The 2019 Lincoln County Junior Fair is set to kick off next weekend, but organizers are still welcoming entries and looking for judges.

Cathy Jenks, chair of the junior fair, said that the fair still needs about four judges for the categories of pottery, photography, youth fine arts and performing arts.

Last year’s fair had 50 participants and 39 Grand Champion ribbons awarded.

Shelby Smith, who submitted 80 exhibits last year, said that the opportunity to expand her creativity in new and different areas has kept her excited about the fair year after year, and she’d encourage other young people to try it.

“I would definitely encourage them, yes,” she said. “And to try out things and see what they’re capable of doing.”

Not only does participating provide an outlet for creativity and imagination, it can allow someone to explore new ways of expressing themselves, and then share it with others.

Mannix Montgomery, who was participating for his third year in 2018, said he felt a little nervous and stressed going up during the Performing Arts portion to demonstrate his knowledge of taekwondo, but his nervousness faded.

He also recalled all the detail work of putting shingles on the roof of a wood kit house, but said he had fun in the end.

“It’s really fun trying new stuff,” he said.

Anyone interested in volunteering or exhibiting can reach out to Jenks at 406-293-2918

The fair runs from Thursday, July 18 through Saturday, July 20.

A parade from the Libby Memorial Center to Asa Wood will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 19.

Volunteers are also needed for final cleanup on Saturday.

Fair Schedule

Thursday, July 18

8 a.m. - 8 p.m.: Libby area registration at Asa Wood School gym. Enter exhibits and pre-register livestock, parade, arts, fresh flowers and food preparation.

Troy and Eureka registrants can call Cathy Jenks at 406-293-2918.

Friday, July 19

8 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.: Receive from exhibitors pre-registered fresh flowers and food preparation exhibits. No exhibits accepted after 8:30 a.m.

9 a.m.: Exhibit judging (exhibit area closed to public).

9:30 a.m.: Parade lineup and judging; lineup location posted at Asa Wood.

10 a.m.: Parade from Libby Memorial Center to Asa Wood.

1 p.m.: Exhibits open for view at Asa Wood from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

7 p.m.: Performing arts

Saturday, July 20

7:45 a.m. - 8 a.m.: Livestock check-in at J. Neils Memorial Park. Pre-registered exhibits only (see Thursday schedule). Unregistered livestock will not be accepted.

8 a.m.: Livestock judging. Animals may be removed only when judging is finished.

9 a.m.: Dog judging at J. Neils Memorial Park. Areas evaluated include obedience, showmanship, obstacle course, fun class.

2 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.: Exhibits open for view at Asa Wood.

5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.: Award presentation at Asa Wood.