1 Cheer the cowboys and cowgirls Rodeo has been a long-standing tradition at the Great Northern Fair.

What's unique about the Great Northern Rodeo is the fact it brings a cross-section of cowboys and cowgirls together.

This year's two-day event has something for every type of rodeo fan with some of the NRA and Indian Rodeo National Finals' best cowboys and cowgirls in attendance.

Add to that a great mix of local contestants from Havre and all over the Hi-Line, junior competitiors and calf dressing, and the 2010 Great Northern Rodeo is truly an event which draws plenty of excitement.  The rodeo begins tonight at 7.

2 Check out the notso- local wildlife More than 20 animals, including tigers, ant eaters, sloths and Asian fishing cats, greet fairgoers at the Rainforest Experience Exhibit on the G r e a t N o r t h e r n Fairgrounds.  Different animals are featured in each show, so people staying for more than one won't see the same show twice.

"Animals are a hit with everybody, and our show is entertaining and educational at the same time," said Christine Mullen who runs the show with her husband, Robert.

Shows are free-ofcharge, and run at 4, 6 and 8 p.m. today and 2, 4 and 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

3 Enjoy some metal mayhem When people think of the Great Northern Fair, it's hard not to think of the annual Jaycee' s Demolition Derby.  One of the longest-running and most popular events during fair week, the demolition derby has stood the test of time.

The drivers, cars and even the format has changed over the years, but the event's popularity has never wavered.

Always a sellout, the demolition derby has been, and always will be, synonymous with the fair, and it's an event which has become as much a part of Havre's history as it has the fair's history.

The derby starts at 5 p.m. Sunday.

4 Gain a couple of pounds One of the greatest attractions of the Great Northern Fair is the food, with some favorite items having decades-long traditions.

This year is no exception, along with some newer attractions.

People can sample pronto pups, Vikings, scones, fresh-roasted corn on the cob, pig-on-a-pole, steak-on-a-stick, buffalo burgers, pork chop sandwiches, snow cups and extreme nachos — with the proceeds going to benefit a number of local groups and organizations.

Afterwards, walk off some of those extra calories while checking out the 4-H exhibits.

5 Watch a worldclass truck pull One of the more popular features of the Great Northern Fair is the annual truck-pull competition.

Every year, Saturday's activities are highlighted by the truck pull.

Local competitors take part in the festivities starting at noon.  People from all over the Hi-Line take part.

Professionals begin their show at 7 p.m on Saturday.

Organizers promise a great show, with some of the best drivers in the nation taking part.

"Some of these people will be traveling thousands of miles to get here," said organizer Bill Mangold.  "This is the top class."