July 11, 2012

County Fair “brings out the kid in you”

By Olivia Sundeen    
Farmer Staff Writer

Now that Homefest has come and gone, the McKenzie County Fair offers another weekend of entertainment. The McKenzie County Fair will run from July 11 to 14 with so much fun you’ll feel like a kid again.
“The fair brings something different to the community,” stated Janel Lee, fair board member. “It is our hope that this year’s fair will, ‘Bring out the kid in you.”
The fun begins at 10 a.m. on July 11 with 4-H exhibits being held throughout the day.
“4-H is very prominent in our fair,” stated Lee. “It helps draw in the younger crowd and gives them a chance to showcase their hard work.”
On July 12, the early risers will be up at 8 a.m. for more 4-H exhibits. This is the day that Curly’s Funtastic Kid Zone and the carnival open.
“The carnival will have rides for all ages, games of chance and food booths,” stated Lee. “It is a larger carnival than we have had in the past.”
Pre-sale carnival tickets are available at McKenzie County Bank, Dakota West Credit Union, First International Bank & Trust, BNC National Bank and Meyer’s Department Store.  
With fun always comes food. The ice cream in a bag will be served at 2 p.m. before the parade at 4 p.m. with the free beef barbecue to follow at 5:30 p.m. The Olaf Leiseth Jr. Memorial Draft Horse Competition will be the closer for the day at 7 p.m. in the Rodeo Arena.
July 13 and 14 have even more fun packed into them than the first two days.
“The Demolition Derby is always popular,” stated Lee. “We also have Nascar Remote Control Racing on Friday and Saturday. There will be something for everyone.”
For kids, Friday morning offers fun in the kids zone, KIDDYUP Goat Roping, the Carnival, face painting and much more. That isn’t to say the grown-ups can’t get in on the fun.
If anything there is not a lack of entertainment. Between the bean bag toss, Pinewood Derby car races, and an apple-peeling contest, the days will go by fast. To finish off Friday, a dance will be held at 9 p.m. in the fairgrounds.
“We are hoping for a record number of people,” stated Lee. “Each year we try to outdo the year before.”
Saturday, July 14, will be the day to watch some rodeo. The Youth Rodeo starts at 9 a.m. The NDRA Rodeo Slack follows at 1 p.m. The Lil’ Buckaroo Rodeo will be held at 3 p.m. and the finale of the 2012 McKenzie County Fair will be the NDRA Rodeo at 6 p.m.  
“I’m excited that it is finally here,” stated Lee. “Our fair is growing and we are trying to diversify it to appeal to all ages. I think this year we may have hit that mark.”

WATFORD CITY WEATHER