For the first time, the Blaine County Fair will feature a "Day at the Fights." On Sunday, August 15, the event will begin with weigh-ins at 10:00 a.m. Thirty-five prematched bouts that have been sanctioned by USA Boxing will follow at noon.

The event is the brain child of outgoing Fair Board Chairman, Don Richman and community advocate Wamnee Ereaux. While the two were visiting about the Hays Amateur Boxing Club's upcoming trip to the 2021 National Junior Olympics on July 7-17 at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center in Texas, Ereaux mentioned the club's on-going efforts to raise funds to cover travel expenses. Richman, who is a community supporter and youth advocate, suggested the idea of a day of boxing at the Blaine County Fair if Ereaux could put together such an event. Ereaux was on board with Richman's suggestion.

"Donny is always seeking activities that will draw-in the youth and bridge the reservation with the surrounding communities. He said this boxing event would be a way to get multiple communities in Blaine County together while helping us raise money to replenish our travel account."

Ereaux, who is the Director of Social Services on the Fort Belknap Reservation, works closely with the Hays Amateur Boxing Club (HABC). A fighter herself who made her pro-debut in August of 2016, she was instrumental in helping the club get started in 2018 and continues to assist with the training of athletes.

According to Ereaux, the Blaine County Fair would give a percentage of the gate to the HABC. "The Fair Board has been supportive of community organizations, and these boxing matches will not only give our youth experience but will draw a crowd and keep money in the local businesses and economy," Ereaux said.

Of the 35 fights that have been prematched and sanctioned through USA Boxing, several will feature local fighters. One of the young boxers to fight on Sunday will be BreeAnn Cochran, who captured the 119 pound 2020 National Silver Gloves Title in Independence, Missouri, last February. Her younger sister Willow Cochran will also fight, as will Anaya and Alec Grant, Kyler Mount, Julian Snell, and Diana OldElk.

"All of these youth and others are starting to come to the gym since COVID restrictions are beginning to lift. These little boxers work hard," HABC Coach Jon Jay Mount said.

About the event at the fair, Mount was clear that this is a USA Boxing event, not an exhibition. "Exhibitions are actually illegal," stated Mount, who also serves as the Local Boxing Committee (LBC) Vice President.

He further hopes that youth and adult spectators alike will take an interest in the sport and consider starting a team. "I coach with Hawkan Haakanson, and we are hoping for more interest and involvement in the sport. Boxing not only provides stability and structure but builds confidence in the youth, especially those from troubled homes. It does them good," Mount explained.

Mount went on to say that he would serve as a mentor for anyone wanting to get a team established. Individuals interested should visit USA Boxing online (www.teamusa.org/usa-boxing) to learn more information and to register.

HABC's next Amateur Boxing Fights are slated for June 19 at Lewistown Trade Center in Lewistown,

Montana. Sponsored by the Stockyard Bar, Fergus County Fight Night will feature 25 bouts.

At the time of this interview, Ereaux was in Arizona participating in a clinical trial for glucose control. She described her life as "crazy in a good way" and spoke about the possibility of a "next fight" for herself. "My promoter is trying to arrange a fight for me in Lewistown on June 19, as well, but it's hard to find opponents, and I'm not an amateur anymore."

Ereaux thinks that difficulty may be due in part to her mother's prayers being answered. "She worries for me all the time and thinks I'll get injured, but I told her I train hard and I'm fighting for a good cause."

In the meantime, Ereaux focuses on building partnerships and pursues opportunities for collaboration. "I'm trying to make the world a better place," she said. Ereaux will likely serve as a referee or a judge at the fights that will be featured at the Blaine County Fair this coming August.