Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review•Online and Mobile at www.spokesman.com Friday, August 16, 2013 1

In 1922, Kootenai County’s fi rst fair was the place to be for community members to share what they’ve worked for and crafted all year long. It was a celebration of the land, the people, and everyone’s successes. Ninety–one years later, the goal remains the same: bring neighbors together to celebrate each other and the beautiful area in which we live. But a lot of other things can change in 91 years. In fact, a lot changes in only one year, said Kristi Blaver, Kootenai County Fairgrounds and North Idaho Fair & Rodeo Marketing and Public Relations Manager. “This year’s Fair is not going to be the one you saw last year,” she said. “It’s still the greatest celebration of the North Idaho lifestyle, but this year we’ve got some twists up our sleeves that you won’t be expecting.” So what’s new at this year’s North Idaho Fair & Rodeo?

• Visitors will fi nd a fresh layout that you can navigate using

a brand new mobile app. The app allows you to see a map of the new layout, videos of the entertainers, plus, the schedule of events and shows. • There will be a new “Northwest Made” building, featuring products grown and crafted in our region. • “Horsing around” the Fair this year,

you’ll fi nd Bucky the Horse – North Idaho

Fair’s new mascot. • Music fans can enjoy the music of Charley Jenkins,

the up–and–coming country singer who was a fi nalist on NBC’s “Nashville Star”, for concerts and after–rodeo

parties. • The fair has

partnered with a new carnival company, Paradise Amusements, based out of Post Falls. The company will be bringing exciting

fan–favorite rides, such as the 6–story

high SkyMaster, the

gravity–defying Gravitron, the ever–popular Zipper, along with many more. • A new Miss North Idaho Fair & Rodeo Queen will be crowned. Young ladies ages 16–25 have the chance to take home the crown and become a community role model. • The fair will feature a new attraction called “A Walk on the Wild Side,” which showcases exotic animals of all kinds – from the cuddly to the venomous. Through community donations in partnership with the non–profi t Fair Foundation, the Fairgrounds have a new look for 2013, including barn–red and white paint to celebrate the Western heritage of the region. The Fair Foundation does more than support capital improvements at the fairgrounds, though, and less than 10 percent of the Fairgrounds’

annual budget comes from tax dollars. Donations and gifts to the Fair Foundation are critical in ensuring that the Fairgrounds will remain a central gathering place for the entire community to enjoy, as well as help to fund youth programs and student scholarships. This year’s theme is “Everything Under the Sun,” and the Fair promises to provide just that while still remaining a great value for visitors. That’s something that isn’t changing about the fair this year – the value for your dollar. For fewer than $10, you can spend a whole day immersed in your community, experiencing some of the best entertainment the country has to offer. For more info visitwww.northidahofair.com.

What’s New Under the Sun at the North Idaho Fair 2013Annual Event August 21-25By Holly Jones Marketing Correspondent

From a handsome crooner in a cowboy hat to a plate–spinning, slack–line dancing funny girl to two funny guys who hypnotize people and perform magic tricks, this year’s entertainment offerings at the North Idaho Fair have a little something for everyone. An anticipated big draw for fairgoers this year is Charley Jenkins, 2008 Nashville Star fi nalist, who has toured the country and opened for Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum and Montgomery Gentry. His “sincerely humble” personality and his love of connecting with his audience and making them laugh have made the 29–year–old from Utah a crowd

favorite. Other musicians with regional fl avor include Pat Coast, John Dunnigan and the band, Shiner. Spokane–based Shiner’s mission of “Bring the party, BE the party,” means there’s no sitting still at concerts as they play tunes from the last 40 years, infusing their show with lots of laughs. John Dunnigan from Montana has performed original, often hilarious songs throughout the Northwest when opening

for Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen and others. Described as the potential result if Jimmy Buffett, James Taylor and John Prine were somehow joined together in a bizarre musical cloning experiment, Dunnigan’s songs will make you laugh, think and want to sing along. Don’t miss bluesman turned multi–genre musician and Post Falls resident Pat Coast, an accomplished fi nger–style guitarist who has toured extensively and recorded fi ve CDs. Other community entertainers are scheduled all week, including Blazen Divas Comedy, the Midnight Run Rockin’ Blues Band, Bill Bozley,

and Michael Swanson, a professional certifi ed hypnotist. “We’ve tripled the number of community performing groups and strolling acts this year,” said North Idaho Fair General Manager Dane Dugan. “We have a great community and want to showcase our talent.” Other entertainers you should keep your eyes out for include strolling performer Lisa Lou and the magician Adam the Great. Lou is a graduate of the Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Clown College and is known for her plate spinning, rope spinning, juggling, and slack–wire dancing whereas Adam the Great, a two–time Armed Forces Entertainer from Portland, Ore., will astound and amaze you with his charm, wit, audience interaction, and innovative magic. Then check out sand art sculptor Bill Dow, and Rattle Tag artist, Matt Sorenson, who uses spray paint and fi re to create paintings that are out of this world! Other fair favorites include:

• All Creatures Barnyard Racing when pigs and ducks take to the racing track (at separate times) • The Draft Horse Show and Pull, a competition between 6–8 two–horse teams which pull sleds of 2,000 pounds of weight and maneuver an agility course; • Grandstand events like the Demolition Derby, Motocross and the PRCA Rodeo.

Entertainment choices aboundEvent line–up appeals to allBy Renee Sande Marketing Correspondent

•••••• AlAlAlAllAlAllAlAllllll CrCrCrCrCrCC eaeaeaeaeaeaeaeatutututututuututurerererererrereresssssssss BaBaBaBBBaBaBaBaBBBaBaaaaaarnrnrnnrnrnrnrnr yayyyayaaaaayyaaay rdrdrdrdrdrrdddrdrddddddd RRRRRRRRRRRRacacacaaacaacaaa inininnnininiiningggggggg

FFFFFFFFFFrorororrorrrr mmmmmmmm aaaaaaaaa hahahahahahhahahandndndndnddsososossoososommememmemememe cccccccrororoorooororrr ononononnnnnonerereeereereerereer iiiiiinnnnnnnn aaaaa

fafaffafafafffffff rrrrrrrrCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCththtthththttthtthttttttt mmmmmmmppppppppppppppppmmmmmmmmmmsssssssssppppppppppppyyyyyyyywwwwwwww MMMMMMMMMMooooooosssssssssssssssssssNNNNNNNNNNNN

Join us August 23rd 11 to 2pmfor the grand re-opening

of our CDA branch!123 W. Hanley Coeur d'Alene,

ID 83815

• Zi SPA GIFT-CARD

• COLDSTONE CREAMERY GIFT-CARD

• SILVERWOOD TICKETS

• PREMIER MOVIE TICKETS

Federally insured by NCUA.

2 Friday, August 16, 2013 Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review•Online and Mobile at www.spokesman.com

What’s Happening!

RETRACTABLE SCREENS

FREEIn-Home Estimates

509.990.1227 WA • 208.416.1829 IDwww.wizardindustries.com ~ www.screensolutionsnw.com

Bonded ~ Insured ~ Lic. #screesn960mo

CALL Today!Ask about our “Same Day” Installation Service and our $75 Rebate Promotion

Exp. 9/30/13

Now with Triple ProtectionSlam Elimination

An Industry Exclusive:Safer for pets and children!

WATERTESTINGFREE

Problem Water?New Well or Lake Water?Drop your sample at our booth in Bldg.19

10356 N Taryne St.Hayden, ID 83835208.762.2310866.257.9877

Problem Water?er?New Well or Laake Water?Drop your samplee at our booth in Bldg.19

10356 N Taryne SStyne SSte tne .Hayden, ID 838355yden, ID 838355Hayden, ID 838Dayden ID 838208.762.2310866.257.9877

RILEY RACCOON Kellogg Panhandle

Health District

United States Enviromental Protection Agency

Call for a FREE estimate today!

WINDOWS • SIDING • DOORS • BLINDS

208.664.2032509.456.5880

www.windowworldspokane.com

www.kubota.com©Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2013

$0 Down & 0%A.P.R. Financing up to 60 Months*

Off er ends September 30, 2013

Kubota BX Series

Powerful BX Series sub-compact tractors with powerful savings! **

Coeur D'Alene Tractor Co.1112 W. Appleway

Coeur D'Alene, ID 83814(208) 765-2315

Cd’A Trackor Co. 1112 W. Appleway

Coeur D’Alene, ID 83814

208-765-2315

Adams Tractor1602 E Trent Ave

Spokane, WA

509-535-1708

Fall Clearance Sale!All Trees & Plants20-60% Off!

12655 N. Government WayHwy 95 & Lancaster, Hayden, Id208.762.4825 www.newleafnurseryhayden.com

Hurry in for Best Selection!

9-6 Tues-Sat, 11-4 Sunday (Closed Monday)

New Leaf Nursery ~Formerly Huckleberry Nursery~

Shen Tang Acupuncture Shen Tang Acupuncture and Wellness Clinicand Wellness Clinic

Free Evaluation & ConsultationAcupuncture treats a wide variety of ailments.

The needles are extremely fi ne and insertion is painless. Come meet a practitioner of an ancient healing practice and

see for yourself the positive results.

1616 E Seltice Way Suite 213, Post Falls, ID Call for appointment 208-262-6698

Wednesday Aug. 21Kids’ Day presented by Panhandle State Bank.

Kids 13 and under get in free before 3 p.m.

11 a.m.Main Stage – John Dunnigan, Guitar

Community Stage – B–Sharp Music Studio,Youth Singers (11 a.m.–1 p.m.)

Family Fun Stage – Kootenai ElectricPower Town

Jacklin Square – All Creatures Barnyard Racers North Midway – Pie Eating Contest

4 p.m. Main Arena – Motocross Time Trials

(4:30–6 p.m.)

5 p.m.Grounds–wide Parade

Main Stage – Midnight Run, Rockin’ Blues Band (5–7 p.m.)

Midway – Matt Sorenson Can ArtFamily Fun Park Stage – Adam the Great

Magician (5:30–6:30 p.m.)

6 p.m.Community Stage – Michael Swenson. Hypnotist

(6–7 p.m.)North Beer Garden – Pat Coast, singer

(6:30–10 p.m.)

7 p.m.Main Arena – Motocross (7–9 p.m.)

Family Fun Park Stage – John Dunnigan Guitar Community Stage – Tyler Ackerman Guitar/

Singer (7:30–8:30 p.m.)

8 p.m.Main Stage – Charley Jenkins Country Band

(8–10 p.m.)Family Fun Park Stage – Adam the Great

Magician (8:30–9:30 p.m.)

9 p.m.Community Stage – Michael Swenson Hypnotist Clubhouse – After–Motocross Party with Shiner

(Classic Rock/New Pop group)

Thursday Aug. 22“It’s Fun to be a Fan Day” presented by The

Spokesman Review/S–R Media. Become a fan of the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo on Facebook to

print off a $2 off admission coupon! North Idaho Fair & Rodeo Foundation Barn Door

Donor Club members get in FREE all day –– Sign up at www.northidahofair.com on the Foundation

page under “Giving Opportunities”

2 p.m.Community Stage – Carli Osika

North Midway – Bailey’s Custom Carvings Chainsaw Art

North Midway – Farmers Olympics

3 p.m. Family Fun Park Stage – Adam the Great

Magician

4 p.m.North Beer Garden – John Dunnigan Guitar

Community Stage – Coeurimba African Marimba Band (4:30–5:15 p.m.)

Main Arena – Motocross Time Trials (4:30–6:30 p.m.)

Family Fun Park – Lisa Lou One–Woman Circus (4:30–5:30 p.m.)

5 p.m.Grounds–Wide Parade

Main Stage – Colby Acuff and Justin Sherfey (Country duo)

6 p.m. North Beer Garden – Pat Coast, Singer

(6:30–10 p.m.)

7 p.m.Main Arena – Motocross (7–9 p.m.)Midway – Matt Sorenson Can Art

8 p.m.Main Stage – Charley Jenkins Band (8–10 p.m.)

9 p.m.Clubhouse – Motocross After–Party with Shiner

(Classic Rock/New Pop)

Friday Aug. 23Superhero Day presented by Super 1 Foods: Get $2 off of any gate admission if you come dressed

as your favorite superhero Or get $2 off of any gate admission and become a “hometown hero”

by bringing in 2 or more cans of foodto donate to local food banks.

1 p.m.Midway – Lowline Cattle Show

Main Stage – Bill Bozly Trio (1–4 p.m.)

2 p.m.Main Arena – Chicks N Chaps Women’s–Only

Rodeo Clinics (2–5:30 p.m.)

4 p.m.Family Fun Stage – Vinyl Instincts Band Vocal/

Guitar (4:30–6 p.m.)

5 p.m.Grounds–wide Parade

6 p.m. Grandstand – PRCA Rodeo “Tough Enough to

Wear Pink” presented by Kootenai Health 6:30 p.m.

7 p.m. Community Stage – Tanner Azzinnaro Vocal

(7:30–8:30 p.m.)

8 p.m.Main Stage – Shiner (Classic Rock/New Pop)

(8–10 p.m.)

9 p.m.Clubhouse – After–Rodeo Party with Charley

Jenkins Band (9–11 p.m.)

Saturday Aug. 24Military Appreciation Day presented by Goodwill.

In appreciation of those serving, show your military ID for $2 off gate admission

7 a.m.Food Court – 4–H Stock Sale Buyers Breakfast

8 a.m. Jacklin Building – 4–H Stock Sale (8:15 a.m.)

10 a.m.Family Fun Stage – Doolin Run Country/Pop

Family Fun Stage – Vinyl Instinct Band(1:30–3:30 p.m.)

2 p.m.Main Arena – Draft Horse Pull

4 p.m.Main Stage – Friends of the Fair Awards

Ceremony Community Stage Blazin’ Divas, Womens Dance/

Singing Comedy (4:30–5:15 p.m.)Family Fun Stage River’s Edge Choir –

Sweet Adelines (4:30–5:15 p.m.)

5 p.m.Grounds–Wide Parade

Jacklin Building – Fitting & Showing Championship

Grandstand Event: PRCA Rodeo presented by Big R Stores (6 p.m.)

7 p.m. Family Fun – Lake City Harmonizers –

Men’s Accapella (7:30–8:30 p.m.)

8 p.m.Clubhouse – Rodeo After–Party Charley Jenkins

Band (8:30–11 p.m.)

Sunday Aug. 25 Demo Day presented by Napa Auto Parts. Head

in to Napa Auto Parts to get a coupon good for $1 off any gate admission! 9 a.m.

Community Stage – Candlelight Christian Church Service with Chris Martinez & Jeff

Cheeseborough

10 a.m.Family Fun Park Stage – 4–H Awards

(10 a.m.–1 p.m.) Community Stage –Candlelight Christian Live Music with Chris Martinez (10:30–11:30 a.m.) Grandstand Event PRCA Rodeo 12:30 p.m.

Community Stage – Candlelight Christian Live Music Oh Horizon Performers (1:30–2:30 p.m.)

3 p.m. Community Stage – Candlelight Christian Live

Music with Dan Powers (3–5 p.m.)

4 p.m.Community Stage – Candlelight Christian

Worship with Jeremy Ellis

6 p.m. Grandstand Event: Demolition Derby 6 p.m.

Here are some of the highlights and discount opportunities for each day of the North Idaho Fair. Complete schedules are available at the fair or by visiting www.northidahofair.com.

Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review•Online and Mobile at www.spokesman.com Friday, August 16, 2013 3

There are certain things that unmistakably go perfectly together: a hot day and a tall, cold glass of lemonade, the sounds of carnival music and the sugary sweetness of elephant ears, and the summertime and a fair. Dane Dugan, the new general manager of the Kootenai County Fairgrounds and North Idaho Fair, has enjoyed these pairings all of his life, and wants to help create these kind of good memories for fairgoers. “I grew up in Stevensville, Mont., where I was heavily involved in 4–H at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds,” said Dugan. “The fair was always a magical place for me – as soon as I could, I worked

there.” The fair experience was as much a part of his childhood memories as baling hay and rising at dawn to work on his family’s farm.

Dugan worked for the Montana 4–H offi ce while in college and was the fi rst employee of the Montana FFA (Future Farmers of America) Foundation, before heading to the Bay Area to work at the San Mateo County Fair as fair and festival supervisor. A few years ago, he moved to Spokane to take care of his grandmother. “I kept looking for fair positions here, but they’re hard to come by as they’re such great jobs,” said Dugan. Soon after he returned to California, the North Idaho position opened, as previous manager Chris Holloway wanted to try something new.

“It was an incredible opportunity,” said Dugan. Linda Rider, chair of the North Idaho Fair Board and longtime board member, said Dugan fi t

exactly what the board was looking for. “He has such a passion for the fair,” she said. “He’d been places, worked different fairs, seen the experience through different eye. We needed not just a fair manager, but a facilities manager, and Dane was the complete package.” Taking the reins in October 2012, Dugan immediately began to implement his ideas, many of which he had shared with the board during the interview process. One of them was to paint the campus barn red and white. “We want people driving by to notice us and say, ‘What’s going on over there?’” said Dugan.Dugan has changed the fair layout for better fl ow, tripled the number of community and strolling performers and hired an employee to focus on marketing and branding of the fair and facility for better media and public relations. “We really want to increase year–round awareness of our facilities,” said Dugan. “We have

the capacity; we just need to communicate that so that people think of us, not just when it’s time for the fair.” One event that will be taking advantage of the main arena in October is the Pro–West Rodeo Finals, which Dugan helped to bring to the fairgrounds, along with the board and the rodeo committee. “It’s a big deal for us, people are excited; we started selling tickets in May and people were lined up at 8 a.m. that fi rst day,” said Dugan. He said he wouldn’t be surprised if the tickets sold out before the fair was over. He’s been enjoying every minute of getting ready for the 2013 fair. “It’s been a whirlwind of activity and planning…so many people are connected to the fair and facility, just meeting everyone has been overwhelming but incredible,” said Dugan. “It’s an incredible job, the people are wonderful, the facility is great, and I love it.”

By Renee SandeMarketing Correspondent

New outlook –changes start at the top

ByByByByyyByyByyByyyyBByyBy RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRenenenenenenennenennene eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee SSSSSSSSSananananananananannnnnnndededededdedededededededdeddee

Museum Quality Showcase of over 75 Stuffed Elk, Wild Cats, Bears & Buffalo

Country Style Breakfasts until 3pm

Steak & Eggs, Skillets, Omelettes, Elk Flat Iron and then some!

(Sunday Breakfast Buffet 9am-2pm)

Famous Burgers & Sandwiches after 11am

Grub Baskets, Charbroiled SteakSoups, Salads and more!Famous Dinners

after 4pmSteaks, Seafood, Combos

Chicken, Pasta and Wild Game!Come Hungry… Leave Satisfied

CCoCCoCoCoCoCoCoCoCoCoCoCoCoCoouunununununuuntrtrtrtrtrtrtrt yyyyyyy SSStStSSSStSSSStStSttStt lylllllyllylyylylleeeeeeee BBrBBrBBBBBrBrBrBrBrBrBBrBrBrBB eeaeaeaeaeaeeaeaeeaakffkfkfkfkfkfkkfffffasasassssasasasstststststststststststtsttttss

Hearty Breakfasts, Great Hearty Breakfasts, Great Steaks, Burgers, and More!Steaks, Burgers, and More!

208-777-9388Post Falls • 615 N Spokane St.

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • 6AM - 9PM Wed - Sun

Spokane Street & I-90

,,,,,,, ,,,,,,

208-777-93888888208-777-9388888& I-90

Specializing in Wild GameSpecializing in Wild Game..

Telescoping FlagpolesTelescoping Flagpoles

Visit our booth opposite the Fair Visit our booth opposite the Fair Office or our store at NorthTown Mall

MADEMADE ININ AMERICAAMERICA

Military & Patriotic Military & Patriotic Gifts and Apparel, Gifts and Apparel, Flags, Banners, WindsocksFlags, Banners, Windsocks

924-0677(509)

hhT

44-444-

OfO fice or our store at NorOfOfOOOO fice or our store at NorthOOffice or our store at NorOOOOOfOffice or our store at North

999999999999222222222222444444444444999999999999222222222222444444444444(((555000999))))(550099))(((555000999))))

Pam Harmon, Realtor 208.659.6678 pharmon@21GoldChoice.com

If you’re looking to buy, sell or just want some friendly advice about real estate,

I’d love to sit down and talk about your needs. I can provide the information & guidance to help

you succeed. Call me!

gemstatemule.comgggg

Rathdrum, IdahoRathdrum, IdahoSt. Louis, MissouriSt. Louis, Missouri

509.994.6098 509.994.6098

Superior Quality Superior Quality ADMS/AMRA ADMS/AMRA

MulesMules

A great boost to the local community will be coming in October when the Kootenai County Fairgrounds hosts the Pro West Rodeo Finals. The excitement surrounding the Oct. 4–5 event began building up months ago. “We started selling tickets in May and that fi rst day, people were lined up at the door at 8 a.m.,” said Dane Dugan, general manager for the Fairgrounds and the North Idaho Fair. “I’m fairly sure we’ll sell out before the fair is over.” The two–day rodeo offers events like bareback riding, steer wrestling and saddle bronc riding.

It lures elite competitors from across the region, said Zach Bane, North Idaho Fair board member and chair of the rodeo committee. About 200 competitors are expected to take part. Pro West has been producing rodeos since 1967 and has more than 600 members across Idaho, Washington, Oregon and British Columbia. Every summer, competitors travel and compete in 50 rodeos to qualify for the circuit fi nals. The three–year contract to host the event came about because of recent improvements to the fairgrounds arena, including a new

announcer stand, new gates and new roping chute. Dane gives a lot of thanks to donation and volunteer labor.Russ Cramer, Pro West board president, said Coeur d’Alene was “the clear choice” from three possible locations for the fi nals. He touted the covered and spacious seating of the arena. “The venue itself is fantastic,” he said. Bane said the Inland Northwest loves rodeos, as evidenced by the popularity of the PRCA Rodeo that includes an event during the North Idaho Fair each summer. “Every year for our fair rodeo, we sell out the seats; it goes to show the community is very supportive,” said Bane. Between the two shows, there’s the potential for 4,400 tickets to be sold, which is highly expected. “To be able to bring another one [rodeo] to town is great for the fairgrounds and the community as a whole,” Bane said. “The rodeo committee and fairgrounds staff is excited to host this event and look forward to everyone coming out to enjoy the oldest

sport in the West.” Dugan and others hope that the three–year contract is just the beginning of a good relationship with this event. “I assume after the three years, if our numbers look good, we’ll be doing it again,” he said. Tickets for the Pro West Finals are on sale now for $8 and $10 at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds ticket offi ce or online atwww.prowestrodeofi nals.com

By Renee SandeMarketing Correspondent

Pro–West Rodeo Finals Coming! Tickets for Oct. 4

event going fast

4 Friday, August 16, 2013 Advertising Supplement to S−R Media/The Spokesman−Review•Online and Mobile at www.spokesman.com

“It’s everything you’ve been told not to do with a car.” Stan Pope has been driving in demolition derbies for 19 years. Like many other drivers, both experienced and new to the sport, he’s gearing up for the North Idaho Fair’s Demolition Derby, set for the last day of the fair. The derby is traditionally on Sunday to allow the fair staff to clean of all the metal and debris from the hard hits and smash–ups. “That’s why I come to these things, to hit hard,” says Pope, who’s seen his fair share of action in demolition derbies, and thoroughly enjoys smashing and crashing for the hometown crowd in North Idaho. “It’s a big arena and you can actually have bigger hits. You can actually drive and make your hits count. I enjoy the fairgrounds…

always a good crowd and always a fun one to go to.” John Goedde, organizer of the demolition derby, doesn’t have a favorite in this year’s fi eld of crashing contenders, but is generally excited about the whole thing. “It’s always nice to see some of the same drivers year after year. I think this is our 30th year at the fair,” he said. Whether they’re returning drivers or newbies, most participants will put in between 40 and 50 hours of work on their cars, preparing them to be bashed, banged, and otherwise destroyed. “The rules are pretty basic,” said Pope, “get everything out of the inside of the car that’s fl ammable other than the driver’s seat. Strip it down to where there’s no glass, and you just hope you’re the last car

runnin’ at the end.” Pope brings a lot of experience to the derby and has earned a few wins over the years. “There’s a lot of luck in it, but experience does pay off,” he said. “There’s more to it than a person thinks. It’s not just ‘go out and bang

up a car.’” He said serious demo derby drivers need to learn how to hit, where to hit, how to pick a car out, how to build your car. He’s excited to see new drivers join the sport, and says that

the North Idaho Fair is a great place to get started. He also offered up a little advice for those who may be getting their

start at the fair this year. “Just go out and have fun and don’t take it so serious. Just go out and have a good time and don’t worry about losing,” Pope said. “If you want to stick with it, you’ll end up winning if you pay

attention.” For spectators, the demolition derby can be a cross between a rodeo and a motocross event. Kristi Blaver, Marketing & Public Relations Manager for the Kootenai County Fairgrounds and North Idaho Fair & Rodeo, describes it as “an utterly extreme form of adult bumper cars.” She said spectators can “expect a lot of adrenaline–pumping action and tons of destruction.”

Crash Into MeBy Holly JonesMarketing Correspondent

Don’t Miss Sunday’s Demolition Derby

From April through November, Sherry McKay and her family travel with a cavalcade of carnival rides, games and food stands to shows and fairs throughout Washington, Oregon and Nevada. They typically work 16 hour days, sleep in trailers and sometimes forget what town they’re in when they wake up. So when she came across the opportunity to bring the show to an established fair with all the comforts of home—literally—she jumped at the chance. The result is that her company Paradise Amusements will provide the carnival for this year’s North Idaho Fair. “I’ve waited a long time to put on my show for my hometown,” said McKay, owner of Paradise Amusements and lifetime resident of the Coeur d’Alene area. “Many generations of family have made Paradise what it is today; I’m so

excited to share that with my community again and give the fair more of a hometown feel.” In 1951, her father–in–law Bob McKay started McKay Shows, which entertained visitors at Coeur d’Alene’s Playland Pier and the North Idaho Fair. McKay Shows actually planted the grass and put up the fences that still surround the fairgrounds. Sherry joined the business in 1995 when she married Doug McKay, Bob’s son. They renamed it Paradise Amusements in 1997. After Doug’s death in 2003, Sherry and her daughter family decided to keep the business going. They run a tight ship, stressing to their employees the importance of appearance, responsibility and friendliness, and making sure all equipment and booths are in top–notch shape. “Every morning, no less than three people, including

management, inspects each and every ride…[State] ride inspectors inspect all our rides a couple of times each year and we require continued education for our staff,” she said. “I believe we’re above the norm when it comes to cleanliness and safety.” She said the company also likes to be very hands–on and enjoys letting the public know what they’re all about. Linda Rider, chair of the North Idaho Fair board, said it was McKay’s enthusiasm and local roots that made Paradise a good pick for this year. “Sherry has big ties to the community and she came to us with a passion, saying ‘there’s no way I’m going to do a bad job in my hometown,’ ” Rider said. “We’re all looking forward to seeing that passion in action.” McKay also believes in home cooking, which is the basis for

many of the items served at the company’s food stands. “The caramel apples, cake mix, corn dog batter and cotton candy are all made from family recipes,” said McKay. “We also feature healthy options such as our beverage concession stand which features smoothies and lemonade made from 100 percent fruit and fruit juices.” Fair visitors will also enjoy the Cinna Pear Smoothie, made from cinnamon, pear, banana, low fat vanilla or soy yogurt, and apple juice; or the Watermelon Milkshake, made from watermelon, milk, and sugar. What is McKay looking forward to most about returning to North Idaho? “Next to sharing what I do with my community, and showing them a good time—getting to take a bath in my own bathtub and sleep in my own bed every night,” she said.

‘Hometown girl’ brings in new carnival to N. Idaho FairBy Renee SandeMarketing Correspondent

Spokesman-Review fi le photos