County fair has its three-day run

There are some wonderful things to be found at the Wahkiakum County Fair, and most of them are walking around with smiles on their faces.

Washington State Fair Commissioner Ronald Crawford is likely to agree. He had some great words for Patty Dursteler, the fair manager, as well as for the fair board on Saturday.

"I love this fair," Crawford told the group. "This is what fairs are all about. Patty deserves a pat on the back. Second pats belong to all the volunteers."

He had high praise for the volunteers, acknowledging that it was those very people that make the fair what it is every year. He also expressed appreciation for exhibitors and the spelling bee at the Skamokawa Grange.

A Black and White Award is presented by the commissioner to what he or she determines to be an outstanding feature at the fair. Crawford wished he could give out five, but he was limited to one.

He spoke of the still display area, the youth building, and the Shalimar farm display, but ultimately, he decided to give the award to the exotic animal barn, which he said was a unique showcase in the state of Washington.

He encouraged the fair board to keep doing what they were doing, and to continue to apply for grants.

"We have to continue to tell the story of rural agriculture," Crawford said. "That's what fairs like yours do."