Generations of Champions, the Boundary County Fair is underway

The Boundary County Fair kicked off Tuesday, Aug. 5, with opening ceremonies and a lively crowd that filled the grounds with the sounds and scents of the summer tradition. 

The aroma of fair food drifted through the air, and music echoed across the fairgrounds as the community turned out to help kick off the fair. 

This year’s theme, “Generations of Champions,” sets the tone for a week packed with tradition, fun, and a growing slate of new attractions aimed at engaging the whole community. The fair runs through Saturday, Aug. 9. 

Among the most anticipated additions is the “Bulls and Broncs” rodeo, taking place Friday and Saturday evenings, the first time the rodeo has been held during the same weekend as the fair. Tickets are available in advance at the fair office or at the gate. 

New family-friendly events include a paper airplane contest, putt-putt golf, and a hands-on nature art station that replaces the long-standing veggie critters tradition. Children are invited to create crafts using pinecones, leaves, and other natural materials. 

Saturday’s schedule features two separate foam parties, a DJ, and a maze, while mechanical bull rides return after being cut short last year due to rain. World champion hacky sack performer Peter Irish will also perform live throughout the week. 

Several upgrades were made to enhance the fair experience. A new one-way traffic system has been implemented to improve vehicle flow, with entry through Fifth Street near the tennis courts and exit via Fourth Street. Painted parking lines and increased SPOT shuttle service from Boundary County High School aim to ease congestion. 

Inside the grounds, visitors will find newly added ATMs, the ability to pay by card, and the new Shed Center Bar, open daily from 1 to 9 p.m., serving beer, wine, soda, and energy drinks. Alcohol may be consumed throughout the fairgrounds by those wearing a wristband, available with ID. 

As the fair continues through the week, organizers encourage the public to come out, explore the exhibits, support local youth, and take part in the county’s biggest celebration of the year.