The Southwest Washington Fair’s theme for Aug. 15 to 20 is “Bee Friendly! Bee at the Fair!” according to a news release from the fair office this week.
Signup forms for Little Miss Friendly, the “living logo” of the fair, the talent show and all open class, 4H and FFA entries are now open at the office at 1909 S. Gold St., Centralia, and will soon be open online at https://southwestwashingtonfair.org.
Little Miss Friendly, who must be between ages 8 and 10, has year-long responsibilities as the fair’s ambassador, according to the news release. Finalists are chosen one week before the fair and the winner is announced on Tuesday, the first fair night.
The current titleholder is Emma Britton, of Chehalis, who was 9 years old when first donning the blue cape last August.
Talent show entrants compete in youth, teen or adult categories. Auditions are required, and the final talent show is held at noon on Sunday, Aug. 20. Up to $500 in prize money is awarded.
Creators, farmers, artists and more are now able to register in the open class divisions of many departments home arts, florals, hobbies and crafts, photography, and other arts. Animal departments with open class categories are beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, boer goats, dairy goats, swine and poultry. Last year, poultry was not allowed at the fair due to cases of bird flu being reported in several neighboring counties.
For more information, read the Exhibitors’ Handbook on the fair website. Department superintendents and their contact information are listed, and, according to the release, “they’ll be glad to help you with your entries.”
Two days after the fair ends, the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds host the Washington state Garlic Festival. More information on the event can be found on the fair’s website.
The Southwest Washington Fair office is located at 1909 South Gold St., Centralia, and the phone number is 360-740-1495.
