Plains plays host to annual Sanders County Fair
Rodeo Announcer Bob Tallman saying a prayer during Staurday nights opening cermony for residents affected by Sheep Gap Fire as he points to the cloud of smoke, he asks God to send some rain. (Erin Jusseaume/Clark Fork Valley Press)
Thompson Falls native Paula Symington and her horse Hooey carried the American Flag each night of the rodeo. (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
Superstar barrel racer held the win from her run on Thurday night to take the cheque for the Plains Rodeo. (Erin Jusseaume/Clark Fork Valley Press)
World Champion Bull Rider Sage Kimzey rides Pill Pusher for an 84.5pt ride. (Erin Jusseaume/Clark Fork Valley Press)
Two of the Powder River Rodeo horses that made the cowboys work for their money over the Friday and Sturday night performances. Here they are having a pick on Wednesday morning in their pen. (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
The Sanders County Fair saw some great mutton bustin’ rides from local kids on Thursday night. (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
PRCA Arena Judge Gordon Kesler waiting for the arena to clear of the bucking bulls as he marked/scored all the competitors here at the 2017 rodeo. (Erin Jusseaume/Clark Fork Valley Press)
For 32 years, Hank and Lori Franzen have worked the Sanders County Fair rodeo. They took it from a little rodeo in North West Montana to one of the best PRCA rodeos the state has.
“This rodeo hands down is one of the best if not the best little rodeo in America and not just Montana,” said Lori Fanzen of Powder River Rodeo Company.
The work from the fair board and all their workers and volunteers have been praised for such a great event.
Even with fires smoking the sky’s around the fair grounds, the event saw thousands of people converge through the gates to take in the All-American County Fair experience.
From show rides in the carnival corner to the pavilions that were stacked full of local talent, it is not hard to say that the 2017 fair is hailed a success.
At time of going to print the last big hoorah of the fair is of course the almighty demolition derby which had the crowd anticipating the thirst for more arena action.
“This rodeo is just that good, how can you not love the Sanders County Rodeo and Fair,” said Bob Tallman PRCA Announcer.
Even the rodeo stars that had travelled to Plains for the event commended the town, the people and the fair committee for always going above and beyond.
“We hope everyone stays safe with the fires, and we hope people know that we in rodeo are thinking of everyone,” said Alexis Bloomer, girlfriend of World Champion bull rider Sage Kimzey.
It looked as though mother nature was testing the Labor Day Weekend event, there was one thing that those in professional rodeo noticed; and that was how tough this town is when faced with adversity.
More highlights of the 2017 Sanders County Fair and Rodeo can be seen in next edition including the highlights from the 4-H Market Sale, Chicks and Chaps event, and much more.