Lincoln County Fair offers old-fashioned fun
The Northwest Montana Fair in Kalispell may be over for another year, but that doesn’t mean your fun has to end. For a good, old-fashioned fair experience, head over to the Lincoln County Fair in Eureka from today through Sunday, Aug. 25.
“Not that it is any different from what other fairs have — even the one you just had in Kalispell,” fair manager Lois Sciligo said. “But it is a special event to our community. This fair, like others, culminates all the efforts and experiences of our 4-H youth — a presentation of their projects and a judging of sorts on how they did. That part of the fair I find special and endearing.”
Started in 1909, the Lincoln County Fair has evolved over the last 104 years from a focus on the logging industry to community 4-H events.
“The fair for us started more with the Grange and centered around the logging industry, with lumberjack displays,” Sciligo said. “It’s evolved over the years into what it is today.”
The Lincoln County Fair features no carnival rides, something Sciligo said had been tried in the past but “just wasn’t a good fit.”
“Our fair is a true country fair,” Sciligo said. “We do not have carnival rides, but we do have a kids’ carnival at the fair — Kidsville. This attraction features Midway-style games and Bouncy Rides provided by All Star Jumps. A bouncy house, joust arena, 24-foot-long slide, Zorb Balls racetrack, human gyroscope, bungee trampoline and more. There is also a chance for kids to ‘dunk’ their teachers and principals in the popular dunk tank.”
Sciligo said last year’s fair drew more than 1,000 entries both through 4-H and open classes.
Don’t let the “old-fashioned” nature or lack of carnival rides fool you though; the Lincoln County Fair has more than enough excitement for even the biggest adrenaline junkie, thanks to The Bull Thing.
Presented by the Tobacco Valley Rodeo Association, this year’s event features 50 outstanding riders trying to stay on for eight seconds. Although rides are by invitation only, the event is open to the public, and Sciligo said it fills up fast.
“We get people from all over for The Bull Thing, and all the bleachers fill up,” she said. “It appeals to people of all ages, and is a whole lot of fun. It’s easily the biggest draw of the fair. We even rent spaces in the parking lot so people can have their tailgate parties.”
Sciligo recommends people purchase advance tickets to ensure they don’t miss out.
“We’ve got people who buy lifetime seats, just because of this event,” Siligo said. “They still have to pay admission, but they’re guaranteed those seats, and no one wants to miss anything because they’re hunting for a seat. They’re bringing in five semi-loads of bulls just for this, so you know it’s going to be big.”
Although there is an admission charge for The Bull Thing, there is no general admission fee for the fair.
“We have no general admission, but you do have to pay for the Kidsville games and bounce houses,” Sciligo said. “But there’s plenty to see and do, even without the rodeo and Kidsville. We do charge for parking, but it’s just $1 each day or $3 for a weekend pass.”
Kidsville tickets are 50 cents each, with most games requiring just one or two tickets, and a day pass can be purchased for $20.
“The day pass gives you unlimited admission to all the bouncy rides, but not the Midway games,” Sciligo said.
Beyond the live music, games, exhibits and rodeo, Sciligo said the biggest part of the fair and the thing that keeps people coming back year after year is the community involvement.
“There’s just a great community spirit, and you really feel it here at the fair,” she said. “That’s what most fairs are about, and they really bring people together, and I’m honored to be a part of it. It takes hundreds of people to make this fair happen. Our theme this year is ‘Let’s Meet at the Fair,’ and that really celebrates the camaraderie and invites newcomers to join in.”
Reporter Melissa Walther may be reached at 758-4474 or by email at mwalther@dailyinterlake.com.