Dive in to the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo
<p>Kristen Johnson as Lady Houdini hangs from the “Jaws of Death,” a new escape stunt in Johnson’s act, Tuesday at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds. Since 2000, Johnson has performed all over the country, and will be escaping from a variety of traps at the North Idaho Fair throughout this weekend.</p>
<p>Sparky, a California sea lion, hangs out on the edge of her pool Tuesday at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds. Sparky is joined by fellow sea lions Zoe and Kim at the Sea Lion Splash attraction at this weekend’s North Idaho Fair, where they will perform three shows daily.</p>
<p>Richard Lee, left, and Russell Little work on constructing Sip’s Cabin for the North Idaho Fair on Tuesday at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.</p>
<p>Adam Gibson, 12, clips the hair of his cow Bota on Tuesday at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds. Gibson is preparing Bota for auctioning for the 4-H Club at the North Idaho Fair.</p>
<p>Ronald Hebewah, front, and Cliff Heystad push a Spongebob Squarepants-themed roller coaster car while building the track for it Tuesday at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.</p>
COEUR d'ALENE - The North Idaho Fair and Rodeo opens today at 10 a.m. with food, fun, and entertainment for the entire family.
On Tuesday the fairgrounds were bustling with vendors setting up booths, children tending to their 4-H livestock while midway rides were being assembled. Though smoke from wildfires filled the air, the atmosphere was inviting and exciting.
Ty Thomas, the fair's marketing and resource development manager, said more than 71,000 people attended last year's event, and this year they are confident those numbers will increase during the fair's five-day run.
"This year we have a ton of new attractions," Thomas said. "You won't find one venue with this much entertainment."
This year's fair theme is "Dive Right In." With that comes many water-based attractions that aren't usually found in Idaho. Thomas said the main attractions are the Live Shark Encounter and the Sea Lion Splash. Both allow spectators to get close to the sea creatures.
Thomas said he is also excited about the Incredible T-Rex that will be roaming around the fair taking pictures with kids and the young at heart.
"With your admission ticket, all these things like the sea lions, live sharks, live music is all included in the admission price," Thomas said. "You can come here and have all the entertainment for you and your family for one price."
One of the headlining performers is the Houdini-style stunt woman, Kristen Johnson.
The name Houdini is synonymous with stunts and illusions. For more than 100 years illusionists and magicians have attempted the antics Harry Houdini made famous. Johnson has not only found a way to master some of Houdini's acts but she is known as the modern-day Houdini, the "Lady Houdini."
Johnson is most popular for her Water Torture Cell Escape act, similar to the famed Houdini's Chinese Water Torture Escape.
She is also known for undertaking the Jaws of Death. While wearing a locked-tight straightjacket Johnson is suspended in the air below a giant bear trap. She hangs by her feet and must escape the jacket before an industrial grinder cuts a cable causing the trap to snap shut. If the Jaws of Death trap closes, Johnson will be impaled as spectators watch.
"During the act, sparks fly from the grinder," Johnson said. "It can get tense."
Johnson, who performed last year, looks forward to bringing her unique style of stunt-work to the North Idaho Fair for a second time. Her daily showtimes are 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Unlike most shows of this nature, Johnson encourages spectators to take pictures and videos of her act. She hopes to see them posted to her Facebook page with feedback for her.
There are 34 food vendors prepared to serve fairgoers. Many are drawn to the fair for the collection of all things fried. Old favorites like elephant ears, Oreos and Twinkies are expected to satisfy this year's crowds, but a new delight is being offered at a booth from Grangeville. Shiznits Concessions is presenting the Mashed Potato Sundae.
"We take mashed potatoes, layer in choice of meat, cheese, bell peppers, onion, jalapeno infused bacon and top it off with choice of barbecue or cheese sauce," Tyler Bransford, owner of Shiznits said.
Bransford said he expects to use at least 2,400 pounds of fresh potatoes at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.
The fair also features 10,000 competitive exhibits. Entries span a broad range including photography, livestock, quilting, produce and many other crafts that can be judged. Members of local 4-H clubs have been a longstanding fixture of the fair.
Youths from across Kootenai County gathered at the fairgrounds Tuesday, prepping their animal entries for opening day.
Aimee Howard of Rathdrum walked through the arena area of the grounds Tuesday with her son, Ethan, and his friend, Rafe Gregory of Rathdrum. The 9-year-old boys spent the last year raising and preparing pigs for 4-H. Howard said they are looking forward to showing their pigs but are even more excited to ride the midway rides and see the sharks.
The Kootenai Humane Society will have dogs and cats on site that are ready for adoption.
Vicky Nelson, director of development for KHS said more than 50 volunteers will be bringing the animals to the fairgrounds daily.
"People can adopt them right here at the fair and take them home," Nelson said.
The fairgrounds are open daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. today, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Sunday the gates are open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information and a complete listing of attractions and showtimes visit www.NorthIdahoFair.com.