The FAIR A Place To Showcase, Celebrate

Yes, folks, it is just four weeks till the Northeast Montana Fair, Aug. 2 through 6.

The Fair Commission has defined the main purpose of the Northeast Montana Fair to be a forum to provide Valley County individuals a place to showcase and celebrate. This is provided and encouraged through the exhibits, displays and activities that are offered at the fair.

An account from the Sept. 9, 1954, Courier, shows that such thoughts are woven in this community’s fabric. Here it is:

“Special awards in fair flowers given by Women’s Club … Tampico gives parade color – several Quarter horses owned by colorful red-vested riders were featured in the fair parade ... Mr Putz’s Quarter horse stud, two mares and other horses were in the parade line. Riding or leading animals were Mr. Putz, Tommy Putz, Billy Uphaus, Paul Cornwell and El White, old time rancher. The fair had a total of 35 floats in educational and commercial displays. A total of $80.00 was given in prizes by the Chamber of Commerce.”

Now on to the present day. There are many special awards in specific categories, and the Valley County Fair Commission is very appreciative of all the individuals who sponsor them. Check out the Fair Book to learn what is available for exhibitors to receive.

One change for the 2013 season is the Doctor Award, which is in memory of Dr. David Gregory. This award is sponsored by Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital and this year it is offered to all Valley County. The entries will be exhibited in the Valley Event Center, where the JJ Department exhibits are displayed. The FMDH medical staff awards prize honors to the top three project displays that demonstrate safety or preventive health measures on the farm or in the home. Judges select the winners based on the following criteria: catchy title, timely subject, educational value, conveys message, appearance and workmanship. Check out the Fair Book, get your talent and creativity rolling and be one of those top three.

Fair Notes

– July 27, 8:30 a.m to 3 p.m., is the time for the 4-H Horse Show and 4-H Horsemanship Classes at KD Arena / Lee and Glenda Dix Ranch. This event is the start of 4-H youth showcasing their work for the 2013 year, so take a drive out and see their work.

– Aug. 2-6 is time for the Northeast Montana Fair. The fair schedule is online on the Northeast Montana Fair homepage, or contact the Fair Office Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 228-9843, for information regarding the fair and schedule of activities.

– The Fair Book is available online, with print copies at the Fair Office at the Valley County Fairgrounds, and at the Valley County Extension office.

Meanwhile, the 2012 census data states that Valley County had 7,505 in population with 5 percent being under 5 years old, 22.2 percent 18 years and under, 21.1 percent 65 years and over – so folks, 51.7 percent of this population is in the prime of 18 to 64.

These are considered to be the action movers, so brainstorm with your family and friends and come showcase your talents in fun exhibits and crafts. Make the 2013 fair part of your summer community action. You get out of it what you put into it!