The fair, or at least the sale, must go on

RITZVILLE — The Wheat Land Communities’ Fair Board of Directors is not sure yet if the Labor Day weekend fair will take place this year.

They are monitoring the reopening situation of the county, and remain in communication with the local health department.

“We are delaying our decision until we know more of what the local health department will be advising us, come Labor Day weekend. We thought we would take it month by month,” board member Lori Williams said. “We do recognize that fairs are canceling throughout the state and nation, but we feel we are pretty unique in that we focus on just our local community. We don’t have the large group and carnival restrictions other fairs are running into.”

Williams said no matter what the fair looks like, the junior livestock show and sale is set for September 5.

“Our youth exhibitors purchased their livestock as late as last October, so we would like to give them the opportunity to showcase their projects, and offer a market sale to our community,” Williams said. “I’m the livestock sales secretary, so that is my priority, to make sure we offer an avenue for these kids who have invested the time and money into raising an animal, and provide the opportunity to those who can benefit from purchasing the meat.”

Williams said the board is working with long-time auctioneer the Booker Auction Company, and continues to receive the support of Dr. Tim Johnston.

Wampum, the annual dinner and fundraiser held each April since 1981, will be held at a date yet to be determined.

“That’s how we raise the funds to cover our growing insurance costs and grounds maintenance costs, so we’re still looking at a revision of the annual Wampum, to allow people to contribute to our community fairgrounds and the costs associated with maintaining it,” Williams said.

Meanwhile, the rodeo has been cancelled — at least for now.

Ritzville Rodeo President Scott Yaeger said the board and membership “made the tough decision” to cancel the annual Friday — Saturday night 2020 Ritzville Rodeo.

“We will meet again in July to look at what phase Adams County is in with COVID to possibly organize a one-day event during Labor Day Weekend,” Yaeger said. “We are also in contact with the Wheat Land Community Fair, as they have not yet decided what, if anything, they are doing on Labor Day Weekend.”