Fair crafts plenty of fun, activities
SANDPOINT — The Bonner County Fair is just around the corner, and there are plenty of events to keep participants coming back for more this year.
Along with the standard events, organizers have crafted attractions and games that bring more entertainment than ever to this year’s fair.
Two such initiatives crafted around popular concepts like Monopoly and The Price is Right rewards participants for shopping local.
“The Fair Price is Right” distributes playing cards to local shoppers that must be turned in to the fair office by 3 p.m. on Monday. Officials will draw 10 of these cards at 6 p.m. and notify the finalists. These lucky individuals will get to play a game of The Price is Right at 2 p.m. on Friday with a chance to win prizes.
To earn a playing card, shop at one of the following businesses: 4 Seasons Power Sports, Co-Op Country Store, Pape Machinery, Curves, Magic Bean, Home Consignment Store, Marcy’s Hallmark, Sayer’s Jewelers, Meyer’s Sport-Tees, Sew ‘n’ Vac, Sandpoint Furniture, Papa Murphy’s, Pend Oreille Pasta, Laughing Dog Brewery, Staples, Big R, Sandpoint Marine and Motor Sports, Pampurrred Pets, Zandoozles, The Wine Shoppe, Sandpoint Building Supplies, Sweet Lou’s, Fantastic Sam’s, Ponderay Garden Center, Les Schwab and The Floor Show.
“Fairnopoly” works on a similar rule set. Various businesses are situated onto the properties of a traditional Monopoly board, and purchases will earn participants property cards. These properties can be entered into a drawing at 2:30 p.m. each day of the fair, and winners will earn business gift certificates or prizes. Furthermore, those with the most properties will have a chance at a grand prize at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. In addition, they will get to roll the dice in an attempt to land on the Chance or Community Chest spaces for more prizes.
Shop at Dub’s, Pedro’s, Great Stuff, Eichardt’s, Pack River Potions, The Alpine Shop, Fritz’s Frypan, Zero Point, Blue Lizard, Evans Brothers Coffee, Vanderford’s, Eve’s Leaves, Nu-Way Cleaners, Sharon’s Hallmark, The Sand Stallion, Sandpoint Super Drug, Snow River, Winter Ridge Natural Foods Market, Jalapeño’s, Coleman Oil, Larson’s, Sandpoint Salon, Image Maker, Petal Talk, Zany Zebra, MickDuff’s, Spud’s, Finan McDonald Clothing, Trinity at City Beach, Athlete’s Choice Foot Wear and Pend d’Oreille Winery to earn property cards.
The fairgrounds fun kicks off next Tuesday and lasts until Saturday. Organizers have managed to cram more fun and entertainment than ever into that time frame. Just like other years, 4-H participants can look forward to having their animals judged and awarded prizes, while visitors can check out some prime examples of livestock for themselves.
The crowning moment of the 4-H show is the livestock sale at 6 p.m. Friday. Young ranchers lead their prized animal out in front of a large crowd of spectators and business owners, hoping to get top dollar for their hard work.
In between the 4-H activities, fair-goers can check out plenty of great entertainment. A large lineup of local singers, songwriters, musicians and bands will provide plenty of quality tunes throughout the week. At 9:15 p.m. Wednesday, the Bio Luminesce fire dance team will wow onlookers with their pyrotechnic displays, while local D.J. Bashful Dan will also host a dance party the following night. Numerous contests and educational presentations will be available throughout the week for those interested in participating. With so many activities to pursue, people should grab themselves a schedule and highlight the most intriguing selections.
Of course, there’s nothing like a little spectacle to bring out the crowds, and this year’s fair has two such events that easily fit the bill. The fair debuts to an explosive start at 7 p.m. Tuesday with a monster truck show, a two-hour display of power wheelies and 30-foot jumps. In addition, the show will have the Raging Inferno, a street-legal jet-powered fire truck, on hand for rides and general entertainment. The first 500 kids in attendance get a free toy monster truck, so make sure to arrive when the gates open at 6 p.m. to ensure a souvenir.
The fair ends on a similar bang with a demolition derby to begin at 7 p.m. This chaotic competition involves several drivers ramming into each other in an attempt to be the last mobile driver. Prizes and trophies are awarded to the top drivers ranging from $3,000 for first place to $100 for fifth place. This popular sport debuted at the Bonner County Fair in 2004 and has only grown since then, attracting large crowds and generating substantial improvements for the fairgrounds.
This year also brings some historic commemoration into the mix with the “100 Years of 4-H in Idaho” celebration. With the birthday of 4-H imminent, visitors can join the party at 1 p.m. on Saturday and grab a free cupcake to boot.