By GEORGE KUNKE, geoakunke@gmail.com
Tuesday, August 23, 2022 3:20 pm

MENLO - The 2022 Pacific County Fair is back at full force after two years of limitations because of the pandemic. The Pacific County Fair offers all a chance to relax and enjoy themselves with the theme "HOMEGROWN, HANDMADE & FARM FRESH" opens today at 9:30 this morning and continues through Saturday at the Pacific County Fairgrounds located at 5 Fair Lane off Route 6 in the wholesome little town of Menlo.

There promises to be plenty of authentic displays of artwork, hobbies, bakery, canned food, fruits and vegetables, photography, beautiful flowers, industrial arts, needlework and sewing, a Youth Livestock Auction, more animals, comedians, musical entertainment, great food, several contests, a bungee jump, several bouncy houses, rides, plenty of fun for kids, and much more!

The Fair dates all the way back to 1896 but wasn't until 1921 when it landed on its current location.

Fair Manager Bill Monohon was kind enough to offer his time and answer questions from the Herald about this year's Pacific County Fair.

Herald: How are things shaping up for the fair this year?

Monohon: Busy as all get out! While there is a BIG lack of volunteers or fair staff this year, everyone is excited to bring the local community a fun-filled fair.

Herald: Is there anything special and/or different than in years past on the agenda for fairgoers?

Monohon: Like most things in this community, not a great deal of difference from previous fairs. We are a small agricultural county fair that takes pride in our country roots, as well as 4-H and FFA youth programs from the local area. 4-H Shooting sports will be here this year in the Poultry Barn.

Herald: Though you don't have a big budget, what kind of a fair can people expect this year?

Monohon: We are coming back from COVID and will be providing the community with the full, four-day fair experience. Once again, we will have great fair food and entertainment. The very sought-after salmon dinners are back provided by the Chinook Indian Nation, and Brewers Grade will close out the fair on a "high note" with a Saturday night performance. We are also welcoming a couple of new food and drink vendors - Kona Ice and Wild Pines Coffee. You can seek out further information on our fair website - pacificcountyfair.com

Herald: How many acts will you have on hand? Who are they?

Monohon: Brian Ledbetter - Illusionist; Jeremiah Johnston - The Throw Zone; Jeff Evans - Comedian, and Don Riggs - Reptile Isle & Ring of Tori. Unfortunately, this year, the ventriloquist will not be here due to illness.

Herald: What are your biggest headliners?

Monohon: All of the entertainers we brought in are sought after! Jeff and Jeremiah have been here before and the crowds have always enjoyed their presentations!

Herald: How many musical groups are scheduled to perform?

Monohon: The musical acts for each fair day are:

Wednesday at 8 pm - Humptulips
Thursday at 7:30 pm - The Dog Walkers
Friday at 8 pm - Jessica Lynne Witty
Saturday at 8 pm - Brewers Grade

Herald: How many people are you hoping for? What would you consider a good turnout?

Monohon: I hope to see our numbers exceed 10K over the four days!

Herald: How has the influx of entries been this year compared to past years?

Monohon: Last year we modified the entry days to try to encourage fair entries by being more accessible with the Monday-Friday work schedule. We are building on that success and at the writing of these responses, we are starting to accept entries today, Sunday, August 21st with baking, canning, dewing, needlework, art, photography, industrial arts, and hobbies. Tuesday, August 23rd we accepted animals, floral, fruits, vegetables, forage/hay, and honey.

Herald: Are you conducting any virtual events for the fair, or is that a thing of the past?

Monohon: Due to Avian Flu and Hemorrhagic Rabbit Disease, no poultry, waterfowl, or rabbits will be at our fair. 4-H has designed a poultry and rabbit event using cut outs of the animals to do their fitting and showing. They will also have displays with pictures of their animals.

Herald: Is there anything you'd care to add about anything?

Monohon: There are constant questions and concerns regarding "rides", and I would like people to understand that the issue with trying to provide a carnival in our small area. It is multifaceted. With worker shortages and Pacific County being a smaller fair during a time when other fairs are running make it difficult to bring in "rides". However, as I said before, we look forward to hosting every local, visitor, exhibitor, and volunteers and providing a memorable 2022 fair!

Variety of Fine Food

Some of the food vendors include Willapa Valley Boosters Club, Raymond Booster Club, Third Street Bakery & Bistro, Chinook Indian Nation Salmon, The Eggroll Express, Lola's Cupcakery, La Chispita, The Yellow Deli, Big River Sweets, Kona Ice, Tony's Ynot Italian Ice, Dippin'dots Ice Cream Delights and Wild Pines Coffee.
Price of admission starts at $5 for seniors and students (First thru 12th grades) and $7 for adults 18 and over. Free Kids Day (12 and under) is Saturday starting at noon. Wristbands are $15 at the gate.

The Pacific County Fair opens at 9:30 a.m. all four days and closes at 10:00 p.m. daily.

The objective of the Pacific County Fair is to provide a safe, informative, educational and entertaining forum for the people of, and visitors to, Pacific County and to display their hobbies and talents, while enjoying the friendly social atmosphere of the area.

The objective is intended to support the local, regional and state youth activities, as well as individual creativity, offered and displayed at the Pacific County Fair.

Below is the 2022 Pacific County Fair schedule of events.
Wednesday, Fair opens at 9:30 a.m.

• 7-11:00 a.m., Cowboy Breakfast (Sponsored by Pacific County Youth Market Sale and Pacific County 4-H)
• 9:00 a.m., Floral Judging and Vegetable Judging at Floral/Vegetable Barn, which is closed off to the public during judging
• 10:00 a.m., Beef Showing/Judging at Livestock Arena
• 10:00 a.m., Horse Showing/Judging at Horse Arena (If there's hot weather, it starts at 8:00 a.m.)
• 10:00 a.m., Goat Showing/Judging at tented arena in the grass by the goat/sheep barn
• TBD, Floral Barn Educational Discussions

In the 4-H & FFA Youth Building:
* 1-3:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m., Demonstration by Dutch Holland of Ray Hicks' Rope Making Machine
In the Horse Arena
* 4:00 p.m., Equine Massage Therapist Demonstration with Courtney Cox

Cattle Barn

• Silent Auction Fundraiser for the Beef and Swine Programs (All 4 days). It will be finalized after the Livestock Auction on Saturday afternoon.
• Photo Opportunity in the cow barn (Stop on in and check it out!)

Entertainment:
* 11:30 a.m.,Opening Ceremony on Main Stage
* Noon, Reptile Isle & Ring of Torti - Stage on the grass in front of grandstands under tent

• 12:30 p.m., Jeremiah Johnston - The Throw Zone on Main Stage
• 2:00 p.m., Brian Ledbetter - Illusionist, on Main Stage
• 4:30 p.m., Reptile Isle & Ring of Torti (Stage on the grass in front of grandstands under tent)
• 4:30 p.m., Brian Ledbetter - Illusionist on Main Stage
• 5:30 p.m., Jeremiah Johnston - The Throw Zone on Main Stage
• 6:30 p.m., Ambassador Candidate Introduction and Induction on Main Stage
• 8:00 p.m., Humptulips Concert

Thursday, August 25th, Fair opens at 9:30 a.m.

• 7-11:00 a.m., Cowboy Breakfast
• 10:00 a.m. Swine Showing/Judging at Livestock Arena
• 10:00 a.m., Horse Showing/Judging at Horse Arena (If hot weather, will start at 8:00 a.m.)
• TBD, Floral presentations and informational demonstrations

In the 4-H & FFA Youth Building:
* 1-3:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m., Demonstration by Dutch Holland of Ray Hicks' Rope Making Machine

Entertainment:

• 11:30 a.m., Reptile Isle & Ring of Torti - Stage on the grass in front of grandstands under tent
• 12:30 p.m., Jeremiah Johnston - The Throw Zone on Main Stage
• 2:00 p.m., Brian Ledbetter, Illusionist on Main Stage
• 2:30 p.m., Reptile Isle & Ring of Torti - Stage on the grass in front of grandstands under tent
• 4:30 p.m., Brian Ledbetter - Illusionist on Main stage
• 5:30 p.m., Reptile Isle & Ring of Torti - Stage on the grass in front of grandstands under tent
• 6:00 p.m., Jeremiah Johnston - The Throw Zone on Main Stage
• 7:30 p.m., Christine Corey on Main Stage

Friday, August 26th, Fair opens at 9:30 a.m.

• 7-11:00 a.m., Cowboy Breakfast
• 10:00 a.m., Dairy Cattle Showing/Judging at Livestock Arena
• TBD, Floral presentations and informational demonstrations
• 10:00 a.m., Sheep Judging and Showing at Tented arena in the grass behind the goat/sheep barn

In the 4-H Youth Building:

• 1-3:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m., Demonstration by Dutch Holland of Ray Hicks' Rope Making Machine

Entertainment:

• 11:30 a.m., Reptile Isle & Ring of Torti - Stage on the grass in front of grandstands under tent
• 11:30 a.m., Brian Ledbetter - Illusionist on Main Stage
• 12:30 p.m., Jeremiah Johnston - The Throw Zone on Main Stage
• 1:30 p.m., Jeff Evans - Magician on Main Stage
• 2:30 p.m., Reptile Isle & Ring of Torti - Stage on the grass in front of grandstands under tent
• 3:30 p.m. - Brian Ledbetter - Illusionist on Main Stage
• 4:30 p.m., Jeff Evans - Magician on Main Stage
• 5:30 p.m., Reptile Isle & Ring of Torti - Stage on the grass in front of grandstands under tent
• 5:30 p.m. - Jeremiah Johnston - The Throw Zone on Main Stage
• 8:00 p.m., Jessica Lynne Witty Country Western on Main Stage

Saturday August 27th, Fair Opens at 9:30 a.m.

• 7 - 11:00 a.m., Cowboy Breakfast
• 10:00 a.m., Horse Event - In the horse arena
• TBD, Presentations and informational demonstrations
• 1:00 p.m. Market Livestock Auction at Livestock Arena
• 3:00 p.m. Funniest Animal Costume Contest at Livestock Arena

In the 4-H & FFA Youth Building:

• 1-3:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m., Demonstration by Dutch Holland of Ray Hicks' Rope Making Machine

Main Stage:

• 11:30 a.m., Reptile Isle & Ring of Torti - Stage on the grass in front of grandstands under tent
• 12:30 p.m., Jeremiah Johnston - The Throw Zone on Main Stage
• 1:30 p.m., Jeff Evans - Magician on Main Stage
• 2:30 p.m., Reptile Isle & Ring of Torti - Stage on the grass in front of grandstands under tent
• 4:30 p.m., Jeff Evans - Magician on Main Stage
• 5:30 p.m., Reptile Isle & Ring of Torti- Stage on the grass in front of grandstands under tent
• 6:00 p.m., Jeremiah Johnston - The Throw Zone on Main Stage
• 8:00 p.m., Brewers Grade - Country Music on Main Stage

Note: Due to illness Jerry Breeden - Ventriloquist will not be performing at the 2022 Pacific County Fair.