With the "Journal's" regular schedule slightly altered because of the July 4 holiday, this early edition of the newspaper coincides with opening day of this year's Blaine County Fair. Today, Tuesday, focused on the 4-H/FFA Horse Show. That event was held at the George Ortner Arena.

Wednesday afternoon, July 4, the Kids' Rodeo, 50th anniversary edition, takes center stage in the arena. Many food booths, but not all, will be opening on Wednesday. Dan and Sandy McNeill have organized the Kids' Rodeo for 35 of its fifty years. This year's fair book was dedicated to the McNeill's and their efforts to promote rodeo among youngsters.

Laine Jorgensen, who recently became the manager at the Chinook Eagles, said last week she was still hopeful enough funds would be raised to support a fireworks display on July 4th, during the fair. She said the Chinook Eagles, who is sponsoring the fireworks show, got a late start on the fundraising and had raised only about a third of what they needed. Readers might have seen the "collection cans" around town at various merchants and businesses. She added, "I believe we need to have a fireworks display since the fair is going on during the Fourth of July."

Long time fair goers and observers will note some differences in this year's schedule. Pig Wrestling, normally toward the end of fair week, has moved to Thursday and will begin at 7 p.m. in the arena in front of the grandstand. There will be 4-H Interview Judging first thing in the morning with entry for livestock exhibits open from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Food booths will open at 10 a.m, the Beer Garden at 3 pm and FFA concessions in the grandstand at 3 p.m.

Also on Thursday the Commercial Building will open at noon to showcase exhibits there. Dreamland Carnival, a Montana-based amusement company that was developed for the fairs along the Hi-Line, will open at 5 p.m. on Thursday. The Midway will open at 3 p.m. on Friday, at noon on Saturday and again at noon on Sunday.

Friday and Saturday will include a lot of 4-H/FFA events, shows and judging during the day. Food booths, the exhibits in the Commercial Building and the Midway will also be opening at varying times both days. The major event on both those nights, starting at 7 p.m., is the Bear Paw Roundup PRCA Rodeo. Both nights after the rodeo fans are encouraged to stay for dancing and live music by River North, a Montana-based band from the Miles City area.

Even though Sunday is the last day for the fair, there's still plenty of excitement as the 4-H/FFA Livestock Sale occurs and 4-H awards will be handed out from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. in the 4-H Building. Food booths will be open as will the Commercial Building and FFA concessions in the grandstand.

At 3 pm the Demolition Derby begins in the rodeo arena in front of the grandstand. This is a major derby in Montana with one of the richest purses of any derby. The River North band will also play after the derby.

And don't forget the food at the fair... Pronto pups, a piece of homemade pie, a grilled hamburger or a sconito, 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 generate financial support for the many worthy causes around the area. Virtually all of the estimated $44,000+ raised will end up back in the community.

Cowpokes are a major part of the fair, as attested to by these two young cowpokes who seem a bit overwhelmed with all the activity at a past Kids' Rodeo. The 2018 Blaine County Fair will run July 3rd to July 8th. The Kids' Rodeo will be Wednesday afternoon with the Bear Paw Roundup PRCA Rodeo following on Friday and Saturday nights.

Electric billboards provide updates about each day's event along Highway 2. The fair office phone (406-357-2988) is manned during the fair for direct inquiries and email can be sent to info@blainecountyfair.net during the fair. General information about the fair, including an online copy of the premium book and the daily schedule, can be found on the internet at: blainecountyfair.net. The Fair Board and Fair Manager have done a great job getting information out about the fair. Thanks.