Get wild and wooly at the biggest fair yet

COEUR d'ALENE — From exotic animals to international entertainment, this year's fair will be taking a local tradition and ramping it up on a global scale.

"We really ran with the theme," North Idaho State Fair spokesperson Marie Franko said Monday morning. "It's 'A World of Fun!' and we wanted to bring as much fun to Coeur d'Alene from around the world as we could."

Franko said the attraction she's most excited for is the Aussie Kingdom Kangaroos, which features the hop-happy marsupials and other creatures native to Australia.

"It is the largest exhibit of native Australian species that travels in the U.S.," Franko said. "We were very lucky to get them. There's a baby kangaroo that's going to be here."

Other than the furry friends from Down Under, the International Animal Experience will bring community members nose to nose (or nose to beak) with exotic goats, burros, flamingoes "and an array of animals you won't see in your yard," Franko said. "There are animals all over the fair."

Hailing from the opposite side of the globe is the Canadian Lumberjack Show, which will feature mini-competitions between teams from West Coast Lumberjacks. The lumberjacks will be showing off their ax throwing, crisscut sawing, log rolling and chain saw

wood-carving skills.

"It's a really fun and dynamic show," Franko said.

African flair will be demonstrated by the Zuzu African Acrobats, another dynamic group that performs traditional Kenyan acrobatics to high-energy rhythms and beats.

Michael DuBois and Viktoria Grimmy will wow and astound with their all-American circus variety show, incorporating straight-jackets, comedy and aerial acts into their performances.

Animal Cracker Conspiracy's Jungle Stilt Walkers and giant puppet characters will share the joy of walking on the wild side and a European Children's Theatre will captivate imaginations with European-style marionette theatre shows.

Adults 21 and older will also enjoy a taste of Europe and more in the Beers of the World tent.

"We'll be serving beers from around the world," Franko said. "I'm sure there will be a strong European representation."

For those seeking thrills that are out of this world, the North Idaho State Fair features more than 40 carnival rides.

"We've got a lot of high, spinning rides and rides that go up and down," Franko said. "The one that I think is most exciting is 'Vertigo.'"

She said the "Vertigo" is brand new this year and is a 100-foot tower with individual swings "and the swings are very, very high."

The headrush-inducing "Kamikazee" and "Zipper" are popular rides that will return this year, alongside the newer "Sizzler."

"On the 'Sizzler,' in addition to you going upside down and sideways, it spins both ways," she said.

While fairgoers can expect to see a variety of new food vendors, critters and performances, Franko said the beloved elements of old will remain — elephant ears and smoked turkey legs to munch on, 4-H shows and stock auction, grandstand rodeo events, concerts, demolition derby, arts and crafts exhibits and more.

And this year is the biggest year yet for exhibits, with well more than 8,000 entries in everything from photography and fine arts to edible houses and a beard-growing contest.

"We've done a great job of preserving what makes the fair so great, everything that people look forward to every year and showcasing entertainers from our own backyard," Franko said. "At the same time we're growing the fair to make it so there's more for everyone."

The fair welcomes about 75,000 people each year and may see around 80,000 this year.

Fair general manager Dane Dugan said the eve of the fair opening is quite an exciting time.

"It’s something we work toward year-round, but to have everything come together and be ready for us to open the gates to the public tomorrow is an incredible feeling," Dugan said. "Everything from the awesome featured attractions and arena events scheduled to the expanded carnival and new food vendors will make this the biggest fair we’ve had. It’s really shaping up to be a record breaking fair, and we can’t wait for the kick-off."

Info: www.northidahostatefair.com