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Rural communities throughout Montana are being highlighted and celebrated by the Red Ants Pants Foundation (RAPF) at their annual music festival in White Sulfur Springs on July 25-28.

The music festival was founded in 2011 and is held every year on a cow pasture outside of White Sulfur Springs. People come from all over to gather for four nights and three days of music. In preparation, the MontANTa photo contest will feature Thompson Falls for a chance to with festival tickets. The other towns include, Harlowton, Huntley, Lewistown, Red Lodge, Ringling, and Turner. Take a picture of yourself in front of two of the seven red ant banners (one is on display at a Thompson Falls business) and be entered for a chance to win a VIP package. The pictures can be sent to [email protected] no later than Sunday, July 7, at midnight.

Just some of the acts included in this year's set are Patty Griffin, Shakey Graves, Bobby Bare, Colter Wall, Valerie June, Suzy Bogguss, The White Buffalo and Darrell Scott. More information on each of these acts and the others that will be performing can be found on the RAPF website, redantspantsmusicfestival.com.

The website also offers information on ticket pricing, camping and lodging, and the festival schedule. There will be nonstop music and fun at the venue complete with a kids tent and even wagon rides. In an effort to service everyone who is interested in attending, the RAPF provides accessible parking, chauffeured golf cart rides, and a special area reserved for wheelchairs with a great view of the stage. At night there is plenty of path-lighting and festival volunteers who can assist anyone walking back to their car.

The festival is family-friendly and this year the RAPF teamed up with the Montana Discovery Foundation, White Sulphur Springs FAA, and Shooting Star Saddlery to provide an educational and fun, hands-on experience for youth in the Kids Tent. Some of the activities include face-painting, carpentry projects where they learn how to work with a hammer and nails, crafts, a book corner, wildflower activities, coloring, and many more entertaining activities that promote learning.