The Washington State Department of Agriculture grant papers for our new bleachers have been signed by all the appropriate people and  Mr. Chuck Beyer told me I can  order the bleachers! After an email to the company representative I think I may wait a few months before I place that order. The order will take only four weeks to be completed and this time of year it is  still too wet  to get the area prepared where these bleachers will be set up. Once in place, they will be there permanently because they weigh a lot even though they are aluminum. My tentative plan will be to have them delivered the end of April and set up in time for the Dollars for Scholars event. I am looking forward to springtime and watching the big trucks show up with our new bleachers!
We have received over 50 fair theme entries! This is a huge number of entries to pick from. The 2012 Fair Theme Contest is going  to end  in early February! Keep sending your ideas  to  wahkiakumfair@centurytel.net or mail them to Wahkiakum County Fair, P.O.Box 1, Skamokawa, WA  98647.  The fair board will select the theme at their February 8  board meeting. The winner will be announced in this column. If your theme is picked you will be notified and awarded two bright colored fair T-shirts and two fair passes. Good luck to all who have entered their ideas in this contest!
If you would like to attend the Valentine Diamond Dinner but are a  vegetarian, buy your tickets! We  also serve portabella mushrooms cooked on the barbecue. Bill Coons sprinkles his secret spices over them and they are so delicious! At the dinner just let your waitress know you would like the portabella mushrooms instead of the filet mignon steak and you will be served a wonderful vegetarian dinner.         
You can support the 2012 Wahkiakum County Fair by purchasing tickets to the Valentine Diamond Dinner held at the Skamokawa Grange on February 11.  Tickets are still only $25 per dinner and the price includes a raffle ticket to win a diamond necklace! The necklace is a beautiful double heart with sparkling diamond accents. This raffle has multiple other prizes that you can win. Purchase more raffle tickets for $1 each during the dinner to increase your chances of taking a nice prize home.  Purchase your dinner tickets at the Cathlamet Bank of the Pacific or call Becky at 795-3434/560-0371 for out of town purchases.  Dinner includes a filet mignon steak, baked potato with all the fixings, a beautiful multi-lettuce salad, a fresh baked roll, dessert, a glass of wine or your choice of beverage. All proceeds from Wahkiakum County Fair Board fund raising events will go directly toward supporting and maintaining your 2012 Wahkiakum County Fair.   
The fair office is open by appointment only.  If you need to gain access to the fairgrounds contact  Fair Manager Becky Ledtke  at 795-3480 or 560-0371 and leave a message.
The next Wahkiakum County Fair Board meeting is February 8, 7 p.m., River Street Building Meeting Room in Cathlamet. The public is always welcome to attend.