"Kick It Up" At The McKenzie County Fair

This year, from July 5 through July 8, Watford City is going to "Kick It Up" with the 60th annual McKenzie County Fair at the McKenzie County Fairgrounds in Watford City.

The McKenzie County Fair Board has put together an astounding amount of fun events to enjoy this year. Besides the usual events you would see at a fair, such as a rodeo and 4-H show, the McKenzie County Fair will also have the Olaf Leiseth Jr. Memorial Draft Horse Competition, a magician, carnival, and demolition derby. The fun starts with a parade, Thursday the 5th, at 4 p.m. There will also be a free Beef BBQ at 5 p.m. The Memorial Draft Horse Competition will be after the parade and after the BBQ. The competition was named for long-time McKenzie County resident, farmer, and rancher Olaf Leiseth Jr who passed away in 2007. He had loved working with horses, was the Wagon Master for Long X Wagon Train for several years and would have undoubtedly enjoyed the competition. Keith Raymond, the strolling magician will be performing Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. He does magic and illusions and has performed throughout the four state area. North Star Amusements Carnival will be at the fair only Friday and Saturday as well as the 4-H animal shows, Young Guns Wild West Fun Park and music by Buckin' Beats Entertainment. The demolition derby will be Friday at 6 p.m. The pit gates will open at 2 p.m. The entry fee is $100 and will be due the day of the derby. Saturday is rodeo day. Earlier in the day, the 4-H livestock sale will be held but later on and into the evening is the eagerly awaited NDRA rodeo. Sunday, July 8th wraps up the festivities with the youth rodeo.

With 60 years under its belt, the McKenzie County Fair preparers have quite a bit of experience behind them. "It all started in a field. I know that much because my father told me, said fair board member Carolyn Levang. That field so long ago is where the fairgrounds is now. This year during the rodeos 75 to 100 participants are expected to vie for top standings. Several volunteers from around the community will be flocking to the fairgrounds to prepare for and assist during the fair. Traditionally, the fair board also hires a group in need of fundraising such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts or local church groups to help out with the fair as well.

The McKenzie County Fairgrounds is located at 4th Avenue Southeast and 12th Street Southeast in Watford City. More information can be found on the McKenzie County and Watford City webpage, http://mckenziecounty.net/. Carolyn Levang can be contacted for general questions at 701-770-6938 or emailed at [email protected]. She can be called for demolition derby entry information and rules by the same number or by email at [email protected]. For demolition derby car technical questions Cody can be contacted at 701-368-0072 and those wanting information on the youth rodeo can contact Kadie Sorenson at 701-570-6407.

 

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