Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
A young girl enjoys the car and motorcycle carousel ride during the Palouse Empire Fair, Friday, Sept. 8
FFA students help prepare the flag during the Fair's opening ceremony, Thursday, Sept. 7.
A young boy nervously awaits his judging during the goat fitting and showing Friday, Sept. 8.
Rylie Castain, dressed with her goat as Ninja Turtles, poses with her ribbon from the goat costume contest, Sunday, Sept. 10.
COLFAX - This year, the community gathered for the 2023 Palouse Empire Fair last weekend, Sept. 7-10.
Fair Manager Ashley Reisenhauer said it went well for her first year as manager, with both entries and attendance increasing.
"It was really awarding to see everybody come together," Reisenhauer said of being manager, noting that it felt like it went by quickly.
Reisenhauer said the opening ceremony brought in approximately 200 people, with kids leaving the barns and everyone in attendance. "That was really cool," she said.
This Year's Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Linda Cook, who Reisenhauer said helped immensely in the small animal barn. Brandon Phillips received Superintendent of the Year in his first year managing the Goat Barn.
Reisenhauer said it's hard to believe it's over and is grateful to the volunteers and community that chipped in to make it a fair to remember. "I'm super appreciative of all of them," she said, adding that the community was there to fill in whenever there was a need and contributed to the fair's success.
Reisenhauer said the barn numbers were equatable to last year, with only a couple of kids switching between animals.
Overall, Reisenhauer said this year's Palouse Empire Fair was a success, with all the hard work that everyone put into it. Finding new vendors and getting the word out there. "It was neat to see it all come together," she said, "it takes a team."
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