Fair, rodeo action return on Labor Day weekend

The Wheat Land Communities’ Fair and Ritzville Rodeo will roll into Ritzville next week for the annual shindig featuring four days of wild rodeo action and fierce competitions in youth departments.

Topping the Sept. 1-4 event is a pair of parades and a barbecue on Saturday as well as numerous booths and food vendors at the fairgrounds

The Ritzville Community Parade is slated for Saturday, Sept. 3, with the children’s parade and grand parade through the streets of downtown Ritzville.

This year’s theme for the children’s parade is “Sea Monkeys.” Those wishing to participate should meet at the Dr. Frank R. Burroughs’ Home at 408 West Main Avenue no later than 10:30 a.m. Participants will make their way down Main Avenue at 10:45 a.m.

Following the Kiddie Parade, entries including floats, marching bands and vintage automobiles will make their way through the main parade at 11 a.m.

Grand marshal for the parade is Alma Galbreath. Organizers also chose Ralph Danekas to serve as an honorary grand marshal posthumously.

A hit with youngsters returns as students currently in the second grade are invited to take a ride through downtown Ritzville on a fire truck for the annual Labor Day weekend parade the morning of Sept. 3.

Following the parade the Ritzville Gun Club will host the annual beef barbecue at the Ritzville City Park.

Fair and rodeo advance tickets through Aug. 31 are $55 for family pass, $22 for adult pass, $17 for senior (age 62 years and older) and $12 for youth pass (ages 5-12).

Advance tickets are available from fair board or rodeo members as well as at Leffel, Otis & Warwick and Sunny Spot Floral and Gifts in Ritzville; Java Bloom in Washtucna; and Jim’s Market in Lind.

For more information, visit the fair’s website at http://www.fair.goritzville.com, by e-mail at [email protected] or by contacting the Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce at 659-1936.