5th ANNUAL FIDDLERS PICNIC RALLY, 2017, Livingston, MT
The Fiddlers Picnic Rally was held August 4-6 at the Mercier Ranch just South of Livingston, MT. This Tin Can Tourist rally is held on the same property and at the same time as the Montana Old Time Fiddlers Picnic each year. It is a fundraiser for the Picnic. The Picnic has been held for over 40 years and the Rally is in its 5th year.
About 500 pickers attend and many of them camp on the ranch. The Fiddlers Picnic Rally attendees parked in their own area and benefitted from “surround sound” all weekend. Some of our attendees brought their instruments and joined the fun. The Picnic provides the meat and condiments for a well attended potluck and a free pancake breakfast Sunday. With plenty of coffee for those who were toe tapping too late into the evening.
Trailers from Michigan, Florida, California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Montana attended. There were some rare brands, some cool vintage tow vehicles and great restorations. New friends were made and old friendships renewed. There were first timers and rally veterans. One trailer didn’t make it because forest fires limited egress from their property in Western Montana, another couple of trailers had problems on the road (campfire tales for the future!).
No campfires were allowed due to the extreme fire danger but tales were told and a pop up hors d’oeuvres party filled the need for dinner. The weather was grand, with a near full moon.
The Old Mercier Ranch is on the South side of Livingston which is the gateway town for Yellowstone’s North Entrance. It sits on the bank of the Wild and Scenic Yellowstone River. The town is fun and there is lots of fishing, hiking, biking and horseback riding to be had in the area.
We look forward to seeing you August 3-5. 2018 for the 7th Annual Fiddlers Picnic Rally.
Hope to see you this year