The fun, ribbons, kettle corn and lemonade are flowing at the Grays Harbor County Fair in Elma.
For Eileen Thompson of Napavine and Diane Williams of Olympia, that means one thing: Baked goods.
Williams and Thompson are the judges for the fair’s baked goods contests. Spread out before them Wednesday morning were tables with dozens of cookies, cakes, breads and other various and sundry yummy treats. In a fridge not far away were 16 pies. In total, there were 87 entries they would judge based on appearance, flavor, texture, taste, etc.
“We start dieting in May,” Thompson said.
Dressage riders and their horses were warming up while the junior gaming showmanship competitors displayed their horses. While Olivia Keefer of Ocean Shores and her horse, TBF Arendal, waited for their chance at the dressage competition, Olivia’s friend and Best Of Times 4H club teammate Justyne McWillis waited outside the ring. Justyne, who would compete in western pleasure, stock seat, figure 8s and barrels, was there for support and a supply of food to keep Olivia’s diabetes in check.
Tractors were lined up outside the show arena and nearby were some miniature toy versions.
The fairgoers were starting to trickle in as the day heated up. Soon, tens of thousands of people would be walking around checking out the zebra and zebroid (half zebra, half equine, often called a “zedonk”), bearded dragon lizard, patagonian cavy, and other exotic animals.
And the vedors are ready with the food and drinks. And the rides are ready to spin and twist and plunge and bounce fairgoers.
Coming concerts
• Today: Dan Whyms tribute to Johnny Cash, 4 p.m. Pavilion/Custom Security Stage, free with paid admission.
• Tonight: William Michael Morgan, 8 p.m., Pepsi Stage, $25-45.
• Friday: Humptulips with Ericka Corban and Tony Wintrip, 7:30 p.m., Pepsi Stage, free with admission.
• Saturday: Green River Revival, 8 p.m., Pepsi Stage, free with paid admission.
Michael Lang | The Vidette A table of sweets waits for baked goods judges Eileen Thompson, left, and Diane Williams on Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018, at the Grays Harbor County Fair in Elma. The fair runs through Sunday.
Michael Lang | The Vidette Bouncy houses await bounding boys and girls Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018, at the Grays Harbor County Fair in Elma. The fair runs through Sunday.
Michael Lang | The Vidette There’s fresh kettle corn Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018, at the Grays Harbor County Fair in Elma. The fair runs through Sunday.
Michael Lang | The Vidette Competitor Justyne McWillis of Aberdeen waits while her friend competes in a dressage competition Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018, at the Grays Harbor County Fair in Elma. The fair runs through Sunday.
Michael Lang | The Vidette Rides and food are always popular at the Grays Harbor County Fair in Elma. Picture take Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018.
Michael Lang | The Vidette Alexxis, 5, leads Tami Martin on a tour of the Master Gardeners garden Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018, at the Grays Harbor County Fair in Elma. The fair runs through Sunday.
Michael Lang | The Vidette Colonial gardener Debbie Knight, left, of Aberdeen and and Leilani Linden of Hoquiam share a laugh Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018, at the Grays Harbor County Fair in Elma. The fair runs through Sunday.
Michael Lang | The Vidette Some of the flowers growing in the Master Gardeners garden Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018, at the Grays Harbor County Fair in Elma. The fair runs through Sunday.
Michael Lang | The Vidette Ribbon-winning gladiolas sit in front of ribbon-winning quilts Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018, at the Grays Harbor County Fair in Elma. The fair runs through Sunday.
Michael Lang | The Vidette Goats get plenty of time to do what goats do Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018, at the Grays Harbor County Fair in Elma. The fair runs through Sunday. Michael Lang | The Vidette Goats get plenty of time to do what goats do Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018, at the Grays Harbor County Fair in Elma. The fair runs through Sunday.
Michael Lang | The Vidette A knitted sweater on display Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018, at the Grays Harbor County Fair in Elma. The fair runs through Sunday.
Michael Lang | The Vidette Classic racing cars are on display Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018, at the Grays Harbor County Fair in Elma. The fair runs through Sunday.
Michael Lang | The Vidette You can vote for your favorite quilt patch, on display in this case Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018, at the Grays Harbor County Fair in Elma. The fair runs through Sunday.
Michael Lang | The Vidette Toy trucks are on display Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018, at the Grays Harbor County Fair in Elma. The fair runs through Sunday.
Michael Lang | The Vidette A row of tractors await visitors Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018, at the Grays Harbor County Fair in Elma. The fair runs through Sunday.
Michael Lang | The Vidette A zebroid awaits visitors Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2018, at the Grays Harbor County Fair in Elma. The fair runs through Sunday.
Michael Lang | The Vidette A Zebra awaits visitors Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2018, at the Grays Harbor County Fair in Elma. The fair runs through Sunday.
Michael Lang | The Vidette Kylee Simpson, 7, of Aberdeen, braids Rosebuds hair Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018, at the Grays Harbor County Fair in Elma. The fair runs through Sunday.
