Two views of the Boundary County Fair
Why I Love the Fair
Ever since I first visited the Boundary County Fair, I hate to miss it. I remember the first thing I ever entered in the fair was a plate of brownies. The prize I believe was $15.
I vividly remember my first year doing Market Swine through 4H and the anxiety I had all week. But through it all, both the nerves and the excitement, I loved it! There is something about a little county fair that just makes me so proud to live here in Bonners Ferry. Our fair is genuine, and the people who play a major role in planning it want our fair to stay that way. They want all those who visit the fair to go home more excited about where they live. The fair has a way of making a person want to try new things.
One year I watched a short portion of the swine showing session and the next year, I was in the arena! One of my goals as Fair Royalty this year is to get as many people as I can, excited about and participating in the fair. I believe that participating in an event, whatever it may be, makes it more special and important to a person. Whether you enter a plate of brownies or participate in the horse competitions; whether you build a Lego model or sew a quilt, I know you will have a great experience and I’m positive it won’t be one you forget.
Even if you don’t enter anything in the fair, come down and check it out and maybe you’ll be inspired to do something next year. I encourage you to come see all the fair has to offer for you and your families. There are many games and activities going on during the week and fun attractions that will be available. Boundary County, show your county pride and visit the Boundary County Fair, August 15 - 18. I can’t wait to see you there!
— By Caleb Petersen
Fair Royalty Applicant
Why I Love the Fair
I have lived in Bonners Ferry my entire life, and some of my earliest memories are of my family taking me to the Boundary County Fair. I was just eight months old when I first went, and of course I don’t remember that experience, but my parents told me my face lit up when I first saw the animals. They told me that I loved touching the pigs’ noses, that I wanted to sit on the horses, and I tried to hug the cows many times.
When I was about three years old and had just started talking, my parents told me an amusing story of how I had wanted to spend all of my time in the llama and alpaca barn. Within moments of seeing them for the first time and being able comprehend a word for the intriguing animals, I started calling them dogs, and despite the many corrections, the name “doggies” stuck for quite a long time.
Many people don’t realize how lucky we are to live in such a great town where we have access to fun events like the fair that not only are there to entertain, but are also there to teach and inspire. I believe that being exposed to things like the fair and all the animals present at such a young age is one of the factors that contributed to my passion for agriculture today and could do the same for many other kids.
The imagination is at its finest when children are only a few years old, and that is the time when you can introduce new opportunities that could turn into dreams and goals as the child grows older. That’s exactly how it happened for me. I envied the people who had animals at the fair and were winning ribbons in the show ring, and I knew I wanted to do that. At first I didn’t have the specific goals of earning money for future plans or gaining animal management skills that I could use later in life, but naming my own animal and wearing a sparkly belt was very appealing to eight year old me.
I participated in the 4-H Organization for five years and I am currently, and have been, very active in the Bonners Ferry FFA Chapter. I held offices in both organizations and as of this year I am the North Idaho District Reporter for FFA. It’s an honor being able to take part in the leadership of our district, and next year as a senior I have every intention of running for a state office. Not only has being a member taught me lifelong skills but it has also opened up a whole new world of opportunities for me in the long run.
Without the Boundary County Fair and all of the amazing people who work year round to plan it and raise animals for it, I would have never had such wonderful experiences as a child and I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
— By Katelyn Hutchinson
Fair Royalty Applicant