Newsroom

Western Idaho Fair is pleased to continue our agricultural scholarship program for its ninth year. At least two $1,000 scholarships (4-H/FFA members) are available annually to these members who participate in Western Idaho Fair programs. These scholarships help ensure the next generation of agricultural students will continue the legacy of excellence in agriculture. Students who are selected to receive scholarships may reapply for their second, third and fourth year of college, potentially receiving a total of $4,000 in scholarships!

Remember, applications must be received or postmarked by Friday, April 16, 2012!

For those interested in applying for these scholarships, please CLICK HERE to find instructions, more information and applications.

SkillsUSA students on trusswork.

In Partnership with Habitat for Humanity and SkillsUSA

Boise, ID – In just 30 days, a house will be built in 10 days at Western Idaho Fair August 19-28 – almost. Volunteers from Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity (BVHH) and students from the Meridian School District’s SkillsUSA program are starting a new home for a deserving Habitat family right on the grounds at the Fair for all to see.

“Yes, this is a big undertaking,” said Tom Lay, executive director for BVHH. “We will begin a four-bedroom home at Western Idaho Fair including floor joists, side walls, roof trusses and some interior work.”

Lay said that following the Fair, the home will be dismantled and reassembled at Habitat’s Palm Court Subdivision where a qualifying family shall receive it in the spring of 2012. It will become the eleventh home built by a partnership of talented students, community support and the Habitat for Humanity mission.

That partnership combines students from the SkillsUSA program out of the Meridian High School District with the many volunteers pooled by BVHH. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. As a national nonprofit organization serving teachers, high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, SkillsUSA helps each student excel at any level.

“During the Fair, our students will work alongside Habitat for Humanity volunteers on the job site, just as they would on a regular building site,” said Mark Enger, SkillsUSA program educator. “They will also conduct public demonstrations throughout the week like replacing old windows with Energy Star efficient windows, insulating and other energy-saving tactics.”

In addition to the SkillsUSA demonstrations, BVHH will host demonstrations such as basic wiring and plumbing, laying tile or simple construction techniques. A vendor area will include local suppliers with information about the various building applications. “We’ll be busy all the time,” added Lay. “Patrons can make a second visit to the Fair later in the week to see our progress.” Materials for the home have been donated by more than 25 local businesses including Franklin Building Supply, Best Bath Systems and  Ashley Glass.

Director Bob Batista said it’s a welcome educational display to the Fair and provides a fresh new entertainment piece. “Many people have never been this close to a new home going up,” he said. Western Idaho Fair has been planning this house build for nearly two years. It will be located near F Gate, or close to the Grandstand and across from the Timberworks Lumberjack Show.

Since its founding in 1990 Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity has built 47 homes housing 257 people, including 173 children. Funding sources include Ada County businesses, churches, individuals, charitable foundations, and mortgage payments on existing Habitat homes.

Tickets for the 114^th running of Western Idaho Fair are $2 off admission prices when purchased before August 19. Log on to idahofair.com for all fairtime information and tickets or call 208-287-5650. Western Idaho Fair is presented by Bank of the West.

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Western Idaho Fair is a property of Expo Idaho, dba Ada County, Boise, ID. The regional event is the largest in Idaho drawing on average 250,000 patrons. Concerts, livestock shows, Butler Carnival, dozens of national free grounds acts and exhibits showcased from the community are all just a part of this ten-day-long event.

Click here: Western Idaho Fair Box Office Open for full release.

New Book of Savings Available Now for Western Idaho Fair

Boise, ID – From smoked turkey legs to Indian frybread, sunglasses to wood sheds, Western Idaho Fair is offering a new coupon book, “Fair Deals,” for customers. Fair Deals is on sale for $3 each and only 4,000 books will be available.

      “This book contains nearly $4,000 in value from all of its offerings,” said Lori Cox, marketing manager for Western Idaho Fair. “We have 16 food vendors and 26 different shopping items from participating merchants for your best shopping deals.” In just food deals, more than $55 in value is available in the book.

      Western Idaho Fair officials have been planning for a coupon book, waiting for the right time to launch. “It’s no doubt that coupons are all the rage now,” said Cox, who added that publishing a book like this is not inexpensive. “We needed to make sure it made as much sense for our vendors as it would for our customers and we wanted to keep its retail price low.” Western Idaho Fair did not charge their vendors for entrance into the book, but took the best deals available in an application process.

      After an economic analysis last winter, Western Idaho Fair began to recruit vendors and found many to have great enthusiasm for the book. The best opportunities for vendors often came from larger ticket items like a sandwich or new items being introduced, such as this year’s addition of Rocky Mountain oysters. Studying other fairs’ successes with similar coupon books, Western Idaho Fair decided Fair Deals was due an introduction this year.

      To purchase a coupon book prior to the Fair, stop in at the Idaho Statesman while supplies last. The books will be available at fairtime, on sale at the Idaho Statesman booths in Center Expo and at    A Gate. The Idaho Statesman is the presenting sponsor of Fair Deals.

Log on to idahofair.com to buy advance tickets now and for all fairtime information, or call       208-287-5650.

– end –

Western Idaho Fair is a property of Expo Idaho, dba Ada County, Boise, ID. The regional event is the largest in Idaho drawing on average 250,000 patrons. Concerts, livestock shows, Butler Carnival, dozens of national free grounds acts and exhibits showcased from the community are all just a part of this ten-day-long event.

Western Idaho Fair Celebrates Farming Families

Boise, ID – Farm families who represent the best of Idaho agriculture will be selected by Western Idaho Fair in a “Farm Family Today” celebration. The initiative recognizes farm and ranch life, promoting outstanding farmer qualities in front of a captive Western Idaho Fair audience. Nominations are due June 15.

“We are looking for families who have been good stewards of their farm or ranch and are disciplined in their farm practices,” said Hans Bruijn, premium office manager for Western Idaho Fair. “Their innovative ideas, economic impact and community involvement are areas we are interested in celebrating.”

Part of the Fair’s new “Passport to Idaho” program, Fair officials are encouraging a positive relationship between the urban fairgoer and the agriculturalists who have made fairs a modern tradition for so many people. “The fair business appears to be the last best place to reach out and teach people about modern farm practices,” said Lori Cox, marketing manager at Western Idaho Fair. “With dwindling education budgets and teachers having little time to explore farm and ranch life, we feel it is our duty to educate the public – and it’s part of our mission.”

Western Idaho Fair attracts approximately 250,000 people each year of which 70 percent are from Ada County, rapidly changing under urban development. Cox said the Fair is the prime opportunity for patrons to learn about their farm family neighbors. “Our Fair has a large agricultural component, but sometimes its structural message is lost in the mix of carnival, food and entertainment.” Bruijn added that the Fair is a natural place for kids to learn about the relationship between production agriculture and the bounty of food on the Midway. “Food and animals are the top two reasons people attend the Fair,” he said.

NOMINATIONS

Selections for “Farm Family Today” close June 15. The nomination form is available online on the home page of idahofair.com. Families are eligible from any agricultural basis and must be farming/ranching in Idaho. Selected producers will receive recognition during the annual Western Idaho Fair August 19-28, the Fair’s visitors guide, online at idahofair.com and a special tribute in the Idaho Statesman.

For more information or questions, contact Lori Cox or Hans Bruijn at 208-287-5650.

– end –

Western Idaho Fair is a property of Expo Idaho, dba Ada County, Boise, ID. The regional event is the largest in Idaho drawing on average 250,000 patrons. Concerts, livestock shows, Butler Carnival, dozens of national free grounds acts and exhibits showcased from the community are all just a part of this ten-day-long event.

Nashville, Tenn. — What has been buzzing as the most experiential, head-turning country album of the year will take place on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 with the release of Eric Church’s third studio album, Chief, to stores nationwide, courtesy of EMI Records. Church performs at Western Idaho Fair Tuesday, August 23 on the MyBullfrog.com Stage, and is presented by Kissin’ 92.

“Homeboy” –the provocative new lead single from the album—and Church’s fastest-rising career single to date– is already turning heads and causing critics from USA Today and Billboard to champion the release. Fans can expect the music video for “Homeboy” to be featured on CMT as their “Hot Shot Debut” as well as premiere on GAC beginning Monday, May 9.

Church’s impressive range and infinite creative canvas are shown in this album.  Songs like “Drink in My Hand” and “Hungover & Hard Up” illustrate his ability to connect with a rowdy audience. Other songs like “Springsteen” and “Like Jesus Does,” reveal a deeper emotions complemented by sophisticated song structures.

“I have a theory that all of us [artists] only get a small window of time to make records when people will really listen and care,” said Church. “It’s up to us to move the needle. People like Waylon and Cash or Garth and Strait,– they all took the format and said, ‘We’re going over here,’ and they each changed the direction of the music a little bit– helping to make it what it is today.”

That desire to move the needle is the very reason Church has chosen to use the successes of six Top 20 country singles (“How ‘Bout You,” “Two Pink Lines,” and “Guys Like Me” from his 2006 critically-acclaimed debut, Sinners Like Me; “Love Your Love The Most,” “Hell On The Heart,” and “Smoke A Little Smoke” from his sophomore release Carolina) and an ACM Award for New Solo Vocalist of the Year to push the creative envelope even further with Chief.  Church took a month off and went to a secluded cabin in North Carolina to reflect and write the entire album which he later recorded in Nashville with producer, Jay Joyce (Patty Griffin, Cage the Elephant), who also produced his previous two releases.

The “alive and breathing” feel of the new music inspired Church to name the album, Chief, after a nickname given to his grandfather, and one he has consequently adopted over the years out on the road. “When it’s show time, I put on the sunglasses and the hat, and that’s how people know it’s game time. This album was made from a live place; we recorded it with the live show in mind, so it just seemed right to make that the title,” he adds.

With the release of his third studio album, Church hasn’t forgotten the true captains of his career –his loyal fans. “More than anyone else, we have built are career on the backs of the fans,” he says.  “We have not had a lot of TV exposure or number one songs, but we have had music that stirs passion, we put on shows that stoke the flames of that passion, and our fans have carried the torch. Our music belongs to them.”

Chief Track-by-Track
1. Creepin’ (Eric Church / Marv Green)
2. Drink In My Hand (Eric Church, Michael P. Heeney, Luke Laird)
3. Keep On (Eric Church / Ryan Tyndell)
4. Like Jesus Does (Casey Beathard / Monty Criswell)
5. Hungover & Hard Up (Eric Church / Luke Laird)
6. Homeboy (Eric Church / Casey Beathard)
7. Country Music Jesus (Eric Church / Jeremy Spillman)
8. Jack Daniels (Eric Church / Jeff Hyde / Lynn Hutton)
9. Springsteen (Eric Church / Jeff Hyde / Ryan Tyndell)
10. I’m Gettin’ Stoned (Eric Church / Jeff Hyde / Casey Beathard / Jeremy Cradey)
11. Over When It’s Over (Eric Church / Luke Laird)

In addition, fans can visit www.cmt.com and vote for Church who is nominated in the 2011 CMT Music Awards Nationwide® Insurance On Your Side® category.

The grand opening of the Boise Riverside RV Park was held April 30. Here are the highlight photos:

General Manager Ron Lundquist Greets the Crowd

Ada County Commissioner Rick Yzaguirre does the Honors.

New ADA Access to Showers

Looking out over the Greenbelt.

The Office has been Refurbished; Looking at its Entrance.

Boise, ID – Ron Lundquist, general manager for the new Boise Riverside RV Park, is inviting the public to a grand opening of the park Saturday. The public can tour the facilities and explore the grounds throughout the day.

WHO:             Boise Riverside RV Park

WHERE:         6000 Glenwood St., Garden City, ID

WHEN:           Saturday, April 30, 9 a.m.

WHAT:           This grand opening for all publics will include these free festivities:

9 a.m. – 11 a.m.  Pancake Breakfast

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.  New RV Equipment Displays: featuring new motor homes and fifth wheels

10 a.m.  Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: in front of main office

10:30 a.m.  Western States Equipment Tech Day: covering drive train maintenance; includes great information and giveaways

2 p.m.  Root Beer Floats

The close proximity to the Boise River and Greenbelt allows RVers instant access to recreational opportunities at the Boise Riverside RV Park. Biking, running, walking, fishing and camping are just a taste of the variety. The park boasts a horseshoe pit, an outdoor kitchen and soon-to-arrive attractions such as a garden and a playground.

Bob Batista, director of Expo Idaho, said that many improvements have been made to the park including new restrooms and shower facilities, landscaping, office enhancements, new picnic tables and camping stations, to name just a few. All improvements were paid for by Expo Idaho, which is a self-supporting function of Ada County.

Lundquist is looking for people who are organizing family reunions and added that Boise Riverside RV Park is a ideal place for those celebrations. “This park is an open, friendly location that provides privacy and a recreational environment perfect for family gatherings,” he said.

For more information, call the park at 208-375-7432 or log on to boiseriversidervpark.com.

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Expo Idaho, Western Idaho Fair, Boise Riverside RV Park and Barber Park are properties of Ada County Recreation & Event Services in Boise, ID. The department rents its many facilities to promoters and private parties year-round and hosts the state’s largest event, Western Idaho Fair. Additional information regarding activities and links to recent news updates can be found at adabackyard.com.

And a New Way to Get into the Shows Faster

Craig Morgan

Boise, ID– In a summer that looks hungry for top country music, Western Idaho Fair delivers with Eric Church and Craig Morgan performing live on the MyBullfrog.com Stage. Fans looking for rock acts will find the classic stylings of Cheap Trick and Kool & The Gang. The lineup is:

Tuesday, August 23:  Eric Church presented by KIZN Kissin’ 92

Wednesday, August 24:  Kool & The Gang presented by 96.1 BOB-FM

Thursday, August 25:  Craig Morgan presented by KQFC Idaho Country

Friday, August 26:  Cheap Trick presented by KKGL The Eagle

Concerts are free with gate admission.

NEW: QWEST HIGH SPEED LINE FOR ALL SHOWS

            New for ALL SHOWS this year is the Qwest High Speed Line. Each presenting radio station will offer 1,000 passes per show for fans wanting to avoid standing in line prior  to a concert. “These passes will go to lucky fans through their favorite stations,” said Bob Batista, director of Western Idaho Fair. “Fans can listen all summer long for ways to earn a Qwest High Speed Line pass, and only 1,000 per show will be available.”

            Since concerts became free with fair admission in 2006, the lines leading to night shows at Western Idaho Fair have been growing exponentially. Batista said that popular shows have driven line size so much that he wanted to add something to offset the long waiting period. “Our radio station partners stepped in and have sponsored these passes,” he said. “Those that earn a Qwest High Speed Line pass will be able to quickly enter the show.” Batista added that the pass will also guarantee that a fan can get in prior to the show. “We’ve had a small percentage every year that couldn’t get in because we were full.” Fans who earn a Qwest High Speed Line pass will still need to pay gate admission into the Fair.

ARTISTS

            ACM favorite Eric Church rocks the house to open Western Idaho Fair’s night show list on Tuesday, August 23. Already the winner of ACM’s Top New Solo Vocalist Award, Church and his many fans were thrilled with his 2011 nomination for Best New Artist of the Year. He’s paid his dues already with two gold-certified singles: “Love Your Love the Most” and “Smoke a Little Smoke.” His first album produced four Billboard Top 20 singles, and a third album is in the works. Eric Church is presented by KIZN Kissin’ 92.

            Kool & The Gang performs Wednesday, August 24. Originally formed in 1964, they are probably best known for the multi-platinum hit “Celebration.” Other memorable singles in their near-50 year schedule include “Ladies Night” and “Get Down On It.” Their 1984 album Emergency yielded four Billboard Top 20 pop hits, including “Fresh” and “Cherish.” Kool & The Gang is presented by 96.1 BOB-FM.

            On Thursday, August 25, hot country artist Craig Morgan takes the stage. Thriving in a cut-throat industry, Morgan has risen to the top of the country music scene over the last 10 years. He even has a television show, “Craig Morgan: All Access Outdoors.” Most memorable hits of his burgeoning list include “Red Neck Yacht Club,” “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” “Little Bit Of Life,” and the tidal wave success of “International Harvester.” His current album This Ole Boy is racing up the charts with hits like “Still a Little Chicken Left On That Bone” and “Bonfire.”

            On Friday night, Western Idaho Fair wraps its concert series with rock legends Cheap Trick. Their biggest hits include “I Want You To Want Me,” “Dream Police” and “The Flame.” The hit that they are most known for is “Surrender.” “Dream Police” was used in the television hit sitcom “That 70s Show” and the band recorded “Mighty Wings,” the end-title cut for the mega film “Top Gun.”

TICKET LOGISTICS

            All Western Idaho Fair concerts are FREE with gate admission and again this year, no gate admission increases. Qwest High Speed Line passes are available through each presenting radio station this summer; more information can be found as it comes available on idahofair.com. Gate admission is ON SALE NOW at idahofair.com followed by box office sales opening July 18. Purchasing in advance saves $2 off the regular gate price. For ongoing updates and music links, check out Western Idaho Fair’s Web site.

– end –

Western Idaho Fair is a property of Expo Idaho, dba Ada County, Boise, ID. The regional event is the largest in Idaho drawing more than 250,000 patrons. Concerts, livestock shows, Butler Carnival, dozens of national free grounds acts and exhibits showcased from the community are all just a part of this ten-day-long event.

Western Idaho Fair Celebrates Farming Families

Boise, ID – Farm families who represent the best of Idaho agriculture will be selected by Western Idaho Fair in a “Farm Family Today” celebration. The initiative recognizes farm and ranch life, promoting outstanding farmer qualities in front of a captive Western Idaho Fair audience. Nominations are open beginning April 15.

“We are looking for families who have been good stewards of their farm or ranch and are disciplined in their farm practices,” said Hans Bruijn, premium office manager for Western Idaho Fair. “Their innovative ideas, economic impact and community involvement are areas we are interested in celebrating.”

Part of the fair’s new “Passport to Idaho” program, fair officials are encouraging a new relationship between the urban fairgoer and the agriculturalists who have made fairs a modern tradition for so many people. “The fair business appears to be the last best place to reach out and teach people about modern farm practices,” said Lori Cox, marketing manager at Western Idaho Fair. “With dwindling education budgets and teachers having little time to explore farm and ranch life, we feel it is our duty to educate the public – and it’s part of our mission.”

Western Idaho Fair attracts approximately 250,000 people each year of which 70 percent are from Ada County, rapidly changing under urban development. Cox said the fair is the prime opportunity for patrons to learn about their farm family neighbors. “Our fair has a large agricultural component, but sometimes its structural message is lost in the mix of carnival, food and entertainment.” Bruijn added that the fair is a natural place for kids to learn about the relationship between production agriculture and the bounty of food on the Midway. “Food and animals are the top two reasons people attend the Fair,” he said.

NOMINATIONS

Selections for “Farm Family of the Day” are open from April 15 through June 15. The nomination form is available online on the home page of idahofair.com. Families are eligible from any agricultural basis and must be farming/ranching in Idaho. Selected producers will receive recognition during the annual Western Idaho Fair August 19-28, the Fair’s visitors guide, online at idahofair.com and a special tribute in the Idaho Statesman.

For more information or questions, contact Lori Cox or Hans Bruijn at 208-287-5650.

– end –

Western Idaho Fair is a property of Expo Idaho, dba Ada County, Boise, ID. The regional event is the largest in Idaho drawing on average 250,000 patrons. Concerts, livestock shows, Butler Carnival, dozens of national free grounds acts and exhibits showcased from the community are all just a part of this ten-day-long event.