What the Hay Contest
annually the 2nd Sunday in September

The 2011 “What The Hay” Contest was a HUGE success! Thank You to all our Sponsors, Bale Entrants, and Visitors. check out all the bale entries and the ONLINE voting results… >> Adult Bale Entries >> Children Bale Entries

with over 5000 people voting the 2011 What the Hay People’s Choice Winners Are… 1st place >> “Hay-wo Jima”, submitted by Clint Carr & boys     2nd place >>“Wild Bale Hickok”, built by Mike Woods   3rd place >> “Wool-hay Mammoth”, by Rod & Vicki Johnson   4th place >>“Oh My Mud-Hay”, by Don Derks    5th place >> “Angr-Hay Birds”, Cynthia Derks & Andy Heap    6th place >> “Marg-hay-ritaville”, built by the Bar 87 Crew   7th place >> “Hayngry Birds”, Traci Mikkelsen   8th place >> “Bale Springsteen, Born in the U.S. Hay”, Triangle Communication   9th place >> “SmurfHay”, Judy Mikkelsen   10th place >> “Planet of the Hay-pes”, Spike and Judy Mikkelsen   11th place >> “This Little PigHay Went to Market”, Chloe and Stacey Derks   12th place >> “Sage Creek Fr”Hay”t Team”, Scott, Stacey, Sarah & Parker Hughes   13th place >> “Hay-nes”, Jim & Sue Hicks   14th place >> “Medical Marijuan-hay”, Marianne Frank Family   15th place >> “Remembering 9-11”, Judith Lily Quilters

About the Montana Bale Trail – What the Hay. The “What the Hay” (Montana Bale Trail) is organized by The Friends of the Hobson Library/Museum and sponsored by local businesses and private individuals. It is held annually on the first Sunday following Labor Day in conjunction with the Utica Day Fair. This truly unique event features “am-hayzingly” creative and (most often) quite amusing sculptures made of hay and straw.

Midway Caf•Hay – A “must-see” stop along the Bale Trail halfway between Hobson and Utica benefitting the Hobson Library/Museum. This eating emporium offers unbelievably tasty Indian tacos, acres and acres of free parking, handicapped parking, free Port-Potties (a fan favorite), and a gigantic, “Hay-mazing” hay maze and a host of other creative activities for children. This is the perfect location to stretch your legs, walk the dog, have a bite to eat, let the kids blow off some steam, and take some memorable family photos!.

Utica Day Fair – The fair offers a variety of exhibits and booths featuring creative home-made crafts, gifts and food. It is held on the well-maintained and comfortable lawns of the Utica Clubhouse. The highlight of the Utica Day Fair is the presentation of a unique, hand-embroidered quilt that is awarded to the winning raffle ticket holder at the end of the day. For further information contact Kathy at 423-5321 or Darlene (for vendors) at 423-5542.

Mason’s Breakfast – Start your “Bale Trail” explorations early Sunday morning with a piping hot, home-made pancake/eggs/sausage breakfast which is held at the Masonic Temple in downtown Hobson. Hours are 7:30 am to 10:30 am.

Utica Rod & Gun Club Dinner – A barbecue beef dinner and raffle/ auction at the Utica Community Hall on Saturday evening at 6:00. The dinner is followed by a spirited and playful raffle/auction with a wide variety of merchandise available for bidding.

Hobson Library & Museum – The Hobson Library is having a yearly “used book” sale –be sure to visit the newly created Hobson Museum.