Waitsburg Fair and Livestock Show

WAITSBURG - A good many local dads spent this Father's Day weekend lending a hand to the exhibitors and organizers of the Waitsburg Livestock Show and Fair that took place at the Waitsburg fairgrounds on June 14 and 15. Fair President Sandra Farley estimates that approximately 70 exhibitors participated in the event.

This longstanding Waitsburg tradition -- originally known as the Waitsburg Junior Livestock Show - formally changed its name to the Waitsburg Livestock Show and Fair several years ago in order to be more inclusive. The show was once open to only 4-H and FFA members, but now welcomes open class entries, including Pee-Wee, adult and applied arts entries.

Exhibitors compete in a variety of animal categories including beef, swine (though no entries were allowed this year due to the PEDv virus), sheep, goats, poultry, rabbits and horses. Competitors practice poise and appearance by demonstrating their skills and presenting their entries to judges in Market, Breeding, and/or Showmanship classes. Riders are judged on their horsemanship.

An impressive applied arts building showcased displays of educational posters, clothing, horticulture, fine arts, crafts, baked goods, food preservations and mechanics. Educational posters - most created by FFA and 4-H members - focused on ag related topics such as the layout of a veterinary clinic, uses of sheep wool, how to clip a steer, and an interactive beef chart with lift flaps that answer the question, "Do You Know Where Your Meat Comes From?"

This year's applied arts exhibits even impressed the state judges. "The state fair commission judge stopped by to critique the fair and offer suggestions to help us improve. He was pleased with the number and quality of 4-H entries and presented the coveted Washington State Fair Commission black and white ribbon to the Applied Arts Building as the outstanding display area of the fair," said Farley. "We want to thank Joann Gagnon and Pam Conover, our Applied Arts Superintendents, for volunteering their time. They did an amazing job displaying the entries."

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