The National Council of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial has designated 15 National Signature Events during the bicentennial commemoration (2003-2006), and Montana will host two of those events. Montana’s two signature events are “Explore! the Big Sky,” happening from June 1 to July 4, 2005 in Great Falls and Fort Benton, and “Clark on the Yellowstone,” July 22-25, 2006 at Pompeys Pillar near Billings. According to the council, each community was chosen for its place in the expedition’s chronology, its historical relevance, cultural diversity, tribal involvement, geographic location, and the sponsoring organization’s capacity.