Fair gets thumbs up

When it comes to the fair, you don't want to ruin tradition.

On the other hand, you'd better not get stale, either.

Those concepts have been embraced by Dane Dugan and Kristi Blaver, two bright new brains behind the 2013 North Idaho Fair and Rodeo - "Everything Under the Sun" - which reaches its midway point today. And the midway is as good a place as any to start.

Here at The Press, we've had teams of journalists visiting this edition of the fair and, so far, the reviews have all been strong. New to the lineup on the midway is Paradise Amusements Carnival, which - in keeping with the theme of not getting stale - is thrilling adventure-seekers in a layout different from what you probably are used to. Our staff has commented that the rides are equal to or better than those offered previously, and the layout is easily accessible without distracting quite as much from many of the fair's other offerings.

Also duly noted and appreciated, many of the buildings have been recently painted and improved, and the grounds otherwise spruced up and cleaned up. We learned that this was one of Dugan's top priorities. These are upgrades that we believe will bode well as the fairgrounds evolve into a year-round place for events and other gatherings.

Entertainers also are getting rave reviews, including one-woman circus act Lisa Lou (kids adore her), magician Adam the Great and hypnotist Michael Swenson. You don't want to miss the visiting exotic animals in Walk on the Wild Side, either - or the warning sign about the tiger.

Another notable addition is the "Northwest Made" attraction in Building 7. The focus is on products from our region, including some tasty adult beverages. We look forward to more vendors participating in the years ahead and envision this can one day become a feature attraction.

"It just feels good, and the atmosphere is brighter," summarized reporter Maureen Dolan.

Not everything, however, has gone off flawlessly. There was a moment of pure panic when one of our writers realized the elephant ear stand wasn't where it used to be, and assumed the worst. But order was quickly restored. The same great treats have just moved a few feet to the food court, where there are many assurances that nobody need walk away hungry.

Hear ye, hear ye!

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