Board hears update on 2013 Great Northern Fair

The Great Northern Fair Board heard that planning is proceeding smoothly for the 2013 fair in Hill County, with some major changes being implemented.

Fairgrounds manager Tim Solomon, group representatives and board committee members reported that planning is nearly complete on events at the fair, including the carnival, food booths and commercial building.

Solomon said one rumour he wants to squelch is that the junior rodeo has been canceled — the event is still being planned for Thursday, July 18.

The junior rodeo was moved after a long-standing attraction, the local and professional truck pull that had been on Saturday, was canceled.

The Northern Rodeo Association professional rodeo moved into that slot, taking Friday and Saturday instead of Thursday and Friday.

Susan Brurud of the local association that puts on that rodeo said planning also is being finalized on a concert that will run in conjunction with the rodeo. The country and rock band II Amendment of Ogden, Utah, will play both nights after the rodeos.

The rodeo association is offering a discount, $40 for tickets to both days of rodeo and both concerts.

Solomon said the event being brought in to take the Wednesday slot that had held the junior rodeo is still a go. Pig wrestling, an attraction at the Blaine County Fair for several years, will take that night.

Solomon said he still is looking for volunteers to help run the ring for the pig wrestling and to help wash the pigs after the wrestling.

Fair board and funding foundation board member Missy Boucher said the foundation fundraiser concert last Saturday was a success. Rockin' the Hills brought in about $3,000 after expenses, so it was right about in the middle of past concerts as far as how much it raised this year, she said.

"The crowd showed up, they stayed, and it was good," Boucher said, adding that the foundation is "Already working on next year's."