Spirit Fest kicks off County Fair

The theme of this year’s Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo is “Vote for Fun.” The fair will run from Aug. 15-19 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

Acclaimed Christian singer and songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman will perform Tuesday, Aug. 14, as part of the fair’s first-ever Spirit Fest. Country music star Rodney Atkins will take the stage Wednesday, Aug. 15. Concert tickets are available for purchase at the fairgrounds office or online at www.nwmtfair.com.

The Inland Empire Carnival will once again light up the midway with rides and games for everyone. The fair will also feature three nights of Ram PRCA Rodeo action on Aug. 16-18. A demolition derby will close out the fair on Aug. 19. For more information, visit online at www.nwmtfair.com.

The fair’s premium book is now available for free at the fairgrounds office, all county library branches, local chambers of commerce and online at www.nwmtfair.com. The book is a comprehensive guide to fair events, including all 4-H, FFA and Open Class competitions. Nearly 8,500 entries were accepted, judged and on display at last year’s fair.

Competitors are encouraged to register online at www.nwmtfair.com. Competitors may also mail, fax or deliver registrations to the fairgrounds office. All registrations must be received by Aug. 1 or as indicated by the department they are entering. No late entries will be accepted.