Meet Me In Montana
Oh, Montana. Any excuse to drive through, vacation in, or visit friends who are more like family.
This winter, Bucking Horse Sale ads kept popping up on my Facebook and Instagram feeds. Not a huge surprise as I get a lot of vendor/trade show content thrown at me on the daily as I work from my social media accounts. I thought, “What if?” I definitely could make it happen financially as this business has grown a bit. Of course, trade shows come with some uncertainty - especially with our nations economy always up on a politician-manufactured tight rope of some kind... I decided to take the risk.
The ‘World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale’ is a several day event that brings thousands of people to a tiny town each May. It’s a sale of bucking horses, but it’s also horse races, concerts, street dances, food trucks, vendors and more. There’s so much to do whether a thrill seeker or a family of littles. I guess it earned the name ‘Cowboy Mardi Gras’ back in the 70s and 80s, but everything I’ve experienced is very tame and family-friendly.
I was able to stay with a family of one of my best school friends, and able to catch up with so many people. Friends from school, church, friends’ parents and grandparents. Miles City is this tiny part of the world that never moves on. It’s a storybook town, and it’s like stepping back in time a little. Things don’t move as fast and their way of living doesn’t modernize quite like the rest. It’s still a cowboy town - people with highly trained workhorses and sky-high tolerance to alcohol consumption. Also, some of the most kindhearted people who will drive way out of their way to see or help you.
It wasn’t all fun and relaxation. We worked three very long days in the vendor halls, broken up by conversations, hugs, hellos and goodbyes. It was also COLD. I mean, I remember how long winter lasts up there, but was dumb enough to bring sunscreen and bug repellent mid-May. (Next year I’ll leave those at home…) I was covered in a blanket and wore my brown, faux leather, tassel sleeved jacket almost every day. Because I didn’t bring a coat! Speaking of clothing…my financial manager & consultant had insisted I keep up with social media while on this trip by posting Outfit Of The Day and tagging brands. Also, dropping my location and the events. This actually did help boost our following, as did the 1,000 followers giveaway (also her idea). If I wasn’t in my booth, I was working on social media photography or posts.
Oh…side note: We also sold a lot of tallow. I’m happy to say we came home with a lot less luggage than we took with us.
We stopped in Wind River Canyon for a photo shoot - why? Wyoming is one of the most beautiful places on earth. If you love the west but not crowds, you should plan a trip this summer. Yellowstone National Park is incredible, but isn’t the only thing worth seeing. God’s handiwork is out there. Enjoy it!
Another side note…did you know my husband broke his foot two months ago and this company has helped us survive? Thank you. Thank you SO DANG MUCH. Every order directly supports our family and the families of those who work for us. We couldn’t have gotten through this without it.
June 1st we have a really fun launch which I’ve made extremely dramatic posts about…and trying to roll out our most branded content. Trying to narrow down our ‘vibe’ has been difficult, but we are getting there with your help.
If you made it through my ramblings…use code MCBHS2025 for 10% off your next order ;)
Thanks for supporting our small business and family!
xoxo
Katie Jo
