LAKEPORT>>> “A Blast From the Past” is this year’s theme for the Lake County Fair, a fitting title for the nostalgic special events they have planned throughout. The annual Fair in Lakeport begins Thursday at 6 p.m. and ends on Sunday at 11 p.m. It all starts with the Fair Parade, an almost forgotten tradition which returns this year.
The Fair Parade will jump start the fair, Thursday, August 28 at 5:20 p.m. at Xabatin Park / Dutch Harbor, making
its way down Main Street to the Fairgrounds’ main entrance on Martin Street. This tradition had almost been lost as it was not attainable for the past five years. To top it off the Parade’s Grand Marshal will be Congressman Mike Thompson. Thursday night is also Kid’s Night, and all children under 12 receive free admission. Opening night, the fairgrounds will host the Blue Ribbon Dinner and also the Junior Bull Riders Tour at the grandstand.
At the Mather Barn on Friday evening at 6 p.m. there is another special event scheduled, which also happens to be the inspiration for the “Blast From the Past” theme. In 1999, 26 years ago, the Upper Lake 4-H Club planted a time machine capsule on the fairgrounds. According to the fair’s Facebook page ticket prices for Friday will be discounted to $6 for adults and $3 for kids and seniors. “In honor of this piece of history, we’re also blasting Friday night’s admission prices back to the year 1999.” Also on Friday will be the Moto X-Treme Circus at the grandstand, featuring high-flying FMX and BMX stunts, the Globe of Death, and more,
Saturday is a big day at the fair considering it is the Junior Farm Auction. The auction is the culmination of almost an entire year of hard work and commitment from the young members participating in 4-H and FFA groups. The day starts early for potential buyers as they are invited to the Buyer’s Breakfast, which is the last opportunity for the kids to showcase their animals and pitch to buyers. From there the auction begins.
The ever-popular boat races return with the addition of a standalone demolition derby, a night of high-octane action for the whole family. The demolition derby and boat races will begin at the grandstand, always filling the air with dust as tires screech and cars crash loudly into each other, with or without a boat in tow.
On the fair’s final day, Sunday, there will be an awards ceremony and also the annual Jaripeo (Mexican Rodeo) hosted by Lake County Tribal Health. Also on Sunday will be the annual Lake County Idol competition with three categories, little, junior and adult.
Of course it goes without mention that the Lake County Fair is not only home to many local vendors and small businesses full of delicious fair foods, but also serves as a showcase for our local shining stars. Allowing any and all entries for a wide variety of competitions individuals both young and old have entered their perfectly grown fruits and vegetables, or their themed flower arrangements, baked goods, preserved foods, fine art, poetry, the list goes on. Beyond the arena, the Fair features livestock shows, still exhibits, a bustling midway carnival and live entertainment across multiple stages — offering something for everyone; with over 500 additional exhibits and more vendors than in years past, this is one county fair you won’t want to miss. So as you wander the fairgrounds this weekend, finding community in every exhibit should not be a hard task.
