The 2016 Wahkiakum County Fair starts today!

"It's the last minute busy bustle," Fair Manager Patty Dursteler said on Monday. "Everything is going smooth so far, knock on wood."

Volunteers were preparing spaces for exhibitors in different buildings around the fairgrounds, or doing some last minute cleaning and set up. Participants walked into the fair office in a steady stream to sign up for exhibitor numbers.

"It's pretty much the same old fair," Dursteler said. "It's not commercialized, it's our own little country fair."

She's proud of that. She should be. She puts her heart into the event all year, every year.

Dursteler is turning her focus towards the kids this year. There won't be a carnival, the fair can't afford it, but she believes it's a good thing.

"People were paying $5 per person to play the water balloon game at the Cowlitz County Fair," she said. Rides were more expensive.

There will be bouncy houses for the kids and lots of game booths. Dursteler was pleased to report that pony rides were returning and the reptile guy will be back to show off his collection of snakes and more.

There will be a new vendor selling corn on the cob and watermelon, along with all the regular vendors.

On Thursday at 5 p.m., a new local band will play their first gig. Giants in the Trees is the band, and it features Krist Novoselic, Jillian Raye, Ray Prestegard, and Erik Friend.

There will be a Fair Dance on Friday night. For a time, the event was for teens, but Dursteler is looking at it as another way to return to tradition. The dance is open to everyone.

A state judge will attend this year in order to evaluate the fair. Money will be allotted to the fair, based on what he finds.

"I'm excited about the whole entire fair," Dursteler said. It's definitely her favorite time of year.