version of a decades-old event. As the Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE) gets ready to celebrate its 53rd year, guidelines set by the county and state health department regarding the health of the community, the NILE staff and board of directors have designed a new version for this fall’s event.
In a statement from the NILE organization, “The team at the NILE has worked diligently utilizing the advantage of time, to plan for an event that can capture the mission of our organization, continue to focus on youth, provide opportunities to feature outstanding livestock, FFA/4-H events and educate the 4th grade students across the state.”
This years events won’t take place at the usual MetraPark location. But organizers will host events starting September 30th through October 18th that include some classic programs and some new events to be held at the Miller’s Horse Palace in Laurel, Mont. Other shows will use virtual digital technology. While most events will continue, others that cannot be held under current limitations such as the Ranch Rodeo and PRCA Rodeos won’t be held this year.
Many horse events across the county and state have been given clearance by the Governor and County Health Officials. The NILE staff feel that they can manage the current restrictions (social distancing, sanitation, etc.) all while continuing to provide exhibitors with high quality shows and sale.
Events pertaining to youth will continue to be held. The smaller events of the Club Calf Show & Sale and NILE Merit Heifer Program are manageable based on the restrictions. Both shows and the sale will also be broadcast online.
However, the Open Breeding Cattle Shows, Progeny Pen Parade and the Commercial Heifer Pen Show will not take place in 2020. It was decided that logistically, with current restrictions, it would not be possible to properly social distance exhibitors in the stalling area, wash racks, staging areas and seating areas.
The Junior Fed show will be held virtually and there will be no sale this year.
Attendance each year at the NILE has grown to nearly 63,000 attendees including exhibitors, contestants, volunteers and enthusiasts with an economic impact of over $6.4 million dollars each October to Billings and Yellowstone County.
For more information visit www.thenile.org
