SANDPOINT — If you're looking for "Truckloads of Fun" this week, there's only one place you're going to find it — and that's the Bonner County Fair.

The much-anticipated fair kicks off today, Aug. 12, and runs through Saturday, Aug. 16, for five days of family fun, critters and entertainment.

The theme, "Truckloads of Fun," captures the spirit of the community's rural heritage and vibrant energy, said Mark Knapp, Bonner County Fair manager.

"The Bonner County Fair is our annual tradition that celebrates who we are," Knapp said. "It's where neighbors connect, families and friends make memories together, and our young people showcase their talents."

The fairgrounds will be open daily, with special events nightly. Fair admission is free and parking is free on Tuesday, then $7 for a weeklong pass.

The fair features a wide variety of attractions and nightly events, from barrel racing, ranch sorting and extreme bronc riding to a country music concert with Wynn Williams and special guest Devon Wade. The annual demolition derby, the "Bonner County Brawl," will wrap up the week on Saturday with area demolition drivers aiming to be the last to leave the ring.

Knapp said a host of livestock shows will take place throughout the week as 4-H and open class exhibitors bring their goats, sheep, pigs and cattle to the fair to compete in both showmanship and quality events.

Throughout the week, local and regional performers will provide daily entertainment on the Ed Brown stage or throughout the fairgrounds.

From quilts to crafts to photography and everything in between, displays from talented residents of all ages will fill the fairgrounds, Knapp said.

And for residents looking for something to eat, the fair manager said the food court will feature both classic fair treats and unique handmade goods, all from community groups and organizations.

Among the fun competitions planned for the fair are a pie eating contest Thursday; the World's Smallest Rodeo, the Little Folks Horse Show and a tractor driving contest, all on Friday; and an ice cream eating contest and "best mullet" contest, both on Saturday.

Selected as Bonner County Fair grand marshal and volunteers of the year are longtime Dover residents Randy and Gail Curless.

The fair is a family tradition for the Curless family, with Gail Curless' mother, Ruth Allanson Sherwood, showing swine at the first Bonner County Fair in 1927 and her dad serving as a 4-H leader. The couple are longtime 4-H leaders, with their daughter Erica Curless showing in 4-H and their granddaughter following in their footsteps and showing livestock through 4-H.

Fair officials said the couple exemplify what the fair aims to celebrate and their volunteer efforts help make it the special tradition it is. Volunteer efforts start before the fair begins and continue long afterward, with both Randy and Gail Curless serving as superintendents for various static exhibits and for livestock, including serving as judges for various contests, dog shows and horse shows.

Honored as 2025 static exhibit superintendent of the year is Twilla Miller, a fifth-generation Sagle native who graduated from Sandpoint High School in 2000. After traveling the United States for her husband's work, Miller and her family returned to the area to begin their dream of a working farm on the land her family homesteaded in 1886.

Selected as 2025 livestock superintendent of the year is Rachel Marienau, who grew up loving the fair and participating in a number of 4-H projects, including horse, sheep and poultry, to name a few. Marienau serves as the poultry barn superintendent.

Selected as 2025 Sandpoint Rodeo Queen is Yesenia Pilgrim, a senior at North Idaho Christian School. The teen is also a member of the North Idaho Saddle Mule Club and rescues horses in her spare time.

"Join us in celebrating the heart of Bonner County — its people, traditions and community fellowship," Knapp said.

For a full schedule of events, visit bonnercountyfair.com and click on the "Fair Book" link, and follow Bonner County Fairgrounds on social media.

    Charley Martin, Sylvia Nees and Calvin Nees give a thumbs up to meeting Smokey Bear at the 2024 Bonner County Fair.