Lots of activity at Blaine County Fair

The Blaine County Fair at the Blaine County Fairgrounds in Chinook started this morning and will end Sunday evening.

Preparation for the fair started with distributing gravel to dry out the fairgrounds for events that began today.

The fair will be without a carnival this year because “it’s difficult to get a carnival any more,” said fair manager of eight years Suzanne Berger.

This is the fair’s second year without a carnival, and the challenge comes in finding other venues to take the place of the carnival rides. These difficulties were met in the numerous attractions selected for the Midway this year.

The Midway boasts many activities, said Berger, and will open tonight at 6 p.m.

“There will be several blowups and bouncy toys,” she said.

The Young Guns Wild West Fun Park will be present. This is a good outlet for the younger kids in attendance, and advertises activities for those who don’t make the traditional age and height requirements for most carnival rides.

There will be a mechanical bull, pony rides and an exotic petting zoo, which Berger says has camels, zebras and wallabies.

Marcus Funny has been chosen as entertainment, along with Pippi the Clown.

The commercial building will once again be home to area business owners and vendors. The building will open to the public Friday at noon. Local food vendors will be on hand with a fair staple, scones, and the a new twist on the crowd-favorite, sconitos. These are scones used in place of taco shells filled with taco ingredients.

Grandstand events start tonight at 5 with the Kids Rodeo.

Pig wrestling is scheduled for Friday at 4 p.m.

“It’s amazing,” said Berger.

At least 50 teams have signed up to participate already. It’s a real crowd-drawer, she said.

The demolition derby will be held Saturday starting at 6 p.m., and usually has a “sell-out” crowd, said Berger.

“They offer a $10,000 purse.”

There is a new component to the derby this year. Before the final heat, there will be a kids derby with children using small battery-operated vehicles.

The fair will wrap up Sunday with 4-H and FFA events, and the Midway will be open for the last time.

Berger said that the weather forecast for the weekend looks great, which is something to look forward to, considering the weather lately.