Col. Co Fair Hostesses Have Busy Schedules

COLUMBIA COUNTY – Every year, the weekend after Labor Day brings about a sense of joy for those both young and old in Columbia County. A weekend full of fun awaits as kids get a day off school and a chance to make money on the livestock they have been raising for the previous months. Of course, this is the Columbia County Fair.

Another fixture of the fair each year, in addition to the livestock showing's and demolition derby, are the presiding Fair Hostesses, which are chosen by the Columbia County Fair Board.

This year, Rebecca Smith and Lydia Bradley, both of Dayton, were chosen to represent both the Fair and Columbia County for the 2017 fair season. The two came about applying, and eventually being chosen, for the position in different ways.

Bradley heard about the position through her mother, who works with Mary Ann Ward, a member of the Fair Board and the Columbia County Fair Court Advisor. After she heard of the opening, she applied and was eventually chosen for the role.

Smith learned about the opportunity in a different way.

"I got the paperwork from school, decided to fill it out and signed up," Smith explained.

The process did not require an interview, although Ward said that this is an aspect that the board wants to re-implement due to the importance of the role.

"We want to start requiring interviews as a part of the process again," Ward stated. "It's basically a job, and you are representing the entire county."

The responsibilities go far beyond just representing Columbia County as the girls travel across the region to different fairs and other events such as rodeos. They are away at events during the weekend up to three times a month, they estimated.

"We go to parades in the area and lunches," Smith said. "We invite other fair royalties to come to our parades and to our fair. A lot of what we do is based on spreading awareness about the (Columbia County) fair."

Some of these days can be long, even if they are vising other royalties at their own fairs. Bradley says that days can be anywhere from eight to 12 hours, with Ward adding that the days can be up to 14 hours at busiest.

"You are up early, and doing things all day and sometimes we aren't done until it's dark," Bradley explained.

The biggest thing that the hostesses promote (other than bringing awareness to the fair) is promoting community service. The individuals that are chosen are not paid for their time representing the fair, although they are allowed to keep the clothes they are required to wear. They also provide workshops and classes on rules and etiquette, according to Ward. And they will be hosting a hospitality dinner in the near future.

The girls have also had some recent success when it comes to their float entries in parades. They won the top spot for fair royalty floats at the Walla Walla Christmas Parade.

Although it may be a busy job, both girls find that it is worth it. They both see it as a chance to gain valuable life skills and experiences that they will not soon forget.

"It is a life-changing experience," Lydia explained. "You learn how to communicate well with others and with your partner. It helps you get out of your shell."

Smith also has gained priceless skills from her time as a hostess so far.

"It is a great way to make friends and build connections," she said. "You get yourself out there, and you, as a person, are on display. Everyone in the community sees you and recognizes you, and there is a lot of publicity."

The hostesses are sponsored by Main Street Bank, who are first-time sponsors. The Columbia County Fair is held at the Columbia County Fairgrounds each year over the weekend after Labor Day.