Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review•Online and Mobile at www.spokesman.com
Friday, August 16, 2013
What’s New Under the Sun at the North Idaho Fair 2013 Annual Event August 21-25 By Holly Jones Marketing Correspondent In 1922, Kootenai County’s first fair was the place to be for community members to share what they’ve worked for and crafted all year long. It was a celebration of the land, the people, and everyone’s successes. Ninety–one years later, the goal remains the same: bring neighbors together to celebrate each other and the beautiful area in which we live. But a lot of other things can change in 91 years. In fact, a lot changes in only one year, said Kristi Blaver, Kootenai County Fairgrounds and North Idaho Fair & Rodeo Marketing and Public Relations Manager. “This year’s Fair is not going to be the one you saw last year,” she said. “It’s still the greatest celebration of the North Idaho lifestyle, but this year we’ve got some twists up our sleeves that you won’t be expecting.” So what’s new at this year’s North Idaho Fair & Rodeo?
• Visitors will find a fresh layout that you can navigate using a brand new mobile app. The app allows you to see a map of the new layout, videos of the entertainers, plus, the schedule of events and shows. • There will be a new “Northwest Made” building, featuring products grown and crafted in our region. • “Horsing around” the Fair this year, you’ll find Bucky the Horse – North Idaho Fair’s new mascot. • Music fans can enjoy the music of Charley Jenkins, the up–and–coming country singer who was a finalist on NBC’s “Nashville Star”, for concerts and after–rodeo parties. • The fair has partnered with a new carnival company, Paradise Amusements, based out of Post Falls. The company will be bringing exciting fan–favorite rides, such as the 6–story high SkyMaster, the
gravity–defying Gravitron, the ever– popular Zipper, along with many more. • A new Miss North Idaho Fair & Rodeo Queen will be crowned. Young ladies ages 16–25 have the chance to take home the crown and become a community role model. • The fair will feature a new attraction called “A Walk on the Wild Side,” which showcases exotic animals of all kinds – from the cuddly to the venomous. Through community donations in partnership with the non–profit Fair Foundation, the Fairgrounds have a new look for 2013, including barn– red and white paint to celebrate the Western heritage of the region. The Fair Foundation does more than support capital improvements at the fairgrounds, though, and less than 10 percent of the Fairgrounds’
annual budget comes from tax dollars. Donations and gifts to the Fair Foundation are critical in ensuring that the Fairgrounds will remain a central gathering place for the entire community to enjoy, as well as help to fund youth programs and student scholarships. This year’s theme is “Everything Under the Sun,” and the Fair promises to provide just that while still remaining a great value for visitors. That’s something that isn’t changing about the fair this year – the value for your dollar. For fewer than $10, you can spend a whole day immersed in your community, experiencing some of the best entertainment the country has to offer. For more info visit www.northidahofair.com.
Entertainment choices abound Event line–up appeals to all By Renee Sande Marketing Correspondent
FFrom rro om a ha h hand handsome and dso some som me ccrooner rooner ro on ner er iin na cowboy hat to a plate–spinning, slack–line dancing funny girl to two funny guys who hypnotize people and perform magic tricks, this year’s entertainment offerings at the North Idaho Fair have a little something for everyone. An anticipated big draw for fairgoers this year is Charley Jenkins, 2008 Nashville Star finalist, who has toured the country and opened for Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum and Montgomery Gentry. His “sincerely humble” personality and his love of connecting with his audience and making them laugh have made the 29–year–old from Utah a crowd
ffavorite. fa a Other musicians with rregional flavor include Pat C Coast, John Dunnigan and tth h band, Shiner. the Spokane–based Shiner’s m mission of “Bring the p party, BE the party,” m means there’s no sitting sstill at concerts as they p play tunes from the last 40 y years, infusing their show w with lots of laughs. John Dunnigan from M Montana has performed o original, often hilarious ssongs throughout the N Northwest when opening for Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen and others. Described as the potential result if Jimmy Buffett, James Taylor and John Prine were somehow joined together in a bizarre musical cloning experiment, Dunnigan’s songs will make you laugh, think and want to sing along. Don’t miss bluesman turned multi–genre musician and Post Falls resident Pat Coast, an accomplished finger–style guitarist who has toured extensively and recorded five CDs. Other community entertainers are scheduled all week, including Blazen Divas Comedy, the Midnight Run Rockin’ Blues Band, Bill Bozley,
and Michael Swanson, a professional certified hypnotist. “We’ve tripled the number of community performing groups and strolling acts this year,” said North Idaho Fair General Manager Dane Dugan. “We have a great community and want to showcase our talent.” Other entertainers you should keep your eyes out for include strolling performer Lisa Lou and the magician Adam the Great. Lou is a graduate of the Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Clown College and is known for her plate spinning, rope spinning, juggling, and slack–wire dancing whereas Adam the Great, a two–time Armed Forces Entertainer from Portland, Ore., will astound and amaze you with his charm, wit, audience interaction, and innovative magic. Then check out sand art sculptor Bill Dow, and Rattle Tag artist, Matt Sorenson, who uses spray paint and fire to create paintings that are out of this world! Other fair favorites include:
• Al ll Cr C eatu ea ture tu ure res Ba res B arn rny ya ard rd R accing a ing in All Creatures Barnyard Racing when pigs and ducks take to the racing track (at separate times) • The Draft Horse Show and Pull, a competition between 6–8 two–horse teams which pull sleds of 2,000 pounds of weight and maneuver an agility course; • Grandstand events like the Demolition Derby, Motocross and the PRCA Rodeo.
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What’s Happening! Here are some of the highlights and discount opportunities for each day of the North Idaho Fair. Complete schedules are available at the fair or by visiting www.northidahofair.com.
Wednesday Aug. 21
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Main Stage – John Dunnigan, Guitar Community Stage – B–Sharp Music Studio, Youth Singers (11 a.m.–1 p.m.) Family Fun Stage – Kootenai Electric Power Town Jacklin Square – All Creatures Barnyard Racers North Midway – Pie Eating Contest
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4 p.m. Main Arena – Motocross Time Trials (4:30–6 p.m.)
5 p.m. Grounds–wide Parade Main Stage – Midnight Run, Rockin’ Blues Band (5–7 p.m.) Midway – Matt Sorenson Can Art Family Fun Park Stage – Adam the Great Magician (5:30–6:30 p.m.)
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6 p.m. Community Stage – Michael Swenson. Hypnotist (6–7 p.m.) North Beer Garden – Pat Coast, singer (6:30–10 p.m.)
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7 p.m. Main Arena – Motocross (7–9 p.m.) Family Fun Park Stage – John Dunnigan Guitar Community Stage – Tyler Ackerman Guitar/ Singer (7:30–8:30 p.m.)
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Main Stage – Charley Jenkins Country Band (8–10 p.m.) Family Fun Park Stage – Adam the Great Magician (8:30–9:30 p.m.)
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4 p.m. North Beer Garden – John Dunnigan Guitar Community Stage – Coeurimba African Marimba Band (4:30–5:15 p.m.) Main Arena – Motocross Time Trials (4:30–6:30 p.m.) Family Fun Park – Lisa Lou One–Woman Circus (4:30–5:30 p.m.)
5 p.m. Grounds–Wide Parade Main Stage – Colby Acuff and Justin Sherfey (Country duo)
6 p.m. North Beer Garden – Pat Coast, Singer (6:30–10 p.m.)
7 p.m. Main Arena – Motocross (7–9 p.m.) Midway – Matt Sorenson Can Art
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5 p.m. Grounds–wide Parade
6 p.m. Grandstand – PRCA Rodeo “Tough Enough to Wear Pink� presented by Kootenai Health 6:30 p.m.
7 p.m. Community Stage – Tanner Azzinnaro Vocal (7:30–8:30 p.m.)
8 p.m. Main Stage – Shiner (Classic Rock/New Pop) (8–10 p.m.)
9 p.m. Clubhouse – After–Rodeo Party with Charley Jenkins Band (9–11 p.m.)
Saturday Aug. 24 Military Appreciation Day presented by Goodwill. In appreciation of those serving, show your military ID for $2 off gate admission
7 a.m. Food Court – 4–H Stock Sale Buyers Breakfast
8 a.m.
Community Stage – Carli Osika North Midway – Bailey’s Custom Carvings Chainsaw Art North Midway – Farmers Olympics
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4 p.m. Family Fun Stage – Vinyl Instincts Band Vocal/ Guitar (4:30–6 p.m.)
Jacklin Building – 4–H Stock Sale (8:15 a.m.)
“It’s Fun to be a Fan Day� presented by The Spokesman Review/S–R Media. Become a fan of the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo on Facebook to print off a $2 off admission coupon! North Idaho Fair & Rodeo Foundation Barn Door Donor Club members get in FREE all day –– Sign up at www.northidahofair.com on the Foundation page under “Giving Opportunities�
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2 p.m. Main Arena – Chicks N Chaps Women’s–Only Rodeo Clinics (2–5:30 p.m.)
9 p.m.
Thursday Aug. 22
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1 p.m. Midway – Lowline Cattle Show Main Stage – Bill Bozly Trio (1–4 p.m.)
Community Stage – Michael Swenson Hypnotist Clubhouse – After–Motocross Party with Shiner (Classic Rock/New Pop group)
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by bringing in 2 or more cans of food to donate to local food banks.
Friday Aug. 23 Superhero Day presented by Super 1 Foods: Get $2 off of any gate admission if you come dressed as your favorite superhero Or get $2 off of any gate admission and become a “hometown hero�
10 a.m. Family Fun Stage – Doolin Run Country/Pop Family Fun Stage – Vinyl Instinct Band (1:30–3:30 p.m.)
2 p.m. Main Arena – Draft Horse Pull
4 p.m. Main Stage – Friends of the Fair Awards Ceremony Community Stage Blazin’ Divas, Womens Dance/ Singing Comedy (4:30–5:15 p.m.) Family Fun Stage River’s Edge Choir – Sweet Adelines (4:30–5:15 p.m.)
5 p.m. Grounds–Wide Parade Jacklin Building – Fitting & Showing Championship
Grandstand Event: PRCA Rodeo presented by Big R Stores (6 p.m.) 7 p.m. Family Fun – Lake City Harmonizers – Men’s Accapella (7:30–8:30 p.m.)
8 p.m. Clubhouse – Rodeo After–Party Charley Jenkins Band (8:30–11 p.m.)
Sunday Aug. 25 Demo Day presented by Napa Auto Parts. Head in to Napa Auto Parts to get a coupon good for $1 off any gate admission! 9 a.m. Community Stage – Candlelight Christian Church Service with Chris Martinez & Jeff Cheeseborough
10 a.m. Family Fun Park Stage – 4–H Awards (10 a.m.–1 p.m.) Community Stage –Candlelight Christian Live Music with Chris Martinez (10:30–11:30 a.m.) Grandstand Event PRCA Rodeo 12:30 p.m. Community Stage – Candlelight Christian Live Music Oh Horizon Performers (1:30–2:30 p.m.)
3 p.m. Community Stage – Candlelight Christian Live Music with Dan Powers (3–5 p.m.)
4 p.m. Community Stage – Candlelight Christian Worship with Jeremy Ellis
6 p.m. Grandstand Event: Demolition Derby 6 p.m.
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Friday, August 16, 2013
3
New outlook –
changes start at the top By B yR Renee enee en eS Sande an nd de e Marketing Correspondent
There are certain things that unmistakably go perfectly together: a hot day and a tall, cold glass of lemonade, the sounds of carnival music and the sugary sweetness of elephant ears, and the summertime and a fair. Dane Dugan, the new general manager of the Kootenai County Fairgrounds and North Idaho Fair, has enjoyed these pairings all of his life, and wants to help create these kind of good memories for fairgoers. “I grew up in Stevensville, Mont., where I was heavily involved in 4–H at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds,” said Dugan. “The fair was always a magical place for me – as soon as I could, I worked
Dugan worked for the Montana 4–H office while in college and was the first employee of the Montana FFA (Future Farmers of America) Foundation, before heading to the Bay Area to work at the San Mateo County Fair as fair and festival supervisor. A few years ago, he moved to Spokane to take care of his grandmother. “I kept looking for fair positions here, but they’re hard to come by as they’re such great jobs,” said Dugan. Soon after he returned to California, the North Idaho position opened, as previous manager Chris Holloway wanted to try something new.
there.” The fair experience was as much a part of his childhood memories as baling hay and rising at dawn to work on his family’s farm.
“It was an incredible opportunity,” said Dugan. Linda Rider, chair of the North Idaho Fair Board and longtime board member, said Dugan fit
exactly what the board was looking for. “He has such a passion for the fair,” she said. “He’d been places, worked different fairs, seen the experience through different eye. We needed not just a fair manager, but a facilities manager, and Dane was the complete package.” Taking the reins in October 2012, Dugan immediately began to implement his ideas, many of which he had shared with the board during the interview process. One of them was to paint the campus barn red and white. “We want people driving by to notice us and say, ‘What’s going on over there?’” said Dugan. Dugan has changed the fair layout for better flow, tripled the number of community and strolling performers and hired an employee to focus on marketing and branding of the fair and facility for better media and public relations. “We really want to increase year–round awareness of our facilities,” said Dugan. “We have
the capacity; we just need to communicate that so that people think of us, not just when it’s time for the fair.” One event that will be taking advantage of the main arena in October is the Pro–West Rodeo Finals, which Dugan helped to bring to the fairgrounds, along with the board and the rodeo committee. “It’s a big deal for us, people are excited; we started selling tickets in May and people were lined up at 8 a.m. that first day,” said Dugan. He said he wouldn’t be surprised if the tickets sold out before the fair was over. He’s been enjoying every minute of getting ready for the 2013 fair. “It’s been a whirlwind of activity and planning…so many people are connected to the fair and facility, just meeting everyone has been overwhelming but incredible,” said Dugan. “It’s an incredible job, the people are wonderful, the facility is great, and I love it.”
Pro–West Rodeo Finals
Coming! By Renee Sande Marketing Correspondent A great boost to the local community will be coming in October when the Kootenai County Fairgrounds hosts the Pro West Rodeo Finals. The excitement surrounding the Oct. 4–5 event began building up months ago. “We started selling tickets in May and that first day, people were lined up at the door at 8 a.m.,” said Dane Dugan, general manager for the Fairgrounds and the North Idaho Fair. “I’m fairly sure we’ll sell out before the fair is over.” The two–day rodeo offers events like bareback riding, steer wrestling and saddle bronc riding.
It lures elite competitors from across the region, said Zach Bane, North Idaho Fair board member and chair of the rodeo committee. About 200 competitors are expected to take part. Pro West has been producing rodeos since 1967 and has more than 600 members across Idaho, Washington, Oregon and British Columbia. Every summer, competitors travel and compete in 50 rodeos to qualify for the circuit finals. The three–year contract to host the event came about because of recent improvements to the fairgrounds arena, including a new
Tickets for Oct. 4 event going fast
announcer stand, new gates and sport in the West.” new roping chute. Dugan and others hope that Dane gives a lot of thanks to the three–year contract is just the donation and volunteer labor. beginning of a good relationship Russ Cramer, Pro West board with this event. president, said Coeur d’Alene “I assume after the three years, was “the clear choice” from three if our numbers look good, we’ll be possible locations for the finals. He doing it again,” he said. touted the covered and spacious Tickets for the Pro West Finals seating of the arena. are on sale now for $8 and $10 at “The venue itself is fantastic,” the Kootenai County Fairgrounds he said. Bane said the Inland ticket office or online at Northwest loves rodeos, as www.prowestrodeofinals.com evidenced by the popularity of the PRCA Rodeo that includes an event If you’re looking to buy, sell or just want during the North Idaho Fair each summer. some friendly advice about real estate, “Every year for our I’d love to sit down and talk about your needs. fair rodeo, we sell out the seats; it goes to I can provide the information & guidance to help show the community you succeed. Call me! is very supportive,” said Bane. Between the two shows, there’s Pam Harmon, Realtor the potential for 208.659.6678 4,400 tickets to be pharmon@21GoldChoice.com sold, which is highly expected. MADE “To be able to bring IN A MERI another one [rodeo] CA to town is great for Military & Patriotic the fairgrounds and Gifts and Apparel, the community as a Flags, Banners, Windsocks whole,” Bane said. Visit our booth opposite the Fair “The rodeo committee Offffice O Office fice or our store at North Nor NorthTown hT Mall and fairgrounds staff is excited to host this event and look forward to everyone coming out to enjoy the oldest (509) ((5 509)
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Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review•Online and Mobile at www.spokesman.com
Crash Into Me
By Holly Jones Marketing Correspondent
“It’s everything you’ve been told not to do with a car.” Stan Pope has been driving in demolition derbies for 19 years. Like many other drivers, both experienced and new to the sport, he’s gearing up for the North Idaho Fair’s Demolition Derby, set for the last day of the fair. The derby is traditionally on Sunday to allow the fair staff to clean of all the metal and debris from the hard hits and smash–ups. “That’s why I come to these things, to hit hard,” says Pope, who’s seen his fair share of action in demolition derbies, and thoroughly enjoys smashing and crashing for the hometown crowd in North Idaho. “It’s a big arena and you can actually have bigger hits. You can actually drive and make your hits count. I enjoy the fairgrounds…
always a good crowd and always a fun one to go to.” John Goedde, organizer of the demolition derby, doesn’t have a favorite in this year’s field of crashing contenders, but is generally excited about the whole thing. “It’s always nice to see some of the same drivers year after year. I think this is our 30th year at the fair,” he said. Whether they’re returning drivers or newbies, most participants will put in between 40 and 50 hours of work on their cars, preparing them to be bashed, banged, and otherwise destroyed. “The rules are pretty basic,” said Pope, “get everything out of the inside of the car that’s flammable other than the driver’s seat. Strip it down to where there’s no glass, and you just hope you’re the last car
Don’t Miss Sunday’s Demolition Derby
runnin’ at the end.” Pope brings a lot of experience to the derby and has earned a few wins over the years. “There’s a lot of luck in it, but experience does pay off,” he said. “There’s more to it than a person thinks. It’s not just ‘go out and bang Spokesman-Review file photos
up a car.’” He said serious demo derby drivers need to learn how to hit, where to hit, how to pick a car out, how to build your car. He’s excited to see new drivers join the sport, and says that
the North Idaho Fair is a great place to get started. He also offered up a little advice for those who may be getting their start at the fair this year. “Just go out and have fun and don’t take it so serious. Just go out and have a good time and don’t worry about losing,” Pope said. “If you want to stick with it, you’ll end up winning if you pay
attention.” For spectators, the demolition derby can be a cross between a rodeo and a motocross event. Kristi Blaver, Marketing & Public Relations Manager for the Kootenai County Fairgrounds and North Idaho Fair & Rodeo, describes it as “an utterly extreme form of adult bumper cars.” She said spectators can “expect a lot of adrenaline– pumping action and tons of destruction.”
‘Hometown girl’ brings in new carnival to N. Idaho Fair By Renee Sande Marketing Correspondent
From April through November, Sherry McKay and her family travel with a cavalcade of carnival rides, games and food stands to shows and fairs throughout Washington, Oregon and Nevada. They typically work 16 hour days, sleep in trailers and sometimes forget what town they’re in when they wake up. So when she came across the opportunity to bring the show to an established fair with all the comforts of home—literally—she jumped at the chance. The result is that her company Paradise Amusements will provide the carnival for this year’s North Idaho Fair. “I’ve waited a long time to put on my show for my hometown,” said McKay, owner of Paradise Amusements and lifetime resident of the Coeur d’Alene area. “Many generations of family have made Paradise what it is today; I’m so
excited to share that with my community again and give the fair more of a hometown feel.” In 1951, her father–in–law Bob McKay started McKay Shows, which entertained visitors at Coeur d’Alene’s Playland Pier and the North Idaho Fair. McKay Shows actually planted the grass and put up the fences that still surround the fairgrounds. Sherry joined the business in 1995 when she married Doug McKay, Bob’s son. They renamed it Paradise Amusements in 1997. After Doug’s death in 2003, Sherry and her daughter family decided to keep the business going. They run a tight ship, stressing to their employees the importance of appearance, responsibility and friendliness, and making sure all equipment and booths are in top– notch shape. “Every morning, no less than three people, including
management, inspects each and every ride…[State] ride inspectors inspect all our rides a couple of times each year and we require continued education for our staff,” she said. “I believe we’re above the norm when it comes to cleanliness and safety.” She said the company also likes to be very hands–on and enjoys letting the public know what they’re all about. Linda Rider, chair of the North Idaho Fair board, said it was McKay’s enthusiasm and local roots that made Paradise a good pick for this year. “Sherry has big ties to the community and she came to us with a passion, saying ‘there’s no way I’m going to do a bad job in my hometown,’ ” Rider said. “We’re all looking forward to seeing that passion in action.” McKay also believes in home cooking, which is the basis for
many of the items served at the company’s food stands. “The caramel apples, cake mix, corn dog batter and cotton candy are all made from family recipes,” said McKay. “We also feature healthy options such as our beverage concession stand which features smoothies and lemonade made from 100 percent fruit and fruit juices.” Fair visitors will also enjoy the Cinna Pear Smoothie, made from cinnamon, pear, banana, low fat vanilla or soy yogurt, and apple juice; or the Watermelon Milkshake, made from watermelon, milk, and sugar. What is McKay looking forward to most about returning to North Idaho? “Next to sharing what I do with my community, and showing them a good time—getting to take a bath in my own bathtub and sleep in my own bed every night,” she said.