Local organizers gathered at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds community stage late this morning to cut the ribbon and officially start this year’s Southwest Washington Fair (SWWF).
SWWF board member Jerry Owens opened up the ceremony by recognizing local elected officials in attendance as well as his fellow SWWF board members.
“There’s lots of things happening, so know that you’ll want to look at every building and see every place you can go and all of the things that are being presented for you to enjoy this year,” Owens said.
Two groups of animals have been barred from the fair this year though. Owens explained that due to illnesses currently spreading among the animal populations, both rabbits and poultry are not allowed.
Then Little Miss Friendly MaKayla Maynard, along with the contestants for this year’s Little Miss Friendly contest, were brought on stage and introduced. The Little Miss Friendly competition will take place later tonight starting at 6 p.m. on the Saloon Stage at the fairgrounds.
Connie Riker, Lewis County Parks and Recreation director, then took the stage and told attendees about some of the improvements that have been made to the fairgrounds as well as more to come.
For this year, the pavilion has been repainted and more bathrooms have been added.
“We’re also very pleased to have received a $250,000 grant from the Washington state Department of Agriculture, and that grant is specifically to help improve the swine barn and area,” Riker said.
Repairs to the swine barn will include a new roof and improvements to the pens inside.
Riker ended the introduction by thanking the numerous local volunteers and legislators for their work in getting the fair ready for the community.
The fair will continue throughout the week until 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Learn more at https://southwestwashingtonfair.org/.
