Othello Fair, Rodeo return for 2022
CHERYL SCHWEIZER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 4 months AGO
An exhibitor shows her lamb during the 2021 Othello Fair. The 2022 fair, Othello Rodeo and Demolition Derby start Wednesday.
FILE PHOTO
Volunteers work to right an entry at the 2021 Othello Demolition Derby. The derby returns for 2022 this week, along with the Othello Fair and Othello Rodeo.
A bull rider tries to survive eight seconds at the 2021 Othello Rodeo. The 2022 rodeo, Othello Demolition Derby and Othello Fair start Wednesday and are expected to draw large crowds.
Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer is a journalist with more than 30 years of experience serving small communities in the Pacific Northwest. She began her post-high-school education at Treasure Valley Community College and enerned her journalism degree at Oregon State University. After working for multiple publications, she has settled down at the Columbia Basin Herald and has been a staple of the newsroom for more than a decade. Schweizer’s dedication to her communities and profession has earned her the nickname “The Baroness of Bylines.” She covers a variety of beats including health, business and various municipalities. | September 12, 2022 3:51 PM
OTHELLO — Exhibits, rides, rodeo, a demolition derby, the annual parade; there’s going to be a lot to do at the annual Othello Fair, Othello Rodeo and Demolition Derby which begins Wednesday.
Events get started early Wednesday with market class livestock judging at 9 a.m. for all participants. Market class will continue all day.
The exception is the poultry class, according to information on the fair website. Following recommendations from the Washington State Veterinarian’s Office, waterfowl will not be allowed on the grounds, and all market-class birds will be terminated at the end of the fair. No birds will be returned to their owners, according to the announcement from fair organizers.
Children who want to participate but not bring a bird to the fairgrounds can substitute a stuffed animal with a circus theme. Organizers also are planning a “purdie birdie” photo contest, where participants dress up their animals and submit a photograph for judging.
The Davis Shows carnival opens at noon each day. The fair also features entertainment daily.
Judging for the “Hometown Heroes” chili cookoff is at 5 p.m. The cookoff pits local organizations and businesses against each other to determine the best chili in - well, at the fair. Proceeds from chili sales go to the winner’s charity of choice.
Time trials for the annual Demolition Derby, sponsored by the Othello Rodeo Association, begin at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. The time trials are followed by the trophy dash, heat races, Australian pursuit, the Bill Bagwell Memorial winners race, culminating in the demo derby itself.
Advance tickets are available online, through a link on the rodeo association's social media, and at local businesses in Othello.
Thursday begins with fitting and showing competition for livestock classes at 9 a.m. Livestock competition continues all day.
A new event has been added for 2022; the best hay stackers around will be invited to show off their skills in the hay bucking contest, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Contestants will build a stack, break it down, move it and reassemble it, with the best time winning.
Friday opens with livestock judging for 4-H and Future Farmers of America participants at 8:30 a.m. The round-robin fitting and showing for livestock class winners will be at noon. Livestock class winners will receive their awards in a ceremony at 1:30 p.m.
The Othello Rodeo returns for two nights of performances at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Saturday features the Othello Fair parade, rolling down Othello’s main street at 10 a.m. The livestock sale, where FFA and 4-H producers see the return from their labor, begins at 11 a.m. Saturday. A car show is scheduled for noon at the fairgrounds, with awards at 4 p.m.
Cheryl Schweizer may be reached at [email protected].
ARTICLES BY CHERYL SCHWEIZER
Victims identified in fatal Moses Lake house fire
MOSES LAKE — The victims in an early-morning house fire in Moses Lake Wednesday have been identified. Tim Catlin, death investigator with the Grant County Coroner’s Office, said the victims were Nikki Leggett, 30, and Zaccari Miller, 29. “The cause of death for both is going to be asphyxia due to inhalation of smoke,” Catlin said.
Williams named interim city administrator in Othello
OTHELLO — Finance Director Spencer Williams will be appointed as interim city administrator while Othello city officials look for a permanent replacement. Mayor Ken Johnson said the search is just getting started.
Seven Basin school districts to run EP&O levies in February
EPHRATA — Voters in seven Columbia Basin school districts will be asked to accept or reject educational programs and operations levy proposals in a special election Feb. 10. Ephrata voters will decide on a construction bond in the Ephrata School District, and Warden district patrons will consider a proposal for technology improvements. Votes must be postmarked by Feb. 10, and mailing them at the post office on Election Day doesn’t guarantee that, said Ben Rodwell, elections deputy with the Grant County Auditor’s Office. “I would say (mail the ballot) at least a week early,” Rodwell said. “I wouldn’t recommend mailing it the day of the election.”