Othello Fair brings bigger crowds, more exhibits and plenty of smiles
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 hours, 3 minutes AGO
The Bubbler delights children with a stream of giant, shimmering bubbles at the Othello Fair on Thursday.
NANCE BESTON/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
A volunteer presents a cookie dough ice cream cone as a customer arrives to claim the sweet treat at the Elephant Ear Booth during the Othello Fair on Thursday.
A young 4-H member focuses on corralling his pig during activities at the Othello Fair on Thursday.
The Birdman introduces Queen Victoria, an older condor known for performing tricks in exchange for treats.
Three young cowgirls gallop into fun aboard wooden horses in the kid zone at the Othello Fair on Thursday.
Three young cowgirls gallop into fun aboard wooden horses in the kid zone at the Othello Fair on Thursday.
Barron Anderson works to keep his sheep under control during junior showing Thursday at the Othello Fair. The judge joked that junior competitors were judged largely on
Barron Anderson works to keep his sheep under control during junior showing Thursday at the Othello Fair. The judge joked that junior competitors were judged largely on
The exhibit building’s walls showcased a colorful collection of entries, with ribbons scattered throughout the youth photography display.
The Birdman invites Kurt the macaw to the microphone during a demonstration at the Othello Fair. After a less-than-convincing attempt to bark like a dog, Kurt answered the Birdman’s commentary with a quick, “Shut up.”
Othello Fair volunteers assist a vendor with questions Thursday. Volunteers were stationed throughout the grounds to help attendees and participants.
The Bubbler sends enormous bubbles floating over a crowd of fairgoers at the Othello Fair on Thursday.
OTHELLO — From giant bubbles floating above delighted children to packed livestock barns and bustling exhibit halls, the Othello Fair is seeing growth across the board this year.
“The animals are way up, and the show rings are very full,” said Othello Fair Committee member Becky Flint. “Every number's up. We have more people, more animals, more exhibits, more campers and more smiles.”
Flint said more than 220 campers filled the fairground’s campground, the highest number she has seen in her 19 years with the fair. She also said they had more people during opening day than they have seen in recent years. The increased participation has been evident throughout the grounds, from crowded livestock events to busy food booths and attractions drawing families from across the region.
“I've said it once and I'll say it again,” Flint said. “Once you visit the Othello Fair, all roads lead back to the friendliest fair in Eastern Washington.”
One attraction drawing young fairgoers throughout the day was The Bubbler, performed by entertainer Matt Henry. Huge iridescent bubbles drifted over crowds while children chased and popped them, and many returned again and again for another chance to catch one.
Henry has been entertaining audiences professionally for three decades through comedy juggling and other performance acts. About 15 years ago, he discovered a recipe for giant bubble solution online and added bubbles to his repertoire after seeing how audiences responded.
“It's a very joyful experience for everybody,” Henry said. “I get to share that joy with kids. Especially younger kids at the fair, because there are a lot of things those little kids can't do yet, but they definitely always love bubbles.”
The entertainer, who also performs at fairs and festivals across the region, said he enjoys bringing simple fun to families.
“The straightforward answer is seeing the joy on the kids' faces,” he said.
Children could be found enjoying much more than bubbles. Young cowgirls rode wooden horses in the kid zone, balloon artists crafted free creations for attendees and exhibit buildings displayed award-winning photography, artwork and other entries submitted by community members.
The livestock areas remained a focal point throughout the day as 4-H and FFA members guided pigs, sheep and other animals through competitions and showmanship events. Flint said one of her favorite sights at the fair is watching older exhibitors help younger participants succeed.
“Helping is just something great here,” she said. “It's that community atmosphere.”
That spirit of cooperation could be seen in the show rings, vendor booths and throughout the grounds as volunteers answered questions and assisted fairgoers.
With favorable weather, strong attendance and enthusiastic participation from exhibitors and families alike, organizers say this year's Othello Fair is shaping up to be one of the event's most successful years yet.
For Flint, however, the fair's purpose remains unchanged.
“We're all about the kids,” she said. “That's the whole point of this.”
Whether they were showing livestock, displaying creative projects or chasing giant bubbles across the fairgrounds, children appeared to be doing exactly that: making the most of another year at the Othello Fair.
A volunteer presents a cookie dough ice cream cone as a customer arrives to claim the sweet treat at the Elephant Ear Booth during the Othello Fair on Thursday.
A young 4-H member focuses on corralling his pig during activities at the Othello Fair on Thursday.
The Birdman introduces Queen Victoria, an older condor known for performing tricks in exchange for treats.
Three young cowgirls gallop into fun aboard wooden horses in the kid zone at the Othello Fair on Thursday.
Three young cowgirls gallop into fun aboard wooden horses in the kid zone at the Othello Fair on Thursday.
Barron Anderson works to keep his sheep under control during junior showing Thursday at the Othello Fair. The judge joked that junior competitors were judged largely on
The exhibit building’s walls showcased a colorful collection of entries, with ribbons scattered throughout the youth photography display.
The Birdman invites Kurt the macaw to the microphone during a demonstration at the Othello Fair. After a less-than-convincing attempt to bark like a dog, Kurt answered the Birdman’s commentary with a quick, “Shut up.”
Othello Fair volunteers assist a vendor with questions Thursday. Volunteers were stationed throughout the grounds to help attendees and participants.
The Bubbler sends enormous bubbles floating over a crowd of fairgoers at the Othello Fair on Thursday.ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
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