It's a "Tropical Fairadise" at the McKenzie County Fair June 12 – 15

Organizers of the McKenzie County Fair in Watford City have planned four days of fun and excitement just for you Wednesday, June 12, through Saturday, June 15. Gates open at 5 p.m. Wednesday evening and 8 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Admission to the grounds is free. All times are Central Daylight Time.

Start the weekend at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening with the Olaf Leiseth Memorial Draft Horse Show. This free event showcases the hard-working draft horses and their drivers as they navigate an obstacle course, do log sledding, compete in a swamper race and cultivate corn.

Thursday night is Extreme Sports night with Knights and Bikes featuring BMX riders performing aerobatics while jumping up to 75 feet in the air, and Knights of Mayhem performing North Dakota jousting, where riders use sticks to knock each other off their horses. "You won't see this anywhere else," fair board member Christopher Kubal stated. The events run consecutively beginning at 6 p.m.

Then enjoy the music of Chancey Williams in the outdoor arena in front of the grandstand.

Drivers from three different states will converge on the fairgrounds to test their skills in the Demolition Derby, which starts at 7 p.m. on Friday. The Ag Expo will also be selling raffle tickets for a chance to drive a car in the derby. NDRA Rodeo will be the highlight Saturday night starting at 7 p.m. and fireworks will light up the sky at dusk. Professional Rodeo Clown Houston Stuart will be entertaining the crowd all three nights.

4-H and FFA livestock events will take place Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings, with the Livestock Sale scheduled for 1 p.m. on Friday. Their static exhibits will also be on display throughout the fair.

North Star Amusements is providing the thrills and chills of the carnival this year and be sure to catch the magic of Adam the Great as he strolls the grounds. A hypnotist and escape artist will also be performing on stage throughout the day. Test your rodeo skills on the mechanical bull and enjoy live music each night.

Children of all ages will love the Kids Zone featuring a petting zoo, grain pit, bubble tower, laser tag and more.