2021 Great Northern Fair draws praise despite heat

The Great Northern Fair began in earnest Wednesday with the opening of the Midway West Amusements Carnival, the 4-H Chuckwagon and most of the food booths - and reviews are mostly positive.

While some lamented the heat and others thought the fairgrounds were a little sparse Wednesday, the more passionate opinions were almost entirely in praise of the fair.

Wyatt Gobin said it was clear just by the fairgrounds' set up that everyone involved worked hard to make the event happen, especially with the fair effectively under new management.

Great Northern Fairgrounds Manger Frank English has been in that role since 2019 when he was hired shortly before that year's fair, and, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, last year's fair was canceled.

This is the first fair English has run from the planning stages and Gobin was clearly impressed, saying it was noticeably better than 2019.

"It definitely feels like it's bigger for sure," he said. "I mean they're still setting up two more rides, I can't wait to see that."

The opinion that this year's fair was better than 2019's was held almost universally, as was the disappointment at not being able to have a fair last year.

"I was bummed out," Gobin said. "I know a lot of people were, but I'm glad it's back."

Reggie Springer, a native of the area who now lives in Massachusetts said last year he wasn't able to visit his home state or visit any of his family that still live here.

"Not only no fair, but no Montana," Springer said.

He said one of his favorite fair foods is unfortunately absent this year as well but he has plenty to look forward to.

"I always come for the food and I'm a little disappointed that there's no Vikings this year, but I find plenty of other things to eat," he said.

Gobin also said he was looking forward to getting some food but would have to wait one more day until the Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Line's booth opens to get some steak-on-a-stick. That happens today at 4 p.m.

He also said he was looking forward to activities in the 4-H Chuckwagon which he said looks great this year.

Another attendee, Samantha Clark said she and her brother's children were definitely having a good time this year, as well.

"The kiddos are really liking it, and if they're happy, I'm happy, you know," Clark said.

She said there are some things missing or not open as much and the aftereffects of the pandemic are still having an impact on things, but for the most part everyone seems happy to be back despite the heat, a common source of discomfort expressed by other attendees, especially the less enthusiastic ones.

The Great Northern Fair continues through Sunday and features free entertainment shows, rodeo events, 4-H events, live music and dancing, a powwow organized by Northern Winz Hotel & Casino, a demolition derby and plenty of traditional fair food.