PORT ANGELES – Competitors braved the muck and mire Sunday to participate in the Clallam County Fair following a steady rain overnight.
But fewer onlookers attended the muddy grounds, said Kathy Roemer, fair manager
“Attendance was down a little bit this year,” Roemer said Sunday, before final figures were available.
“It rained on us yesterday and a little bit today.
“People see that kind of weather and just don’t want to get out on it.”
By Sunday afternoon, the weather had brightened up, the sun radiating the moisture from the mucky soil to raise the humidity.
Rodeo participants who were tossed about and into the mud emerged from the arena with a mud bath.
At least one event enjoyed a larger-than usual attendance.
“We had the heaviest-attended rodeo ever,” Roemer said.
Destruction was set to wrap up the fair with the annual Demolition Derby which was set for an earlier time of 5 p.m. – in the mud.
By Sunday morning, the fair had already sold out of demo derby tickets.
New activities especially for children younger than 12 years old were nestled in the northwest corner of the Clallam County Fairgrounds.
Sand art, peddled tractor pulls, and catch-and-release trout fishing were available for the youngsters.
And fulfilling part of the 2007 theme – “Piglets, Ponies and Pies, Oh My!” – pony rides for children were also offered.
“As with any new event, it takes a while for people to know it is even there,” Roemer said.
“Because we had never done it before, the hardest part is letting people know that there is something going on in that corner.
“But as the first year, I think that it was a huge success.”
