The Mineral County Fair Parade began promptly at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5 on River Street in Superior. Floats, horse riders and cars crossed the bridge into town waving to the crowd and throwing candy to kids. The theme this year was “Flat Broke Fair” and the theme was the result of a shaky start this year’s fair board experienced. The budget was tight going into this year’s fair, explained the fair board secretary, Deb Davis-Quitt. However, thanks to some fundraising efforts and a $1,500 grant from Blackfoot Telephone the fair went on without a hitch.

The Grand Marshals were Joann Merseal and Connie Ireland, who have been leaders for Women in Timber for more than 20 years. Superior Meats won first place in the “Commercial Float” category. They took the theme and ran with it creating a float taken from the popular children’s cartoon, “The Flintstone” with a wooden car ran by a front and back giant drum shaped tires. Second place in the commercial category was a tutu-clad tooth for Frenchtown Dental. Energy Partners placed third for their hot-tub themed float.

For “Organizational” floats, the Missoula Shriner’s Midget Patrol took first place, followed by the Mineral County Democrats with World War II veteran, Joe Magone dressed up like Uncle Sam riding in the bed of a pickup.

Several Superior High School reunions took place during fair week and the class of 1976 took third place in this category, while the class of 1972 took third place in the “Antique Car” category. Earnest Hunton took first and Fred Fike took second. The class of 1967 was also represented by a float at the parade.

In the “Talented Group” category, Jason McLees took first, followed by the Girl Scouts and the Kelly family. The Mineral County Drill team took first in the “Group of Horses” category, while Rodeo Royalty Madison Hill and Jonna Rae Warnken placed first in “Costumed Rider on Horse,” with second place going to Lanie Crabb.

“Girl on Horse” category had first place go to Teagan Frawley on her pony led by mother, Kaila Frawley. Darby Haskins placed second and Heath Haskins, third.

Emergency vehicles also joined the parade with a U.S. Forest Service truck featuring Smokey the Bear, a DNRC truck, Superior Volunteer Fire Department and Superior Area Ambulance. A float promoting fundraising efforts for a new swimming pool also made its way down River Street toward the Mineral County Fairgrounds.