Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T L Y M O N T A N A M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 2 80 Great Northern Fair in Havre is famous for its Pronto Pups. To the unfamiliar eye, they might look like regular corn dogs, however they are anything but regular. They are 100% home- made by the Havre Lions Club, and instead of just any ordi- nary hot dog it is made with a neon red Rocky Mountain hot dog. Known for their distinctive flavor, these unique dogs were once made in Havre. For many on the Hi-Line, the Pron- to Pup is the signature flavor of your youth, and it is something that should be on the bucket list of every Montanan. For many of us, it's been a few years since we were last at the county fair, in part because of the pandemic. This year I think I will go to the county fair again. The last time I was at the fair, I remember walking through the livestock barn as I was leaving. The day was almost over, and the summer sun had already disappeared over the hori- zon. Large fans cooled the animals, most of whom lay si- lently in fresh, clean beds of wheat straw. Sitting with her back against one black Angus steer was a young girl, barely 10 years old, and many times smaller than the large animal she sat against like it was a big pillow. With her King Ropes trucker hat pulled over her brow hiding her eyes and sock- less feet inside cowboy boots entirely too large for her feet, she sat alone talking out loud to no one. Except that steer. And her steer seemed happy, chewing its cud, as the girl told him a story, fiddling with a blade of grass in her hands. Maybe if we all had a black Angus friend to chat with, and a county fair to go to every day (or at least once a year), our world would be a better place. Go to the county fair. MAYBE IF WE ALL WENT TO THE COUNTY FAIR EVERY DAY The world would be a better place.

• Cover