Had a nice gathering of vintage trailers for the music and the 98% solar eclipse. Bluegrass was in the air throughout the rally.We were entertained from the comfort of vintage camp during the stage events. Shady spots in camp were set up for our social gatherings. We got meet some of the performers when they had some free time and made a lot of new friends. They all welcomed us back to be part of the event next year. The whole weekend was a kick back atmosphere with some staying till Monday solar eclipse. Those that stayed got the jump on traffic heading South after the eclipse which made a major difference heading home South.
Had a great time and will do it again.
Thanks to all that came, Orbie (Frequent contributor to the Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine.)

The Fiddlers Picnic Rally was held August 4-6 at the Mercier Ranch just South of Livingston, MT.  This Tin Can Tourist rally is held on the same property and at the same time as the Montana Old Time Fiddlers Picnic each year.  It is a fundraiser for the Picnic.  The Picnic has been held for over 40 years and the Rally is in its 5th year.

About 500 pickers attend and many of them camp on the ranch.  The Fiddlers Picnic Rally attendees parked in their own area and benefitted from "surround sound" all weekend.  Some of our attendees brought their instruments and joined the fun.  The Picnic provides the meat and condiments for a well attended potluck and a free pancake breakfast Sunday.  With plenty of coffee for those who were toe tapping too late into the evening.

Trailers from Michigan, Florida, California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Montana attended.  There were some rare brands, some cool vintage tow vehicles and great restorations.  New friends were made and old friendships renewed.  There were first timers and rally veterans.  One trailer didn't make it because forest fires limited egress from their property in Western Montana, another couple of trailers had problems on the road (campfire tales for the future!).

No campfires were allowed due to the extreme fire danger but tales were told and a pop up hors d'oeuvres party filled the need for dinner.  The weather was grand, with a near full moon. 
 
The Old Mercier Ranch is on the South side of Livingston which is the gateway town for Yellowstone's North Entrance.  It sits on the bank of the Wild and Scenic Yellowstone River.  The town is fun and there is lots of fishing, hiking, biking and horseback riding to be had in the area.
 
We look forward to seeing you August 3-5. 2018 for the 7th Annual Fiddlers Picnic Rally. ​​

On August 28, 2017, the price of the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass increased for the first time since 1994. The additional revenue will be used to enhance the visitor experience in parks. Learn more about the changes, what they mean for you, and how the additional funds will be used.
Why is the price of the Senior Pass increasing?
The price of the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass is increasing as result of the Centennial Legislation P.L. 114-289 passed by the US Congress on December 16, 2016.
When was the last time the price increased for the Senior Pass? 
The Senior Pass has been $10 since 1994.
How much is it increasing?
The lifetime Senior Pass will increase from $10 to $80.

Why $80?
The legislation states that the cost of the lifetime Senior Pass be equal to the cost of the annual America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, which is currently $80.
What if a senior citizen is on a fixed budget?
The legislation also establishes an annual Senior Pass for $20. That pass is valid for one year from the date of issuance. Four annual Senior Passes purchased in prior years can be traded in for a lifetime pass. Additionally, access to the majority of National Park Service sites remains free—only 118 of 417 National Park Service sites have an entrance fee.
What if I have a current Senior Pass?
The current passes are lifetime passes and will remain valid.
Will the benefits of my Senior Pass change?
No. All benefits of the current Senior Pass stay the same.
What if my current Senior Pass is lost or stolen?
Passes are non-refundable and non-transferable and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.
If lost or stolen, a new pass will need to be purchased.
Who is eligible for a Senior Pass?
US citizens or permanent residents 62 years or older are eligible for the Senior Pass.​​

What does the Senior Pass provide?
Annual and lifetime Senior Passes provide access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by six federal agencies:

• National Park Service
• US Fish & Wildlife Service
• Bureau of Land Management
• Bureau of Reclamation
• US Forest Service
• US Army Corps of Engineers

The passes cover entrance and standard amenity (day-use) recreation fees and provide discounts on some expanded amenity recreation fees.
Are there any other benefits from a Senior Pass?
Yes, traveling companions can also enter for free. The Senior Passes admit pass owner/s and passengers in a noncommercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas and pass owner plus three adults, not to exceed four adults, where per-person fees are charged. (Children under 16 are always admitted free.) Also, at many sites, the Senior Passes provide the pass owner (only) a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees (such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours).
How can I purchase a Senior Pass?
Senior Passes can be purchased at any federal recreation site, including national parks, that charges an entrance or standard amenity (day-use) fee. Proof of age and residency is required. See the complete list of sites where the pass is available (PDF).
Passes can also be purchased online or through the mail from USGS; an additional $10 processing fee will be added to the price. Visit the USGS store to buy the pass online or find instructions for purchasing by mail.
​Additionally, some National Park Service and other agency sites that sell the Senior Pass will immediately begin issuing rain checks to eligible visitors who wish to purchase a pass if the site has no more printed passes. Purchasers can access a park with the rain check until they can exchange it for the Senior Pass. Visitors are encouraged to contact the national park or other agency site they plan to visit to ensure the availability of rain checks at that location before traveling there.
We thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this updated Senior Pass program.