The Jefferson County Fair, Aug. 9-11, carries a special theme for a healing country this year.
In memory of all that occurred on Sept. 11 and the struggles since, a patriotic theme was chosen: “A Star-Spangled Fair.”‘
Red, white and blue, stars and stripes and patriotic displays throughout the grounds will emphasize the feelings Americans hold in their hearts.
Entertainment
One of the entertainment highlights this year is blues man Curtis Salgado, former member of the Robert Cray band, who also played with Santana and has toured with Stevie Ray Vaughan.
On his latest album, “Soul Activated,” Salgado combines the sounds of rock, blues, gospel and rhythm and blues. Salgado plays the fair Sunday, Aug. 11, from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Another blues group, the Jake Blair Band, or “The Boys of Blues” as they are affectionately called, will be featured. They are an up-and-coming young duo who have played Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival.
They will play two shows on Sunday.
On Friday evening, Dan Austin, whose influences include Hank Jr, Alan Jackson and Garth Brooks, will perform and on Saturday, 11-year-old Leah Durelle belts out songs from Patsy Cline and LeAnn Rimes.
Another country singer, Mary Wiles, who has been compared to the legendary Barbara Mandrell, will perform her Gospel show Sunday morning and later that day will play fiddle, blues harmonica, banjo, mandolin, keyboards and guitar.
Additional acts include: Toby Hansen’s Smilin’ Scandinavians, The Rebels rock and roll show, The Dukes of Dabob, Gary Dempsey’s rock and roll band and Andy Mackey’s Student Talent Search. Mother Goose will be on the grounds all three days.
There will also be a draft horse pull and salmon barbecue on Saturday and barrel racing and the firemen’s Beef Barbecue on Sunday.
The Olympic Trail Blazers Mud Bog Races will begin around 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Fair hours are Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission prices are: adults $5, seniors and students $4, youth age 6-12 $1 and younger than 6 free.
For more information, call the fair office 360-385-1013.
New award
For those entering exhibits at the fair there is something new.
The Premiere Exhibitor Award will be presented to the one person in each department who has entered the most exhibits.
This prestigious award will be presented in the following departments: Arts and Crafts, Home Arts, Floral, Agriculture, and Small Animals. A very large, red/white/blue rosette will be awarded.
Fond farewell
For many years, Bob Bates was the celebrated president of the Jefferson County Fair Association.
Bates was busy with all sort of projects through the years, from creating a budget to ordering the supplies, repairing the plumbing and mowing the lawns.
Bates has stepped back and a new president has stepped in. A large fairboard has taken his place and relieved some of his endless responsibilities. The board has issued a special thanks to Bates for all his hard work.