Over $10,000 raised for fairgrounds at Wampum

In a quiet evening on the Fairgrounds, after a very windy Ritzville day which included the major Undeberg Track Meet at Jimmie Snider Field, some 80 to 100 folks parked on the grass, crossed the bridge, passed by five large BBQ grills and turned the corner to enter the Knuth Building for the annual Wampum fundraising dinner and auction for the Wheat Land Communities' Fair.

As the inside of the renovated building filled, so did the hum of locals greeting each other, taking in the tables of auction items (both silent and live) and commenting on the ambient temperature, which is now under control of heating and air-conditioning units.

The 6:30 hour opened the dining tables supplied by Rollin' Coal BBQ, featuring beef brisket, BBQ pork sandwiches and chicken, served with bacon bowtie Caesar salad, baked beans and fruit salad. Initially, an announcement was made that the chicken had encountered a problem at the BBQ and would be delayed. But the wait was worth it, and everybody appeared well-fed and happy.

Lori Williams opened the evening's activities with the introduction of Fritz Coon, President of the Board for the Wheat Land Communities' Fair. He, in turn, announced that before the advertised auction, he had a special presentation. Fred Blauert has been active, some say a driving force, behind the development of the Fairgrounds. President Coon presented him with a plaque honoring him for his many years of service.

Blauert shared some of his memories of the work during years past, particularly when after a few hours of sweat-breaking effort at the fairground, he took a break, laying and dozing under the cool shade of his truck. Unknown to him, someone came by and snapped a photograph of him laying down with closed eyes. For some time after, that photo in the hands of friends required an explanation as to why he was sleeping on the job. He is very respected and appreciated by those who have been involved with the fairgrounds, as indicated by a lengthy standing ovation.

Prior to the auction, Janet Manke announced that last year's royalty (Jersey Hamilton, Ericka Koenig, and Alycia Phelps) would remain for another year. Jerry Snyder, auctioneer for the evening, took it from there. There were three sets of live auction items with breaks between.

Auction items began with a Jake Harder Metal sculpture of a farmer digging a post hole, and included a Hells Canyon Tour, table runners, quilt, two turkeys (live or processed), hay, Iva Kuster's Cinnamon Rolls and numerous other items-both simple and complex-donated by citizens, businesses and offices.

After one Free Pump by Bittick Septic Service was auctioned off, the next item up was Fertilizer – with the obvious connection made by auctioneer Snyder. With an effort to raise the bids, he commented that, "the more you pay for it, the better it tastes," and, "the more you drink, the prettier it looks."

It's fair to say-no pun intended-that Wampum this year was not only fun, but financially successful. At a preliminary count, over $8,800 was raised at the auction, with another $4,000 to 5,000 coming in via cash donations and sponsorships.

As sometimes happens at events like this, leftover chicken and brisket was auctioned off and the table centerpieces were sold. The sponsors of Wampum wish to thank the community, which always responds with help-financial and otherwise-for support of the Fair. Fair dates this year are August 29 to September 1.