What's Happening at the Fair?

This year the fairgrounds has faced many challenges, but I am proud to say that each challenge has only made the fair stronger and more determined to survive. Within my role as fair manger, I have tried to identify solutions and opportunities which can benefit the fair and am thrilled to confirm that we have just been awarded a grant for $15,521 to add heating to the historic T Building.

The grant is a special assistance grant awarded by the Department of Agriculture available to county fairs within our state. The total money available was $45,000, so we as the second smallest county in the state will receive more than 1/3 of the total allowance.

By adding heat to the T Building we can use this facility year round, providing additional revenue for the fair. More importantly, we now have the tools needed to preserve this historic landmark, ensuring future generations can share in its history.

Another exciting development this week has been the completion of the new horse arena. The Horse Gate is now open for public use so if you are interested in accessing the new riding area, please contact the fair office to reserve your key. The lock is replaced every year with key rental set at $50 per user.

Last Saturday’s Oktoberfest Harvest Celebration was a lot of fun with families enjoying the Bingo, carnival games and delicious 4-H goodies. The amateur lawn mower race (sponsored by Watkins Tractor) got off with a slow start but Mike Mouliot easily took first place, leaving Bill Coons and myself miles behind.

This year’s Pumpkin Shot-put contest was free (thanks to the Stockhouse Farm who supplied all of the pumpkins) so we had a lot of participants. It was a tough contest but Jeff Vik definitely earned the title, as he managed to almost reach the Youth Building from the flag pole.

The costume contest drew a wide range of vampires, ghouls and goblins making the decision tough for the judges. The children costume contest winners were first place Rose Carosa (dressed as a caterpillar) and second place Ben McClain (dressed as Harry Potter). For the adult category first place went to Kim Nolan (aka the mad surgeon) with second place awarded to our beautiful witch Jessica Barron. Congratulations to all our winners and a big thank you to the Wahkiakum Community Foundation for donating the $100 prize money.

Would you like to become involved with the planning of our 102nd fair next summer? The fair board is looking for new volunteers and potential members to join one of the new fair committees. Whether it’s entertainment, the princess program or the fair book, this is your chance to help make a difference and let your voice be heard.

Please be aware that the Wahkiakum County Fair board meets every month on the second Wednesday at 7pm in the 3rd floor meeting room of the courthouse. The next fair board meeting will take place on November 11. Please note that the public is always welcome to attend.

In an effort to cut costs and stay within our budget the fair office will now be open by appointment only. If you need to gain access to the fairgrounds please contact the fair office 360-795-3480 or leave a message on my cell phone 360-355-7743.