COUNTY FAIR

In the mood for a fun time at a county fair? There’s something for everyone at the Dawson County Fair and Rodeo Aug. 8-12, 2012 at the fairgrounds in Glendive.

Wednesday is a day for horse lovers with the open class horse show at 8 a.m. The popular Dawson 100 Club’s Santa Maria Barbecue at 5 p.m. on Wednesday is a tasty way to kick-off a few days of eating out at the fair while supporting the primary benefactor for ongoing fairgrounds projects.

Fair exhibits are not only fun to view but also fun to enter in hopes of winning that blue ribbon. Open class entries will be accepted Thursday 3-9 p.m. and Friday 7-9 a.m.

Thursday is the judging of 4-H horse projects while other 4-H and open class judging begins Friday at 10 a.m. Even if you aren’t exhibiting, you are welcome to watch the judging of everything from the best photography, crafts, sewing and cooking to the well-groomed and trained livestock.

Concessions and vendors are a fun part of a county fair and you won’t be disappointed at the wide variety Thursday evening through Sunday.

The free stage is a favorite stop in one’s stroll of the grounds. This year enjoy hypnotist Chris Mabrey from Colorado as he headlines the free stage Thursday through Saturday. Great local talent is also featured on the free stage, so take a break, enjoy a bite to eat, sit in the shade and watch all the entertainment. Stretch your brain in a fun way this year with the interactive “Super Science” exhibit or safely test your skills at the BB gun shooting range sponsored by Daisy guns.

The Fun Time Carnival will be operating Thursday evening through Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon with lots of games and rides, thrills and chills, for all ages.
The popular Lou’s Petting Zoo will be a fun treat for the children Thursday evening through Saturday as well.

Thursday evening will showcase a local talent competition at the grandstands for young and old alike followed by the great country music of Charley Jenkins in concert, back by popular demand. This evening will prove to be a fantastic event for the entire family.

Friday at 8 p.m. the Dawson County Fair is pleased to present Corb Lund and the Hurtin’ Albertans in concert followed by 32 Below’s full show which will run into the wee hours. Lund is a multi-award winning Canadian singer and writer with strong roots in traditional “talkin’ blues” and alt-country music. 32 Below is a hard hitting country-rock show band popular throughout the Midwest. If you’re ready to de-stress from your week, Friday night will be a long evening full of great music and fun.

Want an exciting way to spend a Saturday night? How about attending an award winning PRCA rodeo at 7:30 p.m. People of all ages and walks of life are finding that the Dawson County Fair’s rodeo, featuring J Bar J Rodeo Company stock, is the complete package. The contestants are vying for their place in the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association and Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. Our fair has been honored to receive awards from both organizations acknowledging our dedication and work to put on a fantastic rodeo. This is the “real deal” for the contestants with always plenty of excitement for the crowd as well, so come be a part of the action on Saturday. After the rodeo you can dance the night away to the popular country/classic rock group, The L.A.W. Band.

Rounding out the fair will be the highly popular Glendive Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture Ranch Rodeo on Sunday afternoon. This event features teams of area ranch hands in competitive tasks that are many times akin to their work on the ranch. Attendees tend to choose their favorite team to cheer for or purchase in a calcutta-style auction. The ranch rodeo is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon to close out the Dawson County Fair.

For more information on the Dawson County Fair in Glendive, you can visit our website at www.dawsonfair.com or phone the fair office at 377-6781.