Fair & rodeo is here

From the livestock pens to the fair rides, from 4-H projects to fiddle contests, country music acts and a demolition derby, the Campbell County Fair is a chance for visitors to get their fill of fun with plenty of local heritage to go alongside.
Events run from Friday to Aug. 6 at Cam-plex, both inside and out. The whole production draws thousands and is free. Amid the livestock pens and the 4-H exhibits, visitors can take in free performances by acts like Montana’s Copper Mountain Band, the Doo Wah Riders and the Axe Women of Maine, who are world champs at hacking and sawing.
Also, look for the carnival put on by North Star Amusements, which will be on the grounds Aug. 1-5. There should be anywhere from 15 to 17 rides inside the gates and visitors will be able to buy a day pass.
Others will want to buy tickets to the Energy Town pro-rodeo that goes from Aug. 2-4, or pay to see performances by country stars Craig Morgan and John Conlee.
Animal displays make up a huge part of the event, including livestock, a “pocket pet show,” cat and rabbit shows and the dachshunds race.
Kids will get to touch farm animals when they visit the Pet Stop, which is at the plaza from Aug. 2-5.
Groups like the 4-H Club, Future Farmers of America, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts use the event to as a display for projects — everything from needle work, to archery to computers.
The “All Aboard” trackless train delivers fairgoers to all of these events they don’t have to get their feet tired.
All of this is the culmination of a year of planning by the fair board and involves close to 60 superintendents who supervise the contests, a slew of judges, performers and competitors.
This is also the first year that fair coordinator Bobbi Jo Heald has been at the helm. She replaces Betty Hough, who retired this year after being coordinator for two decades. Heald has been involved with the fair as a sheep superintendent since 1987.
The fair itself has been in the county since 1920.
For those who want to show off projects, to go on rides or see live music, it will be an exciting time.
Some highlights

The Kids’ Corral: Everything from a face painting, clowns, balloons and caricature artist Bill Crowley will entertain the kids at the Wyoming Center from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 3-5 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 6. There also will be the Wild West Fun Park and Coloring Corral and Face Painting. Step out of the heat and into the air conditioning for some food and drink and some kid-centered fun.

Coal Country Fiddle Contest: Not just the fiddle. The musically oriented can play their stuff on the guitar, banjo, mandolin and vocals too. The contest is at 10 a.m. Aug. 4 in Energy Hall. Fiddlers also can compete across different age groups.

Youth Livestock Sale: Scheduled for 6 p.m. Aug. 6. The 4-H club and Future Farmers of America will have livestock for sale in the Central Pavilion.

Dachshund race: The dachshunds will run again at 1 p.m. Aug. 4. The little legs will fly at the event. There is a $10 entry fee for each dog. Daschunds younger than 12 months old compete in the Little Sizzler class while dogs age 1 to 5 are Oscar Meyer class. All the older dogs race in the Bratwurst category.