Tarkio + Fiesta = Tarkiesta! 

The town of Tarkio is reviving a community celebration that began in 1941. Tarkiesta was a local festival that brought together people of all ages from the small community and the surrounding farmland. The goal was to celebrate the uniqueness of rural life, have fun and give citizens a chance to show off their finest local products. 

This year’s event will honor the 200th birthday of a Tarkio pioneer from the late 1800s and early 1900s. David Rankin was widely celebrated as America’s largest farmer in the early 1900s. His interests reached beyond just crops and livestock. He was an industrialist, banker, utility developer, college founder, and railroad builder. 

Tarkiesta Schedule for Sunday, May 25, 2025 

• 8:30 a.m. Cowboy Church (Rotary Theater in Thompson Library) 

• 10:30 a.m. Community Worship (Tarkio Presbyterian Church) 

• 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch (Food Trucks at 1st and Main and Nutrition Center at 412 Main) 

• 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Historic Business Self-tour (1st to 4th Streets on Main) 

• 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. David Rankin Program (1st and Main) 

• 2:30 – 3 p.m. Parade (1st and Main to Tarkio College campus) 

• 3 – 5 p.m. Tours (Rankin Hall and Thompson Library) 

• 3 – 5 p.m. Mule Displays (west of Hopkins Dormitory, campus) 

• 3 – 5 p.m. Mule Photos (Lawn west of Slusher Courtyard, campus) 

• 3 – 5 p.m. Rankin Homes Riding Tour (begin east of Schmidt Welding Center, campus) 

• 5:30 p.m. Wreath Ceremony (Tarkio Home Cemetery & Center Grove Cemetery) 

For more information, contact johnd32@hotmail.com 660-623-9071