What's happening at the Fair?

 Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner! I was very thankful that the high tides, big gusts of wind and inches of rain predicted did not cause severe flooding at the Fairgrounds. Earlier in the week I had asked some local volunteers, Bill Chamberlain, Ed Stevens and Jerry Ledtke, to help me watch for any approaching flood water problems as this storm moved through our County. By Monday afternoon the winds were increasing and the rain was pouring down and blowing sideways because of the high winds. We decided it was time to move the equipment to higher ground until the storm passed. Ed Stevens and I drove the equipment over to higher ground at Vista Park and into their shop for safe keeping. Thanks Ed, Bill and Jerry for your help during the “big” rain storm!

With all the rain pouring down it became obvious that the drainage system between the arena and the horse barn was not working anymore. Pools of standing water and flooded horse stalls were a constant problem.

Bill Chamberlain looked over the problem and planned a new drainage system that will solve the water problems and last for many years. The old system had perforated pipe and the little holes allow dirt and rocks to get into the pipe, which eventually fills up the pipe. With no way to clean the system it fails.

Bill’s plan is to put in a solid pipe and three catch basins located to the side of each of the three horse barn doors, plus one more in an especially problematic area. He will slope the roadway towards the basins. The basins have a place for debris to collect if any happens to flow into them. We will need to clean and check these every so often.

Last week I asked our County Commissioners if they could provide funding to pay for the supplies needed to complete the project. After some positive discussion they agreed this was a project that they could fund.

The supplies have arrived, Bill has his equipment at the fairgrounds and the project is about to begin as I write this column. I am hoping for a few days of clear skies as this drainage system project gets underway.

It’s time to think about a Fair theme for 2013! The whole Fairgrounds will be decorated to fit the theme that is selected. Email your ideas to: wahkiakumfair@centurytel.net. In early 2013 we will be choosing the Fair theme, if we pick the one you submitted, you will receive two fair passes and two Wahkiakum County Fair t-shirts. Last year’s theme was “Hay Bales and Pig Tails.” Put your thinking caps on, put a few words together and send me your favorite themes.

The fair office is open by appointment only. If you need to gain access to the fairgrounds contact Fair Manager Becky Ledtke @ 1-360-795-3480 and leave a message.

The next Wahkiakum County Fair Board meeting is December 12, 7 p.m., at the Wahkiakum County Courthouse, 3rd floor meeting room in Cathlamet. The public is welcome to attend.