Chelan County Fair opens its gates today
Jill FitzSimmons, Cashmere Chamber of Commerce
Sept. 08, 2011
The One-Armed Bandit makes his debut at the Chelan County Fair on Saturday.
Four full days of farm animals, food and family entertainment kicks off today when the gates open for the 2011 Chelan County Fair.
The fair draws more than 25,000 gate attendees, making it the 18th largest of 49 fairs in the state.
The ticket booth and barns open at 9 a.m. daily. The carnival opens at 2 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Back this year are the Cooks Racing Pigs, a real crowd pleaser. The rodeo is at 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Saturday's events include a street dance behind the rodeo grandstands with entertainment by the Omak band Ragged. Other events to look forward to:
* The award-winning wines will be featured at the fair's Wine Fest 2011. A wine garden (bottle or glass sales) will be open all four days of the fair, with a tasting event to be held Friday and Saturday nights.
* The Hunters of the Sky educational program by the Sardis Raptor Center returns to the fair. The Sardis Raptor Center is the largest bird of prey center in the Pacific Northwest. Hunters of the Sky offers information of the most magnificent birds of prey including eagles, hawks, owls and falcons.
* Predators of the Heart is an up-close animal encounter show based out of Anacortes that aims to educate audiences about wildlife. Featured are wolves, a cougar, bobcats, birds of prey and reptiles.
*The One-Armed Bandit makes his debut appearance this year. John Payne, a performer with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, performs with his buffaloes and horses before the rodeo Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. Don't miss this exciting show!
For a complete schedule and gate prices, visit the Chelan County Fair website.
