2011 Island County Fair

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Island County

FAIR

August 18-21

A special publication of the South Whidbey Record and the Whidbey News-Times

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Island County Fair Guide 2011

Island County Fair blends Chambers will lead Island County the best of both worlds Fair as grand marshal after 20 years

By Sandey Brandon Island County Fair Administrator

Here on Whidbey Island, where suburban and rural are only a ferry ride apart, we enjoy the best of both worlds.

Nowhere is that more evident than during the third week in August, when the Island County Fairgrounds echoes a symphony of sounds. To the background noise of screams from carnival riders, add baas, moos, squawks and neighs.

Entertainment and education await you everywhere, from the Thursday opening ceremony to the parade on Saturday morning, from the whine of the hotsaws at the log show Sunday afternoon to the beat of the lawnmowers racing in the arena once the 4-H Parade of Champions walks into history.

Breathe in the smells of freshlybaked scones, lumpia made by hand, and barbecued pork smoked all night long.

Let your eyes feast on gorgeous quilts dangling from rafters, colorful flowers and potted plants parked on

antique wagons amid walls dripping with photographs that capture unique aspects of islanders’ vision.

Watch a sheep being shorn, then visit the fiber arts department to see wool being spun into yarn and the beautiful handcrafts that result.

Check out what youngsters, oldsters and in-betweeners paint, sculpt, bake, preserve, design, cultivate and sew.

Surely you’ll recognize many of the names on the exhibits.

Undoubtedly you’ll recognize many faces as you stroll throughout the fairgrounds, greeting friends you may not have seen since last year’s fair. In fact, you may never even get a chance to leave the Midway between encounters, but spend enough time inside the barns and exhibit halls to celebrate what the citizens of Island County raise, make, grow and show.

You’ll be glad you did.

And if you wind up the winning bidder on an Angus steer or Duroc pig raised by an enterprising 4-H’er, you’ll stock your freezer with quality you can’t get at suburban supermarkets for any price.

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By BEN watanabe Staff reporter

It’s been a long time coming.

Twenty-three years in the making and Matt Chambers is the grand marshal for Island County Fair 2011. The selection surprised the senior pastor of South Whidbey Assembly of God. “Why me?� Chambers said.

The president of Island County Fair Association said Chambers’ leadership in community events made him a clear choice, and maybe the tastiest. “For years he and his congregation have prepared some really delicious breakfasts,� said Diane Divelbess.

Ben Watanabe photo His involvement in South Matt Chambers will lead the opening cerWhidbey events, including emonies and Saturday’s parade as Grand the fair, led fair organizers to Marshal of Island County Fair. select Chambers. He moved to South Whidbey in September 1987, worked with the fair every year since.

With the Kiwanis, he’s cooked in the breakfast booth at the Island County Fair. Then he’d switch menus, meals and booths, and cook buffalo burgers and curly fries to raise funds for the church. Proceeds from the burger booth go to a different orphanage around the world every year; this year’s will go to orphans in Thailand. “We think it’s a great way to raise money for orphans,� Chambers said.

His cooking talents played a part in his selection, too. Divelbess said his ability to operate an old grill in the Pole House was well-noticed. “He’s the only one brave enough and knows how to work it and turn it on,� she said.

For the Chambers children, including adopted 13-year-old twin boys, helping is a family affair. They were raised working with him at the fair and at his other big project – the Celebrate America Independence Day weekend festival. His work there got the attention of fair organizers. “If you didn’t have him, I doubt very much we’d have the fireworks in Holmes Harbor,� Divelbess said.

As grand marshal for the fair, Chambers will lead the opening ceremonies Thursday and the parade Saturday. With him in the grand marshal’s car will be his wife and five children, throwing candy, waving and helping dad again.

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NO SMOKING EXCEPT IN DESIGNATED AREAS

Three areas on the fairgrounds and one in the campgrounds are indicated by #37 on the map. Smoking elsewhere is strictly prohibited.

ISLAND COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS LOCATION MAP 1. Ticket booth plaza 2. Information booth Passport redemption 3. Food concessions 4. EVA MAE GABELEIN MIDWAY STAGE 5. GUST SKARBERG POLE BUILDING Pole Barn Theater History Room (alley) Premium Office (alley) First Aid (alley) 6. Fine Arts 7. Fair Office 8. TURNER BUILDING Commercial exhibits ATM machine 9. & 10. WARREN BURRIER BUILDING Baked Goods Fruit, Herbs & Vegetables Food Preservation & Honey Grains & Grasses Grange Display Arts & Crafts, all ages Logos

11. MALONE BUILDING Beer, Wine & Cider Clothing Fiber Arts Floral Needlework Photography Quilting 12. Carnival 13. FIDDLE FADDLE FARM Ken Short Barn Rovers’ Stage 14. Kiddie carnival 15. Main arena Announcer’s stand 16. Coffman Building 4-H still life exhibits 17. Dog arena 18. Poultry Rabbits 19. RAY GABELEIN, SR. BUILDING Old farm equipment David C. Henny Pioneer Kitchen

20. Sheep 21. BOB MARTENS SWINE BARN Cats 22. Campgrounds 23. Horse barns 1-2-3 24. Restrooms 25. Alpacas & Llamas 26. Livestock arena 27. Beef & Dairy Cattle 28. Goats 29. Log show arena 30. Small show arena 31. Drinking fountains 32. DOUG McKAY GAZEBO 33. Pottery Shack 34. Food Concessionaire Coordinator 35. McLeod Cabin 36. Brooks Hill House 37. Designated smoking areas 38. Island Transit bus stop

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Island County Fair Guide 2011

Schedule of Events — 2011 Island County Fair

Island County Fair website/photo by Judi Slepyan

The 4-H Western Games take place at 2:30 pm in the horse arena. Barrel racing is an exciting equestrian event to watch.

8am 4-H hunt seat equitation Horse arena 9am 4-H dog showmanship (all day) Dog arena 9:30am Danny Ward - Midway stage 9:30am 4-H goat showmanship & type - Goat arena 9:30am 4-H English pleasure Horse arena 9:30am 4-H cat showmanship (Type classes to follow) - Cat barn 10am 4-H alpaca spinning/felting demo - Alpaca barn 10am 4-H rabbit showmanship between Poultry & Sheep barns 10:45am New Age Flamenco Midway stage 11am 4-H novice pleasure - Horse arena 11:30am 4-H hunt seat medals Horse arena 11:30am Chicken Olympics - Clucky

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stage Noon - Opening Ceremony Midway stage Noon - Karen Quest “Cowgirl Tricks”” - Pole Barn Theater Noon - 4-H alpaca judging contest - Alpaca barn 12:30pm 4-H dog obedience - Dog arena 12:30pm 4-H equitation over fences - Horse arena 12:30pm Chicken Olympics Clucky stage 1pm Coffman Building dedication - Coffman building 1pm Under the Radar - Midway stage 1:15pm Eric Haines - Pole Barn Theater 1:30pm Chicken Olympics - Clucky stage 1:30pm 4-H fleece judging Coffman building 2pm 4-H sheep breed show -

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Thursday, August 18, 2011

Sheep barn 2pm New Age Flamenco - Midway stage 2:15pm Deano the Clown - Pole Barn Theater 3:15pm Hokulani - Midway stage 3:30pm Karen Quest “Cowgirl Tricks” - Pole Barn Theater 3:30pm 4-H reinsmanship - Horse arena 4pm 4-H cavy Quiz Bowl - Cavy barn 4pm 4-H Gamblers’ Choice Contest (alpaca obstacles) - Livestock arena 4:30pm Eric Haines - Pole Barn Theater 4:30pm 4-H Groom Squad - Horse arena 4:30pm Kristin Chambers Band Midway stage 4:30pm 4-H Horseless Horsemen - Horse arena 5:15pm Log show sign-up & practice - Log arena 6pm 4-H market swine, showmanship & breeding classes - Swine arena 6pm The Slags - Midway stage 6pm 4-H drill practice - Horse arena 8pm Chris Guenther & the HonkyTonk Drifters - Midway stage

public relations obstacles - Livestock arena 9am - 4-H dog tricks - Dog arena 9am 4-H cavy showmanship & typing - Cavy barn 9:30am Danny Ward - Midway stage 9:30am 4-H poultry showmanship - Poultry barn 9:45am 4-H horse judging - Horse arena 10am 4-H cat judging - Cat barn 10am Sheep breed show - Sheep barn 10am 4-H goat Quiz Bowl between Poultry & Sheep barns 10-Noon - Lego® contest - Fiddle Faddle Farm 10:30am 4-H dog agility - Horse arena

Friday, August 19, 2011 7:30am 4-H gaming showmanship - Horse arena 8am 4-H alpaca showmanship Livestock arena 8:45am - 4-H goat milking contest - Goat barn 9am 4-H champion showmanship - Horse arena 9am 4-H alpaca trail obstacles/

Island County Fair website/photo by Judi Slepyan

Sometimes you just have to hug a cute furry critter, and you’ll find plenty of them at the fair! continued on page 5

Don’t Miss the Parade!

7am-10pm

Located at Bayview Center Happily Accepting WIC Vouchers

Saturday, Aug. 20 • 10am From Downtown Langley to the Fairgrounds Midway

Island County Fair Guide 2011

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Lance Kidder named 4-H’er of the year

By KATIE McVICKER Staff reporter

Lance Kidder graduated as Coupeville’s salutatorian in 2011 boasting the third highest grade point average in his senior class. He is an Eagle Scout and was an active member in academic clubs like Hi-Q and the National Honor Society during his high school years.

This year, Kidder was the project manager of the Admiralty Head Lighthouse rebuild, a project that encompasses all three island high schools and aims to restore the lantern house to its original glory.

But despite his many accomplishments, Kidder is hesitant to accept praise. After reflecting on his many successes, Kidder simply states that he is thankful to have had such incredible teachers throughout his education — many of whom were raised in a barn, weigh about half a ton, are covered in coarse hair and sport slimy round noses.

Kidder entered Island County 4-H as a fourth-grader and was named 4-H’er of the Year for 2011. He said he wanted to represent the organization because the lessons he’s learned from working with cattle have been invaluable, and he was eager to give back to the group. “I really like how much you can learn in 4-H that you can’t learn in school,� Kidder said. “I learned how to be self-sufficient and how to do things with animals. You learn about where your food comes from and work ethic.�

Kidder grew up in Coupeville and said his family has always raised a few cattle every year for meat. He joined

the Central Whidbey Cattlemen with his first steer as a fourth-grader and eventually joined Rock’n Doodle Poultry when he decided to take on ducks. “The ducks were sort of a side project, but they’re fun nonetheless,�

Kidder said.

According to Island County’s 4-H Outreach Coordinator Jackie Vannice, the 4-H’er of the Year title is given to someone who shows “overall outstanding club and county 4-H work in areas of leadership, personal growth, community service, community involvement and fair accomplishments/ achievements.� In order to be considered, Kidder had to submit a 500-word essay, four to five personal recommendations from 4-H leaders and complete an interview with a panel of judges.

Kidder received a plaque and a $600 scholarship. He’ll serve as a year-long ambassador for 4-H during parades and other public appearances. “I feel strongly that the 4-H is a very beneficial program, and I am happy to represent them,� Kidder said.

Kidder has participated in every Island County Fair for the past nine years. “Every animal goes through a vet check and you have to bathe the cattle,� he said. “It’s kind of like a car wash. You show them and lead them around the ring.�

In the Cattlemen club, winners receive belt buckles, and Kidder said he’s collected a few. “I guess you could say I’m all right,� he said.

Unfortunately, Kidder and his livestock will be missing from the fair this year because the 4-H’er is headed

Photo courtesy of Jackie Vannice

4-H’er of the Year Lance Kidder, right, stands with Whidbey Island Farm Queen Emily Bain.

off to start school at Washington State University. Kidder said his love for 4-H has led him to pursue a major related to animal sciences and he hopes to become a production veterinarian.

Vannice said that based on what she’s seen of Kidder, she’s confident that he’ll achieve whatever goal he’s after. “He’s an exceptional young man who will do well in whatever avenue he pursues in the future,� Vannice said. “My personal observation of Lance

while watching him grow up in the 4-H program is that he has become a very well-rounded individual, treats everyone with respect and has a great sense of humor. Always available to help whenever called upon, Lance continually demonstrates excellent leadership skills, as well as giving 100 percent to his 4-H projects and community service. We are thrilled to have Lance as our role model for our 4-H program here in Island County, she said.�

Schedule of Events — 2011 Island County Fair FAIR EVENTS • FROM page 4

Friday, August 19, 2011 10:45am Ali Marcus - Midway stage 11:45am The Edsels - Midway stage Noon 4-H beef show - Livestock arena Noon Karen Quest “Cowgirl Tricks�

- Pole Barn Theater 12:30pm 4-H Matched Pairs - Horse arena 12:30pm Chicken Olympics Clucky stage 1pm 4-H poultry conformation Poultry barn 1pm Joe Black - Midway stage 1:15pm Eric Haines - Pole Barn Theater 1:30pm Chicken Olympics - Clucky stage 1:30pm Open class fleece judging - Malone building

1:30pm 4-H alpaca handler’s skills contest & judging - Alpaca barn 2:15pm Deano the Clown - Pole Barn Theater 2:30pm 4-H Western games Horse arena 2:30pm 4-H dog agility - Dog arena 3pm 4-H rabbit judging - Rabbit barn 3pm Erik Christensen - Midway stage 3:30pm Karen Quest “Cowgirl Tricks� - Pole Barn Theater 4:15pm LocoMotion - Midway stage 4:30pm Eric Haines - Pole Barn Theater 5pm 4-H Most Beautiful Animal Contest (small animal) - Horse arena 5:30pm Chainsaw safety class & log show demonstrations - Log arena

6pm 4-H “Over the Hill� swine judging - Swine arena 6pm 4-H drill practice - Horse arena 6pm Joe Black - Midway stage 6pm 4-H Performing Arts Contest - Pole building

7pm Chicken Olympics - Clucky stage 8pm Danny Vernon “Illusion of Elvis�

- Midway stage continued on page 6

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Island County Fair Guide 2011

Schedule of Events — 2011 Island County Fair Sunday, August 21, 2011

Island County Fair website/photo by Judi Slepyan

Thrill rides for all ages await you at this year’s Island County Fair.

FAIR EVENTS • FROM page 5

Saturday, August 20, 2011 Military Appreciation Day Active duty personnel get in for $1, dependents get in for half-price.

9am 4-H alpaca Quiz Bowl - Alpaca barn 9am 4-H public presentation judging (all day) - Coffman building annex 9:30am Danny Ward - Midway stage 10am Parade from downtown Langley to the Midway 11am Auction bidder information - Livestock arena 11:30am - 4-H club drills - Horse arena 11:30am - 4-H Farm Tour King & Queen presentation - Livestock arena Noon - 4-H poultry judging contest - Poultry building Noon - 4-H Livestock Auction Livestock arena Noon - Karen Quest “Cowgirl Tricks” - Pole Barn Theater 12:30pm 4-H dog Rally Obedience - Dog arena 12:30pm Chicken Olympics Clucky stage 12:45pm Island Dance - Midway stage 1pm 4-H cavy judging - Cavy barn 1pm 4-H poultry Quiz Bowl Poultry barn 1pm - 4-H stick horse races - Horse arena

1pm Sheep shearing demonstration - Sheep barn 1pm 4-H Most Beautiful Animal Contest (large animal) - Horse arena 1pm - 4-H Cat Olympics - Cat barn 1:15pm Eric Haines - Pole Barn Theater 1:30pm Chicken Olympics - Clucky stage 1:45pm Bahia Rowan - Midway stage 2pm - 4-H small animal Round Robin - Poultry/Rabbit barn 2:15pm Cowboy Buck & Elizabeth - Pole Barn Theater 2:30pm - 4-H Western games Horse arena 3:15pm Kids’ pole climb sign-up & practice - Log arena 3:30pm Karen Quest “Cowgirl Tricks” - Pole Barn Theater 3:30pm Bonneville Power - Midway stage 3:30pm - 4-H egg & spoon alpaca race - Livestock arena 4pm Log rolling sign-up & demo - Log arena 4:30pm Eric Haines - Pole Barn Theater 5pm Bob Dylan tribute - Midway stage 5:30pm Companion goat obstacle course - Livestock arena 6:15pm Bonneville Power - Midway stage 8pm Timebenders - Midway stage

9am 4-H public presentations (all day) - Coffman building annex 9am - 4-H large animal Round Robin - Horse arena, Swine barn & Livestock arena 9:30am Danny Ward - Midway stage 10am - 4-H Parade of Champions Horse arena 10:45am Cowboy Buck & Elizabeth - Midway stage 11am - 4-H cat showmanship (adults) - Cat barn 11am - 4-H goat showmanship (adults) - Goat arena 11am-1pm Kids’ pole climbing finals - Log arena 11:30am Chicken Olympics - Clucky stage 11:30am Erik Christensen - Midway stage 11:30am - 4-H zucchini contest Coffman building Noon - Karen Quest “Cowgirl Tricks” - Pole Barn Theater Noon - 4-H alpaca spinning demo - Alpaca barn Noon-2pm Lego® contest - Fiddle Faddle Farm Noon-3pm Lawnmower races Horse arena 12:30pm - 4-H dog groom squad - Dog arena 12:30pm Chicken Olympics Clucky stage 12:45pm 1928 - Midway stage 1pm Sheep shearing demonstration - Sheep barn

1pm 4-H goat calling contest - Goat arena 1pm Eric Haines - Pole Barn Theater 1pm 4-H cavy costume contest Cavy barn 1-4pm Bunyon Busters Log Show - Log arena 1:30pm Chicken Olympics - Clucky stage 1:30pm 4-H alpaca/llama showmanship (adults) - Livestock arena 2pm Shooting Star - Midway stage 2:15pm Cowboy Buck & Elizabeth - Pole Barn Theater 3pm 4-H guinea pig race - Cavy barn 3:15pm Matt Baker - Midway stage 3:30pm Karen Quest “Cowgirl Tricks” - Pole Barn Theater 4:30pm Eric Haines - Pole Barn Theater 5pm Cherry Cherry - Midway stage

Island County Fair website/photo by Judi Slepyan

Prizewinning produce will be on display in the Warren Burrier building at the fair.

Island County Fair website/photo by Judi Slepyan

“Everyone loves a parade,” and every year the fair hosts a cavalcade through downtown Langley that begins at 10am on Saturday, Aug. 20.

Island County Fair Guide 2011

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2011 Entertainment Highlights THE MIDWAY

THURSDAY

4:30 pm

With an infectious passion for live performance, Chambers’ exceptionally trained voice shifts through a wide musical spectrum with ease. Her sound is both fierce and angelic, endearing her to audiences of all age groups and genres.

Chambers’ lyrics are often poignant and wise harkening back to Joni Mitchell. Musically there are elements of Elton John, with a touch of James Taylor’s down-home, relaxed quality.

Her music reflects the stories of those who have reached for love, dreamed big or sought a life of self-examination. There are moments of pain and disappointment expressed in her songs, but more predominantly there is love, determination and optimism throughout. Her songs are like chapters of a book: connected thematically, creating a beautiful, touching journey for her listeners.

FRIDAY

FAIR HOURS Thursday Friday/Saturday Sunday

9:30 am to 10 pm 9:30 am to 10:30 pm 9:30 am to 10 pm

ADMISSION PRICES Adults (16-64)

$7 Daily / Thursday-Sunday $20 Season Pass

Military with ID

$5 Daily / Thursday-Sunday $15 Season Pass

Senior Citizens (65+)

$5 Daily / Thursday-Sunday $15 Season Pass

Juniors (6-15)

$5 Daily / Thursday-Sunday $15 Season Pass

Children (under 5) Free

4-H Exhibitors and 4-H Leaders $4 exhibitor wristband with advance purchase ONLY through 4-H $10 family member wristband with advance purchase ONLY through 4-H

8 pm

Elvis Presley’s voice, soul and presence would always cut through the deepest of scratched RCA records. This is what Danny Vernon discovered at an early age when he began singing along with his father’s discarded albums, unaware of Presley’s vast impact on American culture.

With a devout passion, Vernon would sing and dance along with the King’s music, and, eventually, that devotion paid off and became his “Illusion of Elvis” show.

He enjoys performing all three decades of Elvis’ career, including the recklessly abandoned hillbilly cat of the ‘50s, the sleek ‘60s movie star years, including the “Comeback Special,” and the sexy guy of the ‘70s jumpsuit years.

With the voice, look and passion of the 20th century icon, Vernon strives to re-capture Elvis Presley’s appeal to an audience of any age

SATURDAY

Kristin Chambers Band

Danny Vernon “Illusion of Elvis”

1:45 pm

Bahia Rowan was raised in rural Western Washington in a home infused with music. Rowan writes simple, poignant tunes that reflect the sounds that surrounded her in her youth.

Among the many instruments played by her family was her father’s classical guitar, which explored not only etudes, but folk, blues and rock ‘n’ roll, and had a strong influence on the budding musician’s daughter. Rowan grew accustomed to the warm rich tones of nylon strings rather than the twang of steel, and gives that richness back to her audiences with her guitar and voice.

Alternative folk music with Bahia Rowan

Open Class Animal Exhibitors $5 wristband

Superintendents $4 wristband

Concessionaires, Exhibitors and Stewards $1 Daily

Campground Residents

See above prices as appropriate The Island County Fair has an all-paid gate.

Entrants are required to either wear a wristband which allows admission for the duration of the fair, or present a ticket at the gate before entering.

www.islandcountyfair.com

360.221.4677

SUNDAY

3 pm

Comedian Matt Baker performs a young, hip style of stand up comedy that makes people roar with laughter from Prince George to Puerto Rico. He has performed shows in all 50 states, was featured at the Las Vegas Comedy Festival and has been seen on numerous television shows, including “Last Comic Standing” and “America’s Got Talent.”

Baker’s comedy ranges from stories about being raised in a quirky family to the 10 best ways to break up with someone without getting physically hurt. No matter the age or background of his audience, Baker unifies them in laughter. He’s got a likeability and an off-thecuff humor that connects him with his audience. He’s sharp, edgy and hilarious without being inappropriate.

Matt Baker, Comedian

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