PORT TOWNSEND — Organizers of the Jefferson County Fair were pleased with the turnout as of late Saturday and believe this year’s fair attendance may surpass last year’s count of 18,000.
“The attendance looks like it’s amazing,” said Sue McIntire, fair board treasurer.
The fair, at the fairgrounds on 49th Street, began Friday and continues today.
“This was the best Friday ever, and Saturday looks like it’s a Sunday,” said McIntire.
Historically Sundays have the biggest turnout, she said.
McIntire had heard reports from several booths that this year’s fair — the 69th annual — was proving to be profitable.
Washington State Fairs Commissioner Jay Wood visited the fair and awarded the 4-H County Mounties with the black and white ribbon that honors the best exhibitor.
Western theme
Plenty of cowboy hats and boots and red neck scarves could be seen moving through the crowd in tune with the 1880s western theme.
There was even a cowboy boot competition where people brought in their best boots to display and be judged.
There was something to see or do at every turn.
Horses and riders with 4-H performed and competed in the horse arena most of the weekend.
Karen Haas of Tacoma told animated “rootin’ tootin”‘ tall tales of Pecos Bill and other cowboy legends.
The Diamonds, a 1950s group known for “Little Darlin,”‘ which reached No. 1 on the Top 40 and has sold more than 20 million copies, played on Saturday.
The fair opens at 10 a.m. today. Some highlights will be the Dick Frost Comedy-Magic Show at 10:30 a.m., cowboy poet Clark Crouch at 11 a.m., horse barrel racing at 11:30 a.m. and Danny Vernon’s “Illusion of Elvis” at 1 p.m.
The fair closes at 6 p.m.