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Annual Belgrade Fall Festival draws thousands to celebrate

Posted at 5:59 PM, Sep 15, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-15 19:59:57-04

BELGRADE, Mont. – The 55th Annual Belgrade Fall Festival, hosted by the local Chamber of Commerce, brought in around six to seven thousand people to celebrate the changing of the seasons.

Chamber President Kristi Gee said the festival boosts the town’s economy by bringing people from all over Montana to hotels, restaurants and to Lewis & Clark Park.

“Absolutely, one of my favorite things to see in the park is these little pockets of people and I always hear, ‘Oh my gosh I haven’t seen you in forever’ and they are standing there and visiting and that just warms my heart. That is a true community event,” said Gee.

Her husband, Tuder Gee, wasn’t far from her. In fact, he helped serve free food to more than 2,000 people at the Central Valley Fire Station right next to the park.

“It is awesome to be able to do this for free for people because there are some families that are less fortunate and it is a great opportunity to come and if they cannot afford anything then so be it,” said Tuder. “They can come through and have a meal like anybody else.”

Tudor did say the meal of beans, bread, cole slaw, and beef is provided by the Chamber and is free, but the Chamber does accept donations to put on events throughout the community during the year.

Seven-year-old Scarlett Callejas came to the park with her mother, brother and two dogs. She said the best part of the festival was going down the inflatable slide and getting a face painting of her favorite animal, a tiger.

“Yes I am happy and because I love the games here a lot, and also it’s really fun here and magical,” said Callejas.

Close to 100 different booths took part in the festival, ranging from necklaces, clothes, to cotton candy.