Mineral County Fairgrounds come alive this weekend
Get ready for a weekend of music, fun and community spirit as the 2025 Mineral County Fair returns with a packed schedule of events that promise something for every age and interest.
With pride on full display, this year’s fair brings beloved traditions, exciting entertainment, and new additions to celebrate the heart of Mineral County.
The fairgrounds will come alive with sound well into the night thanks to an impressive musical lineup. Tamarack Ridge Band kicks off the weekend with their energetic fusion of country, rock, and everything in between. Known for their crowd-pleasing performances and strong North Idaho roots, Tamarack Ridge plays Thursday night, taking the stage after Family Night in the arena, around 9 p.m. to midnight.
Country music fans are in for a treat on Friday, Aug. 1, when Jaden Decker, a 19-year-old rising star from Missoula now based in Nashville, brings his gritty, heartfelt sound to the stage from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. With over 400 shows under his belt, Decker’s blend of western soul and modern country edge is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Later in the evening, prepare for high-energy performances from The Hankers, a five-piece award-winning band led by husband-and-wife duo Keith and Julie Niehenke. Their shows begin after the rodeo, around 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., on both Friday and Saturday nights. With deep roots in Colfax, Wash., and a heartwarming origin story dating back to elementary school, The Hankers have become a beloved staple of Northwest country music.
The Saturday parade, organized by Fair Board Treasurer Ginny Tubbs, will celebrate community pride and local involvement. Leading the way will be Rodeo Royalty carrying the American flag followed by Fair Lady Eleanor Hollenback, and Grand Marshal Paul Wilkinson. Tubbs encourages parade participants to engage with the crowd by waving, chatting, and tossing candy, noting that "judging is based on crowd involvement." Attendees are asked to stay at the fairgrounds afterward to see the awarding of ribbons.
Kids and families won’t want to miss the return of the petting zoo, and the Foam Party from Kalispell is expected to be a splash hit. While the Butterfly House is still tentative depending on volunteer availability, there will be five to six commercial food trucks, and all nonprofit food booths are booked. Crowd favorites like the Catholic hamburger booth and the (Superior) Senior Citizens Center will be serving up local flavor.
Fair Board Chair Mary Jo Berry shared her excitement: “The community asked for more variety, especially in food, and we delivered! We also used ARPA funds to purchase our own sound system, a new refrigerator for the Quonset (the 4-H Building), and completed electrical upgrades with help from (Mineral County Fair Board Member) Ken Quitt and Norberg Electric.”
In partnership with the Mineral County DUI Task Force, Superior Taxi will offer free rides home on Friday and Saturday nights between Alberton and St. Regis for adults who may have overindulged. Pick-up will be at the front gate on a first-come, first-served basis.
“We thank everyone for helping make the fair safe and enjoyable,” said Berry.
Back this year is Kids Bingo, hosted by Superior High School Athletics, along with an adult bingo option. Fairgoers can also look forward to informational speakers from the Department of Natural Resources (DNRC), with Ginny Tubbs sharing updates on the Gildersleeve trip in September and Kavita Bay presenting on honeybees.
The 2025 fair raffle includes exciting prizes like: 1/2 beef, a Blackstone grill, a paddle board, $150 Murdock’s gift card and a children’s birthday party with Mike Dodd and the Superior Fire Department. Tickets are $5 each or five for $20 and can be purchased from any fair board member. The drawing takes place on Saturday night and you don’t need to be present to win.
Friday evening is Alumni Night, a perfect opportunity to reconnect with old classmates during class reunions and enjoy the festive atmosphere together.
Whether you're here for the rodeo, the music, the food, or simply to celebrate everything that makes Mineral County special, the 2025 fair is shaping up to be a memorable event. For more information or to get involved, contact any member of the Fair Board as they’d love to hear from you. See you at the fairgrounds.
Last year's parade featured Herman Berneking as the Grand Marshal, which was a great send off to a strong community advocate (Photo provided)