Isaac Walton & Current Flow
2024-08-11 14:00 - 17:00 UTC | The Riverside Hotel, 2900 W Chinden Blvd, Garden City, ID, 83714
Isaac Walton & his band Current Flow are based out of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA. Isaac’s sounds are deeply rooted in Acoustic expression, with rich soul filled tones, and lyrically driven vocals from the Heart. The Music is an acoustic blend of folk, blues, jazz, rock, reggae, & soul/hop.

The Noteables
2024-08-11 18:00 - 21:00 | The Riverside Hotel, 2900 W Chinden Blvd, Garden City, ID, 83714
Treasure Valley Idaho cover band playing rock, country, blues, and disco.

Campfire Stories - Erin Rose Belair, Marissa Lovell, Julie Sarasqueta, Amanda Patchin
2024-08-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Modern Hotel and Bar, 1314 W Grove Street, Boise, Idaho, 83702
This Spring, Campfire Stories returns to the Modern! Join us around the fires in the Modern courtyard every second Sunday to experience this intimate storytelling event.
Stories are central to the Modern Hotel. Our story is planted deep in Idaho, in the rich history of the west, Basque boarding houses, sheep herding, immigration, the American dream and stories told around the campfire by pioneers. We tell the story of how the Modern came to exist each time a guest inquires about the pictures on the walls of our lobby.
Thanks to Story Forward and a grant from the Boise City Department of Arts and History, original fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, screenplays and more will be offered from Idaho’s rich literary community. Campfire Stories is produced by Christian Winn, who has invited writers from around Idaho to read their work. We are thrilled to work with Christian again this year!
Visit themodernbar.com/reserve now to secure a table!
LINEUP:
MAY 12 – JR Rivero Kinsey, Sarah Sentilles, Taryn Birdsall
JUNE 9 – Kim Barnes, CMarie Fuhrman, Robert Wrigley
JULY 14 – Rebecca Evans [Book Launch], Tessy Ward, David Guiotto
AUGUST 11 – Erin Rose Belair, From Boise Crew Marissa Lovell, Julie Sarasqueta, Amanda Patchin
SEPTEMBER 8 – Natalie Disney, Jodi Eichelberger, Alice Nelson
OCTOBER 13 – Christi Nogle, Isabelle Shifrin, Heather Sinnes
PRODUCER:
Christian Winn is a fiction writer, poet, creative nonfiction writer, journalist, teacher of creative writing, and literary and storytelling event producer based in Boise, Idaho. He’s the co-founder and Director emeritus of Storyfort, co-founder of To Taste Life Twice a Ketchum Writers Seminar, founder and Director of Story Forward, Campfire Stories, the Couch Surfer Artist Series, and served as the Idaho Writer in Residence, the state’s highest literary honor, from 2016-2019. His work has appeared in McSweeney’s, Ploughshares, Joyland, Glimmer Train, The Chicago Tribune’s Printers Row Journal and other fine and generous literary magazines. More about his publications and overall writerly work can be found at christianwinn.com.

Posted in EVENTS, DRINK, EAT and tagged storytelling.

BEN GOLDSMITH
2024-08-11 20:00 | Shrine Social Club, 1118 West Idaho Street, Boise, Idaho
Duck Club Presents
BEN GOLDSMITH
with guests
Sunday, August 11th
at SHRINE SOCIAL CLUB
$15 adv / $18 dos
7:00pm doors / 8:00pm show
ALL AGES

Boise Baroque Summer Music Festival - Mannheim Rocket
2024-08-11 20:15 | Château des Fleurs, 176 S. Rosebud Lane, Eagle, Idaho
Sunday Evenings at 8:15pm
Outdoors at the Château des Fleurs
176 S. Rosebud Lane, Eagle, ID 83616
August 17 & 31, 2024
Saturday Evenings at 7:30pm
Indoors at First Presbyterian Church
950 W. State Street, Boise, ID 83702

2C Yoga on the Plaza
2024-08-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Indian Creek Plaza, 120 S Kimball Ave, Caldwell, Idaho, 83605
Join us for Yoga on the Plaza every Monday at 10:00 AM, brought to you by 2C Yoga! This free, weekly event is perfect for all levels, from beginners to seasoned yogis. Enjoy the benefits of outdoor yoga in a beautiful, open-air setting, guided by experienced instructors. Bring your mat, wear comfortable clothing, and connect with fellow yoga enthusiasts. No registration required—just show up and start your week with relaxation and rejuvenation!

Egyptian Theatre's $3 Summer Kid's Movie Series - An American Tail - Fievel Goes West
2024-08-12 11:00 | The Egyptian Theatre, 700 W. Main St., Boise, Idaho, 83702
Some time after the Mousekewitz’s have settled in America, they find that they are still having problems with the threat of cats. That makes them eager to try another home out in the west, where they are promised that mice and cats live in peace. Unfortunately, the one making this claim is an oily con artist named Cat R. Waul who is intent on his own sinister plan. Unaware of this, the Mousekewitz’s begin their journey west, while their true cat friend, Tiger, follows intent on following his girlfriend gone in the same direction.

Rating: G

Genre: Kids & Family, Adventure, Animation

Runtime: 1h 14m

Production Company: Universal Pictures

Distributor: Universal Pictures

This film is a part of the Egyptian Theatre’s $3 Summer Kid’s Movie Series, happening all Summer long on Mondays at 11:00AM and 2:00PM. For the rest of the films in the series, go to https://egyptiantheatre.net/movies/

Egyptian Theatre's $3 Summer Kid's Movie Series - Dr. Seuss' The Lorax
2024-08-12 14:00 | The Egyptian Theatre, 700 W. Main St., Boise, Idaho, 83702
Twelve-year-old Ted (Zac Efron) lives in a place virtually devoid of nature; no flowers or trees grow in the town of Thneedville. Ted would very much like to win the heart of Audrey (Taylor Swift), the girl of his dreams, but to do this, he must find that which she most desires: a Truffula tree. To get it, Ted delves into the story of the Lorax (Danny DeVito), once the gruff guardian of the forest, and the Once-ler (Ed Helms), who let greed overtake his respect for nature.

Rating: PG (Brief Mild Language)

Genre: Kids & Family, Fantasy, Adventure, Animation

Runtime: 1h 26m

Distributor: Universal Pictures

This film is a part of the Egyptian Theatre’s $3 Summer Kid’s Movie Series, happening all Summer long on Mondays at 11:00AM and 2:00PM. For the rest of the films in the series, go to https://egyptiantheatre.net/movies/

Jazz Monday: Nick Monteiro Group
2024-08-12 18:00 - 21:00 | The Riverside Hotel, 2900 W Chinden Blvd, Garden City, ID, 83714
Jazz Monday is presented by the Idaho Jazz Education Endowment

FELSENMIRROR, Ghorot , Fleshdirt
2024-08-12 20:00 | Neurolux, 111 N 11th St, Boise, ID

Caldwell Night Rodeo
2024-08-13 - 2024-08-17 | D&B Arena, 2301 Blaine St., Caldwell, ID, 83606, United States
Celebrating its centennial year, the Caldwell Night Rodeo stands as a testament to rodeo excellence in Canyon County. Welcoming over 50,000 enthusiasts across five thrilling nights, it is acclaimed as one of the nation’s Top 20 Professional Rodeos and also ranks within the Top 5 Large Outdoor Rodeos. Showcasing an elite lineup of professional cowboys, cowgirls, and remarkable animal athletes, this event promises unmatched rodeo prowess.
Pioneering the nighttime rodeo trend in the Pacific Northwest, Caldwell Night Rodeo is a spectacle that’s uniquely illuminated. With over 700 top-tier participants and seven dynamic nightly events, the ambiance of the arena is simply electrifying. The audience, comprising the spirited “Rowdies” and the traditional “Civies,” actively contributes to the vibrant atmosphere, making the CNR experience truly immersive.
The rodeo’s accolades are numerous. In the years 2015, 2016, and 2017, it was heralded as Canyon County’s #1 Large Outdoor Family Event, and it secured a spot among the Top 10 Rodeos in the US by Real Time Cowboy Magazine. American Cowboy Magazine also recognized it as one of the 101 Best Events in the West. Furthermore, the PRCA has repeatedly nominated CNR as the Top Large Outdoor Rodeo in the US 10 different times in the last 20 years, reflecting its esteemed position within the professional rodeo industry.

Farm to Fork Farmers Market
2024-08-13 17:00 - 20:00 | Indian Creek Plaza, 120 S Kimball Ave, Caldwell, Idaho, 83605
Caldwell is home to Idaho’s most diverse crop base, and we are proud of our roots, literally! For generations families have produced award-winning fruits, vegetables, grains and spices. Get the freshest produce to create excellent meals at home or find the perfect gift from local craftsmen or specialty food producers. The Farm to Fork Farmers’ Market is held in conjunction with the Tuesdays on the Creek Concert Series.

Blues Tuesday: Blues Directors
2024-08-13 18:00 | The Riverside Hotel, 2900 W Chinden Blvd, Garden City, ID, 83714
Blues Tuesday is presented by the Boise Blues Society.

JUMP, JAM & JIVE - Jan Reed & The In Between
2024-08-13 18:00 | Jack’s Urban Meeting Place, 1000 West Myrtle Street, Boise, ID, 83702, United States
The jams are fresh this summer in the JUMP Park! The Jump, Jam and Jive free summer concert series returns to the JUMP Park every other Tuesday starting June 4th through August 27th. This all-ages, family friendly event starts at 6:00pm. Opening acts feature performances from local nonprofits bringing music opportunities to the Treasure Valley community.
Tacos San Mateo will offer an exciting selection of food items available for purchase. Beer and wine will be available for purchase for those 21 and older.

2024 SUMMER LINE-UP

JUNE 4TH – SHON SANDERS BAND
OPENING ACT:
Idaho Songwriters Association Presents: Saro Pegg
JUNE 18TH – Bread & Circus
OPENING ACT:
Idaho Songwriters Association Presents: Hannah Strumner
JULY 2ND – Tin Roof Terrors
OPENING ACT:
The Hive Presents: Helen Morris
JULY 16TH – The Ryan Curtis Band
OPENING ACT:
The Hive Presents: Kat Colt
JULY 30TH – Shenandoah Grace
OPENING ACT:
Sing Music Academy Presents: Claire Bailey
AUGUST 13TH – Jan Reed & The In Between
OPENING ACT:
Boise Rock School Presents: Megafauna
AUGUST 27TH – Buddy Devore & The Faded Cowboys
OPENING ACT:
Boise Rock School Presents: Danny Soul

JUMP, JAM & JIVE – CONCERT GOERS GUIDE
What to Expect?
The JUMP Jam & Jive Summer Concert Series takes place every Tuesday starting June 4th through August 27th. Performances will take place in the outdoor JUMP Amphitheatre located in the JUMP Park, rain or shine. You are invited to come scope out a spot starting at 5pm. Concert starts at 6:00 pm. Opening acts feature performances from local nonprofit organizations bringing music to the Treasure Valley. Sound provided by Audio Lab.
Tacos San Mateo will offer an exciting selection of food items available for purchase. Beer and wine will be available for purchase for those 21 and older.
Beer and wine available for purchase to attendees 21+. ID required.
Look forward to additional arts programming from local nonprofits, pop-up surprises and access to JUMP spaces. Weather permitting, JUMP will open the slides to the public from 5:30pm–7:30pm. The slides and climbing structure at JUMP are always free.

JUMP Jam & Jive is a free, all ages, family friendly event.
Concert takes place rain or shine. Event moves undercover to 3rd Floor Garden Terrace in case of bad weather.
Beer and wine available to purchase for 21+ attendees. ID required for alcohol purchase. Cash and card accepted.
No outside alcohol is allowed.
Outside food is permitted to bring in soft sided coolers.

Low back lawn chairs, blankets encouraged. Please no tall lawn or camp chairs.
No pets please. Service animals are welcome.
Information booth located across from the Amphitheatre for questions, lost parents and first aid.
JUMP is ADA accessible. ADA parking is available in the JUMP parking garage.
Paid parking is available on the 3rd and 4th levels of the JUMP parking garage or in Simplot’s below ground parking garage, both accessible from the Myrtle St entrance located between 11th and 9th Streets. Parking garage rates are $3/hr. with a $15 daily max. Simplot garage opens at 4pm.

Restrooms located in the JUMP Park below the Pioneer Stairs, in the Lobby, and on the 4th Level near the Inspire Studio.

GNL Trivia @ Payette Brewing
2024-08-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Payette Brewing Co, 733 South Pioneer Street, Boise, ID, 83702
Game Night Trivia @ Payette EVERY TUESDAY!
Come check out the most accessible, varied, and fun Trivia Nights designed for anyone who loves to play games!
FREE to play & prizes for the WINNERS!

Tuesdays On the Creek
2024-08-13 18:00 - 21:00 | Indian Creek Plaza, 120 S Kimball Ave, Caldwell, Idaho, 83605
Immerse yourself in the heart of Caldwell’s vibrant downtown scene every Tuesday with “Tuesdays on the Creek.” This free summer concert series, running for 20 weeks, offers live music from both local and touring artists, alongside the bustling Farm to Fork Farmers’ Market. Delight in farm-fresh bites and local beverages as you sway to the tunes under the starlit sky. Join us for an evening of community, music, and culinary delights, where every Tuesday becomes a celebration of artistry and agriculture.

Taphouse Pub & Eatery Trivia with Game Night Live
2024-08-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Idaho
Trivia at Taphouse Pub & Eatery every Tuesday from 7pm-9pm provided by Game Night Live. We do two different one hour rounds. 1st and 2nd place for each round both get Taphouse gift cards!

TerrorTuesdays - A Classic Horror Film & Popcorn
2024-08-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Voodoo Cellar Boise, 200 N Capitol Blvd, Boise, Idaho
Join us for a horror film on our 120” screen with Dolby® surround sound, and enjoy free theater style popcorn during the show! We randomly select a horror genre movie each week, and it varies from new releases to true older classics. Come early for Happy Hour drink specials starting at $3! Food is available all night too, so no need to deal with getting dinner before you come in for the show!
No Cover Charge!
Want to know what horror flicks are coming up?
Simply follow us on Instagram or Facebook, or join our newsletter (in footer below), because that’s where we announce the upcoming movie each week. We do a story by Monday evening to announce that week’s movie, and we also send out our weekly newsletter each Monday to announce the events happening at our pub that week.
Come Early For Pre-Movie Trivia!
At 8pm all entered groups will take part in a mini pre-movie trivia with all questions being based on the movie, the cast, or the topic. Everyone in the winning group gets a free drink of their choice!
(Each group can consist of up to 5 people, so groups of 6 or more will be split into multiple groups!)

St. Vincent
2024-08-13 20:00 | Knitting Factory, 416 S 9th St, Boise, Idaho, 83702

Key Queens
2024-08-14 18:00 - 21:00 | The Riverside Hotel, 2900 W Chinden Blvd, Garden City, ID, 83714
Key Queens Dueling Piano Show is Amy Trail and Lisa Bittick Lowe.

Sierra Ferrell - Shoot For The Moon Tour
2024-08-14 19:00 | Knitting Factory, 416 S 9th St, Boise, Idaho, 83702

GIUDA
2024-08-14 20:00 | Shrine Social Club, 1118 West Idaho Street, Boise, Idaho
Duck Club Presents
GIUDA
with guests
Wednesday, August 14th
at SHRINE SOCIAL CLUB
$17 adv / $20 dos
7:00pm doors / 8:00pm show
ALL AGES

Live Music at The Warehouse
2024-08-15 17:00 - 20:00 | The Warehouse Food Hall, 370 S 8th St, Boise, Idaho
Thursdays just got a major upgrade at The Warehouse Food Hall with the return of live performances! Whether you’re into tunes, flavors, or just good times, our live music Thursdays cater to all. Dive into a world of diverse food options, sip on crafted drinks, and let the music elevate your evening.
Weekly on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m.
Free for all ages

Thursday Thunder - Generator Saints
2024-08-15 18:00 | Boise Spectrum, 7709 W. Overland Road, Boise, Idaho
Celebrating summer with our Thursday Thunder Summer Concert Series!

Live Music @ Boise Brewing's Taproom Every Thursday!
2024-08-15 18:00 - 21:00 | Boise Brewing, 521 W. Broad St, Boise, Idaho, 83702
Local musicians play in Boise Brewing’s taproom every Thursday, 6-9pm. Come enjoy some jams with great beer and seasonal favorites and be sure to check out the new restaurant!

The Main Event
2024-08-15 18:00 - 21:00 | The Riverside Hotel, 2900 W Chinden Blvd, Garden City, ID, 83714
A are a fun, rockin dance band that plays crowd favorite songs that folks love to hear.

Yoga on the Mountain
2024-08-15 18:30 - 19:30 | Bogus Basin, 2600 N Bogus Basin Rd, Boise, ID, 83702
WHAT
Join us for the Yoga on the Mountain summer series! This summer, Bogus Basin and Yoga for Life are partnering to offer free yoga classes every week. Pack a yoga mat, water, and sunscreen, and get ready to stretch it out in the fresh mountain air. Stick around after a class for a mellow hike, scenic chairlift ride, bike ride, or lunch at the Bogus Creek Grill or Double R Ranch.

All Summer Activities

WHEN & WHERE
Meet us on the lawn in front of the J.R. Simplot Lodge.

AUGUST 15 @ 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Aurora Broderson | I fell in love with yoga 10 years ago and the peace and balance it brought to my crazy life. I truly believe that there is space for anyone in yoga. I love to share the benefits received through regular practice. In my classes. I incorporate slow, mindful postures, as well as more energizing ones, with lots of space for meditation.
FreeAll ages welcome!

Mt. Joy
2024-08-15 19:00 | Idaho Botanical Garden, 2355 N Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, Idaho, 83712
Thu • Aug 15 • 7:00 PM
Outlaw Field at the Idaho Botanical Garden, Boise, ID

REZN + Crush The Monster + Mute Duo
2024-08-15 20:00 | Shrine Social Club, 1118 West Idaho Street, Boise, Idaho
Duck Club Presents
REZN
with Crush The Monster and Mute Duo
Thursday, August 15th
at SHRINE SOCIAL CLUB
$18 adv / $22 dos
7:00pm doors / 8:00pm show
ALL AGES

Western Idaho Fair
2024-08-16 - 2024-08-25 | Expo Idaho, 5610 North Glenwood Stree, Garden City, Idaho, 83714
Since 1897, the Western Idaho Fair is a celebration of agriculture, ranching, and life in the state of Idaho. With events and attractions for all ages, there is something for everyone, so make sure you don’t miss out!
For information please visit the IdahoFair.com.
Hours

Monday-Friday: 12pm-11pm
Saturday & Sunday: 11am-11pm
Closing Sunday (Aug 25): 11am-10pm

The Social Event of the Summer for Over 125 Years.
From 1897 to the Present Day
Western Idaho Fair’s history dates back to 1897 when it got started as the Intermountain Fair. Although the foundation is the same for the Fair today as what was started all those years ago, many events have changed over time. The Intermountain Fair sprung out of a need for the community to connect Boise and other larger cities that were 300 miles apart. With Boise’s strong agricultural roots, the first Fair featured three major departments: livestock (sheep, cattle, horses and hogs), products of the soil and a domestic manufacturing/home department. These bigger categories were subdivided in later years into smaller departments that can still be found today. The Intermountain Fair highlighted Idaho’s natural resources as its prime motivation. Fair colors of purple, white and yellow symbolized fruit, silver and gold.
A second economic benefit for the Fair was the increase in local businesses to Boise. People flocked to the Fair for the exhibition and social gathering, spending money in the city. The income helped supplemented the war effort of 1943 through events such as a benefit rodeo supporting Gowen Field. Throughout the history of Western Idaho Fair, the doors have remained open since 1897 to the present with some extreme cases when it closed its doors due to severe economies. With a limited supply of volunteers in 1914, the fair board had not yet been created, and there was no one to manage the event. In 1915, the state legislature stepped in to help run the Fair. In 1922, the economy strangled the life out of the event for the next four years. During the Great Depression the grounds would not open for the Fair in another three-year stretch. Following the economic strife, in 1936 Ada County appointed a regular fair board to organize what they named “Western Idaho State Fair.” A perilous year in 1944 put the Fair on shaky ground after it was hindered by a new bill prohibiting all fairs from opening on Sundays and holidays. As a result, the 1944 Fair opened for just four days.
Even though the Western Idaho Fair has had its challenges (as most fairs realize during their tenure) one constant remains: children. Kids come to see and enjoy the Fair’s many entertainment offerings, but also to enter livestock or crafts. Area youth show those who walk through the Fair gates what their hard work has done for them. With the creation of the Intermountain Fair, 900 children walked in the opening “Queen of the Fair Parade.” In 1912, 4-H (not called 4-H at the time) began at the Fair and in 1917 the U.S. Department of Education recognized FFA as an educational organization. Since then FFA and 4-H have exploded in growth and have changed in demography. In 1969, about one-quarter of FFA members were girls. Today, girls outnumber the boys. Currently youth from all cultures and backgrounds experience the American fair in many different ways. Western Idaho Fair is no different, continuing to offer a multitude of youth activities every year.

The Main Attraction in Town
Main attractions for the Fair have changed a great deal from 1897. In the early beginnings of the Intermountain Fair, only agricultural events were held along with horse racing and cowboy contests. The Fair partnered with Boise City Jockey Club and held daily racing events reported by the local paper, Idaho Daily Statesman. Cowboy contests such as steer roping, and bronco riding drew large crowds. Horse racing and cowboy contests remained until the formation of the Snake River Stampede. Highlighting the West theme came Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. It was featured on August 18, 1902 and was said to be so big that it was an international show.
Just a few years into its arrival, the Fair expanded into carnival rides and games. The Ferris wheel was a much-anticipated attraction for fairgoers everywhere, as was the merry-go-round. The Ferris wheel at the Intermountain Fair was said to be the first ever west of the Mississippi. Another staple attraction was the Idaho Queen of the Fair contest. Judged by the public, local female contestants were nominated from various counties with each vote costing 10 cents. A rambunctious few would nominate prominent businessmen for crowd laughs. The First Idaho Intermountain Fair opened with the queen’s parade, a band playing the national anthem and the Queen of the Fair receiving gifts from the mayor.
Grandstand acts were not the upbeat concerts of today. Instead the Fair hosted war reenactments and sometimes plane or “dog” fights. In 1898, battles were replicated complete with soldiers and explosions, while audience members looked on from the safety of their seats. Battles depicted wars with Germany and even Napoleon. On April 20, 1911, the Wright Brothers and Glen Curtiss sent their planes for an exhibition. Aviation was the highlight again when Charles A. Lindberg made an appearance on September 4, 1927; Lindberg was famous for his solo flight from New York to Paris. Apart from the big acts, smaller entertainment on the grounds was available. Music was always present with many bands sprinkled around the grounds for patrons to enjoy. The First Regiment Band of Utah performed in 1902.
Western Idaho Fair has come a long way with grounds entertainment showcasing national bands to dock dogs to a carnival section that has expanded to more than seven acres. Night shows at the grandstand feature big-name artists from country music to classic rock. Yet the foundation of the Fair is still agriculture, where patrons can watch chickens hatch, see a top livestock show or view the latest organic produce.

Where It’s At, Then and Now
Western Idaho Fair has not always been located where it is today on Glenwood Street. In fact, the Fair has moved three times in its history. The first location was west of the city at the Idaho Agricultural Park, known at present day as 21st Street between State and Idaho. The park was the site of the Fair in the fall of 1897 and a grandstand was built that looked over a scene of the majestic mountains.
Soon the Fair outgrew its beginning location. In 1902, the Idaho Intermountain Fair Association moved to the corner of Fairview and Orchard. Fairview and Orchard was more of a distance for fairgoers than in the center of town, but with new innovations like horse drawn carriages, trains and cars, fairgoers came willingly. This new location held some changes for the Fair such as construction of a one-mile oval racetrack. The track grandstand seated 2,000 spectators. A main exposition building built 150 feet long with 50 foot wings was fully equipped—including a saloon.
The last and final move was to Glenwood Street and Chinden Boulevard in 1967, when the Fair assumed its current name of Western Idaho Fair. Fairgoers demanded different kinds of entertainment by this time, and the grandstand acts changed along with the new location. A rodeo was not booked at the new location until 1988, and was later phased out due to local competition by the nationally-recognized PRCA rodeos, Snake River Stampede and Caldwell Night Rodeo.

How the Fair Gets Funded
Some wonder if the Western Idaho Fair is the official state fair of Idaho. Although the Western Idaho Fair is the direct descendent from the first Intermountain Fair held in 1897, it is not the state fair of Idaho. In fact, no fair in Idaho receives funding from the state, similar to fairs operating in Montana, New Hampshire, Washington, and other states. In 1914, next door neighbor Canyon County assumed the title as “state fair” allowing Boise volunteers to run an interim fair. Although Canyon County had the state fair title, Ada County bought Intermountain Fair’s grounds to create an “old time fair” that would focus on the fair work and products without the thrills like carnival rides. Canyon County’s fair would precede the Intermountain Fair by one week, yet no resentments were held between the two counties. Canyon County would have a Boise day and the Intermountain Fair hosted a Canyon County day. Winners from Canyon County would take their winning goods to the Intermountain Fair for competition and vice versa.
Between 1887 and 1915, many counties started to hold their own individual fairs but still coveted the “state fair” title that had once belonged to the “Boise” fair, still without any state funding. In 1915, under Ada County management, officials called the Fair the Gem State Fair while Canyon County named its Fair “Idaho State Fair” that same year. For a brief window in time, the state of Idaho stepped in to support the Gem State Fair, officially naming the event the Idaho State Fair and retiring the Gem State name. But with the 1922 financial hardships—closing many area businesses as well as the Idaho State Fair—the state withdrew its support. Ada County assumed funding support for Western Idaho Fair at that time.
Since the mid-1980s, Western Idaho Fair has been independent of any taxpayer support. Entitled an “enterprise fund,” it is entirely self-funded, including salaries, capital improvements, and other costs. Ada County officially owns the property and buildings. In 2003 officials renamed the property “Expo Idaho” in order to attract more business to the facility during offseason (non-fair) months.
More than 250,000 people attend Western Idaho Fair and another 750,000 come through the facilities for trade shows, auctions, sporting events, livestock activities and company gatherings. The current director, Bob Batista, is the longest-serving fair manager in its history.
