Time to steer up some fun; county fair opens Thursday

Photo by GEORGE KUNKE - Animals of all kinds can be seen at this year's county fair, which opens tomorrow in Menlo.

MENLO - "Let's Steer Up Some Fun!"

This year's county fair is shaping up to be one of the best in years, promising super displays from local folk, solid entertainment, a nice assortment of vendors, good food, plus the Wenatchee Youth Circus, the always favorite Cheerleading Extravaganza to mention some of the highlights.

Some of this year's fair acts include: Ventriloquist Jerry Breeden, Comedian Jeff Evans, Jim Cruise The Spoon Man, "Reptile Man" Scott Petersen, musical acts every day and evening, including Noah Johnson, Dustin Adair, Dusty Mojo and Norm Olsen Hold Card Truth (Thursday), Amanda Ransom featuring Murder of Crows and "Olson Brothers Duo" (Friday evening), and Nick Mardon - Rock 'n Roll music (Saturday).

The Pacific County Fair originated in 1896 and has been a permanent fixture in Menlo since 1921. The three-day fair takes place tomorrow through Saturday from 9 to 9 each day and night at the wholesome Pacific County Fairgrounds in Menlo. Thursday's opening ceremony is set for 11 am.

General admission prices are 18 and older ($7), 60 and older ($5), First-12 graders ($5), Preschool and nursing home residents can enter free of charge. On Saturday, starting at noon, kids 12 and young can enter the fair free. Buttons (season passes) are $10 prefair and $15 at the gate. Everything will be cash only. There will be a cash machine on the premises.

Here's a quick glimpse of some of the fun in store for fair-goers.

* The Pacific County Youth Livestock Auction takes place Saturday at 1 pm in the Livestock Arena.

* For the first time in many years, we will have the 4-H horse program back at the fair in the horse barn.

* The Wenatchee Youth Circus is a fabulous showing of the youth and their amazing high wire acts, trapeze, aerial excellence, tumbling and more. They will perform daily at 11 am, 2 pm, 5 pm and 7:30 pm.

* 4-H shooting sports will be at the fair again this year in a new location on Saturday at 2 pm.

* There will be tables with checkers, crib games around the fair to sit and play with friends, and there will also be a large chess set on the grounds for outdoor chess games.

* Large bouncy houses for all ages will be provided by Bounce About NW.

* The Titan Baseball Balloon booth offers a chance to test your balloon popping skills.

* There will be corn hole games to play on the grounds and a corn hole tournament sponsored by Raymond Federal Bank.

* Fair fans can offer well-wishes to Elaine Delanoy. There will be a celebration of the longtime volunteer, who has been with the fair 53 years as a volunteer.

* There is new wall art in the Commercial Building painted by Morghan Brookens.

There will be a beer garden. There will not be a carnival this year.

Today is entry day for all live animals, Open Class, 4-H and FFA, and also Section F: Flowers; Section G: Grains, Forage and Bees; Section J: Fruits; and Section K: Vegetables. It takes place between the hours of 2-7 pm.

The fair manager is Bill Monohon now in his fifth year in the position. He said he is hoping to see attendance exceed 10,000 to 15,000.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact the fair office at 360-942-3713.

For more information, visit the fair's website at pacificcountyfair.org. The fair Premium Book is online where you can download entry forms.