Beefing Up For County Fairs

WAITSBURGThe lure of cotton candy and corn dogs will soon be in the air as local kids gear up for the Walla Walla County Fair & Frontier Days and the Columbia County Fair in early September.

Waitsburg Corral Wranglers and FFA members began their quest for a shot at the Grand Champion title last spring at the Waitsburg Jr. Livestock Show.

Six-year-old Zach Norris won the crowd and judges over last spring in the youth swine open class division showing "Party Pig."

Norris plans on stepping up his game this fall by sporting a tux in the show ring.

"Party Pig" will not be up for sale due to Zach's division but that's just fine with Norris. When the time comes, Zach will butcher his own pig and throw a "party."

Ten- year- old Grace Coulston has been awaiting her chance to shine at the Columbia County Fair. Coulston is a veteran showman with the Corral Wranglers and loves her muck boots. She has been working with her goats to get them in tip top shape for competition.

It's been daily feeding schedules and grooming that's been keeping this youngster busy this summer.

"Showing goats is a lot of fun," says Coulston. "I'll have two to show but sell just one."

Devon Harshman. 10, will be competing in both fairs and will have the tough decision on which animal will be sold at each event.

"The weight of my goats will help me decide which to sell where," says Harshman. "Last year, Walla Walla had higher premiums and goats went for around five dollars per pound. Dayton had more sponsors that bought animals, so I haven't decided yet."

Entry deadlines for both fairs have come and gone and now finishing touches begin. Extra grain will be thrown to ensure animals make weight and final health checks will be made to ensure the judges see fit and healthy animals.

Poster and decorations are being gathered to decorate barn aisles and shirts and jackets pressed and hung.

Local youngsters are eager and ready to strut their stuff and the local county fairs. Walla Walla Frontier Days begins Thursday, September 1, and runs through September fifth.

The Columbia County Fair is September 9-11. The new deadline for the fair in Dayton is Sept. 6.