Nikki Carlson Havre Daily News photos@havredailynews.com
Steady, steady ... workers held their breath as the fairground's old crow's nest was crane-lifted from its posts and gingerly set down on the back of a trailer during a Great Northern Fair Foundation work party at the arena Wednesday afternoon. The work party was organized to tear down the old announcer's booth and replace it with a new metal building complete with metal stairs and a walkway. Foundation treasurer and secretary Missy Boucher said the crow’s nest was in desperate need of updating. The work party also erected panels Thursday evening to make the arena more adjustable, which will allow more options for future arena events. In other projects, a new handicapped-accessible area was also remodeled at the fairgrounds. "We didn't think we'd get this done before the fair," Boucher said. "It's awesome." The Fair Foundation had been raising money from the Rockin’ the Hills fundraiser held the past two years to fund the renovation of the arena. Beaver Creek Bobcat Service owner Jay Hammond provided most of the materials and the labor for work on the crow's nest. JF Welding LLC owner Josh Frank of Chinook also provided welding services and donated his time for the renovation project. The former crow's nest was transported to foundation members Rob and Kelly Compton's home for their children Kassidy, 7, Kate-Lyn, 8, and Michael, 11 to use as a playhouse in the backyard. The new crow's nest will be used during the Great Northern Fair, which runs from Wednesday, July 16, through July 20. The fair's carnival and food stands will open at noon on July 16 and will close at midnight through July 19. Great Northern Fair schedule of events: Tuesday, July 15 Entry day for Open Class at 8 a.m., 4-H Interview Evaluation at 9 a.m. and Teen/Queen interview at 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 16 4-H Horse Judging & Showmanship and 4-H Exhibit buildings, carnival and food stands open at noon; 4-H Chuckwagon opens at 4 p.m.; Junior Rodeo begins at 5 p.m.; and 4-H exhibit buildings and barns close at 9 p. m. Thursday, July 17 4-H Market Animal Weigh-in and Ultrasound will be from 7 to 10:30 a.m., crowning of the 4-H Teen/Queen is at 1:30 p.m., Carnival opens at 2 p.m., 4-H Cat Showmanship & Judging begins at 2:30 p.m. followed by Pocket Pets Judging, 4-H Rabbit Showmanship & Judging begins at 4 p.m. followed by 4-H Poultry Showmanship & Judging, PRCA Rodeo and the 4-H Showmanship Workshop begins at 6 p.m. and exhibit buildings close at 9 p.m. Friday, July 18 4-H Beef Showmanship & Judging begins at 9 a.m. followed by Beef Breeding and Market Beef, 4-H Dog Showmanship & Judging and Carnival begin at 2 p.m., Free Stage Entertainment is from 2 to 7 p.m., PRCA Rodeo begins at 6 p.m. and Exhibit buildings close at 9 p.m. Saturday, July 19 4-H Swine Showmanship begins at 8 a. m. followed by Market Swine & Breeding Swine; Carnival, exhibits and food stands open at noon; 4-H Sheep Showmanship begins at 12:30 p.m. followed by Market Sheep & Breeding Sheep and 4-H Goat Showmanship; Truck Pull begins at 1 p.m., Free Stage Entertainment from 2 to 7 p.m.; 4-H Round Robin Showmanship at 3 p.m.; set up for 4-H Market Sale at 5 p.m.; Pro-West Truck Pull at 7 p.m.; and exhibit buildings close at 9 p. m. Sunday, July 20 Exhibit buildings and food stands open at noon, Pre-4-H Livestock Sale Announcements begins at 12:30 p. m., 4-H Market Livestock Sale begins at 1 p.m., Free Stage Entertainment from 1 to 5 p.m., Carnival opens at 2 p.m., exhibit buildings close and JC Demolition Derby begins at 5 p. m. and Carnival closes at 11 p. m.
