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

Once again, it’s time to check in with all the department superintendents that volunteer their help before and during fair. These volunteers keep their exhibitor paperwork organized and their departments or barns looking great each day of the Fair. As I made phone calls and sent out many e-mails, I realized we are so lucky to have this big group of volunteers that give so freely of their time! When you pick up a fair book this year be sure to read through the list of department superintendents, we all owe them many thanks for helping create a successful fair each year. If you would like to become a volunteer at this fun event, be sure to give me a call.

The fairgrounds flower beds are getting the attention they need months earlier this year thanks to Ed Stevens and Georgie Billings. Last year the work started on this project in May. Many days were spent carefully removing plants, digging out weeds and removing old nutrient- poor soil from the flower beds. New dirt was placed in the flower beds, the old flowers that were healthy were replanted and a few purchases of colorful flowers were added. Their plan this year is to get the flower beds weeded and some new plants added before the weeds start growing so fast. When Valerie Antijunti heard of their plans to work on the flower beds, she purchased four rose bushes and donated them to the Fairgrounds. Thank you, Valerie, the roses will make the fairgrounds look so pretty!

Valerie Antijunti is the 4-H and Open Horse Superintendent at our Fair. Last summer she and 4-H Volunteers spent many hours preparing and painting horse stalls, their work made the horse barn look great! Each year, Valerie sells raffle tickets for one of her handmade quilts during the fair, and the proceeds are used for horse barn projects. Last year, we were able to put concrete in two of the horse barn aisles using funds from her quilt raffles.

In a recent Fair column I mentioned the Fair Board owns a double ended gill net boat that is about 100 years old. A display area at the fairgrounds for the boat will be built as soon as we can secure funding. In April, the 26 foot boat will be moved from the Vista Park Shop to the fairgrounds. I was trying to figure out how to move a boat that big and was not coming up with any easy ideas. Then I received a phone call from local fisherman John McKinley and problem solved. John generously offered his equipment and help to move our gill net boat. Thank you, John!

Only four weeks until Easter Bingo! Mark April 6 on your calendar as the night to be at the Wendt Multi-purpose room at 6 p.m. to play Easter Bingo. All proceeds will support and maintain your 2012 Wahkiakum County Fair!

If you need to gain access to the Fairgrounds contact Fair Manager Becky Ledtke at 560-0371 or you can call 360-795-3480 and leave a message.

The next Wahkiakum County Fair Advisory Board meeting will be on March 14, at 7 p.m. at the River Street Building meeting room in Cathlamet.