Almost Too Much Fun Planned At Ravalli Co Fair

The Fair Parade is Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. Then, four full days of the Ravalli County Fair September 1st through September 4th in Hamilton. The annual fall festival has a huge variety of activities. You'll have quite a few choices after you enter the gates.

Of course, county fairs are always great places to show off the agricultural world and this fair has that covered. The 4-H/FFA kids have been working all year on their rabbits, sheep, cattle, hogs, chickens, goats and also other projects including photos and more. Their animals and the general public Open Class animals are all in barns on the north end of the fairgrounds. The other 4-H/FFA projects - and there's plenty of them - are in the display area under the huge grandstands.

Speaking of the grandstands, they are classic wooden structures, but also include a very nice metal handicapped area right in front, so everyone can enjoy the rodeo action. Each night is different, with Rockin' RC Ranch Rodeo teams Wednesday night, Bull-A-Rama and Bronc Riding Thursday evening, with sanctioned NRA Rodeo action Friday and Saturday nights. By the way, when you pay your entry fee to the fairgrounds, the rodeo is included. No extra charge.

Exhibits, exhibits, exhibits - check out the floral barn, the ag barn and then be overwhelmed by the jam-packed First Interstate Event Center exhibits. Adults and kids have entered thousands of projects, photos, quilts, ceramics, foods and art. There are demonstrations going on almost all the time, too.

The vendor booths include commercial and non-profit groups all over the fairgrounds and that includes the "Fair Food." You MUST eat your way through the fair or you haven't done it right. The Carnival rides start up in the afternoon and whirl and thrill into each evening. KLYQ's Free Stage at the north end of the fairgrounds features nationally known impressionist Mike Walker twice a day, along with lots of local musical talent on the stage.

We mentioned the parade at the start. The Grand Ravalli County Fair Parade is the official way for you to start your fair experience. It's on Hamilton's Main Street at 10 a.m. Wednesday morning. Steve Fullerton of KLYQ and Chamber of Commerce Manager Al Mitchell will introduce the entrants at the reviewing stage on the 200 block of Main. Enjoy!