Ken Graham: FROM THE PUBLISHER

First of all, let’s give a big giant 195 pound “BOO” to the judges of the biggest pumpkin contest at the Walla Walla County Fair. What they did was “un-Fair.” (See our Page 1 story for more details.)

I would think that fair officials could trust a bunch of hardworking kids who put that much effort into the grand pumpkin to believe them when they say the entry form was mailed on time.

But enough about that. We’re coming up on weekend number two of local fair season. Preparations are underway for the Columbia County Fair, starting Friday.

As I write this, kids and adults are already arriving at the fairgrounds in Dayton with their livestock and their exhibits for the Pavilion.

On Friday morning, after the free early breakfast, from 6-9 a.m., Dayton’s American Legion Color Guard will lead a flag ceremony to officially open the fair. I hope our readers will come and show their support.

This year’s fair also features lots of new activities, including:

Pony Rides

Mechanical Bull

A Medstar helicopter fly-in

Movie on the Barn Friday night

Ice Cream Social Sunday afternoon

This year will also be the second year that Rascal Rodeo will be making its appearance at the fair. This is a great event that allows special needs kids and adults to be cowboys and cowgirls for a day.

Other events are coming back after successful runs. These include:

Muttin Bustin’

Jackpot Rodeo

Dance on the Midway

Church in the Chicken Chapel

And, of course, the Sunday afternoon Demo Derby

The Columbia County Fair organizers always encourage the participation of people throughout the Touchet Valley, including Waitsburg and Prescott residents.

So put on your boots and hat and get on over to the Columbia County Fair this weekend.