Fair play

New technology and old traditions converge at the Spokane County Interstate Fair, which begins today and runs through Sept. 17. Where else can you find video game tournaments, racing pigs, loggers, demolition derbies and musical acts all in one place? “Fairs have always tried to keep up-to-date on things,” says Dolly Hughes, fair director.

And the 55th annual installment – themed “Bushels of Fun for Everyone” – will be no different.

For the first time, the fair will have a GameFest on the weekends, where video gamers can compete against one another. For more information, log on to www.spoklan.net.

If gaming isn’t your thing, you can head over to the International Lumberjack Show, which features ax-throwing, log-rolling, spring board and other feats.

Like animals? As always, favorite farm animals will be on hand. But this year, fair organizers have built a special “goat mountain” area for the animals to roam, Hughes says.

If you think cows and goats and pigs are too humdrum, the fair will also host an exotic animal display with a wallaby and a camel, among others. (That exhibit begins Monday.)

Fair-goers will be treated to more nights of grandstand entertainment this year, Hughes says.

That kicks off with the P.R.C.A. Rodeo tonight and Saturday at 6:45 p.m., and Sunday at 4 p.m. Rodeo riders will show off skills including bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping and barrel racing.

Lee Greenwood, known best for his hit “God Bless the USA,” takes the grandstand stage Monday at 6:45 p.m., following a Patriot’s Day parade at 5:30 and a Sept. 11 memorial ceremony at 6.

On Tuesday evening, the Oak Ridge Boys bring their four-part harmonies to the grandstand.

Country duo Bomshel – featuring fiddler Kristy O., a Sandpoint native – plays Wednesday. And on Thursday, rock group 10,000 Maniacs performs.

The grandstand will also host a demolition derby on Sept. 16 and 17.