FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Helena (Fort Harrison, MT) April 17, 2026–The Montana Military Museum’s 27th annual Wine & Beer Fair is Friday, May 1, 2026, from 6:30-10:00 p.m., at the Civic Center in Helena.

This is the annual fundraiser in support of the non-profit Montana Military Museum, located on historic Fort William Henry Harrison, on the west edge of Helena. The community-based Wine Fair Volunteer Committee members are hard at work in anticipation of a wonderful event.

The 27th Annual Wine Fair & Beer tickets are $40 in advance or $50 at the door. Ticket outlets include; M-T Glass Liquor Store, 1609 11^th Suite H; Island Liquor, 1225 E. Custer, E. Helena, Island Liquor 109 S. Lane East Helena; Headwater Craft House, 2125 N. Last Chance; American Legion Post 2, 3095 Villard Ave and at the Montana Military Museum, Fort Harrison.

Wine Fair tickets are available online at <406TIX.COM/EVENTS>   and from the 2026 Wine Fair Committee members. Wine & Beer Tasting tokens are $1.00 at the door. For further information call 235-0290 / 458-9847 / 324-3550 (Msg).

By joining the Wine & Beer Fair, you can sample more than 80+ fine wines from Gusto Distributing. This includes 12 + Montana popular beers, along with water and soda are available by Pepsi Cola and Gusto Distributing.  Hors- d’ Oeuvres by Savor and Graze.

You can place your bids on donated, Silent Auction items; listen to the spirited live Blue grass music by Old Freight Road.  Enter to win a Wheelbarrow of fine Wines and other prizes. Purchase from the Mystery Wine Wall, where wine bottles are priced at $20 each. Additionally, view the Montana Military Museum heritage display.  The Montana Military Museum continues its progress entering its 42nd year.  Museum professionally prepared volunteers are focused on the continuing expansion efforts, including the construction of the new exhibits and space.

The Montana Military Museum is continuing to enhance the historic 1930s/40s Fort Harrison Medical Dispensary at the Museum complex. This World War II period facility houses parts of the ever-growing collection of military artifacts, and an expanding advanced military research library and Museum workshop.

This year’s major theme is recognition of Montana’s proud military heritage, and we welcome our supporters back to celebrate this annual rite of Spring in Helena.

Recently completed exhibits highlight Montana’s WW I experiences, the early 20^th century developments in the military, World War II participation, and post-World War II Military Heritage of the 163^rd Infantry /Regiment Montana Army National Guard. The exhibits include Operation Ruptured Duck, Post-World War II Reconstitution of Montana’s Military, the many causes and effects of the Cold War, the establishment of the Montana Air National Guard’s fabled protection of its mission to protect North America’s border, Chronicles Montana’s part in bringing down the Iron Curtain signaling a step forward in resolution of the World’s Cold War which began in 1945.

With the support of American patriots like Diane Carlson Evans, the Founder of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial in Washington, DC, the Montana Military Museum has installed an exhibit in honor of the Vietnam Women veterans. This exhibit depicts the legacy of Women veterans and their full recognition into the military during the Vietnam War.

The Montana Military Museum is continuing to document the State’s military participation in Desert Shield/Desert Storm in early 1990-91 and subsequent Global Warfare operations.

The storyline includes Montana’s experience with Peacekeeping throughout the World and the transformation of the Montana National Guard from a Strategic Reserve to a fully Operational Reserve force. Montana’s participation in world-wide operations such as Southern Watch and post 9/11 operations including The Global War on Terrorism, in theater operations to include Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and Operation New Dawn.  That mission continues today in this very volatile world cape with the Army and Air National Guard and other Reserve and active components stationed in Montana.

The Museum continues to receive artifacts and soldier stories which reflect Montana’s historic world-wide military service. Donations of Montana military related items, including oral histories, are genuinely appreciated.

The Montana Military Museum is open each Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. The Staff of military veterans and community volunteers are available to assist. We welcome all volunteers who want to help tell the story of Montana’s rich military history.

For more information about the annual Montana Military Museum Wine & Beer Fair, purchasing tickets, or about the Montana Military Museum, please call 406-324-3550 / 406-235-0290.