Montana Folk Festival set to return in summer 2022

BUTTE – After two years of calm summers at Uptown Butte, the Montana Folk Festival will be back, bringing with it the energetic and fun atmosphere that many locals and businesses have missed.

George Everett is excited about the return of the popular festival.

“I’m pretty sure people will be happy to meet again after the festival has been postponed for two years,” Everett said.

The Montana Folk Festival will be back and with that – tourists – which means more business in Butte and the surrounding towns.

According to Everett, the festival has a huge economic impact, grossing $ 8-10 million annually.

In 2019, 160,000 people attended the Montana Folk Festival.

“The data we’ve collected over the years shows a pretty big impact for the local economy as well as for hotels, motels and restaurants,” Everett said.

Maria Pochervina said hotels are seeing an increase in bookings and a decrease in discounted rates.

“Visitors to Montana Folk Fest know that if they can get a room for the room rate we’re quoting, that’s about the rate. That’s the best we’re going to do,” said Pochervina.

Pochervina said the demographics of visitors to the folk festival are generally well educated, have disposable income and are older.

“We see so many times that people come to the Montana Folk Festival, it’s part of their vacation, so they spend time in other areas or they stay here and they extend their stay so they can do more things,” he said. said Pochervina.

With this big event in the future and the pandemic still looming, Everett encourages people to get vaccinated if they attend.

“It is highly recommended, highly recommended and we may, depending on the state of the virus next July, have to switch to COVID protocols such as masking and just asking people to keep their safe distance, but we hope this does not happen. will not be necessary next July, ”said Everett.

The organizers of the Montana Folk Festival are currently looking for 900 volunteers to help during the event. Click here for more information.

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