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HAMILTON- Bitterroot Valley residents aren't letting the smoke choke their enthusiasm for the start of fair week in Ravalli County.

Hundreds lined Main Street in Hamilton Wednesday morning for the parade that officially starts the 108th Ravalli County Fair.

More that dozen fire engines started off the parade in an appropriate salute to area firefighters given the continued dry conditions. Some of the engines carried the Hamilton High School football team and cheer squad.

The Ravalli County Fair Board had some of the most fun, swept along the parade route in. Wagon drawn by a team of draft horses, with board members whooping and hollering to their friends among the crowd.

And because it is a political year nearly every local candidate had an entry hoping to send a message of community support to voters.

The fair exhibits opened Wednesday morning with the carnival starting operation at 2 p.m. Among Wednesday's events are swine races and kid's rodeo events. The Stevensville FFA also holds its popular baked goods auction on Wednesday night.

The fair runs through the weekend at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds in Hamilton. Click here to view a schedule of fair events.