Report from the Fair: Orcas Wins in Little Critter, Livestock & Equestrian Competition

Intermediate Reserve Champion: Orcas Island's Halle Thompson.

Hannah Brunner-Gaydos wins coveted Platinum Award

By Brigid Ehrmantraut

Opening Day of the County Fair:

• Heard the wails of protest at still life judging results (there seemed to be more reds given out vs. blues this year than last)
• Felt the omnipresent dust of the fair grounds seeping into one’s pores.
• Smelled the press of the sweaty hordes of visitors
• And tasted the greasy, sweet, burning of puffy, fried Elephant Ears.

All in all, a satisfying day — especially for 4-H kids and their animals!

The rabbit/cavy (guinea pig) judge missed the early boat, but that simply allowed more study time for contestants. Good thing there was a rabbit/guinea pig juvenile judging contest to keep restless members occupied! This year rabbit was a very large class, so all the guinea pig kids were happy to go first.

Cat was shown in the afternoon. Usually a small class, four people from two different islands brought felines to the table — all first timers in cat.  A big thank you to San Juan’s leader, Geneva Mottet,  for loaning four kitties to members who couldn’t transport their pets to Friday Harbor.

Over in the horse arena, Orcas Islander Hannah Brunner-Gaydos brought home the rare and highly coveted Platinum award for riding an original course. Very few of these prestigious awards have ever been given out in the history of the Fair.

Orcas Fur & Feathers member Axel Greening and his feeder calf came too. He received a blue ribbon showing it and the calf won its class. This marks the first and only 4-H cow from Orcas in many years.

Tomorrow brings poultry showing, Friday the 4-hers receive $20 ride bracelets for use all day. Saturday closes the week with final competitions and the livestock auction.

See you at the Fair!