Rockford fair will be ‘Poultry in Motion’

There will be poultry aplenty at the 68th annual Southeast Spokane County Fair in Rockford, which seems only fitting since this year’s theme is “Poultry in Motion.”

The annual fair is always the same weekend as Valleyfest, which can present a dilemma for local families. But it’s possible to do both events in the same weekend with a little planning.

The fair opens at 9 a.m. Sept. 21 at the fairgrounds on South First Street in Rockford. A flag-raising ceremony will kick things off at noon, and the carnival opens at 3 p.m. There will be livestock judging all afternoon and evening, including the poultry judging at 5 p.m.

The busiest day will be Sept. 22. It starts off at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast at the fire station and check-in for the 5K Harvest Hustle Fun Run at 7:45 a.m. at Dave’s Auto Body. The registration deadline is Monday. The cost is $15 in advance with a T-shirt, $7 without a T-shirt. Late registration costs are $20 and $10 after Sept. 10. Call (509) 291-3219 for more information on the run.

The day continues with a children’s parade will start at 10:15 a.m., followed by the grand parade at 10:30 a.m. Games and races for kids will start at 11:30 a.m. west of the Rockford Mini Mart.

There will be live music all afternoon, a pie eating contest at 3 p.m. and Cow Chip Bingo at the ballpark just south of the fairgrounds. The bingo starts at 2 p.m. and lasts until each of the four cows do their, uh, business. Cash prizes range from $300 to $900.

This is the second year for the Cow Chip Bingo event, which is a fundraiser for the fair, said fair president and Rockford Mayor Micki Harnois. “That was huge,” she said. “We’re trying it again.”

Tickets for the Cow Chip Bingo are $5 for each “parcel” and can be purchased at local businesses and City Hall until 1 p.m. the day of the event.

The 21st annual Harvest Hoops 3-on-3 basketball tournament for ages 10 and older goes from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Teams must pay $80 and sign up before Sept. 10. Call (509) 928-5839 for more information or to register.

The exhibit building will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Events on Sept. 23 include a horse show in the ballpark south of the fairgrounds beginning at 9 a.m., a community worship service at 10 a.m. and more live music.

Admission to the fair is free. A full schedule of events and registration forms are available online at www.sespokane countyfair.org. To reach Rockford, head south from Spokane Valley on Highway 27. When you get to Rockford, turn left on Emma and then right on First Street to get to the fairgrounds.