A Whirlwind of Fun at the McKenzie County Fair: June 12-15 in Watford City ND!

Get ready for four days of non-stop fun and excitement at the 65th annual McKenzie County Fair in Watford City from June 12 to June 15! With a jam-packed schedule, there’s something for everyone.

From carnival rides that make your heart race to fun strolling acts that bring a smile to everyone's face, the fair is set to be an unforgettable experience. Plus, don't forget to visit the Tot Zone daily for the littlest fair-goers to enjoy.

Let's dive into the specific events kicking off this fantastic fair.

Wednesday, June 12: Kickoff to Fun

The excitement begins bright and early on Wednesday. Start your day with some friendly competition and community spirit.

• 8-11:30 AM: Open Class Registration Have a prized pickle recipe or a picture-perfect quilt? Register your masterpieces and join the fun!
• 8 a.m.–12 PM: Entry/Ultrasound of All Livestock Farmers and ranchers, bring your best livestock to the fair for entry and ultrasound. Let's see those healthy heifers and terrific turkeys!
• 1-4 PM: 4-H Static Judging, Animal Judging, and Judging of Open Class Exhibits Watch as young 4-H participants showcase their hard work and skills in a variety of static and animal projects. Open class exhibits will also be judged, so come and cheer for your favorites!
• 4:00 PM: McKenzie County Farm Bureau Supper and Animal Meeting Join the community for a delicious supper, courtesy of the McKenzie County Farm Bureau. It's the perfect time to discuss the day's events and make new friends.
• 6:00 PM: Olaf Leiseth Jr. Memorial Draft Horse Competition Wrap up the day with the awe-inspiring Olaf Leiseth Jr. Memorial Draft Horse Competition. These magnificent horses will leave you in awe with their power and grace.

Thursday, June 13: Thrills and Parades

Thursday is packed with fun and excitement, starting with some impressive livestock evaluations and ending with a spectacular show and live music.

• 8 AM: 4-H Livestock Live Evaluation Judging Rise and shine for the 4-H Livestock Live Evaluation Judging. See the hard work of young farmers as they showcase their prized animals and compete for top honors.
• 4:00 PM: Fair Parade Head to 4th and Main Street for the annual Fair Parade. Watch colorful floats, marching bands, and local groups strut their stuff in this lively procession. Don't forget to grab a good spot early!
• 6:00 PM: Knights and Bikes Show Followed by Live Music with Chancey Williams The evening kicks off with the thrilling Knights and Bikes Show, sure to captivate audiences of all ages. After the show, stick around for a fantastic live music performance by Chancey Williams. Tap your feet and dance the night away under the stars.

Friday, June 14: A Day Full of Action and Fun

Friday is bursting with activities, from livestock competitions to thrilling derbies. Get ready for a day packed with excitement and community spirit.

• 7-11 AM: FFA Livestock Jackpot Kick off your day with the FFA Livestock Jackpot. Witness young farmers compete with their finest livestock and showcase their hard-earned skills.
• 11 AM–1 PM: 4-H Buyer BBQ Social Sponsored by Fort Union Masonic Lodge #128 Join the community for a delicious BBQ social. This event, which Fort Union Masonic Lodge #128 is sponsoring, is a great opportunity to socialize and eat some delectable barbecue.
• 12-6 PM: Registration and Inspection for Demolition Derby Get your vehicles ready for some smashing fun! Registration and inspection for the Demolition Derby will be open from noon to 6 p.m. Make sure everything's in tip-top shape for the big event.
• 12 PM: 4-H Livestock Sale Don't miss the 4-H Livestock Sale at noon. Support young 4-H members by bidding on their top-quality animals. It's a great way to contribute to the future of agriculture.
• 4:30 PM: Farm Olympics Test your farming skills and compete in the Farm Olympics. From hay bale tossing to tractor races, it's a hilarious and fun-filled competition for all ages.
• 7 PM: Demolition Derby and Power Wheel Derby Prepare for some heart-pounding action with the Demolition Derby and Power Wheel Derby starting at 7 p.m. Watch cars crash and bash their way to victory in this crowd-pleasing event.
• Live Music by The Bikers + The Bandits Following Demolition Derby Cap off the evening with live music from The Bikers + The Bandits. After the high-octane thrills of the derby, relax and enjoy some fantastic tunes under the night sky.

Saturday, June 15: Grand Finale

Saturday brings an exciting conclusion to the McKenzie County Fair with a mix of showmanship, rodeo action, and live music.

• 8 AM: Horse Showmanship Start your day with the elegance and skill of the Horse Showmanship competition. Watch as participants showcase their bond with their horses in this impressive display.
• 9 AM: 4-H Livestock Showmanship and Round Robin Contest Cheer on young farmers as they compete in the 4-H Livestock Showmanship and Round Robin Contest. This event highlights the dedication and talent of the participants and their animals.
• 12 PM: NDRA Rodeo Slack Don't miss the action at the NDRA Rodeo Slack. Witness rodeo athletes as they perform in a variety of challenging events.
• 1 PM: 4-H Fair Awards Celebrate the achievements of 4-H members at the Fair Awards ceremony. It's a moment of pride and recognition for all their hard work.
• 3:30 & 4 PM: Crafting with Jessie Veeder Join local favorite Jessie Veeder for crafting sessions at 3:30 and 4 PM. Get creative and take home a handmade souvenir from the fair.
• 7 PM: NDRA Rodeo and Calf Scramble The excitement continues with the NDRA Rodeo and Calf Scramble at 7 p.m. Experience the thrill of rodeo events and the hilarity of the calf scramble.
• Live Music by Out of Line Following NDRA Rodeo End your night with live music by Out of Line. After the rodeo, enjoy their energetic performance and dance the night away.
• TBD: Williston Woodworks Get ready to be amazed by the craftsmanship of Williston Woodworks. Discover stunning wood creations and maybe even pick up a unique piece to take home.

Daily Delights

While these day-specific events are highlights, remember that the fairgrounds will be buzzing with daily activities.

• Carnival Rides: Thrills and chills for all ages!
  
  4pm Thursday,
  3pm Friday
  12pm Saturday
• Strolling Acts: Keep an eye out for a magician, jugglers, and other performers roaming the fairgrounds.
• Tot Zone: A special area filled with fun activities just for toddlers.