The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG – Rainy weather didn't put a damper on Waitsburg's 64th-Annual Waitsburg Livestock Show and Fair on June 9. A longstanding Waitsburg tradition, the event was well-attended by competitors and spectators alike.

It was once known as the Waitsburg Livestock Show, and open only to 4-H and FFA members. However, the name was changed a few years ago to be more inclusive, and now welcomes open class entries.

Walla Walla County youth and adults of all ages compete in a variety of animal categories, including beef, swine, sheep, goats, poultry, rabbits and horses. Competitors practice poise and appearance by demonstrating skills in market, breeding and/or showmanship classes.

There were 125 entries in the applied arts building showcasing educational displays, arts and crafts, clothing, horticulture and more.

The event is put on by the Waitsburg Livestock Show and Fair Board, consisting of Sandra Farley (President), Tracy Barron, Kevin House, Jake Long, Justin Gagnon, Becky Harshman and Nicole Abel. While not official board members, spouses can often be seen lending helping hands.

"We meet two to three times a year. We've done it long enough, and those who went before us have done it long enough, that most of the kinks have been worked out," said Barron.

Barron said that about 10 4-H groups, from Waitsburg, Dayton, Huntsville and Walla Walla were represented at this year's event.

"Funding comes from sponsors, and we do apply for state funding based on our show size each year," Farley said. "The state fair judge evaluated us this year and awarded the applied art building the State Fair Commission Special Award.

The Waitsburg Lions Club also supports the fair financially, and Lions members staff the cook shack to keep fairgoers well fed with breakfast and lunch.