Jefferson County Fair This Week! A Fair of the Heart August 21-25

The Jefferson County Fair and Rodeo, A Fair of the Heart, kicks off on Wednesday, August 21, and runs through Sunday, August 25. Dedicated to long time fair caretaker Glenn Bruce, it is held at the Jefferson County Recreation Park one-half mile south of Boulder. The fair and rodeo is affordable fun for the whole family with free admission and a $2 per car parking fee Friday and Saturday.

Entertainment includes displays and exhibits along with the Boulder River Carousel, bounce houses, 4-H animals, a baked goods auction, and friendly competitions. New events include an ax throwing tournament and a Fiber Fest.

Vendors include those selling burgers, frozen treats, curly fries and shaved ice. Breakfasts will be served up at the rodeo concession stand on Friday and Sunday.

Wednesday events are 4-H judging and Big Rock Barrel Racing. On Thursday, the Jefferson County Rodeo Association sponsors the free Big Deal In-County Rodeo. Friday features a kids' horse show and rodeo, kids' parade in Boulder, and NRA Jefferson County Rodeo. The Whitehall Floral Club sponsors a free flower design workshop for kids, and a Veggie Creation Station helps kids prepare to enter the Broccoli Contest. Saturday's events include a rodeo parade on Main Street, and another exciting Jefferson County NRA Rodeo and the Wild Ride.

Saturday, August 24, features Nightcrawlers band, a clown/magic show, Professor Flim Flam, and the Tiernan Irish Dancers. The Boulder Community Library sponsors a Story Walk. A 4-H animal auction and a wild and crazy baked goods auction are always a good time. During Saturday's beef barbecue put on by JHS Music Department, Rich Matoon and Mary Papoulis play in the white barn.

The Longhorn Band plays for the fair's real barn dance on Saturday night, August 24. Boulder's own Clint Rieder and his band serve up a lively mixture of new and classic country and rock. This family-friendly event costs just $2, and is reminiscent of multi-generational country dances of the past. Dancing the night away in the huge white barn is an experience you're sure not to forget.

Sunday morning, August 25, is a special day for kids with a kids' stick horse rodeo and free kids' hunt in the hay. Toni Person Puppets presents a classic puppet show guaranteed to delight all ages. Local band, Depot Hill, plays lively music to close another Jefferson County Fair and Rodeo weekend.

To enter exhibits, download the schedule and coloring contest sheet, go to jeffersonmtfairrodeo.org, or look for fair books in local businesses. For more information, call 406-225-4039.