Fair events see increase in numbers

PLAINS – Following the dispersal of crowds from the Sanders County Fairgrounds Fair Manager Mike Hashisaki has received positive feedback regarding the annual event and commented on the success of the fair’s rodeo events.

The fairgrounds and main arena on the banks of the Clark Fork River have taken on a dramatically different appearance than the one, which characterized the area just south of the Plains’ downtown area throughout last week’s county fair.

The jampacked crowds maneuvering between concessions stands, carnival rides, 4-H displays and arena events have been replaced by a few members of the fair board concluding the season’s work.

Each night at the main arena, from the bull riding on Thursday, to other events on the following two nights, attracted large crowds.

“I know Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, the rodeo events were up in attendance this year,” Hashisaki said.

The rodeo at the county fair is a two night event with a wide variety of competitions including bull riding, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing and steer wrestling as some of the big draws for the high-paced sporting event.

All of these events served as big draws and large crowds turned out for every night of this year’s multi-day rodeo.

“A lot of people have talked about the rodeo at the fair,” Hashisaki said.

Hashisaki attributed this popularity to several factors, all of which contribute to making the rodeo the successful event it is every year.

The fair manager credited the Powder River Rodeo Company with putting together an entertaining and successful rodeo program.

The company, a stock contracting organization out of Wyoming, which has worked with the local fair since the 1980s, provides entertainment at rodeos across the country and has become a popular partner to many top rodeo competitors.

“They have gained quite a following among PRCA riders,” Hashisaki said.

The bull riding on Thursday, Aug. 28 consisted of 24 bull riders.

According to the fair manager, 19 of these riders were ranked 30th or higher in current PRCA standings.

Noting the popularity of bull riding and interest in having the event for more than one night at the fair, Hashisaki said due to scheduling of the PRCA rodeo tour, Thursday night was the only night the riders were available to compete.

Hashisaki said the rodeo’s announcer, Chad Nicholson, did a very good job and helped set the atmosphere for the events.

Beyond the three nights of rodeo Hashisaki also said he was pleased with how the Demolition Derby turned out at this year’s fair.

“I think it was very successful. We had 25 cars, much more than Missoula or Kalispell,” Hashisaki said.

The Demolition Derby was held in the fairground’s main arena on the evening of Sunday, Aug. 31.

The derby serves as the traditional final event of the county fair and attracts drivers from throughout Sanders County and several competitors from across the western portion of Montana.

Hashisaki said no major changes are planned for next year’s fair.