Dozens of riders took over Cool Alley Arena on Thursday for the opening night at the 2026 Last Chance Stampede and Fair rodeo, featuring bucking horses, bulls and cattle ropers.
Athletes made their way to the Queen City from several countries, including Canada, Australia and the U.S.
Photos: Riders entertain crowds during the 2026 Last Chance Stampede and Fair rodeo
Logan Smith leaps from his horse during a tie-down roping event at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds during the 2026 Last Chance Stampede and Fair rodeo on July 23.
A flag bearer rides around the Cool Alley Arena on July 23 during the 2026 Last Chance Stampede and Fair rodeo.
Ryan Zurcher, left, swings his lasso around in the air chasing a calf in a team roping event on July 23 during the 2026 Last Chance Stampede and Fair rodeo.
A scene from the 2026 Last Chance Stampede and Fair in Helena on July 23.
Chase Brooks holds on during a saddle bronc competition at the 2026 Last Chance Stampede and Fair in Helena on July 23.
A scene from the 2026 Last Chance Stampede and Fair in Helena on July 23.
A scene from the 2026 Last Chance Stampede and Fair in Helena on July 23.
Anna Pethel is seen through sponsorship banners at the Cool Alley Arena in Helena on July 23 during a barrel racing event at the 2026 Last Chance Stampede and Fair.
Payton Fitzpatrick holds onto a bull during a bull riding event in Helena at the 2026 Last Chance Stampede and Fair on July 23.
Helicopters fly over a crowd at the Cool Alley Arena in Helena on July 23 during the 2026 Last Chance Stampede and Fair.
A crowd watches a team-roper participant fall over his horse that trips over a calf on July 23 in Helena at the 2026 Last Chance Stampede and Fair.
Liam Pauley, a saddle bronc rider, is flung backward at the 2026 Last Chance Stampede and Fair on July 23.
Rodeo clown Matt Merritt, left, challenges an attendee in a staring contest while blowing a leaf blower at his face on July 23 during the 2026 Last Chance Stampede and Fair.
Ben Ayre runs toward a calf in a tie-down roping event during the 2026 Last Chance Stampede and Fair on July 23 in Helena.
Madison MacDonald-Thomas suspends herself from her horse at the 2026 Last Chance Stampede and Fair rodeo on July 23.
A scene from the 2026 Last Chance Stampede and Fair in Helena on July 23.
A scene from the 2026 Last Chance Stampede and Fair in Helena on July 23.
Ira Dickinson participates in a saddle bronc event at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds' Cool Alley Arena on July 23 during the 2026 Last Chance Stampede and Fair.
A skydiver glides through the air with an American flag waving in the sky on July 23 before the start of the rodeo at the 2026 Last Chance Stampede and Fair at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds.
A scene from the 2026 Last Chance Stampede and Fair in Helena on July 23.
Charleyne Yeager attempts to rope a calf in a breakaway roping competition at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds on July 23 during the 2026 Last Chance Stampede and Fair rodeo.
A scene from the 2026 Last Chance Stampede and Fair in Helena on July 23.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.