County fair kicks off this week in Eureka

A century ago, the few existing roads in the county were rough with wagon wheel ruts, and it was inconceivable for Libby and Troy residents to travel to Eureka for the Tobacco Valley Fair.

A more inclusive name – implemented about a half-century ago – and modern transportation has welcomed many more residents from the south to participate in the Lincoln County Fair than that first end-of-summer festival 100 years ago.

Lynette Starling, Lincoln County Fair manager, believes that this year’s theme, which commemorates the county’s centennial, will bring in even more southern county participants.

“We’ve had quite a few calls from Libby and Troy and vendors (from there) that I haven’t seen before,” Starling said. “I really think this year we’ll have more (participation) than usual.”

Fair entries don’t require pre-registration so organizers won’t know how many entries they have and from which towns until Thursday, Starling said. However, she mentioned that Libby and Troy quilters, cooks, bakers and 4-H Club members always participate.

In fact, Sandra Fulgham, a fair board member from Libby, won the Exhibitor of the Year award last year for earning the most points from all of her entries.

“You’d be surprised at the large percentage of our entries from Libby and Troy,” Starling said. “The Exhibitor of the Year has been more from Libby than not for the past six years,”

Those who want to be the first to obtain the book, “Lincoln County, Montana: Celebrating 100 Years,” will have to purchase the hardcover at the Centennial Booth at the fair Friday through Sunday. Fair-goers may also purchase a commemorative Lincoln County centennial coin – available in copper or silver – at the booth. The books arrived from the publisher two weeks ago, and a copy is available to view at each Lincoln County library, but it may not be purchased or checked-out until after its debut.

“If you want to get it right off the bat, you have to be at the county fair,” said book editor Melody Condron. 

Condron compiled the book from entries by local historians and information submitted by individuals and groups. The book contains historical sections, but also serves as a sort of yearbook, featuring 176 men and women who have contributed to the county, as well as information on each community and its clubs, groups, organizations and churches.

The dedication ceremony will be held at noon on Saturday to honor the residents featured in the publication. The book, which costs $21.95, will go on sale at all county libraries on Tuesday, and a second dedication ceremony will be held at the Memorial Center in Libby sometime in September, Condron said.

Condron, who lives in Troy and moved to the area about five years ago, will be experiencing the Lincoln County Fair for the first time.

“I’m looking forward to it because I will be there Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Centennial Booth,” she said. “I’ve been to other county fairs, but I’ve never been to ours.”

To keep in line with the “Hats Off to 100 Years” county centennial and fair theme, this year will feature a new category – hat contest. Participants will display their works of art and compete to win the People’s Choice for best-decorated hat and best hat representing the fair’s theme. A special prize will also be awarded to the best themed float at Sunday’s parade.

Starling says that different people are drawn to the fair for different reasons – there are art and garden displays, live entertainment, games and vendor booths, livestock shows, the petting zoo and of course, The Bull Thing, a full night of bull riding with top cowboys from around the state and Canada.

“Whenever anybody comes, they take in everything,” Starling said. “Just about everything is equally popular because we’re small enough that you can see everything without running out of time.”

Many of the activities are free, and there is no entrance fee.

“A lot of families come that couldn’t afford to go to the bigger fairs,” Starling said.

Starling encourages county residents to not let distance keep them from attending the fair.

“Eureka is a long ways to come,” Starling said, “but once they do it once it doesn’t seem so long.”

Lincoln County Fair

Following are fair highlights from Thursday through Sunday:

Thursday, Aug. 27

• 6:30 p.m. – “Oldies but Goodies” with Holly VanBemmel from entertainment stage in the food court

Friday, Aug. 28

• 10 a.m.-4 p.m. – Co-op Day at the Fair, free bucket truck rides for adults and children

• 10 a.m.-7 p.m. – Kidsville, children’s games

• 7-9 p.m. – Friday Night at the Games, free games for children and adults: sheep riding, sack races, chicken catching contests, three-legged race, tug-of-war and more

Saturday, Aug. 29

• 9 a.m.-7 p.m. – Kidsville, children’s games

• 10 a.m.-5 p.m. – Free petting zoo

• 12 p.m. – Centennial Roll of Honor Ceremony for those featured in the centennial book

• 3 p.m. – Livestock auction

• 7 p.m. – The Bull Thing, bull riding followed by Arena Dance

Sunday, Aug. 30

• 10 a.m.-4 p.m. – Free petting zoo

• 1 p.m. – Fair Parade

• 1-4 p.m. – Kidsville, children’s games

For full schedule of events and other information, go online to www.lincolncountymt.us . Click on “County Fair” under “Other Links.”