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

Blaine County residents will be treated to several nights of entertainment offered in conjunction with the Blaine County Fair. With featured musicians Cale Moon and Jess Allestad providing performances after the PRCA Rodeo, between heats during the Showdown Demolition Derby, and prior to the Day at the Fights, there is bound to be something for everyone.

On August 12, 13, and 14 after the rodeo and the derby, country music performer Cale Moon will present his musical talent. Managed by his dad, Nathan, Cale is from Nashville, Oregon, and this will be his third trip to the Blaine County Fair. He played the Fair for the first time in 2016 and came back again for 2017. With an eleven-year career, his press materials describe him as a "National touring country entertainer, burning up the road, captivating audiences, and living the American dream-not just making music but making memories!"

Known for his broad range vocals, addictive songs, and guitar styling, Moon's performances often leave an impression. Although Moon has played many prestigious venues, such as the Watershed Country Music Festival at the Gorge Amphitheater-the West's Largest Country Music Festival-as well as famous places like the Bluebird Café in Nashville, he enjoys coming to small towns like Chinook.

"The Blaine County Fair was always one of Cale's favorites, and he is looking forward to making more memories," exclaimed his tour manager.

Moon has self-released two albums to date, "The Beginning" and "True Love Waits." Another new album is due to release soon. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, he will be sharing his brand of "turbo-charged, family friendly entertainment customized for the fair crowd."

"No matter where he goes, Cale does his best to cater each show to that exact audience's musical taste. Cale is known for a dynamic, one of kind solo performance that engages the audience and leaves the crowd with a feeling that they have just experienced something special, just for them-which they did! Cale never delivers the exact same show twice, so no matter how many times someone has seen him in concert, they will never know what's gonna happen next," Tour Manager Nathan Moon expressed.

Prior to Moon's performance on Saturday night, people are invited to the Showdown Demolition Derby. Check-in will occur from noon until 4:00 p.m. with the first heat of cars taking the George Ortner Arena at 5:00.

Event organizer, Scott Skoyen reported that one of the draws of this year's event will be the $10,000 guaranteed purse. Anticipated prizes are $5,000 for 1st place, $2,000 for 2nd, $1,000 for 3rd, $1,000 for Mad Dog, and $1,500 for Chain-n-Bang. This purse derives from the Derby's multiple sponsors. Each heat winner may also be eligible for a cash prize with the number of heats determining the amount.

"We collect sponsorships from Hill, Phillips, Valley, and Blaine Counties," Skoyen said. "And all the money we bring in is paid out. We always try to give the crowd a good show, as well. Between heats, to allow the drivers the time required to repair their cars, we provide entertainment-that's where Cale Moon and Jess Allestad will come in. In the past, we've had ATV races or the kids and their Power Wheels."

For these reasons, this derby has been called one of the best on the Hi-Line. As of the end of July, Skoyen could not project how many entries the derby might bring. "Havre had five. I hope we do better than that," he said. "We'll get a better idea after the derby in Dodson, which will run the week before the Blaine County Fair."

Because the organization adopted State of Montana rules for level four, the local derby will see some rule changes on Saturday. "With our fair running in August this year, it is at the end of the season for many derby drivers. According to level four rules, seasoned cars that have been banged up in a previous derby are allowed certain plate frames so that they can still run, provided they meet the specifications of the rules," Skoyen explained.

Skoyen further stated that until he has a car total, he doesn't know how many heats the derby will field. "We'll hope to have at least a weld car and a chain car heat. The chain cars have to be bone stock; that means a Ford has to be Ford from bumper to bumper; it can't have a Chevy rear end or a Dodge transmission."

To ensure that everyone is in compliance with the rules, Skoyen described himself by saying, "I get sanctioned to be the guy that everyone gets mad at for the day. I'm sure we'll see a lot of torches during check-in since I'm the one who has to police compliance with the rules," he added.

Another performer during the Derby will be Jess Allestad, who is a Washington-born, Montana raised singer-songwriter. She will sing the National Anthem at the event's beginning as well as perform some additional songs.

"One thing you can expect from me and my music is authenticity. It might not always be clever or glamorous, but you can bet it'll be real," Allestad told reporters.

Both Jess Allestad and Cale Moon will perform at various events at the Blaine County Fair.

When asked what motivated her decision to come to Chinook and the Blaine County Fair, Allestad replied: "I sing at Kava Roots in Billings quite often, and one night a few months ago, I met this sweet girl, Anaya Grant. She asked if I could come to her fight and sing for her at the fair for her birthday. And of course I said yes! She is going to be thirteen. I was really impressed by her being so young and pursuing her dream, and I want to be there to cheer her on!"

Allestad will be singing the National Anthem at two events. "Leading people in singing our nation's anthem is one of my favorite things to get to do as a vocalist, and I'm honored to get to do so before the fights as well as before the demo derby on Saturday," she stated.

She will also be performing at the Night Show with Cale Moon on Saturday. "I'm stoked to be making a guest appearance during his show! Cale is quite the performer. I've been following him for a while on social media and am so excited to finally see him play in person. That's one you don't want to miss!"