Columbia County Fair: 125 Years of Fun and Education

DAYTON – The first Columbia County Fair was held in Dayton by the Columbia County Agricultural Association in 1888. With the exception of three war years, it has been held every year since.

That first fair featured horse racing, trotting and harness races. Pavilion displays (before the current Pavilion) featured the skills of homemakers and farmers' crops, much as they do today. Games were put on for kids, and pie and watermelon eating contests were enjoyed by everyone.

This year's 125th Columbia County Fair includes no horse racing, but pavilion displays and many fun activities for kids and adults are again the main features.

Following are highlights of the main events coming to this year's fair. Next week, The Times will print a complete schedule of activities.

Friday

6-9 a.m. Free Breakfast

9 a.m. American Legion Flag Ceremony

4-5 p.m. NW Medstar Fly-in

5-6 p.m. Mutt Show

5-6 p.m. Dinner at the fair

6-8 p.m. Bluegrass Jam Session

8 p.m. Movie on the Barn

Saturday

7-9 a.m. Breakfast in the Youth Building

10-11:30 a.m. Rascal Rodeo

1:30-4p.m. Raptors

4-5 p.m. City Clicker Cloggers

5:30 p.m. Mutton Bustin'

6 p.m. Jackpot Rodeo

9 p.m. Dance on the Midway with Vintage

Sunday

10-11 a.m. Church in the Chicken Chapel

Noon-2 p.m. Demo Derby

2 p.m. Livestock Costume Contest

3 p.m. Community Ice Cream Social

5 p.m. Fair Closes

Ongoing activities at the fair include:

Pony Rides

Mechanical Bull

Livestock showing and judging

Music on the Midway

Live stage presentations in the Pavilion

Beer Garden Saturday starting at 3 p.m.

This year's fair committee encourages presenters from throughout the Touchet Valley to take part in the fair. Kids and adults from from Waitsburg, Prescott, Starbuck and surrounding areas are invited to show livestock, or to bring items to display in the pavilion.