We are already closing out the first new month of the new year, with the start of days of snow showers, followed by a frigid drop to sub-zero temps into next week. Winter is still stretching out ahead, in spite of what that Groundhog predicts next week. I think it is a perfect time for that most contradictory of events, the Winter Fair!
Now, fair to me is a quintessentially summer event, long warm evenings filled with the smells of cotton candy and greasy fair food. There is the calliope sounds of rides and vendors, cheers from the rodeo arena, and the roaring engines of a Demolition Derby.
This is decidedly NOT that. How can a cold grim January mix with anything like that?
It turns out there are mid-winter celebrations like this all over. Billed as Winter Carnival, Winterfest, Snowflinga or Winter Fair, they are all happy ways to get through gray mid-winter. In these parts, they are likely celebrated in snow boots and Carhartts, and make good use of our generous commodity – snow!
Our Winter Fair is statewide, beginning in 1946 to celebrate agriculture from a frosty perspective, a brief reprieve for the rural community before the start of calving season. Even in winter, its about the country life. There is a Youth Beef Show, A dog agility contest, even a cat and rabbit show.
There will be music in fiddle contests and dancing bands, and of course tasty snacks, from the Cinnamon Roll Bake- off to Chili Cook-off. I wouldn’t mind being a judge!
I will not be competing in the dog show, but can bet that us cow dogs will be well represented.
Of course, there is crafts and many interesting things to buy, along with farm equipment, horse feed, trucks and things the guys like to look at at the Trade Show, all highlighting the western lifestyle.
Everyone could use a good cowdog design to wear there, too:
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The most entertaining event though, from a Heeler’s perspective, is racing along on skis tethered behind a galloping horse. Welcome to skijoring, a winter sport that combines the thrill of skiing with the skill of cowboying.
Skijoring started in Scandinavia, originally as a mode of winter transportation. Today it is a sport, often done with dogs providing the pull. In canine skijoring, the human uses cross-country ski equipment and wears a belt attached to a dog harness. In equestrian skijoring, the human wears skis and holds tug lines attached to the horse’s saddle. With a western twist on the Scandinavian sport, skijorers compete behind galloping horses, steering themselves over sizable jumps.
Now I could really get behind a sport like this! I’ve already been herding horses all my life, and this just adds one more target; the dilemma for this cowdog would be guiding that zig-zagging skier!
If you want to try it, start here: https://www.skijorusa.com/
Well, I’m a little old for that sport, although it would be hilarious to watch Dad try to ski behind a running horse. I’m definitely not interested in the canine version, pulling some heavy carcass of winter-weight and insulated clothing around by ski or sled!
Back at the Fair, there is food, a stick horse rodeo for little kids, music, food, quilt displays, ranch rodeo, and Cowboy Church. I like that church – it is easy to go there, a country setting that feels just right.
Oh, and more food. Consider the Savor the Flavors buffet – meats, bread, soup, desserts and more, celebrating Montana agriculture. There are also specialty brews to enjoy.
I think I’d feel at home at Old McDonald’s Barn, where kids can visit all kind of animals. Maybe my friend, Alice the camel, will be there, too.
I do not think the Polar Plunge sounds fun at all, but it is for a good cause, Special Olympics. Some hardy souls will do it, but this old cowdog will just lay by the fire, when chores are done.
Back at the ranch, I have my own winter fair. I watch Sprout sledding down ever bigger hills. This year, Dad used the skidsteer to plow him big chutes on a big hill.
I help get hay out for the stock.
I hold canine bark-leap-and-herd trials, to keep chickens safe from the eagles that circle on bright sunny days; the poultry are oblivious to the skies while they explore open dirt patches and find corn frozen in the snow.
A year-round event for me, I savor a warm sun, and watch the world from my porch.
I am the audience, laughing at the crazy turkeys and deer that come around, staging their own foodie competitions.
And as the evenings hold a few precious more minutes of daylight each day,
I am glad in knowing that around here, even winter will not go unused or unappreciated.
Then next week, we will look to a sleepy rodent to tell us how much longer it will last.
Around here, I’m pretty sure it will be at least about 6 more weeks.
