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

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 flooding at the Fairgrounds. Earlier in the week I had asked some local volunteers, Bill Chamberlain, Ed Stevens and Jerry Ledtke, to watch for any approaching flood water problems as this storm moved through our County. We have one tractor we use throughout the winter that they would move to higher ground if flood waters started threatening to go over the dike surrounding the Fairgrounds. Why couldn’t I keep watch and move the tractor? I was driving the US mail route delivering mail in Skamokawa, Grays River and Rosburg when those high tides were occurring. Thanks Bill, Ed and Jerry, you are great volunteers!

It’s time to think about a fair theme for 2012! The fairgrounds will be decorated to fit the theme that is selected. Email your ideas to wahkiakumfair@centurytel.net In early 2012 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 “Country Pride, County Wide.” Put your thinking caps on, put a few words together and send me your favorite theme.

This is an early reminder to the people who purchased horse gate keys for use in 2011, please give me a call or send an email if you would like to purchase a key to the arena for 2012. I will be changing the lock in the first week of January and I don’t want you to be locked out!

At our last event, Turkey Bingo, the kitchen crew was a little under staffed. Abigail Moten noticed Carrie Backman and I were working hard to get food served, but the line was getting longer and longer. Abigail volunteered to help us in the kitchen, she worked most of the evening and did a great job! Thank you Abigail.

Two more young volunteers I would also like to thank are Azery Gribskov and Bryan Ledtke. They have volunteered at several of our bingo events, selling tickets for our raffle prizes and setting up the sound system on the stage for the bingo caller to use. Thank you Azery and Bryan!

Ed turned on the Christmas lights the day after Thanksgiving at the fairgrounds. Mike Linn’s handcrafted star is shining bright, there are two lit up horse drawn carriages, a sparkling Christmas tree and light strands of many colors are attached to the fences. I heard a rumor there are more lights going up soon!

The fair office is open by appointment only. If you need to gain access to the fairgrounds contact Fair Manager Becky Ledtke at 360-560-0371 or 795-3480 and leave a message.

The next Wahkiakum County Fair Board meeting is December 14, 7 p.m., River Street Building Meeting Room in Cathlamet. The public is always welcome to attend.