An opportunity to see some of southern Idaho's best livestock, watch junior equestrians, eat homegrown edibles, view beautiful floral arrangements, enjoy a rodeo and ogle local arts and crafts is only at the Blaine County Fair. The fair—a part of Blaine County life since the 1960s—will take place Aug. 3-8 at the Blaine County Fairgrounds in Carey.
When the Blaine County Fair board met to plan for 2009, one of the main items on the agenda was a discussion of how to improve the family-oriented event.
"When County Commissioner Larry Schoen met with the board about the fair, he wanted to get the fair back to what it used to be," said Kyle Green, president of the board. "We needed to think out of the zone and that is what we did this year."
Green said times have changed and the fair wants to reflect the region's different cultures and interests. The fair will include entertainment from outside the county and has made plans to bring north county residents to Carey through Mountain Rides, the valley's bus service.
"We've got Mountain Rides providing buses Friday and Saturday for free, but donations are welcome," Green said. "We have also made improvements so we have better attendance for kids."
The fair will feature lots of booths and some food vendors as well as a kids' climbing wall, obstacle course, bouncy castle and a dunk tank. A barbecue fundraising event will take place on Friday, Aug. 7, from 6-8 p.m. with Utah's Saddlestrings, an authentic country string band, performing from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
"The other thing we are doing this year is the Blaine County ATV & Motorcycle Rodeo on Thursday at 8 p.m.," Green said. "There are not as many horse events at the fair as in the past and there is more of an interest in motor bikes. Fewer people are farming and things have changed to new people doing different things."
During the 4-H Luncheon on Saturday, Aug. 8, entertainment will include cowboy poet Stan Tixier at 11 a.m. Then, Arizona-based Native American flutist Hovia Edward will play at 1 p.m.
"The fair is free," Green said. "The budget from the county is minimal but enough to run the fair. We decided to make the barbecue on Friday a fundraising event so we will have funds for next year."
Grand marshals Don and Judy Atkinson will preside over the fair. The Atkinsons will share their long and active history of supporting Blaine County 4-H programs and livestock sales.
"I want everyone to feel free to make comments and suggestions about what they want at the fair," Green said.
To make comments or suggestions, e-mail blainecofair@co.blaine.id.us.
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
Event schedule
All events are held at the Blaine County Fairgrounds in Carey unless noted.
Tuesday, Aug. 4
· 8 a.m. 4-H horse show.
· 1-8 p.m. All open class exhibits to be entered.
Wednesday, Aug. 5
· 8 a.m. All open class judging, 4-H record book/project judging. 4-H building closed and 4-H swine weigh in.
· 9 a.m. 4-H sheep weigh in.
· 10 a.m. 4-H beef weigh in.
· 12 p.m. Meeting and barbecue.
· 2 p.m. Oral presentations.
· 2:30 p.m. Creed speaking contest.
· 5 p.m. Style revue.
Thursday, Aug. 6
· 8:30 a.m. 4-H swine show.
· 9 a.m. Exhibits open.
· 11 a.m. Open class swine show/quality.
· 11:30 a.m. 4-H sheep show.
· 1 p.m. Open class sheep show/quality.
· 2 p.m. Open class rabbit show/quality.
· 3 p.m. 4-H dog show.
· 3:30 p.m. Open class dog show/quality.
· 8 p.m. ATV & motorcycle rodeo.
Friday, Aug. 7
· 8:30 a.m. 4-H beef show, open class beef quality/show.
· 9 a.m. Exhibits open and beef exhibit.
· 2 p.m. 4-H round robin.
· 6-8 p.m. Family barbecue.
· 6:30-7:30 p.m. Family entertainment with Saddle Strings, music and poetry.
· 8 p.m. Little kids rodeo.
Mountain Rides will offer free bus service at 4 p.m. on Bullion Street in Hailey, 4:15 p.m. on Pine Street in Bellevue and 4:30 p.m. at the Picabo store. Buses will return at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 8
· 9 a.m. Exhibits open.
· 10 a.m. Open class horse and mule show/ quality.
· 11 a.m. 4-H leaders' meeting.
· 12 p.m. Entertainment by cowboy poet Stan Tixier.
· 1-1:30 p.m. Entertainment by Native American flutist Hovia Edwards.
· 1:30 p.m. Market animal sale.
· 8 p.m. Rodeo.
Mountain Rides will offer free bus service at 10 a.m. on Bullion Street in Hailey, 10:15 p.m. on Pine Street in Bellevue and 10:30 p.m. at the Picabo store. Buses will return at 2 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 9
· 2-4 p.m. Remove all exhibits from fair building.
The Blaine County Fair in Carey features the best of county livestock.
