Blaine County Fair offers summer fun

Havre Daily News/Nikki Carlson, file photo

Members of the Pigs Wrestling Cousins team dive on top of each other while grabbing for a pig in the pig wrestling event at the Blaine County Fair in Chinook in July 2010.

The molten heat of summer brings with it some advantages: school break for students, barbecues, the pool opens and fair season.

The Blaine County Fair is again the first of the season in this part of the Hi-Line. Though Blaine County's fair will be quite different this year, from past fairs and from this year's neighboring fairs.

"We're trying our fair this year without a carnival because we weren't able to get a carnival," said Suzanne Berger, from the Blaine County Fairgrounds office. "But we still have some fun things coming in."

Berger explained that the leap year threw off the usual order, and the carnivals were booked.

But that doesn't mean there isn't fun to have at the fair.

They've got eight bouncy castles for younger kids, laser tag for older kids, a hay maze and a mechanical bull.

And the entertainment was not affected by leap year.

The Little Kids Rodeo opens fair acts tonight at 5 p.m.

On Friday, magician/hypnotist/comedian Alan Sands will be performing three shows from noon to 3 p.m., followed by Pig Wrestling at 4 p.m. and evening entertainment from the Copper Mountain Band.

"They've got a lot of energy," Berger said. "They are a really good band, a super band."

All Friday night entertainment can be enjoyed for a $10 package deal.

The engines come roaring on Saturday when the fair will host a Motorcycle Stunt Show at noon and 5 p.m., and during the evening's Demolition Derby that starts at 6.

Adults can pay $12, $8 for kids, to see automotive anarchy as drivers destroy each other for a shot at the prize, $10,000.

"I think we have the biggest derby in the state, with the biggest purse payout," Berger said. "Normally, we get some out-of -state vehicles."

The main draw on Sunday will be the livestock sale at 1 p.m., offering deals on "Top Quality 4-H/FFA Beef, Lamb & Market Swine."

Thursday, July 12, 2012

6 a.m. to 9 p.m. — Set up fair

8 a.m. — 4-H interview judging; Ag Hall

10 a.m. — Food booths open

10 a.m. — 4-H Chuckwagon opens

4 p.m. to 6 p.m. — Weigh-in and entry of all 4-H/FFA livestock projects

5 p.m. — Little kids rodeo

6 p.m. — Midway opens

10 p.m. — 4-H Chuckwagon closes

Friday, July 13, 2012

8 a.m. — 4-H Dog Show Sale Barn

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Pick up entry number. for all open class entries and premium book at fair office

10 a.m. — Children's Program; Commercial Bldg. Kitchen

10 a.m. — 4-H Chuckwagon open Noon to 6 p.m. — Enter open class exhibits; Ag Hall

10 a.m. — 4-H Horse Show Little Arena

Noon — Commercial Building is open to the public

Noon — Midway opens

Noon to 3 p.m. — Alan Sands

1 p.m. to 3 p.m. — All ages can work with floral design team to prepare arrangements for entry Saturday

1 p.m. — Market lamb/goat show

3 p.m. — Alan Sands

4 p.m. — Pig wrestling at grandstands

4 p.m. — Beer garden opens

8 p.m. — Fair Night Show "Copper Mountain Band"

8 p.m. — Commercial Bldg. Closes

10 p.m. — 4-H Chuck Wagon Closes

Saturday, July 14, 2012

6 a.m. — 8 a.m. — 4-H/FFA Breakfast Sponsored by Rainbow Irrigation at the 4-H Chuck Wagon

8 a.m. — 10 a.m. — Flower Entry Garden Club Booth in Ag Hall

8 a.m. — Noon — 4-H/FFA Youth Market Swine Show

10 a.m. — 4-H Exhibit Building Open to Public

10 a.m. — Commercial Bldg. Open

10 a.m. — 4-H Chuck Wagon Open

11 a.m. — Open Class Flower Judging at the Ag Hall, public welcome to observe

Noon — Beef Breeding/Dairy Show

Noon — Midway Open

Noon — Motorcycle Stunt Show

2 p.m. — 4-H/FFA Market Beef Show at Little Arena

4 p.m. — Beer Garden Open

5 p.m. — Motorcycle Stunt Show

6 p.m. — Demolition Derby Grandstands Arena

8 p.m. — 4-H Building Closes

8 p.m. — Commercial Building Closes

10 p.m. — 4-H Chuck Wagon Closes

Sunday, July 15, 2012

6 a.m. to 8 a.m. — 4-H/FFA Breakfast Sponsored by Milk River Co-Op at the 4-H Chuck Wagon

8 a.m. to 11 a.m. — 4-H Rabbit Show followed by the 4-H Cat Show Sale Barn

10 a.m. — Commercial Bldg. Open

10 a.m. — 4-H Chuck Wagon Open

10 a.m. — Exhibit Buildings Open

11 a.m. — 4-H/FFA Round Robin Contest

Noon — Midway Open

Noon — Set-Up Show/Sale Barn for Livestock Sale

1 p.m. — Youth Livestock Sale Top Quality 4-H/FFA Beef, Lamb and Market Swine

4 p.m. to 5 p.m. — 4-H Photo Op with Awards in 4-H Bldg. (No exhibitor to leave building with exhibits until photo is taken)

5 p.m. — Pick up flowers & all open class entries at Ag Hall

5 p.m. — Commercial Bldg. Closes

5 p.m. — 4-H Chuck Wagon Closes

If anyone wishes to recycle you may leave your ribbons in the box at the 4-H Building or the Extension Office.

All 4-H/FFA Shows will be at Youth Show/Sale Barn unless otherwise stated.