Fairgrounds set to rock again on May 7

Fans of live music — and of live county fairs — again have the opportunity to rock to local musicians during the fifth annual Rockin' the Hills fundraiser Saturday, May 7.

The event features four local bands donating their time to raise money for the Great Northern Fair Foundation, for use in improving the fairgrounds.

"Thanks to all the bands and poster sponsors for getting us to our fifth concert," said foundation secretary Missy Boucher said. "We can only make this bigger and better."

The event originally started as a battle of the bands contest, but has been switched to an evening of live entertainment with the contest aspect eliminated.

The event, featuring a dance floor, concessions, beer garden and a sand pile for kids, is set to start at the Bigger Better Barn at the fairgrounds shortly after the gates open at 7 p.m.

Boucher said the four headliners have done an "awesome job" in past performances at the fundraiser and other performances in the community.

The country artist Milk River Band has been one of the biggest, continuous supporters of the fundraiser, Boucher said.

"Milk River has been great about donating (the use of) a majority of the sound system and working with the bands to make this a great show for all," she said. "They really take pride in our community and their music." Another returning band is Border Line.

"This band has also been with us from the beginning and loves to rock the house," Boucher said. "Along with Milk River, they combine sound systems and lights to make this show a success for the Fair Foundation."

Blind Luck has not been at the show the last two years, but is making a return performance, while preparing to do some other performances, Boucher said.

"They love the idea of our concert and are also working on some new things for Kicks at 6," she said. Another popular local band, Electric Ranch, is making its first appearance at Rockin' The Hills.

"The past few years they have had scheduling conflicts, but worked it out to perform for the local crowd this year." Boucher said.

She added that anyone with a band who would like to perform after the four headliners are welcome to do so. Members of bands that would like to perform at next year's — or subsequent — Rockin' the Hills should talk to a fair board member at the show, or leave a message at the fair office at 265-7121.

The sand pile and toys again will be at the event for children to play on, and St. Jude Home and School will be running a concession with items like popcorn and hot dogs and pizza, as well as pop and water. All proceeds from the stand will go to the Home and School.

Adults can take advantage of the beer garden, and a 50-50 raffle. A raffle of some other items also will be held.

"Like before, we will have a dance floor for all to dance the night away," Boucher said. "Our bands have no particular order they will play in, and, if time allows, when they are finished we will have a jam session." Boucher said last year's fundraiser generated $2,000 for the foundation, which helped with $3852.29 worth of work finishing beautification projects around the caboose on the fairgrounds.

"With this project complete, we are looking at a few other beautification projects and still are optimistic that we can work towards new bathrooms in the future," she said.

Entrance to the fundraiser is $5, with children 6 and younger getting in at no charge.