After winning the Clallam County Fair’s Kiss the Pig contest three of the competition’s seven years, Port Angeles veterinarian Dr. Sandra Smith is taking a break – and serving as the spokeswoman and unofficial advice-giver of the 2008 contest.
"It means that I’m not competing but I’m still supporting the cause," said Smith, a vet with Northwest Wilderness Veterinary Services, who is not allowed to compete since she won this past year (Smith took the prize in 2005 and 2002, as well).
Fifteen Clallam County veterinarians, including six from Sequim, are participating in the contest; the winner is the doctor who raises the most money, which goes to area 4-H clubs.
"I win because our clients really support 4-H," said Smith, who participated in the Kalaloch 4-H club as a youth.
Pig-kissing contests, a rocking rodeo and royalty – the 2008 Clallam County Fair has all the makings of a true county extravaganza.
As in past years, the fair, held Aug. 14-17 at the Clallam County Fairgrounds in Port Angeles, features a carnival, animal shows and live music.
Among the flurry of activities, three young women still manage to be the center of attention: Port Angeles’ queen Suzanna Hamilton, Sequim’s princess Ruminta Carpenter and Forks’ princess Kendra Zellar, the Clallam County Fair royalty, will be on hand to judge events, present the winners with ribbons and mingle with fairgoers.
Many groups of performers are on deck to provide the entertainment for the fair, including Johnny Cash impersonator and musician Brandon Cash, who will perform a "Tribute to Johnny Cash" show, hypnotist Michael Mezmer, whose audience members can volunteer to become hypnotized, and Sequim-based Folklore Dancers, who perform the traditional dances of Mexico.
Some of the biggest attractions of the fair will be featured in the Grandstand Arena in the south of the fairgrounds, including Thursday’s draft horse and mule show, Saturday’s logging show, Sunday’s demolition derby and the Northwest Professional Rodeo Association’s rodeo, being held Saturday and Sunday.
As with any good county fair, animals take the center stage, as well. As in the past, children from area 4-H clubs will show their cattle, swine, rabbits, horses and poultry. The draft horse and mule show, held on the opening day of the fair, features member entries from the Washington Draft Horse and Mule Association who compete in categories such as log skidding and pulling competitions. Three Port Angeles-based teams and
Sequim’s John Erskine’s shires will take part in the contest.
For a full list of activities, prices and hours, visit http://www.clallam.net/countyfair/index.asp.
Admission prices, hours
• Fair hours
10 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday,
10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday
• Carnival hours
Noon – 10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Noon – 7 p.m. Sunday
• Admission prices
Thursday is Kids Day – Children 12 and under enter free until 6 p.m.
Daily pass Season pass
Adults (18-61)
$7.50 $20
Senior citizens (62 and older)
$5.50 $13
Students (13-17 years)
$5.50 $13
Youths (6-12 years)
$4.50 $11
5 years and under, accompanied by an adult, enter free.
