A historical year in fair history

By Teresa Simpson

The Gazette

Colfax — The Palouse Empire Fair wrapped up the 75th year of festivities Sunday, Sept. 8.

Despite temperatures in the mid-90s, fair-goers could be seen throughout the weekend participating in various fair activities.

Fair Manager Ashley Reisenauer said the fair was a success.

“It was a great time,” Reisenauer said, noting that though the official numbers won’t be out for a couple of days, overall attendance appears to have been higher than previous years.

Joe Eaton owner of Chef Joe’s Barbecue, LLC, of Spokane said it was his third year at the fair on Saturday, Sept. 7.

“I always like coming to Colfax,” Eaton said. “I’ve got a lot of great customers here.”

Eaton said he looks forward to seeing his return customers year-after-year.

Reisenhauer said the fair had more vendors this year, some of whom have been in the exact same spot for 30 years.

“It’s cool to see the vendors come back,” she said noting the count was just under 100 vendors this year. In the past, the fair boasted approximately 70.

According to Reisenhauer, there were more food and commercial vendors.

“People had more things to look at and interact with, so that was exciting,” she said.

O’Houlis Kettle Corn owners John and Valerie Houlihan, of Kellogg, Idaho., made their eighth appearance at the fair, selling their award-winning kettle corn and freshly squeezed lemonade.

“My dad started in Couer d’ Alene. O means the sunup. He brought Kettle corn to Couer d’ Alene. (In) 2016 (it was the) Montana State Fair food of the year.” John Houlihan said.

Amy Clark and Ben Whipple of Couer d’ Alene helped man the booth.

Mikayla Serrano, of Kellogg, Idaho, manned a face-painting booth.

“It’s my first year here,” Serrano said, adding she started face painting last year. “I like it, it’s a cute little fair.”

Ariana Adams, 9, and Maci Adams, 6, both had their faces painted. They said they were having fun at the fair.

Pictures could be taken on a pink tractor and Oakesdale locals Karly Johnson, 2, and Kendra Johnson, 9, were seen taking pictures.

Kendra Johnson said it was her first year doing 4-H at the fair. “It’s really fun,” she said.

Whitman County Sheriff’s Office deputies J.R. Johnson and Brian Kellor were in uniform at a booth offering various educational souvenirs.

At the gazebo, locals and visitors gathered to hear live music.

MarvaLee Smith of Colfax made an appearance for Jordan Paddock’s performance.

“I like Jordi, he sings at the Eagles for karaoke,” Smith said, noting her nephew Chayne Aschliman sings karaoke with him sometimes.

Reisenhauer said clean up is underway and fair officials are already starting to think about how they’re going to do things differently for next year.