Grant County Fair opens for 2007

Youth exhibitors march in first ceremony

MOSES LAKE— It was an opening ceremony to begin all opening ceremonies.

The Grant County Fair officially kicked off Monday evening with the first annual opening ceremony in the Ken Ardell Pavilion at the Grant County Fairgrounds.

Youth exhibitors representing such categories as poultry, sheep, dairy and rabbits lined outside the pavilion shortly before the ceremony began at 8:30 p.m., while spectators eagerly lined the bleachers inside to cheer them on as they entered the building.

Fair Board Director Casey McDowall had originally conceived of the free event as a morale boost for the exhibitors as they embarked on a long and stressful week.

Fair officials and leaders were present to mark the occasion, including the Grant County Commissioners and FFA and 4-H representatives.

Pam Sortomme sang the national anthem.

Following the ceremony, McDowall seemed near speechless with delight about how things had gone.

"That was wonderful, I'm so proud of them," she said. "More than my expectations, I didn't know how the first year would go. I'm really proud they came in and I'm proud of all the parents who came and supported them. I'm happy. I hope they have a great week now."

Eight-year-old Trevor Fuller said he was a little embarrassed "because of all the people" when he found himself leading the parade as a representative of the poultry category, but he enjoyed the festivities.

"Walking," he replied when asked what he enjoyed about it, and nodded when he was asked if he would participate in another opening ceremony. "Because it's fun."

Trevor's 11-year-old brother, Cody, thought the ceremony was fun.

"I had a rough time standing there, my legs really hurt," he said. "Usually I don't like standing up, I just like moving around."

Cody thought he would probably participate again, too.

Sue Hodges wanted to show her support for a new and different event.

"I think it was awesome," she said. "We need to have more of it."

Hodges enjoyed watching the spectators.

"And of course, the youth," she added. "That's what it's all about."

Wesley Cannon was present because he likes to watch the horses and their riders, and the little kids participating in the events.

"I thought it was beautiful," fair board Chairman Bill West said. "I thought it went really, really well. I was glad to see such a great crowd."

West said the fair originally attempted to offer a ceremony on a Tuesday during the early days of the Gulf War, in honor of those in military service.

"But these kids, the things they do and the sacrifices they give to summer going away quick and they're out here with their animals, it's a good thing, it's a positive thing," he said.

West would "absolutely" like to see the event continue.

"I think it's something we've got to do," he said.