AS I SEE IT
By Neal A. Shipman
Farmer Editor
With the arrival of the McKenzie County Fair this week in Watford City, we can pretty much lay to rest the claim that there is never anything to do around McKenzie County. And this year’s county fair is going to be the start of another busy summer of fun with Arnegard’s 4th of July, Watford City’s Homefest and the Best of the West Ribfest still yet to come.
The McKenzie County Fair, which runs June 20 through 22, is going to be three days of family fun with tons of activities including a parade, 4-H projects, a draft horse competition, free shows, as well as the excitement of a demolition derby and a NDRA rodeo.
But what everyone likes most about a county fair is a carnival and lots of food. And this year, the fair board has done a good job of ensuring that both of these needs have been met.
Obviously, the evening entertainment lineup is what draws many people to a fair. But let’s face it, a great selection of food, and lots of it, as well as a quality carnival and midway is what keeps fair-goers returning every evening. A quality fair, and one that continues to draw more and more people each year, needs to be a complete package.
Building a quality fair takes time. Ever since Watford City’s and McKenzie County’s population exploded, the volunteer fair board has had a tough job of bringing more and more entertainment to a fairgrounds that lacks the space for a big carnival, a larger midway or even more food booths.
But that problem could soon be remedied as the fair board and the county commissioners are looking at relocating the fairgrounds to a much more spacious location that would allow for adequate parking and plenty of room to grow the fair, as well as to serve the county and city in other ways.
While that relocation is still several years in the future, it will be a very positive change for the McKenzie County Fair.
So while we wait for a new fairgrounds, that shouldn’t stop everyone from heading out to take in all of the fun and excitement that this year’s McKenzie County Fair brings to area residents.
And with entrance into the fairgrounds being free this year, there is no reason that you shouldn’t pack up the family and head out to the fairgrounds to enjoy the free shows, visit the livestock barns and exhibit hall buildings or spend the evenings wandering the carnival midway and riding rides.