104th Boundary County Fair comes to a close

BONNERS FERRY — The highly anticipated Boundary County Fair brought beautiful weather (mostly), large crowds and new activities.  

Nothing says August summer more than a day at the county fair. From the moment of arrival at the fairgrounds, the feeling of community and fun is evident.  

With music filling the air, the scent of sweet and savory scent fair food, and children dashing around with a snow cone or cotton candy in hand, the fair brings nostalgia to seasoned fairgoers and new memories to the young.  

This year, the 2024 theme for the fair was “Red White and Blue, this Fair’s for You”, and holding true to the theme, the colors of the flag were prominent, and the event had a little something for everyone.  

The first day of the fair was Tuesday, Aug. 6 with opening ceremonies in the event. Even mid-week, the fairgrounds were filled will people excited to visit the vendors, see the animals and watch or participate in events. 

This year the fair added a mobile photo booth for friends and families to make memories. Each day the booth moved around the fair to provide a variety of backdrops. Participants input their email address and received the photos via email.  

The fair saw additional attractions this year including a ninja warrior-style obstacle course, putt-putt golf, goose chase, scavenger hunt, cornhole tournament and mechanical bull. Additionally, vendors came out as well.  

Wednesday, Aug. 6, the beer garden was open with a cornhole tournament and free concert by the Copper Mountain Band. 

On Thursday, Aug. 7, the grandstands were packed with families for Family Fun Night. 4-H members showed off their horsemanship and riding skills in barrel races.  

Kids of all ages then competed in a tug-of-war, sack races and chicken chase. 

In the greased pig event, Sam Jolley caught the swine for the second year in a row in the teenager division. This cemented the Jolley family's dominance of the event for the third year in a row.  

At the animal sale on Friday, Aug. 8, FFA and 4-H participants showed their livestock, a culmination of months of work. Many of the purchased livestock were then donated to local non-profits including the Senior Center, food banks, Moyie Springs Shriners and the Boundary County Restorium.  

Saturday, Aug. 9, was closing day and the fair closed with a bang including a parade downtown, motorcycle show and contests.  

At the Memorial Lawn, not a hair was out of place at the mullet contest, as young men and boys walked the catwalk and showed off their long locks. A water balloon fight broke out after the balloon toss and then it was off to the eating contests.  

The blueberry pies grew at the pie-eating contest through the age groups. In his signature white T-shirt, Isaac Bliss chewed up the competition for the second year in a row, taking first for the teenage division.  

Bonners Ferry Assistant Chief Jeremy Garrett took first in the adult division and challenges any other first responders to next year’s contest.  

The Boundary County Fair always needs volunteers.  

    Top placers in the mullet contest at the Boundary County Fair.
  

    Gaige Johnson takes his Grand Champion swine for a turn at the Animal Sale at the Boundary County Fair.
  

    Kids compete in the three-legged race for Family Fun Night at the Boundary County Fair.
  

    Kids wait their turn to compete in activities for Family Fun Night.
  

    Isaac Bliss continues his reign of pie eating champion at the Boundary County Fair.
  

    A young boy waits his turn to participate in activities at Family Fun Night.