Exhibits are the backbone of the fair

It’s almost here. Asotin County’s gearing up to kick off the Washington state fair season with “The Hills Are Alive in ’85” Thursday through Sunday. This is the first of more than 90 fairs to occur in Washington state. Shelves, stalls, cages and stages have been cleaned and decorated. Entry cards are checked and stacked. Pencils are sharpened and crowd control strategies are plotted.

Superintendents have readied volunteers, studied the premium book from cover to cover and planned displays.

Poised in the wings are keen-eyed judges, ready to put their knowledge to work. What they need are exhibits — the cakes, rabbits, needlework, flowers, foods and other items — to turn empty exhibit halls, barns and arenas into a fair.

Exhibits make a fair.

The filled shelves, parade down main street, a gentle “moo” at passersby, and lets a county’s residents show themselves and others what they are most proud of. It may be the youth, community spirit, a sense of cooperation, local commodities — any or all segments. Fairs provide communities an annual chance to come together and celebrate all they have.

A fair’s exhibits showcase a communities values, hopes, dreams and efforts. Everyone exhibiting their talents and efforts helps shape this overall statement of their community.

Fairs also are an excellent source of community and individualized education. Judges not only evaluate entries and award ribbons, they also provide the exhibitor written comment about how exhibits could be improved or what was well done. People strolling through the grounds can see what makes a quality exhibit and how to improve their own efforts.

To exhibit takes only your desire, a product and knowledge of exhibit rules and guidelines. The Asotin County fair book is your guide. What can be exhibited, quantities, how to prepare items, dates and guidelines are provided. These books are available at the Asotin County Extension Office at Asotin.

Exhibiting at the county fair is fun, educational and a contribution to your community.

One last tip - bring your best. Both you and Asotin County deserve nothing less.

Powell is the Asotin County area extension agent.

This story was published in the April 23, 1985, edition of the Lewiston Tribune.