2017 Blaine County Fair opens today!

The 2017 edition of the Blaine County Fair opens today and runs this Wednesday through Sunday (July 16). The Kids' Rodeo kicks thing off, literally, at 5 pm at the grandstand arena at the fairgrounds. Other events fill virtually every day and evening until the final hurrah at 5 pm, on Sunday, with the Pig Wrestling event in front of the grandstand.

Don Richman, Chairman of the Fair Board, said he believes, "This will be the biggest and best fair in several years." Citing the return of Cale Moon, the Nashville-based entertainer who will follow each major night event on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, the Dreamland Carnival on the midway, the Bear Paw Roundup Rodeo in conjunction with the fair, Saturday night's "Blaine County Showdown" demolition derby and Sunday's D & D Pig Wrestling as events that will anchor this year's fair.

Several new events and activities have been added for this year's fair, including a water slide for the youngsters (bring a dry change of clothes) and the new and popular 'paintless paintball' game. Both these new attractions are available near the Commercial Building.

A worship service at the fair, sponsored by the Chinook Ministerial Association, will be held again this Sunday. American Lutheran Pastor Valorie Putt will be bringing the message with music by ALC's Gospel Choir and other local musicians. Other returning favorites include Pipi the Clown (the 'Pied Piper of the Midway') and Freckle Farm Pony Rides and Petting Zoo. Freckle Farm has added turkey races, something new this year. There will also be commercial exhibitors inside the Commercial Building and out on the fairgrounds proper.

Dreamland Carnival, a Montana-based amusement company that was developed for the fairs along the Hi-Line, will be back with 13 exciting rides and booths. Advanced $20 Pay-One-Price Tickets can be purchased at several merchants and businesses around the county. Each pre-sale ticket is good for one person for one full day of rides on either Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Once the fair begins, the cost will be $25 for the same package.

Fair Manager Wendy Warburton said she is especially hopeful for more participation in the competitions that are a part of the history of county fairs. She said this year there will be approximately $900 in prizes awarded for winning entries in the open classes-that's non-4-H and non-FFA classes. There are competitions in virtually any hobby, craft or ag related product you can think of.

For the 4-H and FFA competitions, organizers expect about $1800 to be paid out in premiums to winners. And the FFA and 4-H Livestock Sale on Saturday afternoon (1pm) should produce some substantial rewards for the work by the members of the two youth organizations. The Fair Premium Book, in addition to being available at various locations around the county, can also be accessed online at http://www.blainecountyfair.net and on Facebook.

The Fair Board and fair staff have made significant strides in getting out information about the fair, in addition to the website and Facebook sites noted above. There are plans to have electronic sign boards, during the fair at each end of Chinook along Highway 2, that will promote the daily events of the fair. The fair office phone at 406-357-2988 will be manned during the fair or a direct inquiry, via email, can be made to info@blainecountyfair.net during the fair.

And don't forget the food at the fair... Pronto pups, a piece of homemade pie, a grilled hamburger or a sconita, you'll find them and more choices in one of the 10+ food booths that grace the fairgrounds. Don't worry about the calories, just focus on all the good you are doing while you enjoy fair food and help raise financial support for so many worthy causes around the area.