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Fun-filled Jefferson County Fair
Savannah Patterson of Madrs helps Clay Gibson of Culver wash his steer on Thrusday.
The wild horse races drew many people to the Jefferson County Fair last week, which recorded an attendance of 19,160, which was down by around 1,000 people from the year before.
"Other than the helicopter ride that didn't show, the fair went very well this year," said fairgrounds manager Sandy Forman.
Favorite attractions included the Kids' Pedal Tractor Pull. "It was a huge hit. I know a couple of families that scheduled their whole week around the tractor pull," Forman said.
Andy Morrow, right, was the grand marshal of the Fair Parade.
"The rodeo stands were also packed, and I've had many, many comments about the wild horse races. In Central Oregon, we're the only sanctioned wild horse race," Forman said.
The 4-H/FFA Livestock Auction on Saturday night didn't do badly, considering the economy.
Auction helper Barbi Riggs reported, "We sold 166 animals and raised roughly a little over $210,000. Last year, we sold 150 animals and raised $206,000," she said.
"We had a lot of new buyers, a lot of returning buyers, and many individuals that bought multiple animals.
The Cal's Appliance float, featuring a horse made out of washing machine parts, won the Fair Parade creativity award.
"We had fewer bidders and the hog prices were down a bit, but the community stepped up to the plate as usual and helped support the kids," said 4-H coordinator John Gandy, adding, "We're still getting bumps from the community to bring the auction prices up a bit."