When we think of the County Fair a few things immediately come to mind. Fantastic Fair Food, Rodeos, Demo Derby's, Night Shows and of course 4-H/FFA Exhibits. Often times the Open Class entries get forgotten or overlooked but they are what completes the idea of a genuine 'County Fair'. The Open Class entries allow anyone to participate in the festivities.

The youth make up the 4-H/FFA exhibits, and it takes a special skill to compete in a rodeo, demolition derby or perform on the musical stage. The Open Class entry list covers a lot of ground with Flowers, Gardening, Canning and Baking among the more popular entries locally. The idea that anyone can enter something into the County Fair is important to many members of these small Hi-line communities.

Some entries, such as Knits even include a class specifically for those 70 years plus. This year's Blaine County Fair certainly highlighted many of our local community members. Myrla McCoy really enjoyed talking to folks as they passed by her entry, proudly explaining how the idea came to be and that it is a fixture in her front lawn. The Black horse pulling a carriage with her flower display earned her a blue ribbon.

A trip to the Blaine County Fair should always include a walk through the Open Class building. There is a lot of talent in our community and on display are several entries that may surprise you from an amazing photograph to some incredible artwork or floral arrangements. A display featuring the Rural Schools of Blaine County was well worth the trip and included a Coral Reef entry put together by the Zurich elementary sixth, seventh and eighth grade students.