I went back home for our county fair this weekend, an event I haven’t been to in about 40 years.  I joined my family for the Rodeo.  One of the first things I heard was that the Queen would not be riding in on her horse because she did not have a horse.  I said, “What? The queen doesn’t have a horse?” How can that be?  I remembered the days of the big fair queen competitions and could not imagine.  Times have changed, and it is okay that the queen did not have a horse.  She is a lovely representative of Sherman County and made many appearances around the state on behalf of her people.

Grand Marshalls for the Weekend were the band, Countrified, featuring the Mobley Boys, Mark and Ron who started the band.  Mark and Ron hail from Kent, Oregon and have made quite a name for themselves in the Pacific Northwest with their wonderful band. I might also mention my siblings and I went to Kent Grade School with the Mobley boys and have a long and special history.

Countrified Band, Mark Mobley Top row second from left, Ron Mobley, top row right

In a state racked by wildfires this summer, neighboring Wasco County was forced to cancel their fair.  They did hold 2 days of events at the Hood River Fair facilities.  The Wasco County Fair Queen was unable to present the flag during the rodeo or be presented at her fair because there was not a fair.  Someone got their heads together and invited her to present the colors at the Sherman County fair which she was very grateful and honored to do for the county.  All turned out well and many new friendships were forged I am sure.

Wasco County Fair Queen presents the colors at the Sherman County Fair

As I reflected with several people during and after the rodeo, it was one of the best I have ever attended.  A lot of county participation in events such as barrel racing, steer roping, team roping wild cow milking, bull riding and jr. bull riding and finally and extremely entertaining, the wild hide race.  Parking and admission to the fair were both free making it possible for families to attend.  The grandstands were full!

My family had such a great time we came back the next night for the demolition derby!