Although the celebration will occur on a different date, the Town & Country Festival is expected to be bigger than ever in 2010.

For the first two years of the festival “where the country and city people meet,” the event was held on the last Saturday in June. This year, the celebration is a week earlier on June 19.

There’s a very good reason for the change of date – Savage is celebrating its centennial celebration on the final weekend of June. “Out of consideration to them, we moved our date,” Marci Albin, town and country committee member, told the Sidney City Council Monday.

Organizers want the public to be aware of the date change now so they can plan their class reunions or family reunions for that weekend.

Albin is excited to announce that the Montana National Guard will hold the popular paintball tournament again this year during the festival.

“They got such a great response,” Albin said.

Another new addition in 2010 will include a petting zoo to add to the other youth activities of face painting, Guitar Hero competition and an inflatable castle jumper.

The parade will open the day of fun at 9:30 a.m. Last year’s parade was one of the highlights of the summer, and organizers hope that many class reunions take the opportunity to have a float in the 2010 event.

A rodeo and a free meal will also be highlights of the celebration. The opportunity to thank the community for its support by sponsoring the free meal is still available for any organization or business. Call the chamber office at 433-1916 if you are interested in more information.

“This year’s Town and Country should be our best one yet,” Albin said. “We keep trying to add to the festival in order to guarantee people look forward to it every year.

The exciting day will again end with a barn dance at the fairgrounds featuring a beer garden.

Organizers hope the festival in 2011 will be held in conjunction with Sidney’s centennial celebration.

editor@sidneyherald.com