Othello Fair, Rodeo return for 2022

OTHELLO — Exhibits, rides, rodeo, a demolition derby, the annual parade; there’s going to be a lot to do at the annual Othello Fair, Othello Rodeo and Demolition Derby which begins Wednesday.

Events get started early Wednesday with market class livestock judging at 9 a.m. for all participants. Market class will continue all day.

The exception is the poultry class, according to information on the fair website. Following recommendations from the Washington State Veterinarian’s Office, waterfowl will not be allowed on the grounds, and all market-class birds will be terminated at the end of the fair. No birds will be returned to their owners, according to the announcement from fair organizers.

Children who want to participate but not bring a bird to the fairgrounds can substitute a stuffed animal with a circus theme. Organizers also are planning a “purdie birdie” photo contest, where participants dress up their animals and submit a photograph for judging.

The Davis Shows carnival opens at noon each day. The fair also features entertainment daily.

Judging for the “Hometown Heroes” chili cookoff is at 5 p.m. The cookoff pits local organizations and businesses against each other to determine the best chili in - well, at the fair. Proceeds from chili sales go to the winner’s charity of choice.

Time trials for the annual Demolition Derby, sponsored by the Othello Rodeo Association, begin at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. The time trials are followed by the trophy dash, heat races, Australian pursuit, the Bill Bagwell Memorial winners race, culminating in the demo derby itself.

Advance tickets are available online, through a link on the rodeo association's social media, and at local businesses in Othello.

Thursday begins with fitting and showing competition for livestock classes at 9 a.m. Livestock competition continues all day.

A new event has been added for 2022; the best hay stackers around will be invited to show off their skills in the hay bucking contest, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Contestants will build a stack, break it down, move it and reassemble it, with the best time winning.

Friday opens with livestock judging for 4-H and Future Farmers of America participants at 8:30 a.m. The round-robin fitting and showing for livestock class winners will be at noon. Livestock class winners will receive their awards in a ceremony at 1:30 p.m.

The Othello Rodeo returns for two nights of performances at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Saturday features the Othello Fair parade, rolling down Othello’s main street at 10 a.m. The livestock sale, where FFA and 4-H producers see the return from their labor, begins at 11 a.m. Saturday. A car show is scheduled for noon at the fairgrounds, with awards at 4 p.m.

Cheryl Schweizer may be reached at cschweizer@columbiabasinherald.com.