57th Annual West Valley Fair, August 2-4, 2007

The West Valley Fair began 57 years ago behind the Grange building in Ahtanum.  Today, the fair is a thriving part of the West Valley, highlighting the area’s agricultural tradition, and providing a learning experience for area youth to display their 4-H and FFA projects in the fields of Home Economics, Still Life, and Agriculture.  Preparing and presenting an exhibit for the fair, whether it’s a market lamb or a blue ribbon photograph, teaches self-respect, responsibility, pride in achievement, and good sportsmanship.   

And as this author can attest, it’s just plain fun!  I showed my horse and rabbits at the West Valley Fair many moons ago, and I also entered my 4-H record book.  The sense of accomplishment that comes from successfully competing in a community fair is hard to beat.  It’s easy to enjoy the fair, whether you’re an exhibitor, a former exhibitor, the friend or family member of an exhibitor, or just a community member!

The West Valley Fair is held approximately 8 miles from Union Gap in Wiley City.  The fairgrounds are just off Ahtanum Road on S. Wiley Road.  For a full schedule of events and a map, visit the West Valley Fair website.   

The Fair officially kicked off this year with horse and dog shows on Saturday, July 28^th.  Entries in other divisions were also accepted and judged from July 28^th to August 1^st.  Thursday, August 2^nd marks the official start of the fair, which runs until 10pm Thursday and Friday, and until 12 noon on Saturday, concluding with the Market Livestock Sale. 

Thursday’s activities will include: 

Rabbit, Cavy, Critter Pals (rats, etc.), Poultry, and Cat project exhibits and judging

Livestock Judging contest

Market Beef, Market Swine, Market Lambs, and Breeding Stock judging

Rabbit, Cavy, Critter Pals, and Poultry Fitting and Showing competition

Cat Costume review

Llama Showmanship

Tractor Driving competition

Dress Revue, Hay King, and Pie Queen competitions, and Pie Auction

Friday’s activities will include: 

• Llama Obstable Course
• Swine, Dairy, Sheep, Beef, and Goat Fitting and Showing
• Fleece and Fiber judging
• Small Animal Round Robin
• Large Animal Round Robin
• Awarding of Trophies

Saturday’s activities will include: 

• Pancake feed, 7am
• Parade line-up and judging, 9am
• Parade, 9:30am
• Fun and Games for all ages beginning at 10am
• Market Livestock Sale beginning at 12 noon

all photos courtesy of the West Valley Fair Board