Randy Diefel
Jul 21, 2026
Trivia Question❓What is the only U.S. state that can be typed using only one row of a standard QWERTY keyboard? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Up, Up and Away: Montana’s Biggest Balloon Event Returns to Billings |
The Big Sky Balloon Rally runs July 23–26 at Amend Park. Weather permitting, balloons will lift off each morning around 6 a.m. Saturday evening’s Field Festival includes food trucks, face painting, children’s activities, live entertainment and the balloon glow. It’s free and family-friendly.
Before You Go:
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Alive After 5 |
Desperate Electric performs Thursday, July 23, from 5–8 p.m. at Thirsty Street Brewing Co. It’s the next-to-last concert of the 2026 season. See the official lineup. |
Yellowstone Valley Farmers Market |
The market is now open for the season and runs Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon downtown at North Broadway and Second Avenue North. Market details. |
🤠 Sara Evans Concert |
Friday, July 24 • 8:00 PM |
📜 Signature Day at Pompeys Pillar |
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🎻 North Fork Crossing |
Enjoy an evening of bluegrass, old-time country, and jamgrass at The Pub Station. |
Meet Dusty McGraw |
Dusty McGraw is our resident cowboy philosopher, part-time news critic and full-time observer of human foolishness. Every now and then, Dusty will wander into The Trailhead Buzz to share his plainspoken opinions on local news, life around Billings and whatever else has him scratching his head. He won’t show up every week. Dusty figures if you don’t have something worth saying, it’s best to leave folks wondering where you went. |
The View from Dusty’s Saddle |
“Montana just announced a big new funding package to add prison beds across the state. Everywhere, it seems, except the overcrowded women’s prison right here in Billings. That’s a little like remodeling every room in your house except the one that’s on fire. But I reckon common sense didn’t make it into the budget.”
“Health officials are tracking a nationwide stomach bug, and the trail appears to lead toward shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms. Trouble is, the test they thought proved it turned out to be wrong. So right now, the lettuce is wanted for questioning, Taylor Farms is a person of interest, and nobody at the salad bar has a reliable alibi. My mother spent years telling me to eat my vegetables. Turns out I should’ve asked for a background check first.” |
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The view from Dusty's saddle: "Now that's what I call economic development. That little fella ain't askin' for a tax break or a government grant—just a quarter and a thirsty neighbor. Buy local? He's right. Spend a dollar there today, and tomorrow it'll probably come back as baseball cleats, Scout popcorn, or another pitcher of lemonade." |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Alaska |
🤠 That's a Wrap... |
Well folks, that's about all the news this old cowboy can round up before the coffee gets cold and somebody volunteers me for another committee. Remember, the world doesn't always need bigger ideas—it usually just needs better neighbors. Wave to folks you pass, shop local when you can, tip your waitress, thank a veteran, and don't drive past a lemonade stand without at least considering an investment. You never know when you're funding the next hometown success story. Life's a lot like riding a horse. If you spend all your time looking behind you, you're liable to miss where you're headed. Until next time, keep your boots dusty, your sense of humor polished, and your heart rooted right here at home. —Dusty McGraw "I've been wrong before... but not nearly as often as my brother says." 🤠 |