Fair to have voting theme

You don’t have to be 18 to vote at the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo this summer.

Fair officials encourage everyone, young and old, to exercise their right to vote for their favorite exhibit, whether it be cows or quilts, pigs or potatoes.

With a theme of “Vote for Fun,” the fair will feature ballot boxes throughout the fairgrounds.

The 2012 Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo is scheduled for Aug. 15 to 19, about the same time the television airwaves will be flooded with national and state campaign ads in preparation for the November elections.

“Just like the democratic process, the foundation of the fair is participation,” fairgrounds Manager Mark Campbell said in a news release. “This is a great way for families to participate while they enjoy all the fair has to offer.”

Each person attending the fair will receive one ballot token to place in their favorite exhibit’s box. Results will be tallied and reported daily with the overall winning exhibit being selected at the fair’s conclusion.

The 2012 Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo will also feature three nights of PRCA Rodeo, a demolition derby, Indian relay races, the Inland Empire Carnival and live musical performances.