Blaine County Fair Dedication: Dan & Sandy McNeill

Each year, the Blaine County Fair Board pauses in their activities to acknowledge special efforts by special people by dedicating the fair premium book to a person, or persons, who have made significant contributions to assure a successful and continuing Blaine County Fair. This year's honor belongs to Dan and Sandy McNeill.

The two McNeill children always had horses and enjoyed riding. From the time Courtney was a little girl, she would take her horse to the local kids' rodeo, which was the beginning of Dan and Sandy's involvement with the Blaine County Kids Rodeo . They helped Jack and Helen Young with the rodeo, and when Jack and Helen retired, Dan and Sandy took over. They are in the process of turning the reins over to Courtney so that the family tradition of service can continue.

The McNeill's have earned this esteemed honor largely because for 35 years, they have provided leadership to the Blaine County Kids Rodeo Club, an organization to promote rodeo in a positive way. In addition, they have dedicated their time and talent to organizing and operating the Blaine County Kids Rodeo, which this year is celebrating its 50th Anniversary.

According to Blaine County Fair Board Chairman, Don Richman, "What has impressed me the most about the McNeill's is their dedication to the kids of Blaine County. Any time something needed to be done for the kids at the fair, Dan and Sandy were there with their outstanding dedication! They simplify my job because, in their capable hands, I never had to worry about the Blaine County Kids Rodeo; they just handled it."

According to the McNeill's. "The greatest reward that comes with doing the Blaine County Kids Rodeo is seeing the joy that this rodeo brings to so many young people. Another reward is seeing many of our contestants going on to participate and find success in High School Rodeo, College Rodeo, Northern Rodeo Association, and the Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit. It is also rewarding to see many of our former contestants come back as adults, bringing their own children to participate in the rodeo."

The McNeill's wish to thank all the volunteers that have been faithful helpers to ensure that the rodeos ran smoothly. They extend gratitude to the individuals and businesses that each year have been sponsors of the buckles and prizes for the contestants. Every rodeo also needs stock, and over the years many locals have furnished stock.

"We wish to thank all of these individuals," Sandy said. "The name of our rodeo is Blaine County Kids Rodeo, and you can see it is an appropriate name, as it takes many Blaine County residents to have make this rodeo so successful over the years. Thank you, Blaine County, for your years of support."