There is a stretch on the calender where communities all over Montana are provided an opportunity to be more socially active than the rest of the year.

That stretch begins for those of us on the Hi-Line in mid July with the start of the Blaine County Fair followed by the Great Northern Fair in Havre, The Phillips County Fair in Dodson, The Montana State Fair in Great Falls and concluding with the Choteau County Fair in Fort Benton August 17-20.

Small communities along the Hi-Line go all out when the opportunity to host an event comes along and 'Fair Season' gives each a chance to be in the spotlight and welcome visitors to their community,

This year the temperature is a bit warmer than normal but that won't stop large numbers from taking part in one, two, three or more fairs over the next five weeks.

Each fair has their own unique attractions to keep the people coming. Generally the rides are a big hit amongst the younger kids. The Demolition Derby, Chain-n-Bang, Truck Pulls and Drag Races always bring huge crowds.

The Kids Rodeo attracts a large number of participants at the Blaine County Fair along with the Bear Paw Roundup PRCA Rodeo. The Cody Four Colors Bull Riding event in Havre will bring people together as well.

Pig Wrestling has become a huge hit throughout the Hi-Line Fair circuit but the one thing that seems to be a common staple among fairgoers everywhere is the food.

Vendors offer a wide variety of foods and each fair has its staples. At the Blaine County Fair most will stop in for a burger from the VFW booth or the 4H Chuckwagon. Pronto Pups are a hit at the Chinook Lions while those looking for tacos and such will surely visit the Eagles booth. The Funshine preschool satisfies the appetites of many with their Scones and Sconitos.

With so many thing to see in addition to all the 4H/Open Class exhibits and 4H/FFA animals I thought I would ask a few fairgoers what their favorite was:

Courtney Gunderson - "Having a burger with my Grandpa at the VFW Booth. I like coming and seeing people you don't normally see. It's a good time for the community and I really enjoy the Derby and the Monkey on a Rope plus picking up shifts at the VFW."

Sasha Gallus, 9/ Timothy Gallus 5 - "I like the animals because their cute and fluffy"; "The cute Horsies".

Amalie Aberg 8/Mason Aberg 5 - ""The Petting Zoo, the Ring of Fire, the Barrel Racing and the Scone Booth."; "The big slide and I liked the Rodeo.

Chris Haider, Brooke Konesky and Crew - "The Food, all of it, every booth!"