The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

The 2016 Blaine County Fair wrapped up on Sunday after a very successful run. Always at center stage during fair week is Mother Nature, and this year she cooperated with mild temperatures and mostly dry conditions. The opening events, including the Kids’ Rodeo on Wednesday night, were challenged by rain but despite several threats and a few sprinkles, the rest of the week was nearly perfect for fairgoers to enjoy a fair with several new wrinkles.

New “Hi-Line carnival” a big hit

With serious encouragement from the Blaine County Fair Board, several fairs along the Hi-Line agreed to a schedule that would attract a single carnival company that could serve several fairs. The idea was to minimize travel time, and expense, and create a carnival that would attract fair goers and the 2016 edition of the carnival worked. The carnival arrived from Wolf Point and was headed, next week, to Havre and then Lewistown.

Fair Board President Don Richman said, “People have told me they really liked this carnival. One night the fair board from Shelby came and they are ready to sign up for the carnival next year. The more fairs we have on this circuit the better carnival we’ll have.” Richman also had kind words for Riley Cooke, the new owner of Dreamland Carnival noting, “Riley was very easy to work with and is a man of his word.”

The real proof of the carnival’s success was how fans responded. Jenny Cooke is the daughter of the owner and when interviewed was operating a kiddie train ride. On opening night of the carnival she said, “We are very pleased with the turnout already.” During fair week fairgoers had a variety of rides and attractions they could enjoy.

The Bear Paw Roundup during fair week

A big change for this year’s fair was adding the Bear Paw Roundup on Thursday and Friday nights. Of the change, Justin Simenson with the Roundup said, “We had the best attendance ever for the Roundup.” The rodeo drew crowds on nights that had been experiencing dwindling crowds for night shows. Many rodeo fans commented about a very moving tribute to law enforcement and volunteer emergency medical services providers at the Friday night opener to the rodeo. Rodeo officials added the tribute “in light of recent events in Dallas and to show our local folks they are appreciated.”

An addition to the Roundup that seemed to find traction was the VIP seating constructed this year on the north side of the rodeo arena. Roundup organizers wanted a way to show their appreciation to the major financial backers who make the rodeo possible. The elevated stands provided an excellent view of the rodeo and other fair events. Simenson said, “The new VIP seating was well received. I’ve had requests to expand the seating and offers of financial help to build more seating.” One couple coming from the seating area said they really enjoyed it and the view of the rodeo action was superb.

Musical venue change is well received

Fair organizers decided to try a different approach to providing night entertainment this year. They contracted with Cale Moon, billed as an up and coming country and western music artist, to perform among and between the rodeo and demolition derby events. It proved to be a good strategy as Moon had great musical talent and a personality that worked well on and off the stage. (He and his wife even suited up and joined a team for the pig wrestling on Sunday afternoon).

Again, fairgoers found the musical interludes to their liking. Board President Richman said, “I think we have a winning format with the musical offerings during and after the night events. After the rodeo on Friday night people were still listening and dancing to Cale Moon’s music well after the rodeo was done.”

Other aspects of the 2016 Fair

This year’s fair had everything from a visit by a candidate for lieutenant governor to Pippi the Clown, the latter always a favorite with the younger set. The Blaine County DUI Task Force returned with their “drive a golf cart with drunk goggles” demonstration to raise awareness about the dangers of driving impaired. Local law enforcement officers, and visiting officers funded by a STEP grant, helped assure an extra measure of safety for fairgoers and travelers through the area. And the five Chinook churches that make up the ministerial association, held a joint worship service under the ‘big top’ on Sunday morning.

Some noticeable changes at the fairgrounds, like the addition of the patio and tables at the flag poles, made for even a more welcoming atmosphere at the fair. 4-Her’s were busy the entire week showing their livestock and projects, then reaping the fruits of their labor at the livestock sale on Sunday afternoon. And food booths, always a part of a visit to the fair, served up their specialties and raised funds for local projects.

At week’s end Fair Manager Wendy Warburton was beaming. She said, “It’s been a great fair. I think the changes we made for this year really worked well. Our fair board did a great job getting the improved carnival and our combining with the Bear Paw Roundup worked very well.” While final numbers were not available, most people involved with the fair believe it to be one of the more successful ones in recent years.

One last word about volunteers and the fair. Volunteers make the fair happen. Each year the fair thrives or fails on the backs of many volunteers. It’s impossible to even list all the areas where volunteers contribute, and some of those efforts happen year round. Thank you volunteers, for another great Blaine County Fair.