Have a doggone good time at the fair
Lilly Diegel, 15, of Kalispell shrieks as she gets a blast of water from Andora Tutvedt, 17, of Kalispell, not shown, as they was wash their horses on Friday at the Flathead County Fairgrounds. In the background is Lilly's sister Eliza Diegel, 14.
“Hot diggity dog,” it’s fair time.
The Northwest Montana Fair officially kicks off on Wednesday, but there are plenty of pre-fair events starting today to entertain the crowd.
This year’s theme, “Hog Diggity Dog,” honors man’s best friend, and fairgoers will be treated to several dog contests and demonstrations, including a dog costume contest at 5 p.m. on Thursday on the Free Stage behind the grandstand.
People wishing to enter their canine companions in the contest should arrive at the Free Stage at 4:45 p.m. with their dogs dressed in costume. No pre-registration is required. Dogs will be judged in four categories — dog/owner lookalike, patriotic, cutest and most original.
Audience members will judge the entries, and prizes will be awarded to the first-place finishers in all four categories. The four winners will then square off in a final competition, and the grand prize winner will be awarded a new MP3 player.
Members of the Flathead Kennel Club and the U.S. Border Patrol will demonstrate dog agility and obedience skills at 11 a.m. daily (except Thursday) in the grandstand arena.
And check out the canine good citizen tests given from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Friday during the open dog show in the Trade Center. The American Kennel Club sponsors the tests open to purebred and crossbred dogs. A $1 fee is collected at the time of the show to cover the cost of the test.
highlights of the fair include the Inland Empire carnival with more than 60 rides and games, three nights of PRCA rodeo action, horse races on Saturday and Sunday, a demolition derby and hundreds of livestock and other exhibits.
Concert entertainment begins tonight with a free concert by the Kenny James Miller Band at 7:30 p.m. in the grandstand. The Oak Ridge Boys perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and MercyMe takes the stage Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m.
Advance concert tickets are available at the fairgrounds office or online at www.nwmtfair.com. Both shows are sponsored by Kalispell Toyota.
A limited number of discounted tickets for the carnival are on sale at the CHS Convenience Store, 120 W. Idaho in Kalispell, and at the fair office. The advance tickets cost $20 each and are good for unlimited rides for one person for one day plus $3 worth of food and game tokens. The tickets can be used any day from Tuesday through Sunday. Fairgoers can purchase the advance tickets until Tuesday or while supplies last.
The Dodge PRCA rodeo sponsored by Kari Dodge runs Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Once again the rodeo will feature world-class male and female competitors from Canada and throughout the western United States aiming for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in December. Events include bareback, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and bull riding. Advance tickets can be purchased at the fairgrounds office or online at www.nwmtfair.com.
Friday and Saturday night rodeo-goers will be treated to the ever-popular Indian Relay Races. Teams from across the West will compete for cash prizes in the fast-paced competition. Back by popular demand is the Justin mutton bustin’ sheep riding contest for children ages 5 to 7, to take place all three nights before the rodeo begins.
Horse racing is back this year. The All Breed Turf Club and Blackfeet Tribe sponsors two days of racing on Saturday and Sunday, with gates open at 11 a.m. and a post time of 1 p.m. General admission tickets can be purchased at the gate beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday for $3 each and VIP passes are available for $25 each. Horses and jockeys from throughout the western United States and Canada will be competing, with as many as 10 races per day. Thoroughbreds, quarter horses, paints, and appaloosas are registered for the races.
The demolition derby brings the fair to a smashing finale on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets can be purchased at the fairgrounds office or online at www.nwmtfair.com.