Cotton candy. Hot dogs. Folks tempting you to step right up and win a prize. Youth chaotically running with tickets in hand from one ride to the next. Shrills, screams and genuine laughter. Must be fair time!
For McKenzie County Fair Board members and volunteers, its crunch time as they are busily preparing for the annual fair taking place at the fairgrounds east of Watford City July 11-13.
This year’s theme is “Wild, Wild West.” General admission is a $5 button good for all three days.
Some of the entertainment highlights include a rodeo, carnival, Curly the Clown and Funtastic Kid Zone, the Olaf Leiseth Jr. Memorial Draft Horse Competition, demolition derby, KIDDYUP Goat roping and youth lil’ buckaroo rodeos.
Funtime Carnival Company of Payette, Idaho will be supplying attractions ranging from kiddie rides to whizzing and whirling rides, midway games and carnival food.
For folks who have never witnessed a draft horse competition, the excitement of watching the massive equine participate in a type of ag-olympics will offer excitement and awe. The annual competition is named after Olaf Leiseth, a long time draft horse teamster and member of the Long X Wagon Team.
Foot traffic at the local junkyard may have increased as drivers prospect for sturdy cars to enter into the fourth annual demolition derby which will feature drivers smashing vehicles into their opponents as they attempt to leave the arena with the last vehicle running.
Traditionally, the fair plays host to an extensive 4-H youth lineup of livestock showing.
July 11 kicks off the four days of fun with 4-H activities starting at 10:00 a.m. and lasting throughout the evening.
4-H exhibits for swine, goat, sheep, beef breeding and market beef will take place until 10:45 a.m. with judging of the open class taking place throughout the day.
Curly’s Funtastic Kid Zone opens at 11:00 a.m. and Ice Cream in a Bag is back by popular demand with limited sessions at both 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
The fair parade will make its way down Main Street starting at 4:00 p.m. followed by the beef barbecue at 5:30 p.m.
Registration for the Olaf Leiseth Jr. Memorial Draft Horse Competition closes at 6:00 p.m. and the event takes place at 7:00 p.m. in the rodeo arena.
On Friday, July 12, commercial exhibits open at 9:00 a.m. and continue throughout the day.
Curley’s Funtastic Zone reopens at 11:00 a.m. and KIDDYUP goat roping starts between 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Youth involved in the 4-H exhibits will be presented awards at 1 p.m. and a livestock sale starts at 2:00 p.m.
Registration for the demolition derby closes at 5:15 p.m. with car inspections following. The derby starts at 6:00 p.m.
Commercial exhibits open at 9:00 a.m.
Curly’s Funtastic Kid Zone opens at 11:00 a.m. with goat roping at 11:30 a.m.
At 3:00 p.m. the lil’ buckaroo rodeo will take place at the livestock show arena.
The NDRA rodeo starts at 6:00 p.m. featuring saddle bronc and bareback riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, ladies’ barrel racing and ladies’ & men’s breakaway roping
Tickets to the demolition derby or the rodeo cost $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-13. Children six and under are free.
Capping off both Friday and Saturday night is a dance with the band “Smokehouse,” an all-pro variety act featuring four outstanding performers who bring a powerful vocal blend to the stage. This year’s dance will be sponsored by Watford City’s western wear store Saddle Up and their vendor Tony Lama. The dance begins at 9 p.m. on both nights.
For general information email [email protected] or call 701-675-2306.
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