Chelan County Fair steps back to roots in cowboy boots

CASHMERE– Beautiful music, delicious food, and spectacular attractions intermingled once more in the Heart of Washington as the Chelan County Fair returned to Cashmere for an annual weekend of local celebrations. 

Taking part in the festivities, kids from all over Chelan County flocked to the fairgrounds to show off their FFA and 4-H projects. With over 100 animal projects to show and auction, these young farmers, from Cashmere to Manson, showed their excitement to compete and demonstrate a passion for agriculture with courteous smiles.

Local siblings Maggie and Wyatt Beem represented Cashmere Barn Kids 4-H with their two market pigs, diligently caring for them each day before showing. Aside from dedication and discipline, one thing that the two have learned in their time caring for their animals is that anything can happen. 

Last year, Wyatt’s pig proved to be quite a handful in the arena with a chaotic show and a stubborn attitude. Now, Wyatt’s just happy to be spending time at the fair with his new pig, Char, ready for whatever the weekend throws at him.

“It's really fun and funny,” Wyatt chuckled, explaining why he loves showing pigs at the county fair. “You get to spend a lot of time with your pig, and they’re just so funny, trying to run around and eat everything.” 

Coming out of the Wenatchee area to show her pig, Porky, with the Dudes and Diggers 4-H program, Josline Lutz reflected on her experience as a first-year 4-H member.

“It’s fun,” she smiled as she prepared a posterboard providing information about Porky. “I get to be with my friends, it’s a fun environment, everybody’s really nice. It’s something where everybody can compete against each other but still come out of the ring and still be friends.”

Alongside providing a tradition of friendly competition to countless generations of local kids, FFA and 4-H showings of all kinds help instill young members across the country with a sense of dedication and responsibility.

Evelyn Lefebre of the Chelan FFA illuminated the important lessons that she’s learned after raising her sheep for the County Fair. 

“It’s a lot of responsibility,” she revealed, “mostly that when you train your animals, you gotta be tough, but also a lot of love goes a long way, because, like [my sheep], they are absolute sweethearts.”

As FFA and 4-H members from all over Chelan County presented their animal, plant, and craft projects each day, music and the sound of cheering echoed throughout the fairgrounds. 

The Chelan County Fair offered no shortage of entertainment. The Selena tribute band Los Chicos del 512 opened the event on Thursday evening, Country star Easton Corbin headlined Friday night, and two days of the PRCA pro rodeo competition followed.

Accompanying the sound of music in the air, the sweet and savory aromas of local food vendors enticed fairgoers as they made their way between the fair’s gravity-defying rides. Notably, local businesses like Cashmere’s Tacos Chava and Wenatchee’s Taqueria El Tapatio set up shop, serving attendees wholesome and authentic Mexican cuisine.

Angel Cruz of Taqueria El Tapatio enjoys taking his food truck to public events around the region, making connections, and further establishing his brand as the oldest taco restaurant in Wenatchee.

“It's fun, because you get to meet new people” Cruz said, sharing why he enjoys attending community events. “Everybody's friendly, social, and it’s nice if you want to go out for business, but also for entertainment.”

Each Chelan County Fair evening, as the sun set behind the Cascade Mountains, its warm orange glow faded into dark violet, leaving the flashing lights of the fairground’s rides and attractions to illuminate its visitors with vibrant neon colors. 

Whether enjoying agricultural competition, catching engaging music performances, or just grabbing a caramel apple, the Chelan County Fair had something for everyone, a representation of Chelan County’s traditional yet diversified range of iconic qualities. Though celebrations wrap up on Sunday, September 8, Chelan County’s distinct agriculture, food, and attitudes can be found year-round, from Leavenworth to Manson.

Will Nilles: (509) 731-3211 or will@ward.media