Skagit County Fair 2010

August 11-14, 2010

Skagit County Fair Bringing It All Back Home!

2010 Official Program A Supplement to the Skagit Valley Herald

Table of Contents Fairgrounds Map......................4 Entertainment Schedule...........5 Sterling Dietz..........................6 Hypnotic Fair Fun....................6 Fair Sponsors..........................7 The Lonely Forest....................8 The Halyards.........................10 Queen’s Bluegrass.................12 The Dunton Sisters................13

Reilly & Maloney...................14 Spoonshine...........................14 Holmes Shea Band................15 Bad Apples...........................15 Arena Schedule.....................16 Animal Judging Schedule ������17 Fair History...........................18 Cooking Classes.....................20 The Duranguense...................21

Thrills for All Ages.................22 Kid Zone...............................23 Sustainable Practices.............24 Student Volunteers................25 Home on The Grange.............26 Barrel Racing........................28 Underwater Robots................29 4-H Time..............................30

2010 Skagit County Fair 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, Wednesday through Saturday, August 11-14 ADMISSION Advance tickets: $5 Special price Wednesday, August 11: $3 until 3 p.m.

Daily tickets: Adults (age 19-64) $7 Seniors $6 Students $6 Under Age 6: Free

Advertising Director Mark Dobie mdobie@skagitpublishing.com Advertising Display Manager Deb Bundy dbundy@skagitpublishing.com

Passes: Family (2 adults/2 kids): $20 Four-Day Adult: $20 Four-Day Senior & Student: $15

Design/Layout Christina Poisal cpoisal@skagitpublishing.com

LOCATION 1410 Virginia St., Mount Vernon The main entrance and parking is at the south gate, off Taylor Street from Cleveland Avenue INFORMATION www.skagitfair.com or 360-336-9454

www.goskagit.com

Editorial Dick Clever dclever@skagitpublishing.com

©2010 Skagit Publishing P.O. Box 578 Mount Vernon, WA 98273 360-424-3251 Fair images provided courtesy of the Skagit County Fair

A Skagit Publishing Special Publication

August 11-14, 2010 / Skagit County Fair

North

SP – Standard Portable HC – Handicap Portable

CLEVELAND AVENUE

Carnival Camping

SP

South Ticket Gate Public Parking

Public Parking

Public Parking

Mount Vernon, WA

SP SK

Dog Tent

SK

s HC

Sta

Restroom

Food

Floral & Veg Grange Hobbies Baking Needle Arts Educational Display

Superintendent Parking PASSES REQUIRED

Poultry Cats Cavie

Exhibitor Camping

Goats

SK

Sheep

Sheep/Goat Show Ring

DOG Show Ring

Pony Rides

PASSES REQ

WALTER STREET Volunteer Parking

Vendor Bldg

c bli Pu nt Te

Wine Tasting

Kids

Exotics

SK

Art/Quilts Photo

SK

Virginia St

Pedestrians Only

East Ticket Gate

HC SP SK

RR

HAZEL STREET North Ticket Gate Pedestrians Only

HC SP

4-H

CLEVELAND AVENUE

Zone

Vendors

Food Court

Ice

INFO

c bli Pu nt Te

Food & Vendors

SK SK

Dairy N IO IL Ring V Petting Zoo OFFICE A ow PRR Sh

Skagit V e n d o r s

Hogs

Beef

Superintendent Parking PASSES REQUIRED

Staff &

LOST CHILD – GO IMMEDIATELY TO OFFICE

Horse Barn 2

SK SP SP

West Gate #2 Exhibitor Campers Only PASSES REQUIRED

Welcome to the Skagit County Fairgrounds

Exhibitor Camping

Exhibitor Camping

NO ADMITTANCE TO NORTH END AFTER 10p.m.

GATES CLOSE AT 10p.m.

Carnival

SK SP SP SP

EMS Fire

Allison Clark Memorial Arena

Exhibitor Camping

SK – Portable Sinks RR -Restrooms

Sea Tech

West Gate #1 Exhibitor Gate Only PASSES REQUIRED Food Court

Riding Contestant Parking ONLY PASSES REQUIRED

TAYLOR STREET

A Skagit Publishing Special Publication Non-public Gate

Food Food

PASSES REQ.

August 11-14, 2010 / Skagit County Fair

HAZEL STREET

Horse Barn 1

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2010 Skagit County Fair ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

The Lonely Forest

The Magic of Sterling

Polecat

Wednesday – August 11

Friday – August 13

11 a.m. – The Renegades Noon – Sgt. 1st Class Jamie Buckley 1 p.m. – The Magic of Sterling 2 p.m. – Bryan Bowers 3 p.m. – Dunton Sisters 5 p.m. – The Magic of Sterling 6:30 p.m. – La Rosa Trio 7:30 p.m. – Holmes Shea Band 8:30 p.m. – Chris Eger Band

11:30 a.m. – Roberto the Magnificent 1 p.m. – Hypnotist Jennifer Harris Balch 2 p.m. – Poor Man’s Jug Band 4 p.m. – Hypnotist Jennifer Harris Balch 5:30 p.m. – Bad Apples 6:30 p.m. – Candysound 7:30 p.m. – The Halyards 8:30 p.m. – The Lonely Forest

Thursday – August 12

Saturday – August 14

11 a.m. – Fidalgo Danceworks Noon – Hugo’s Accordion Band 1 p.m. – The Magic of Sterling 2 p.m. – Anthony Easterwood 3 p.m. – Marcia Kester 4 p.m. – The Magic of Sterling 5 p.m. – Stilly River Band 6 p.m. – Reilly & Maloney 7:30 p.m. – Spoonshine 8:30 p.m. – Rivertalk

11 a.m. – Roberto the Magnificent Noon – Polecat 1 p.m. – Hypnotist Jennifer Harris Balch 2 p.m. – Poor Man’s Jug Band 3:30 p.m. – Queen’s Bluegrass 5 p.m. – Hypnotist Jennifer Harris Balch The Fair & KSVR Radio presents: 6 p.m. – Gallos Musical 7 p.m. – Alegres Musical de Durango 8 p.m. – Atrevidos de Mexico

Please note: Schedule times are tentative and rely on the timely conclusion of each performance.

Please check for entertainment schedule updates at www.skagitfair.com www.goskagit.com

A Skagit Publishing Special Publication

August 11-14, 2010 / Skagit County Fair

Sterling Dietz

The Northwest’s Homegrown Master of Magic

By Trevor Pyle Sterling Dietz isn’t out of his teens, but he’s already put on some memorable performances as a magician in Skagit County. He hopes to serve up some more at the Skagit County Fair in Mount Vernon, where he will perform throughout the weekend.

Sterling grew up in Lynden, where he became engrossed in magic after seeing Bellingham magician Jeff McBride perform at the Mount Baker Theater.

Hooked on the art, Sterling set out to learn it, starting at a children’s birthday party and working his way up to larger productions.

Eventually he put on more than 1,200 shows and traveled around the world to perform, including a trip to Beijing, China, last summer for the World Olympics of Magic, a competition held every three years.

He also amassed a number of awards, including Seattle Magician of the Year and first place in Las Vegas at the World Magic Seminar.

He has given several performances in Skagit County, including shows at several local libraries and one at the Lincoln Theatre.

While Dietz has made a name for himself in the world of magic, he hasn’t forgotten the region in which he grew up. He performs often in the community and set up four scholarships at Lynden High School for graduating students who want to continue their education in the arts.

Another big step awaits Dietz later this year, when he will move to San Jose Del

Cabo, Mexico, to become a permanent performer at the Teatro de la Ciudad (Theatre of the City). He is scheduled to open his show at the newly renovated theater in October, where he will perform four shows, three days a week.

Hypnotic Fair Fun

By Trevor Pyle Jennifer Harris Balch was raised in a family of hypnotists, with her father and sister performing shows in Skagit County.

Now Balch will be able to claim that she’s performed here, too, after appearing at the Skagit County Fair.

Balch will present shows on both Friday and Saturday, Aug. 13-14, where she takes volunteers from the audience to hypnotize, then has them perform for the crowd.

She said she keeps the shows family friendly and fun.

While she may hypnotize volunteers to dance or perform, she says hypnotism doesn’t compel people to do things

August 11-14, 2010 / Skagit County Fair

they otherwise wouldn’t do.

“There’s nothing embarrassing about it,” she said.

Balch said her father, Jerry Harris, performed as a hypnotist and exposed his children to the art early in their lives. (Sitting at the dinner table could be interesting — he snapped his fingers and I’d be out like a light,” she said.)

Her sister, Tammy Harris Barton, also has performed in the area.

The next closest venue Balch has performed is in the Stanwood/Camano Island area and she is looking forward to the Skagit spectators.

“I’m excited to be up in the area,” she said.

A Skagit Publishing Special Publication

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Thank You to Sponsors of the Skagit County Fair!

Ron Weson

Sharon Dillon

Ken Dahlstedt

We would like to personally thank this year’s Fair sponsors for their support of the Skagit County Fairgrounds and the 2010 Skagit County Fair.

We welcome you all to join us in this year’s themed Fair “Bringing it all Back Home”, four fun filled days of festivities between August 11 and 14.

The Fair is an event rich with tradition and activities for the whole family.

Local foods and homegrown entertainment will make this year’s Fair an event you won’t want to miss.

When belts are tightened by necessity, sponsorships are all the more heartening to everyone. We appreciate this support in sustaining the agricultural traditions that are so deeply rooted in our great County. Thanks also to our Fair Advisory Board, City & County officials & employees, 4-H, FFA, exhibitors, volunteers and our parks & fair staff. The Fair is a vital part of the community -- we share in your enthusiasm and devotion to this great celebration.

SKAGITPUBLISHING

Dakota Creek Industries Skagit Valley Food Co-op RSC Equipment Rental Puget Sound Energy Frontier Bank, Rallye Auto Sales, Farmers Equipment Company, Skagit Gardens, KAPS & KBRC Radio, Action Pages, Skagit Soils, BECU, Burlington Kiwanis, KSVR Radio, Skagit State Bank

This year’s Fair is dedicated to the people of Skagit County and all of the great things we all grow, raise, make & do.

Let’s Celebrate!

The Lonely Forest

By Bev Crichfield

cortes in March to perform a benefit concert to raise money to rebuild This year has been pivotal for the burned-out Tommy Thompson Anacortes’ The Lonely Forest. trestle.

In February, the young pop/rock Music fans in Anacortes are foursome that made a name for itself plenty familiar with the young band, locally with a unique sound cenhaving listened to founder Van Deutered on original, intellectual songs, sen electrifying local venues from signed on with a major music label the time he was 16. and immediately headed out on a Unlike many other teen musiwhirlwind tour to promote their last cians and would-be rock stars, Van album, “We Sing the Body Electric.” Deusen carved a niche for himself Most recently, they’ve been in Los with his philosophical and someAngeles recording a new album, set times spiritual lyrics — everything for release later this summer. from the existence of God to alThey may have enjoyed their time legories about humanity’s self-dein the big city, but that doesn’t mean structive nature — and hard-driving they’ve forgotten their roots. piano accompaniment.

The Lonely Forest is bringing But the band (at the time, comtheir sound back home and to the prised of Van Deusen, Krueger and Skagit County Fair with a perfortwo former band members) snagged mance at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13. regional attention in 2006 after beatAnd as usual, Van Deusen and ing out 148 other bands to win the bandmates Tony Ruland, Braydn annual Sound Off! competition in Krueger and Eric Sturgeon are exSeattle. pected to wow the crowds with their Since the Sound Off! win, the high-energy, electric performances. band has shuffled members, recordThe group came home to Anaed four albums and played well over

August 11-14, 2010 / Skagit County Fair

A Skagit Publishing Special Publication

300 shows along the West Coast, including to sell-out crowds in Seattle and Portland.

The band attracted plenty of attention with the independent release of their latest album “We Sing the Body Electric,” especially with the single “We Sing in Time,” a catchy tune with soulful lyrics that had critics nodding their heads.

Then the band was asked to play the Sasquatch! Music Festival, presented by the prestigious House of Blues, at the Gorge Amphitheatre in George. It’s the same festival that’s been headlined by indie rock megastars Beastie Boys, Beck, Kings of Leon, Jane’s Addiction, Nine Inch Nails and others.

The Lonely Forest landed its big break in February after signing onto Trans Records, the new recording label started by Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie.

Now the band is hoping to break into the big time with its soon-to-bereleased album.

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Downtown

Mount Vernon

360.336.0951 416 s. 1st street mount vernon www.ristrettolounge.com m-th 7am-8pm f-sa 7am-11pm sun 8am-6pm

a gift store with flair April Cornell Linens Crabtree & Evelyn Willow Tree Angels Land Calendars Sock Monkeez Yankee Candles Afghans

Aprons

and so much more!

406 South 1st Street Downtown Mount Vernon

(360) 336-9530

The Halyards Are Very Northwest

By Trevor Pyle

for a short, casual recording project. In The latest album by The Halyards is a matter of hours, the project became called “Fortune Smiles.” a full album, and Tingstad soon beWith a new album, a sound that’s came a member of the newly formed building buzz and an upcoming apband. pearance at the Skagit County Fair, it “We went to Eric’s on a Sunday seems as if fortune certainly is smiling afternoon,” said Funk, who was born for the guitar-driven band with Skagit in Anacortes and grew up in Oak County roots.

Harbor. “It was one of those things The Halyards will bring their rootsy where one thing follows another. sound to the fair, performing at 7:30 Two songs became four and then p.m. Friday, Aug. 13. we wrote some more ... and a 12The band formed when Carl Funk song CD grew out of it. It was good and Larry Mason, who performed for fortune, in a way. It kept morphing years as Funk Mason, teamed up with into something beyond what we Grammy Award winner Eric Tingstad intended.”

The resulting album, “Fortune Smiles,” was released in June with a release party at one of Seattle’s best-known venues, The Triple Door.

It’s proved popular in Europe, entering the July Euro Americana charts at No. 9.

Funk describes the band’s music as Americana, with influences ranging from folk, rock and roll and even Celtic.

Carl Funk Unlike a lot of Americana music,

“It was good fortune, in a way. It kept morphing into something beyond what we intended.”

-

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August 11-14, 2010 / Skagit County Fair

A Skagit Publishing Special Publication

which is identified with the South, Funk said The Halyards’ music draws influences from the Northwest, where all three founding members grew up.

“We’re very Northwest, and that’s something we’re happy about. We consider the Northwest important to how this band sounds,” he said.

The performance at the Skagit County Fair will include several other musicians in addition to Funk, Mason and Tingstad.

“We’re really looking forward to playing the show and being around our friends ... hopefully some people will see us who have never heard us before,” Funk said.

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AfterAll ThatFunAt The Fair, You’re Going ToNeed Something.

Wallet refills are available at any of our branches or ATMs.

Whidbey Island Bank

Making Life A Little Easier MEMBER FDIC

Anacortes

2202 Commercial Ave (360) 299-3007

Burlington

1800 S. Burlington Blvd (360) 757-3416

Friday Harbor

535 Market St, Ste A (360) 370-5641

Mount Vernon 1515 N. 18th (360) 848-9434

Sedro-Woolley 339 Ferry Street (360) 855-0875

Queens Bluegrass - Tar Heel Tradition

By Beverly Crichfield

year-old growing up in a large family in the forests of North Carolina.

Ernest Queen and the members of Queen was one of thousands who Queens Bluegrass may be busy this headed west from North Carolina in summer, but not too busy for a perthe 1930s, ’40s and ’50s during one of formance at one of the county’s oldest the largest continental migrations in events, the Skagit County Fair.

United States history — the tar heel The group that’s been banjo-pickmigration — and settled in eastern ing and guitar-strumming high-stepSkagit and north Snohomish counties. ping traditional bluegrass tunes for Many of those folks brought along more than 25 years in Skagit County their tradition of sitting on the front will take the stage at 3:30 p.m. Saturporch during sultry summer evenings, day at the fair in Mount Vernon. playing their own brand of bluegrass Queens Bluegrass has become a and swapping stories. favorite for fairs, festivals and commuQueen, 77, came along with his nity events across the Pacific Northfamily to Sedro-Woolley in 1955, west, with a unique sound that harkens where he’s lived ever since. back to founder Ernest Queen’s tar In the mid-1980s, he began playheel roots. ing his music with friends at various Queen, president of the Skagit family functions. One function led to Bluegrass Country Music Association, a larger function, and the next thing started playing the guitar as a fresh 15- he knew, he had gathered together a

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small group of musicians and officially created Queens Bluegrass.

One of his other four band members, Kevin Fazio, has been with him for 20 years; the others came along after and have happily added a new twist on old-time bluegrass favorites, Queen said.

Queen describes the group’s music as traditional bluegrass, with a nod toward some gospel. But grab your dancing shoes, Queen warned: “It’s hard-driving bluegrass!”

“You hear this and that, and you create your own style,” Queen said.

“It’s a little bit different with each band.”

And while Queen said he enjoys keeping the roots of bluegrass alive, his band is driven by other interests.

“Well, we just want to have a lot of fun,” he said.

et p r u o y h t i Trust us w

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Oak Harbor 675.2277 Burlington 757.4055 Mount Vernon 424.4207 Freeland 331.1970 Sedro Woolley 856.6567 Stanwood 629.7033 Sponsor of the Skagit County Fair!

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Dunton Sisters Deliver Harmony “They have a strong local following,” said Rick Star, owner and general manager of Rockfish Grill in Anacortes. He said the restaurant would be filled one night a month during the sisters’ regular gigs.

The Duntons are still a staple at Rockfish’s annual Brewgrass festival in November, though they no longer play at the restaurant monthly. They appear

By Whitney Pipkin at other festivals throughout the year, including this year’s Skagit County Fair.

It’s been said that if Alison Krauss Their songs range from bluegrass had a sister, the two of them would and folk to country and swing. They sound like this. The Dunton Sisters’ also play some gospel and blues tunes. harmonies sound like they’ve been But it’s the way they sing that draws singing together since childhood — and the crowds. they have.

“They have great harmonies, a talent With Jen on the guitar, Bev on the for picking great tunes, and they have mandolin and their mother Gae playa very engaging stage presence,” Star ing the string bass, the family trio has said. wooed Skagit County audiences for Part of what sets them apart is that years. they’re a pair of girls, he added. Most

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bluegrass groups are comprised of males, often with a woman leading the vocals. The Dunton Sisters do have male banjo and fiddle players in their band and welcome a range of guest artists as well — but they’re known for their songbird voices.

When the sisters sing, Star said, you can tell they’ve been playing together since childhood. He said it sounds like second nature to them.

Coming from a family full of musicians, it probably is. The legacy extends back to the sisters’ grandfather, who played in a gospel quartet. Their father was a singer, pianist and guitarist, and their bass-playing mother also is a pianist, violinist and church choir director.

The sisters come from a long line of performers, and have an understandably long line of followers in Skagit County.

August 11-14, 2010 / Skagit County Fair

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The Enduring Reilly & Maloney

By Beverly Crichfield

p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12, at the Skagit County Fair.

It’s been 40 years since the folk duo The duo is familiar in the Pacific David Maloney and Ginny Reilly first Northwest, having played at a varitook the stage together in San Franety of venues, including the Conway cisco, and they’re still going strong.

Muse, the Seattle Center during the Theirs is a blend of clear voices and Northwest Folklife Festival, pubs and insightful lyrics that can still rouse a theaters and other festivals. crowd wherever they perform.

Reilly and Maloney made a name So it’s no surprise that they’ve for themselves during the 1970s in been asked to take the stage at 6:30 the folk scene of San Francisco. They

met at the famous Drinking Gourd on Union Street, the same venue that launched the beginnings of Grammy Award-winning Jefferson Airplane.

Reilly already had been performing a solo act there, but after meeting Maloney, decided to join with him and make a career as a duo.

They broke into the music scene at the Drinking Gourd and began landing gigs in larger establishments across the country.

The two had a long and successful career together, garnering praise for their original tunes that, in a genuine way, touched on everything from love, marriage and politics to children.

They continued to perform together until 1990. The two carved out other careers — Maloney has appeared on television and worked in theater as a playwright; Reilly as a volunteer coordinator for Group Health Cooperative — before they reunited in 2000.

Most recently, Reilly, who lives in Seattle, has been finishing her associate’s degree in music performance.

Maloney is set to release a new solo album, “One Day More - David Maloney” this fall.

Spoonshine’s Reputation is Growing Spoonshine has been working, touring the West Coast, up north to Alaska, down south to Joshua Tree, California. Members have traveled back and forth to Europe for studio session work.

The group has adopted Guemes Island as its hometown and has performed extensively throughout northwest Washington when not touring out of state.

Recently, the group’s mandolin and guitar player, Jacob Navarro, was asked to collaborate with Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam on his song “Better Days” for the movie soundtrack “Eat

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August 11-14, 2010 / Skagit County Fair

Pray Love.” His mandolin playing can be heard on that song.

Not long ago, the group connected A Skagit Publishing Special Publication

with producer Adam Kasper (Cat Power, Pearl Jam, REM, Tragically Hip, “Into The Wild” soundtrack, Soundgarden …), and ventured into the studio to explore ideas, along with George Schwindt from Flogging Molly acclaim on drums. This album was recently completed, and preproduction for the follow-up has already begun.

Matt Hermstad (drums) has joined the roster, along with James Moffitt (guitar), and the sound continues to evolve. Also in the group are William Cook, guitar, stand up bass and vocals, and James Moffitt, guitar.

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Eclectic Holmes Shea Band Holmes Shea Band has been entertaining throughout Skagit and Whatcom counties with their energetic and eclectic original rock, funk, jazz and Latin tunes this spring and summer.

Fan favorites range from the dreamy and romantic “Look My Way” to the Santana-esque “Sublime.” Dance crowds also enjoy their selection of Motown and soul covers ranging from Jackie Wilson to Aretha Franklin.

Venues they have played recently include The Old Edison Inn, The Rockfish Grill, Chuckanut Ridge Winery, and the Star Bar.

Teachers are ‘The Bad Apples’

By Tahlia Ganser

— all teachers or principals from Anacortes schools — with dozens of songs, including those of the popular R&B singer A decade ago, back when Whitney Elementary School Amy Winehouse to classics from James Taylor.

Principal Kevin Schwartz was just a teacher, he began a two“It’s kind of a hodgepodge, since we’re all music teachers man band for a Parent Teacher Association event. and we all have our favorites to pick,” said Tina FranulovThe two educators joked about a name and eventually ich-Martin, a vocalist for the band. came up with “The Bad Apples.”

The band will perform from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. Now the group has expanded to include eight members 15, at the Skagit County Fair.

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August 11-14, 2010 / Skagit County Fair

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2010 Arena Schedule Tuesday, August 10

Time

Wednesday August 11

Thursday, August 12

Exercise 5:30 to 7PM

Exercise 5:30 to 7PM

Friday, August 13

Saturday, August 14

Exercise 5:30 to 7:30PM

Exercise 5:30 to 7:30PM

5:00 - 5:30 5:30 - 6:00 6:00 - 6:30 6:30 - 7:00 7:00 - 7:30 Horse Bowl Test

7:30 - 8:00

Set-up Bareback

8:00 - 8:30 8:30 - 9:00

Set-up

9:00 - 9:30

Set-up

Trails

9:30 - 10:00

Showmanship All Exhibitors Start at 8AM

10:00 - 10:30 10:30 - 11:00 11:00 - 11:30

English Equitation

Exercise

11:30 - 12:00 PM

Games Exercise

2 Barrel Flags Round #1 & #2

Performance Medals

12:00 - 12:30 English Pleasure

12:30 - 1:00

Performance Exercise

1:00 - 1:30 Exercise

1:30 - 2:00 2:00 - 2:30

Exercise Barrels Round #1

Western Equitation

2:30 - 3:00 Games Exercise

3:00 - 3:30 3:30 - 4:00 4:00 - 4:30

Vet Check 3 to 7PM

4:30 - 5:00

Barrels Round #2

Poles Round #1 & #2

Western Pleasure Set-up

Performance Exercise

Key Round #1 & #2

Figure 8 Round #1 & #2

Unfinished Event or Fun Game

5:00 - 5:30 5:30 - 6:00 6:00 - 6:30 6:30 - 7:00

Exercise 4 to 7PM

Performance Exercise Exercise

7:00 - 7:30 International Flags Round #1 & #2

7:30 - 8:00 8:00 - 8:30 8:30 - 9:00

9:30 - 10:00

Unfinished Event or Fun Game

Exhibitor's Meeting 8 to 9PM

9:00 - 9:30 Wash Rack Open

5PM Arena Events: Flag Ceremony, Skagit Reign 5:30PM Arena Events: Riders & Friday Night Flag Ceremony & Skagit Lights Barrel Racing Valley Ropers Event Open & Youth

Unfinished Event or Fun Game

Please note: Schedule times are tentative and rely on the timely conclusion of each class.

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August 11-14, 2010 / Skagit County Fair

A Skagit Publishing Special Publication

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All Day: Showmanship 3PM Dog Bowl

Dogs (grassy area)

2PM FFA/4-H Fit & Showmanship, followed by Type

3PM Rabbit Bowl, Cavy Bowl to follow

See Arena Schedule

All Day: Obedience 5PM Costume 10AM Dairy Food Contest 1PM Dairy Demonstrations 3PM Dairy Quiz Bowl 5:30PM 4-H Dairy Awards 10AM Fit & Showmanship, Type to follow

4-H Fit & Showmanship 4-H Type, Open Class Type to follow

10AM Fit & Showmanship

9AM FFA/4-H Beef Fit& Showmanship, Type to follow 5:30PM Awards

7PM FFA, 8PM 4-H

THURSDAY

1PM Open Class Fit & Showmanship, Type to follow

4PM Lads & Ladies Lead

12 NOON Cavy Fit & Showmanship, Type to follow 1PM Rabbit Fit & Showmanship , Type to follow

See Arena Schedule

10AM Open Class Show

10:30PM Open Class Show

4-H Exotics Round Robin 4-H & Open Class Costume Contest 4-H & Open Class Talent Contest Showmanship Showmanship Run Off

10:30AM Judging, Contest

2PM Sale setup 5:30PM Livestock Sale

6AM – 10AM All Open Class Animals

FRIDAY

Please note: Schedule times are tentative and rely on the timely conclusion of each class.

9AM Fit & Showmanship, Type to follow Wool Judging

Sheep (Building F)

Swine (outside Building G)

10AM Cage Decorations 11AM Rabbit & Cavy Judging Contest

Rabbits & Cavies (Small Animal Show Ring)

9AM Type 2PM Fit & Showmanship

See Arena Schedule

Goats (Tent South of Building F) Horses (Arena) Poultry (Building E) See Arena Schedule

9 AM FFA/4-H Fit & Showmanship, Type to follow

Dairy Cattle (Pavilion)

Club Set-up (Arena Set-up Sunday before Fair)

4-H & Open Class Cage Decorating, Awards to follow

Exotics (Exotics Barn)

Beef Cattle (Pavilion)

Cats (Small Animal Show Ring)

6PM weigh-in w/ pictures Lambs will be weighed in at Sheep Barn

5PM FFA/4-H Livestock Judging 7PM FFA/4-H Dairy Judging followed by Oral Reasons

WEDNESDAY

10:45AM 4-H Beef Demonstrations 1PM 4-H Beef Bowl 10AM Cage Decorating 2PM Cat Bowl

Skagit Junior Livestock Sale (Pavilion)

Round Robin Large Animal (Pavilion) Round Robin Small Animal (Dog Show Ring)

4-H/FFA Judging (Pavilion)

Vet Check

TUESDAY 2PM – 9PM 4-H/FFA East Side 3PM – 8:30PM 4-H/FFA West Side

FFA SHOWS FIRST, FOLLOWED BY 4-H

2010 ANIMAL JUDGING SCHEDULE

9AM Open Class

11AM Rabbit & Cavy Costumes, Talent to follow 2PM Rabbit & Cavy Races

7PM 4-H Equine Awards

Obedience Costume

4-H & Open Class Exotics Races

10AM Cat Costume

12 NOON Open Class

To be Announced

SATURDAY

Fairly Sure of When It All Started, and Where

By Bret Lunsford

of the current Fred Meyer store. Horse races and car races were on the program, photographs of which will Skagit County has held a lot of fairs. But just how be displayed at this year’s fair. many? It all depends on what year you count from.

Following the 1930 Skagit County Fair, the Great When is fair month? It has occurred in October, Depression caused the fair to be scaled back substanSeptember and, most often, in August. tially. Before World War II, it was referred to as the While 1998 was celebrated as the Skagit County and 4-H Fair.

Skagit County Fair’s centennial, it probIn 1938 the fair was located at Union High School ably was not actually the 100th fair. in Sedro-Woolley, where it was hosted for most of the A new fair association was formed in decade. In 1941, the event was relocated to the “new 1901 by H.A. March, Emerson Ham4-H Fair Grounds” in Mount Vernon for the “Tenth mer, N.J. Moldstad (president) and oth- Annual” fair. ers who established a four-day October Based on the gap in the archive of premium books, event in Mount Vernon. the Skagit County Fair was suspended for most of Moldstad’s grandson, Kelly, is the World War II. By 1945, the fairgrounds had been current vice-president of the fair Adrenamed the “Evergreen Classic Pavilion” for the visory Board; his copy of the 1902 fair “Twelfth Annual” fair. premium book is titled the “Second After 1949, fair premium books no longer referenced Annual Fair and Races.” the 1931 starting date, and after 1959, the name “EverFor most of the latter 20th century, green Classic Pavilion” was also dropped. From 1960 each year’s official fair program count- on, the fair site was listed as the “Skagit County Fair ed back to 1911 as the first Skagit Grounds.”

County Fair; this was the year the fair moved to Burlington on the grounds (Continued on Next Page)

18

August 11-14, 2010 / Skagit County Fair

A Skagit Publishing Special Publication

www.goskagit.com

 

‘It appears that 1898 was the year of the first known fair in Skagit County.’

In the 1980s, people began counting back to the 1911 fair as the start of it all: “75 Years and On The Move” was the theme for the 1986 fair, which is about when the name “Fair Grounds” was contracted, becoming “Fairgrounds.” Things got confusing in the 1990s, when promotions referred to a first fair in 1900, then the theme for 1995 was “We’re 95 in ’95.”

The count changed with millennial fever or some other determination that 1898 was the year of the first Skagit County Fair. In 1998 the event was declared the Centennial Fair, and the commemorative mugs, shirts and posters were put into production.

So how does one answer the inevitable question about how many Skagit County Fairs have been held?

It appears that 1898 was the year of the first known fair in Skagit County, despite early references to a fair association forming in 1890. Chances are that a county fair has not occurred in every year between 1898 and today; even so, it is safest to call our 2010 event the 112th anniversary of the Skagit County Fair. Now you know!

www.goskagit.com

A Skagit Publishing Special Publication

August 11-14, 2010 / Skagit County Fair

19

Cooking Classes Showcase Local Foods

By Kate Martin

here,” Buller said.

Jill Dodge, the cooking class Skagit Valley is a host to a coordinator, said talks will also cornucopia of fresh food, if one focus on the source of local knows where to look. foods.

That’s why it made sense for “We’re going to talk a lot Skagit County Fair Director Bret about the farms themselves,” Lunsford to look closer to home Dodge said. “There are a lot for the fair’s food offerings. of you-pick places. We’re just Chefs from the Skagit Valley ending strawberry season and Food Co-op will host three cook- entering blueberry and raspberry ing classes at 5 p.m. each day of season.” the fair, Aug. 11-15.

Each day of classes will focus Held in the kitchen in Buildon a different theme: ing A on the fairgrounds, the • Wednesday, Aug. 11: Stuarto classes will showcase locally Glasser and Dodge will talk grown foods, said Jodi Buller about local foods and farmers, with the Co-op. while cooking a dish made from “We are looking to this valley local ingredients. in particular first, because there is so much amazing harvest right (Continued on Next Page)

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August 11-14, 2010 / Skagit County Fair

A Skagit Publishing Special Publication

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Come and Dance the ‘Duranguense’ The Skagit County Fair and KSVR Radio are hosting an evening of music performed by three local Mexican bands -- Gallos Musical, Alegres Musical de Durango and Atrevidos de Mexico. The bands will play at the fairgrounds, starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14.

The bands specialize in a form of music called “duranguense,” a musical style developed by Mexicans living in America, especially those folks coming from the Northern Mexico state of Durango.

Duranguense is believed to have originated in Chicago, a creation of Durangan immigrants who came to work and brought their music with them.

of Mexican immigrants in the United States.

But it is also lively and loud, with a strong, fast beat that accompanies the dance also known as the duranguense.

The three bands play regular dates in Skagit County venues and elsewhere in the state’s Mexican immigrant communities.

The music is heavily flavored with themes of missing families back in Durango and commentary on the lives

Band schedule: Saturday, Aug. 14 6 p.m. – Gallos Musical 7 p.m. – Alegres Musical de

Durango 8 p.m. – Atrevidos de Mexico

• Thursday, Aug. 12: Co-op chefs will compete for the best dish using five unknown and unrelated local ingredients to cook a meal within 30 minutes. Mystery ingredients may include meat, cheese, vegetables and fruit.

• Friday, Aug. 13: Chefs will craft a gluten-free cake using local ingredients. They’ll also bake up a batch of berry muffins featuring Skagit Valley berries.

• Saturday, Aug. 14: Galen LeGrand, the Co-op’s meat manager, will showcase locally grown meats and seafood.

The kitchen area will offer enough seating for 30 people, Buller said.

In addition to the cooking classes, the fair will feature an area for Skagit County farmers to sell their produce.

Slow Foods Skagit River will help present the Farm to Table tradeshow.

Other fair vendors will include Mike & Jean’s Berry Stand serving strawberry shortcake, Crepes de la Vallee, Pioneer Farms serving grass-fed beef burgers, and wine tasting sponsored by the Skagit Wine Association. www.goskagit.com

A Skagit Publishing Special Publication

August 11-14, 2010 / Skagit County Fair

21

Thrills for All Ages

By Trevor Pyle Rides for young people and adults. Games to challenge everybody. Those are just some of the attractions to be found this year at the Skagit County Fair.

Davis Amusement Cascadia, an Oregon-based company, will provide this year’s rides and games, having previously served fairs such as the Southeastern Washington Fair, the Mason County Fair and the Jefferson County Fair. The company has provided rides and games before at the Skagit County Fair.

The rides promise to be mild enough for young children, thrilling enough for an excitement-seeking adult, yet still appealing to all ages in between.

Youngsters can look for the Looney Airport Ride, Scooper Jets and a Mini Enterprise, where they can ride in “vehicles,” from UFOs to helicopters.

Older and more adventurous types will be drawn to the skyscraping Moon Raker, the plunging Typhoon and the Graviton, which spins riders until they are pressed against its outside walls.

Bumper cars, the Tilt-a-Whirl and super slides will satisfy the more traditional ride enthusiasts.

A book with 24 coupons for rides costs $18, 40 coupons for $30 and individual tickets for $1 apiece.

For other entertainment, fairgoers can seek out the games. Midway will offer a hoop shoot and “Machinegun Alley,” where sharpshooters can try popping a red star out of a piece of paper with a BB rifle.

Concessions will include cotton candy, curly fries, candy apples, funnel cakes and fresh lemonade.

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August 11-14, 2010 / Skagit County Fair

A Skagit Publishing Special Publication

Matt Wallis / Skagit Publishing File Photo

Trevor Ulrich of Mount Vernon rides the Dragon Wagon in the carnival at the Skagit County Fair.

www.goskagit.com

Kid Zone

The Skagit County Fair Kid Zone will feature many returning attractions, like bouncy houses, the Children’s Museum of Skagit County, pony rides, mini golf and the “milk-maker activity,” where kids can try their hands at milking a pretend cow.

Of course, you can look at literally tons of animals throughout the fairgrounds, and be sure to visit the “petting zoo” at Old McDonald’s Farm.

Between shows Aug. 11-12, Sterling the Magician will provide strolling entertainment throughout the fairgrounds. Roberto the Magnificent also will conduct a juggling workshop after his performances on Friday and Saturday mornings.

The Kid Zone will follow the “Bringing It All Back Home” theme with lots of old-fashioned fun, like gunny sack races, finding coins in a haystack, three-legged races and other attractions.

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2010 Skagit County Fair to Feature Sustainable Practices The 2010 Skagit County Fair theme “Bringing It All Back Home” emphasizes the county fair’s connection to the Skagit community, local farmers, merchants, and families.

In an effort to support a vibrant and healthy future for the Skagit County community, organizers of the 2010 Skagit County Fair are incorporating sustainable practices into the fair’s events and activities.

At the fair, organizers plan to feature local vendors, options for composting and recycling, bike racks and more.

Organizers hope to expand these initiatives at future fairs to further support a sustainable Skagit County. Even a contest is planned in the Hobbies & Crafts Division for “Recycled, Sustainable Craft.”

Skagit Grown Food and Skagit-Made Products

The fair is partnering with local farmers markets to include locally grown food and locally made products. For the 2010 fair, the Skagit County Fair is offering special rates to farmers market vendors to encourage participation.

Forms and Handbooks on the fair’s Website

Skagit County Fair organizers are offering forms and handbooks on the fair’s website (www.skagitfair.com ) in order to reduce paper use. By offering the “Premium List and Exhibitor’s Handbook” online rather than printing, organizers saved over 340,000 pages of paper.

Comprehensive Recycling and Composting

As a participant in Skagit County’s own Zero-Waste Events program (www.skagitcounty.net/zwe), the Skagit County Fair will also offer recycling and composting waste stations throughout the fairgrounds. Fair organizers hope to dramatically reduce the amount of waste sent to the landfill after the fair by encouraging fairgoers to the stations for food waste, bottles and cans.

Bike Racks at the Entrances

Bike racks will be available at the Skagit County Fair’s entrances. Organizers hope to reduce congestion and vehicle emissions by encouraging visitors to walk, bicycle and ride the bus to the fair.

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August 11-14, 2010 / Skagit County Fair

A Skagit Publishing Special Publication

Here are some ways you can help make the Skagit County Fair more sustainable.

• Use the fair’s website: View documents and buy tickets online through the Skagit County Fair website, www. skagitfair.com.

• Ride your bike or the bus or walk to the fair: Head out for a leisurely ride to the fair and enjoy the weather.

Use the fair’s bike racks, which will be available at all entrances.

• Compost and recycle at the fair: Look for the new waste disposal stations in the food vending areas.

Carefully read the signs to see which products are compostable and which ones are recyclable.

• Try other sustainable activities: join a carpool to the fair, bring a reusable bottle for water, avoid taking extra napkins or utensils, and support local vendors.

www.goskagit.com

Student Volunteers Assist as 1,000 Animals Require 1,000 Veterinary Exams

By Aaron Burkhalter

haven’t allowed animals in,” Quam said. “These are animals that are in top About 1,000 animals will descend on condition.” the fairgrounds for the Skagit County But last year’s Puyallup Fair was a Fair this year, and every single one of good reminder of how quickly disease them has to see a vet. can spread. Quam said 15 cows died It’s no small undertaking, but neces- after the fair when a sheep-borne sary to keep disease from spreading disease spread. among the animals that stay in close That’s why she sent home 10 sheep quarters for the fair, said veterinarian last year when they had goopy eyes.

Rebecca Quam.

Maybe they would have been fine, To help manage all those animals, but Quam decided to stay cautious.

Quam is enlisting as many 4-H youth “I can’t take the risk of the other as she can find. They will help herd sheep coming down with somethe animals, clean the area and even thing,” Quam said. do a few examinations, like taking an animal’s temperature, if they want to.

The youth will join a team of 15 to Follow the Skagit County Fair!

20 volunteer vets as they wrangle the beasts for two days during the fair, seeing everything from cats and dogs to cows and goats.

Quam brought in the youth helpers for the benefit of the extra hands and the educational opportunity. She has trouble enough finding volunteers who can step away from their veterinary offices to come to the fair.

SKAGIT COUNTY ZERO-WASTE EVENTS As it is, Quam handles all the sheep herself.

“I really enjoy the sheep vet checks,” for more information, call 419-7607 or visit www.skagitcounty.net/zwe Quam said. “Nobody in the area seems to like them, so I take them all.”

But she also has a new Veterinary 4-H club, and she hopes to expand vet education for youth by giving them some hands-on experience.

Open Daily Year Round The group meets weekly to learn about medical care and breeding.

During this festival, they’ll learn about FRESH FLOWERS & EXCEPTIONAL GIFTS! taking temperatures and screening for sick animals.

Open year round, RoozenGaarde offers unique gifts for the Quam said it’s unusual to send home and garden. We also ship our flowers anywhere someone’s animal home. in the USA overnight!

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A Skagit Publishing Special Publication

15867 Beaver Marsh Rd. • 360-424-8531 August 11-14, 2010 / Skagit County Fair

25

Home On The Grange

The National Grange is the United States’ oldest national agricultural organization. It was formed after the Civil War to unite the nation’s farm population and improve farmers’ economic and social position.

Originally called Order of the Patrons of Husbandry, the Grange was ritualistic with several levels of hierarchy, even incorporating names from Greek mythology for three of the female officer positions. Ceres was

the goddess representing grain and the growers of grain; Pomona was the goddess presiding over fruits; and Flora represented the goddess of flowers and springtime.

A Pomona Grange serves as the organizing body for subordinate or community granges within each county.

The Skagit County Pomona Grange oversees Fredonia and four others — Rexville Grange near La Conner, Samish Valley Grange north of Sedro-

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August 11-14, 2010 / Skagit County Fair

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A Skagit Publishing Special Publication

Woolley, Skagit Valley Grange west of Sedro-Woolley, and Summit Park Grange near Anacortes.

Longtime member Vernon Egbers said Fredonia Grange was organized and chartered Dec. 2, 1913. He joined Fredonia in 1939 and now manages the county Grange activities as deputy master. He said the original hall burned down, then was rebuilt in 1918 at the present location along Highway 20.

Micheal Custance of Clear Lake is the newest Skagit Pomona master, a position comparable to president, and he has been a member for seven years.

He said Skagit County at one time had 67 community Granges; today there are only five active ones.

Many of the original Grange halls were once used as schools; now they open their doors to serve as Red Cross shelters when the need arises, Custance said. Some Granges hold monthly or bimonthly dances. Others organize community dinners or, like Fredonia, pancake breakfasts to raise funds for building repairs or member activities.

Granges can be found in roughly 3,600 rural communities in 37 states, with about 300,000 members engaged in varied agricultural, economic and education issues. Custance said the family-oriented membership is open to the public, and anyone interested should call Egbers at 360-757-8290.

Grange membership is a heritage to many members. Custance said his wife has been a member since she was a child and he “had” to join when he married her.

(Continued on Next Page) www.goskagit.com

“My mother-in-law made it a requirement,” he said with a grin.

Richard Waits of Mount Vernon is the 2009 overseer for Skagit Pomona Grange. He grew up involved in Grange activities at Fredonia, where he also serves as master.

“My granddad was one of the original members,” he said. His grandmother, Norma Waits, now the Fredonia reporter and a Pomona officer, also served as a master.

Subordinate or community Grange masters in addition to Waits are David Pemberton at Rexville, Delbert Olander at Samish Valley, Ken Johnson at Skagit Valley and Tami Gilden at Summit Park.

Members also serving as Skagit

Pomona officers are Barbara Hoffman, lecturer; Fred Hall, steward; Dennis Hall, assistant steward; Mary Ann Weeks, lady assistant steward; Betty Whited, chaplain; Helen LaMarsh, treasurer; Jean Swift, secretary; and Robert E. Lee, Earl Whited and Gloria Hoffman, executive committee.

Other officeholders include Mildred Long, gatekeeper; Mary Hall, Ceres; Norma Waits, Pomona; Edna Waits, Flora; Charmaine Slattery, women’s auxiliary chair; and Flora Egbers, musician.

Skagit County Granges Summit Park Grange #261 8716 Stevenson Road, Anacortes Contact: Sam and Ginger Houston 360-466-3985 Fredonia Grange #545 14245 McFarland Road, Mount Vernon Contact: Vernon Egbers 360-757-8290 Skagit Valley Grange #620 21273 Cook Road, Sedro-Woolley Contact: Mary Hall 360-757-4642 Rexville Grange #815 19299 Rexville Grange Road, Rexville Contact: Cathy Savage 360-466-4023

“Many of the original Grange halls were once used as schools.”

Samish Valley Grange #926 4320 Highway 9, Sedro-Woolley Contact: Dale Olander 360-856-6225

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27

Fair’s Barrel Racing and Roping Events Relate to American Tradition of Cattle Ranching

By Aaron Burkhalter

ing to various rider levels.

The racers take less than 30 seconds Roping and barrel racing will be to zip around three barrels in a cloverpart of this year’s Skagit County Fair, leaf pattern. Riding Club President complete with prize money in some Kristen Hinton said the top racers will events. finish in about 16 seconds.

What the fair lacks in an official The evening’s show will also fearodeo presence this year it intends to ture a drill team of riders who perform make up for in its highly local presen- complicated riding patterns. tations on Friday and Saturday nights.

“It’s breathtaking,” Hinton said.

The fair’s theme is “Bringing It All “They are going at full speed and Back Home,” and that means focusing doing very intricate moves on horseon local talent. back.”

An event called Friday Night Lights Saturday evening will feature team will feature the area’s best equestrian roping, in which two people take down talent from the Pacific Northwest. a steer by the head and heels.

The Skagit Valley Riding Club will Skagit Valley Roping Club will hold barrel races with prize money go- organize the contest which should feature dozens of area ropers.

Roping Club clerk Kathy Peth said the event is scaled back from a traditional rodeo, but actually features more activities directly related to the American tradition of cattle ranching. She said these are real skills ranchers would use to deal with steers.

The events are scaled down from a full-blown rodeo, but orga-

28

August 11-14, 2010 / Skagit County Fair

A Skagit Publishing Special Publication

nizers said it gives local people a better chance at competing in front of the fair’s audience.

“There will be more local competitors than there would be at the rodeo,” Peth said. “You’re much more likely to see somebody you know competing.”

Hinton said there would be no lack of talent, because some of the best racers live within an hour of Skagit County.

“I think that’s going to be a huge plus to it,” she said. “We have some of the best barrel racers right here in the Northwest.”

www.goskagit.com

Underwater Robots

The teams get lots of help from the local community. The Explorer class team — for college-aged adults — built part of a robot named Eclipse at Janicki Industries, using carbographite shell.

The teams have proven their skill locally and nationally. A Ranger class team of junior high- and high schoolaged teens took first place in an underHawaiian Underwater Geologic Obwater robot competition at the 2010

By Aaron Burkhalter servatory.

MATE Pacific Northwest Regional The students had to design robots Challenge.

Along with the pigs, sheep and to pick up samples, read temperatures The Explorer team finished in the chickens on display at the Skagit Counand travel through tunnels. top ten in Hawaii in July, but made the ty Fair, 4-H will also show underwater McNeil said these aren’t kits or toys. top three in specific categories — engirobots.

“There’s nothing canned about neering and the poster competition.

Skagit County Sea-Tech 4-H club this,” McNeil said. “The kids have got At the Skagit County Fair, the club will display a 6,000-gallon tank filled to come up with a design entirely on members will show visitors how to with water and remote-operated vetheir own. This stuff is all done from navigate a robot in their 6,000-gallon hicles (ROVs) built by area youth for scratch.” tank. competitions held across the country He said next year’s national compeMcNeil said they would also have throughout the year. tition will take place in Houston, and partially assembled robots for kids Club Superintendent Lee McNeil he expects to see teams doing maneu- to finish building and then try out in said the youth aren’t just playing at vers related to oil well heads. buckets of water. robots. They’re learning the technology being used to fix the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico.

Alumni of similar programs nationwide are already working in the Gulf of Mexico, operating robots to fix a well head spewing millions of gallons of oil into the ocean.

Owners James & Clara Kyle “These local kids are achieving invite you to try... things that have real-world applica...“The Best Gourmet Burgers tion,” Skagit County Fair Coordinator in Skagit County” Bret Lunsford said.

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A Skagit Publishing Special Publication

August 11-14, 2010 / Skagit County Fair

29

Fair Time is 4-H Time Area youth will display hand-raised animals and practical life skills

Luke Harris / Skagit Publishing File Photo

Abby Lohman (left) of Bow and Michelle Wade of Burlington try to coax a calf from Wesen Farms into the barn at the Skagit County Fairgrounds.

By Trevor Pyle

meals to baking bread. In one project called My Favorite Food, the club From rabbits to robots, local mem- members prepare their favorite dish. bers of the 4-H will provide visitors to Photography is always a popular the Skagit County Fair plenty to see exhibit, Swift said, and there will be this year. several displays by the burgeoning The 4-H program, which allows kids shutterbugs in the group. the chance to develop skills in several One of the most well-known project areas, will once again be a big aspects of 4-H are the animal projpart of the fair’s lineup, offering aniects, and numerous examples will be mals to see, food to sample and much on display at the fair. 4-H offers 13 more. categories of animal projects, with kids “It’s fun to go to all the different raising animals for months or years barns and see what’s going. There’s beforehand. The animals range from stuff going on all day, every day,” said smaller critters, such as cats or dogs, to Jean Swift, the volunteer 4-H fair the much larger sheep, goats, horses coordinator. and cows.

This year’s slate includes a display Other youth groups will also presby the program’s nationally recogent displays at the fair. And the FFA nized underwater robotics team, which is an important part of the lineup. will be set up in an above-ground The FFA, formerly known as swimming pool.

Future Farmers of America, focuses “It’s always a big hit,” Swift said. on agricultural education activities The kids will also present cooking for young people. projects, ranging from making entire Presentations on horticulture will

30

August 11-14, 2010 / Skagit County Fair

A Skagit Publishing Special Publication

be among the FFA members’ displays of cattle, swine, sheep and goats.

To delight smaller children, they will also offer an Old McDonald’s Farm display that includes calves, baby goats, lambs, wiener pigs and baby rabbits.

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Meals at the Market Buffet

a triBute to Journey with nw Comedian

10% OFF

Kermet Apio

Friday, October 15 at 7 & 9:30 pm Reserved Tickets: $15 $13 with Rewards Car

Headline Entertainment in The Pacific Showroom

Visit Our New website!

theskagit.com 877-275-2448 Owned by Upper Skagit Indian Tribe

I-5 Exit 236 5 Min. North of Burlington

Casino opens at 9 am daily. Must be 21 or older with valid ID to enter casino, restaurants or showroom. *Management reserves all rights. Discounts cannot be combined with any other offer. Tax and gratuity not included.

ENNW