Boundary County Fair: Where Friends Come Together

This summer, all across our nation’s cities, county and state fairs are entertaining locals and visitors alike. For the majority of fairgoers, it’s something they’ve done since childhood, and many are passing on the tradition to the next generation. It’s a chance to eat something sweet or deep fried, play games, and in most cases learn about livestock and rural life.

State fairs like those in Texas and Minnesota draw millions of visitors, but around here, most prefer an opportunity to meet up with their friends and neighbors, share a few laughs and meals and have a downright good time. The Boundary County Fair rolls around again this summer taking over the fairgrounds from Wednesday August 17 through Saturday August 20. This year’s theme is ”Season of Scarecrows and Sunflowers.” Fair administrator and Boundary County Fair Board member, Sandy Kerstiens says to expect an event similar to years past, “I like to say we try to shake it up a bit, but it seems that our small fair is pretty set on just being a great summer event where everyone gets a chance to get out and visit with many people in one spot. It’s great to see and hear the seniors visit with friends they haven’t seen since last year’s fair.”

One of the main attractions is the 4-H/FFA (Future Farmers of America) competitions held throughout the four-day event. Local kids work tirelessly throughout the year raising a variety of animals, and the fair is the culmination of all their hard work. Categories include beef, goat, horse, lamb, rabbit, sheep and poultry. Winners are crowned in each category, and animals are auctioned off at 7pm on Friday. There is also a salesmanship category and a social hour.

There are contests for Dutch oven cooking, desserts, monster cookies and even paper airplanes. Lumberjack competitions happen daily, and you’ll want to come by on Saturday for sure as the bulk of the family fun events take place starting with the parade at noon. Following the parade is a zucchini race, seed spitting contest, watermelon eating contest, and an arm wrestling tournament so start working on those guns!

While all of the food vendor booths are filled, there is still space if your business or organization would like to have a booth. If interested, applications are available online or at the Fair Office. You can choose from the Exhibition Hall, Pavilion and the outside grounds. If you want to participate in any of the events or contests, most don’t require an early sign-up, simply show up a few minutes before the event is scheduled to begin. More information can be found by clicking on the fair tab at boundarycountyid.org. Tradition is important to communities large and small, and a trip to the Boundary County Fair is a must for families to carry on that tradition. You’ll find something for everyone, even if it’s simply parking on a bench and watching the crowds go by. Enjoy the fair!

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