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

This week I will fill out the paperwork to apply for state funding for the Wahkiakum County Fair. Let’s all send positive thoughts towards Olympia as Washington State budgets are getting close to being finalized. County fair funding may or may not be included in the state budget. Letters asking for fair funding support have been sent to Senator Brian Hatfield, and Representatives Brian Blake and Dean Takko. I have done my best to make each of them understand that the Wahkiakum County Fair is very important to our community.

I hope you will also take time to send an email to the three people that can help keep funding for our fair in the budget. Tell them what the fair means to you and your family, ask them to support funding for county fairs.

Please contact Senator Hatfield at brian.hatfield@leg.wa.gov, Representative Blake at brian.blake@leg.wa.gov, and Representative Takko at dean.takko@leg.wa.gov. Be sure to thank them for their efforts!

In my last column I mentioned the fair is supported by funding from many sources. Our spring time rummage sale is one of these sources. I just received some very nice items from Sharon Deaton for this sale. Thank you, Sharon!

A small group of volunteers have been keeping the fairgrounds looking nice. The group has worked a total of 165 volunteer hours over the last few months. Thank you Ed Stevens, Georgie Billings, Jerry Ledtke, Mark Crary, Becky Ledtke and Barb Czarnecki.

What do you think the Fair theme should be for 2012? 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 themes.

The 2012 horse arena gate keys are ready for purchase. The new lock is on the gate, if you would like to use the arena, it’s time to fill out new paperwork and return your 2011 key. Cost is still $50 a year.

Tickets are available to purchase for the Valentine Diamond Dinner held at the Skamokawa Grange on February 11. Cost is still only $25 per dinner ticket and the price includes a raffle ticket to win a diamond necklace! The necklace is a double heart with diamonds. It is delicate, beautiful and sends out glittery sparkling flashes of light! You can purchase more raffle tickets for the diamond necklace at $1 each during the dinner. 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 795-3434 or 360-795-3480 and leave a message. The next Fair Board meeting is February 8, 7 p.m., in the River Street Building Meeting Room.