The Mineral County “Smokin’ Hot Fair” held last week was another well-attended three-day event — bringing in people from all over the northwest.

Held in Superior, mornings started with a pancake breakfast made by the Methodists Men at the fairgrounds. From there, 4-H members were busy with livestock judging and keeping their animals fed and watered throughout the weekend. This year’s Fair Honoree was Frances Higgs, who traded in her mailbag for a blue-and-white sash. She was recognized with a plaque at the beginning of Saturday’s rodeo for her “outstanding community service,” Higgs recently retired from the Superior Post Office after 40 years of service and was at the fair on Saturday, “I wear the sash and walk around looking important,” she said with a smile.

There was a dog show and a cat show on Thursday, with music by PJ Destiny and the Good and Plenty Band. Bingo was also available throughout fair days, along with bouncy houses and water games for the kids, and a petting zoo.

Thursday evening was Family Night and the crowd enjoyed a chicken scrambler, a calf scrambler and jackpot barrel racing, followed by dancing music by the Nightliners. Friday and Saturday, the Cabin Fever Quilt Guild show was held at the high school located next to the fairgrounds. The Old Dogs played during the afternoon, and Jacque Jolene and the Last Chance Band entertained folks after the first night of the Superior Lions Club “Go for the Gold” Rodeo.

‘Smoking’ Hot Fair’ parade

Saturday morning started with a parade down River Street with Charlie and Peggy Stevens as the Parade Grand Marshals. Winning floats were chosen by judges with The Class of ’88 winning for best adult costume; and Superior Meats won for best commercial float followed by Energy Partners in second place and Mineral Energy in third. For best organizational float, the Fair Board was first, Living Water Bible Study second; and Dale Magone third.

In the “Girl on Horse” category, Harper Frawley came in first, followed by Emma Traeder, Kodi Kelly, Susie Bae and Isabelle Erker in second place. Auge Crabb won first for Family on Horse, and in Group on Horses, Mineral County Royalty came in first, followed by the Skyline Drifters and in third the Tarkio Equine Center.

In the large equipment category, Superior Rangers came in first followed by Superior Fire. In antique cars, Terry Erickson was first; Ernest Hunton second; and Ken Verley third. In the decorated bike category, James Kelly was number one, and in children’s float, Phineas Cataldo was first, and Tarkio Equine Center in second. For children’s costume, the Girl Scouts were first and Joe Kelly second. In the final category of “other,” Russell Wilson was first, People of the Pool second, and Jessica Schaak third.

After the parade the Eagles Nest Band played to the afternoon crowd with a talent show at 2 p.m. This was followed by the Living Water Worship Center Bike Raffle, where nearly 300 tickets were given away for the chance to win tents, fishing poles, a wagon, bikes and pedal cars. Funds for the raffle items are raised from a yard sale coordinated by Sue Neal. She said the raffle this year was a huge success and wanted to thank the Pucketts and Aransons for all their help.

4-H/FFA auction

The 4-H/FFA auction was held in the afternoon along with music by the Kelly Hughes Band, which celebrated nearly 30 years of playing to fairgoers in Superior.

Every day, members from the Mineral Community Hospital, local high school, 4-H group, senior center and other local nonprofits, kept the crowds full with hamburgers, Vikings, pizza, hot dogs, treats, drinks, beer and more. Unfortunately, the hospital’s booth ran out of Vikings early Saturday afternoon. Last year, they made 700 Vikings and only sold 300. As a result, this year they made 300 and sold out early. Vikings are tasty treats similar to corn dogs, only that they are made with hamburger meat instead of a weiner.

Throughout the fair there were also vendors, and exhibits with entries is a variety of categories, including photography, painting, flowers, crafts and baked goods. Winners receive $1.50 for blue ribbons, $1 for red, and a Special Premium winning pot of $100. Also, during the last night of the rodeo, Russ Parkin was the winner of the Smokin’ Raffle, which was a freezer donated by Shawn and Anndenia Heyer; half a hog donated by Energy Partners; a smoker donated by Superior Color and Lumber; and a case of Paulines BBQ Sauce donated by Carol Johnson with meat processing donated by Superior Meats.