Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887
Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887
ADDED THRILLS. The youngsters will have some extra fun during the Wheat Land Communities’ Fair this year as Paradise Amusements brings its carnival to the event after a two-year hiatus. The carnival will feature midway games and amusement park style rides for kids of all ages. This is a file photo taken during the 2007 fair as carnival enthusiasts waited for their turn on the Round-Up. Admission to the fair does not include the cost of carnival rides.
Area residents are gearing up for the annual Wheat Land Communities’ Fair and Ritzville Rodeo this weekend beginning today (Thursday), Sept. 1.
For four days, exhibitors, spectators and community members will enjoy wild rodeo action and fierce competitions in youth departments.
Topping the weekend is a pair of parades and a barbecue on Saturday as well as numerous booths and food vendors at the fairgrounds.
Community Parade
The Ritzville Community Parade is slated to begin this Saturday, Sept. 3, with the children’s parade and grand parade through the streets of downtown Ritzville.
The theme for this year’s children’s parade is “Sea Monkeys.” Those wishing to participate should meet at the Dr. Frank R. Burroughs Home and Museum, 408 West Main Avenue, no later than 10:30 a.m.
Following the Kiddie Parade, entries including floats, marching bands and vintage automobiles are slated to make their way through the main parade at 11 a.m.
Fire truck ride
Second graders will hop on a fire truck for a ride through the grand parade. Parents of any second grade student may take children to the fire station on First Avenue and Adams Street that morning by 10:45 a.m. for a ride.
The trucks will return the youth to the fire station following the parade.
Barbecue in the Park
Following the parade the Ritzville Gun Club will host the annual beef barbecue at the Ritzville City Park.
Fair and Rodeo Attractions & Activities
Handmade, home canned, homegrown, on-the-hoof and au natural entries are on display during the Wheat Land Communities’ Fair.
In addition to livestock and non-livestock judging competitions, a full roster of events and activities is planned for all ages.
The Washington Army National Guard will be present with demonstrations and activities, Thursday through Saturday, including a rock climbing wall, NASCAR trailer and a Humvee.
New to the lineup of activities are several rounds of horseshoes in various categories, including youth, men’s, women’s and doubles action.
The Kids Play Midway Area will tempt younger fair goers with a straw maze, miniature golf and kid’s pedal tractors.
On Sunday, the WSU Raptor Club will offer presentations at 1:30 and 3 p.m.
Ag Olympics returns for more daily fun as competitors of all ages battle in contests such as pig catching and pie eating.
Livestock activities for open youth, 4-H members and FFA members round out the weekend.
Times for both gymkhana sessions have changed since the premium book was distributed – 10 years and under are in the arena at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1, while ages 11-17 and adults will converge in the arena at 1:30 p.m.
Fitting and showing for rabbits and poultry is scheduled for Thursday while swine, goats, sheep and beef fitting and showing is on Friday.
The top exhibitors in each department will go head to head in the 4-H and FFA Round Robin contest at 3:30 p.m. on Friday.
The culmination of the exhibitors’ efforts is the Livestock Auction on Saturday afternoon at 1:30 p.m.
The Ritzville Rodeo celebrates its 42nd year of offering some of the best rodeo competitors in the Pacific Northwest.
This year’s event features the Professional Western Rodeo Association (Pro-West) rodeo with performances at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday night. The Ritzville Rodeo Queen coronation is set for Saturday at 7 p.m. after the contest earlier that day at 3 p.m.
The Ritzville Rodeo Association has added a roster of new attractions during its milestone event. Award-winning rodeo announcer Bob Garrett has returned to the announcers box to keep the audience informed during all the activities.
In addition, the McMillan Trick Riders are scheduled as are the Skagit Rein Riders Rodeo Performance Drill Team.
On Friday night, cowboys and cowgirls will dress it up for Tough Enough to Wear Pink night.
New to the lineup is the Ultimate Cowgirl Contest featuring local contestants.
Returning to the rodeo arena Sunday afternoon are antique tractor and gas/diesel pulls. Local trucks are welcome to compete for cash prizes in multiple classes.
Reader Comments(0)