The great heat wave of 2010 wasn’t enough to keep thousands from the Clark County Fair over the weekend.
Thousands milled in the midway on Sunday.
“We were concerned that heat would be a factor, but it appears it was not as big a factor as we thought it would be,” John Morrison, fair manager, said on Sunday evening.
Attendance figures and net revenue won’t be available for several days, but Morrison said he was very pleased with the 10-day event.
Asked to list five things about the fair he believed were positive and five challenges for next year, Morrison obliged.
The good
• The range of entertainment and family fun options.
• The free grandstand shows each day, including medieval jousting.
• “We were scored very high on hospitality, cleanliness and courtesy by the Washington State Fairs commissioner. The fair was a safe, fun family environment for everyone. No injuries accidents or incidents,” Morrison said.
• The nearly 3,000 volunteers.
• “We focused our efforts on agriculture and its heritage. The Earl Kadow family agricultural history display was set up in its permanent home in the Exhibit Hall lobby and will grow to an outstanding exhibit and a link to the agricultural past in Clark County,” Morrison said.
Five challenges
• “Contain our costs and therefore the prices so we can remain the best entertainment value in this area for families.”
• Grow the fair.
• Make infrastructure improvements to the facilities.
• Work to keep the fair relevant.
• “Continue to work on our amphitheater entertainment package.”
Scott Horenstein, president of the Clark County Fair Association, said he was particularly pleased with the Junior Livestock Auction, which allows young people to sell their animals.
He said the auction brought in more than $250,000. He noted many young people use the money they make for college and career training.
Horenstein and Morrison both said they were proud of the success of the Youth Effort Against Hunger, which provides meat to area food banks.
Horenstein said 6,700 pounds of meat were donated, compared to 2,700 pounds last year.
He noted Mackenzie Graham of Yacolt donated a market lamb. She is a member of the Elite Livestock 4-H Club.
Animals are slaughtered and the cut and wrapped meat is sent to the food banks.
Horenstein, too, lauded the fair’s volunteers.
