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

The 2017 Blaine County Fair is history. In many ways weather was the 'fair story' with hotter than normal temps, a couple of days of serious wind, a "crash bang" storm with very little rain as a result, then one more relatively cooler day with a mild breeze, but still with temperatures in the mid-90's. Don Richman, Fair Board Chairman, described this year's edition of the fair as "the best ever!"

It was a year of several new features, a return of many old favorites and some expressions of new things that fair-goers might see in the future. The new electronic signs along Highway 2 attracted a lot of attention. Once events began one of the signs went on display at the arena. Fair officials and technicians learning how the new signs operate say they see many possibilities for using the signs at the arena-from listing rodeo participants for each ride to instant replays from any event in the arena. Suspending speakers in the center of the arena improved sound quality during events this year.

The 'shuttle service' was a surprise and appreciated by many with mobility problems-the shuttles took guests from parking areas to the grandstand entrance, at no charge. No official word, but expect to see that service expanded in the future. The parking and traffic flow, as well as signage both in and outside the fairgrounds, improved traffic flow and reduced confusion about getting to the parking areas.

Adding new signs on the 4-H barns and buildings was a nice touch, courtesy of Harlem High senior Daniel Rasmussen. The county 4-H clubs donated money for supplies and Daniel made 11 very attractive signs using a plasma cutter. A new roof was also added to the VIP seating at the northwest corner of the arena, providing shade and shelter to the special seating added last year.

The Dreamland Carnival did not disappoint with even more rides and booths than last year. Owner Riley Cooke said, "This was the largest carnival we've ever brought to Blaine County." Cooke said ridership was somewhat down, he believes because of the erratic and unusual weather.

Much of a county fair is to give 4-H members recognition, and earnings, for their work during the year. Kendra Seilstad, Blaine County's Extension Agent for Family Consumer Services, said she was very worried when former Blaine County Agent Ben Hauptman left for a new assignment. "Despite losing Ben right before the fair," she said, "Our wonderful 4-H youth and volunteers stepped up to make the activities at the fair great, as always."

Food sales at the fair, always important for local groups to fund activities for another year, were described as 'decent' to better than normal. One sponsor of a food booth raising money for local youth activities, said, "I hope this year becomes the 'new normal standard.' We had a great year."

Looking to some other improvements for the facility, Fair Board member Dale Williams said a Memory Lane program was being rolled out for the coming year. He said, "The idea is to have a way for folks to have a tree planted in honor of a loved one." Other fair grounds have developed grassy and shaded areas that make for a more welcoming midway and outside exhibition area.

Likely more ideas will percolate up during the coming months as this year's fair is discussed and analyzed. The "Journal" thanks the Fair Board, paid staff, volunteers, donors who financially supported the fair and all the guests, young and old, who attended some or all of the fair's activities. It was a great fair and next year we hope for a bit more cooperative weather.