The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

After 12 months of planning and preparation I must admit that I’m relieved but also sad that our 101st fair celebration has ended. It’s been a challenging year but we’ve worked hard and are proud to show off the new fairgrounds arena. Yes, having power and doors would have made things easier but life would be boring if everything always went to plan.

Mother Nature’s been keeping us on our toes the last few years but we’ve managed to make the best out of every situation. Now is the time to look towards the future and how we can work together to utilize our new arena. If you have an idea for an event or would like to become involved with the non-profit Wahkiakum Fair Association, please contact the fair office. Together, we can ensure the continuation of our historic county fair.

I’m delighted to announce our 2009 Fair Queen as Keely McGuire of Rosburg. Both Keely and Courtney Zurick were excellent fair princesses and we thank them for all their hard work. Each Princess spent the summer selling fair passes and gaining sponsorship, helping raise the $500 scholarship awarded to the queen. If you’d like to be a fair princess in 2010 contact the fair office. It’s a great way to meet people and gain experience for your resume. Call or email the fair office for more information.

This year I’ve really tried to stretch the budget and one of the most successful programs has been working with the Wahkiakum Sheriff’s Department’s Trustees. In particular, Brian L. Jacobs, Carey Jessup, and Carl Webster have been a tremendous help, assembling the new bleachers, painting the fairgrounds, and helping the handyman Paul stay sane. All three of these men were instrumental to our fair this year and were our ‘Best Practice’ example for our Fair State Commissioner. The fair board and I wish to thank the Sheriff’s department deputies and their hardworking trustees for their continued support.

It really made a difference this year to have so many positive and supportive volunteers. The construction of the new arena finished on August 18, two days before the fair opened but only one day before the animals arrived. The fairgrounds were controlled chaos but regardless of the construction site, our volunteers lent a hand, worked around the construction crew and did everything in their power to not cause any further disruption. I cannot thank you all enough for being so understanding and positive. Working with such fantastic volunteers is one of this job's biggest bonuses.

As always, the fair staff was brilliant, working morning, noon and night to ensure the fair went ahead as scheduled. Both Paul and Lisa went well beyond the call of duty as well as Dalton, Donna, Jeff, Sarah(2), Sven, and Stuart (our Karaoke King). Thank you for your hard work! I also wish to thank Derek and Linda Lawrence who flew all the way from London England to lend their son and daughter-in-law some support.

We had some wonderful raffle prizes this year, generously donated by local businesses. This year’s winners are: Jan Hinkle who won the stunning Kyle Gribskov Glass Vase & a $20 Cathlamet Chevron gift card, Rob Deaton who is now the proud owner of a Scentsy Basket and Doug Madden who won the one hour massage certificate at Simply Massage as well as a $25 Bob’s Red Mill gift certificate. Thank you Kyle, Barb from Cathlamet Chevron, Lisa Frink, Scentsy Consultant, Stephanie Crouse of Simply Massage and Bob’s Red Mill. The fair board and I appreciate your support.

It’s not too late to donate flowers for the fair. We have tons of new flower beds begging for some flowers, if you have any to spare call the fair office. We’ll even come and pick them up!

As summer draws to an end why not take the family camping? At a rate of $15 per night, the Wahkiakum County Fair campground is an affordable alternative to a weekend away. Escape into the trees and enjoy the privacy and beauty of our hidden hideaway. If you’d like to make a reservation, call the fair office at 360 795 3480.

Are you looking for a way to support the fair but don’t have time to volunteer? Fear not, as you can always show your support via our ‘Friends of the Fair’ program. For a small donation of $25 you will receive free entry in to all 2009 fairground events. Not only is your donation tax deductible but will help ensure the continuation of our historic county fair. Call or email the fair office today (wahkiakumfair@centurytel.net)