Fair vibe precedes itself in Asotin County

ASOTIN — You know it’s Asotin County Fair time as soon as you drive into town.

The carnival crew is setting up at Chief Looking Glass Park, patriotic banners are swaying in the breeze on Second Street, and volunteers are putting the finishing touches on displays at the fairgrounds.

The 82nd Asotin County Fair and Hells Canyon Rodeo will be in full swing Friday through Sunday, featuring exhibits, a cowboy breakfast, parade, livestock sale and fun activities for the whole family. “Cowboy Boots and Bucking Chutes” is the theme of the 2024 event.

Fair Board President Peggy Hansford said the fairgrounds will be filled with entertainment options, tasty treats, and dedicated 4-H members and Future Farmers of America showing their animals.

“We put in work year-round to make this a success for the kids and the county,” Hansford said. “We hope people come out to the fair and rodeo and just enjoy everything we have to offer.”

From strolling through the barns to riding a mechanical bull, there’s a wide variety of things to do, Hansford said.

The Saturday morning parade is always popular, and the livestock sale that afternoon typically draws a large crowd. Free shuttle rides will be offered throughout Asotin to help transport folks from the downtown area to the fairgrounds.

A cowboy magician, interactive pirate performer and Smiles the Clown are on the schedule, along with a Tumbleweed Crossing show about the Wild West.

A barbecue dinner by Love Shack Kitchen will be available from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday in the Bennett Building. The menu includes slow-smoked beef, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, rolls and smoked cherry cobbler for $16 a plate. Seniors, veterans and kids get a discount.

Rainier Amusements will be providing carnival rides, games and food near the football field and tennis courts. Other vendors will be selling arts, crafts and other items at the city’s street fair Saturday.

Jeff and Denise Hammrich are this year’s grand marshals. They’ve been active participants at the fair for decades, especially while raising daughters Cami Browne and Nicole Triplett. Both girls served as royalty and were active members of 4-H and FFA.

Jadeyn Perin, of Enterprise, Ore., is this year’s royalty queen. She will be representing the Asotin County Fair and Hells Canyon Rodeo at numerous events throughout the busy weekend.

The cowboy breakfast Saturday will feature pancakes, sausage, coffee and juice for $7 per person. It’s a good place to see old friends and start the day, board members said. The coffee and food will be ready at 6 a.m., and served until 9:30 a.m., so folks have time to get to the parade.

More information about the fair and a complete schedule are available online at asotincountyfairandrodeo.org.

Sandaine can be reached at kerris@lmtribune.com.