History of the Sanders County Fair
The Sanders County Fair began in 1911 with a community horse race. Participants included ladies and gentlemen from the town of Plains, as well as from the reservation. Settler ladies rode side saddle while the Native American ladies rode astride! For a number of years horse racing and horsemanship were a major part of the fair. As the years passed, rodeos, carnivals and dances were added to the options provided to visitors and the parade during fair weekend became a favorite. Currently, the fair is in the top ten in the state of Montana and attracts visitors from throughout western Montana, northern Idaho and eastern Washington. Many of our part-time residents make sure they are present during fair time. In recent years attendance has been between 30,000 and 50,000 people. It is the only fair in western Montana that does not charge a gate fee. Parking passes are available on a daily basis ($5). Parking for camping and RVs is also available.
	Part of C. C. Willis' (one of Fair Founders) Exhibit 10/14/13, and winner of the Northern Pacific railroad award.
This was the last appearance for Rudolph, Scottish Highlander steer in the fair parade. He was owned by M & M John Scott of Charlo. Mrs. Scott said Rudolph was being retired because of old age. It was just too hard on him.
	Eight eastern Washington residents rode in four covered wagons expecting to reach the Sanders County Fairgrounds in Plains for the 1971 fair. The wagon train traveled from Newport, Washington leaving six days before the fair. One of the wagons was pulled by two matched teams of Shetland ponies.
Flathead Indians participated in the Fair parade and other events. They pitched their teepees between the racehorse barns and the cottonwood trees by the river (present concessions on the north side). Pictured are Suzi Michele, wife of Flathead Chief Michele, and Annie Charlo McDougal, her niece. They were very accomplished in beadwork and made the outfits they (and their mounts) are wearing.
	4-H has always been a substantial part of the fair and the auctions for winning animals are nearly as competitive as the show itself. Since Sanders and surrounding counties are still active in agricultural and livestock pursuits, these shows are well attended. 4-H entries are never lacking in any of the divisions at fair time.
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