Palouse Empire Fair launches 4-day run

The jewel of Whitman County is about to shine.

The Palouse Empire Fair, with the theme, “Diamond in the Rough,” will begin its four-day run today (Thursday) at Mockonema and runs through Sunday afternoon.

Skip and Holly Tate are Grand Marshals for this year’s fair.

Everything from country singers to hypnotists will entertain folks at the fair this year. Rosalia singer Collin Pittmann will not only perform at the opening ceremony, but will be performing at the gazebo throughout the fair.

The gates open bright and early today at 8 a.m. starting with the Senior Citizens Pancake Breakfast served by Whitman County elected officials in the Community Building.

Judging begins at 8:30 with sheep market classes and poultry, beef, swine and horses.

Opening ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at the flagpole.

Judging continues throughout the day.

Carnival rides begin at 4 p.m. and continue until 9 p.m. The carnival operates all four days of the fair.

The Rodeo Queen Horsemanship Contest, where Jolee Aeschliman, Mckenzie Scheider and Sarah Fisch, will compete for Palouse Rodeo Queen, will be at 6 p.m. Chandler Pfaff will give up her crown on Sunday afternoon during the rodeo.

Finally on Thursday evening, the 4H Fashion Revue will be held in the Community Building at 6:30 p.m.

Gates open again at 8 a.m. on Friday and activities such as fitting and showing and costume classes continue throughout the day. The Miss Palouse Empire Fair contest, where eight girls from Whitman County will compete for the title and crowning will be at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Building. Queen Holly Leendersten will end her reign that evening.

The Palouse Empire Rodeo starts at 7 p.m. at the Outdoor Arena.

Saturday morning begins with horses in the Open Horse Show at the Outdoor Arena. The FFA Tractor Driving Contest follows at the arena.

In the afternoon, fair-goers can go to the Junior Market Stock Sale, watch a speech contest with the rodeo queen contestants and see goat games in the goat barn.

The Palouse Empire Rodeo entertains crowds starting at 7 p.m. at the Outdoor Arena and a teen dance begins at 9 p.m.

A Community Breakfast starts Sunday’s activities at 8 a.m. followed by a 10:30 a.m. church service.

The rodeo starts at 2 p.m. and the fair closes at 5 p.m.

Fair officials this year are planning to operate without the south entry gate near the former fair office next to State Route 26. Installation of a warmup riding area at the south end of the grandstand arena and more use of camper space in the horse area has reduced use of the south gate and the fair hopes to better use Rotary Club gate tenders.