After a couple months delay, the Historic Main Street Sidney audio tour is ready to go at the MonDak Heritage Center.

On Thursday evening, the public has a chance to experience old-time Sidney like never before as they take a walk through main street, following a narration on an MP3 player. An open house is scheduled from 4-7 p.m. at the MonDak Heritage Center to welcome the tour.

VISTA Jay Witte, who has been working toward getting the tour ready for the public, was finishing preparations for the evening. “I definitely am excited to have it done,” he said. “I hope it turns out well.” After delays in searching for workable, easy-to-use MP3 players, he was able to find a company in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, that specializes in museum tourism.

Everyone is invited to attend the free event and take the tour. Ten players are on hand, though the heritage center may get more depending on how popular they become. Just go to the front desk to retrieve the device. Free food will be on hand for refreshment, and a slide show of pioneer Sidney and Richland County with a description of historical main street.

“It talks about [former executive director of the heritage center] Charlie Evanson who helped to create the downstairs area,” Witte added.

When taking the tour, follow the instruction card attached to the MP3; signs have been designated with the track number and information. “They’re throughout the buildings,” Witte said. “Each has about at least two to three of these signs on there.”

Thirty-seven tracks makes approximately a 40-45 minute tour.

The audio tour was made possible through grants from the Richland County Community Foundation and Humanities Montana.

“I think it’ll be good,” Witte said. “I’ve gone through it. I like it. I think it’s a great new way to experience the downstairs area.”

reporter@sidneyherald.com