Fair Game These Days, The County Fair Includes Everything From Carnival Acts, Concerts And Circus Acts, Not To Mention The Cows, Sheep And Pigs

Where else can you watch a butter churning demonstration, see a human cannonball in action, let a hypnotist boggle your mind and listen to an Elvis impersonator sing “All Shook Up?” And all in just one place?

The county fair, of course.

The fair isn’t just for the cows, sheep and pigs any more. Nope, these days the county fair is a real entertainment extravaganza — kind of like a carnival, a circus and a trip to the farm all thrown together.

Oh sure, at this year’s Spokane County Interstate Fair you’ll find rabbit grooming in the Rabbit Barn and swine judging in the Swine Barn. There’ll be a regular Noah’s Ark selection of cows, sheep, horses, poultry and llamas.

But there’s so much more.

This year’s big event starts today and runs through Sept. 19 at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center (Broadway and Havana). The 100-acre site includes animal show buildings, a 3,000-seat rodeo arena, a carnival and food-court area and four entertainment stages. All will be jam-packed with things to do, see, eat or listen to. (See the complete schedule on page 9.)

You may have noticed from the Interstate Fair advertisements that this year’s theme is “The Real Squeal Deal.” This little slogan celebrates the return of the All-Alaskan Racing Pigs. Yes, it’s been eight years since these specially-trained porkers have raced at the Interstate Fair. Publicity material on these speedy hogs says they’re bred for their racing characteristics — “short legs for quick acceleration and steady cornering and aerodynamic nose for top-end speed.” Catch them at the grandstand if you can.

For thrills that’ll have you squealing like the aforementioned pigs, jump aboard one of the more than 40 carnival rides — including the Giant Wheel (the world’s largest portable Ferris wheel) and the new “Inverter” thrill ride. As its name implies, the Inverter will swing you upside down in a 360-degree pinwheel. At its apex, you’ll hang upside down 50 feet off the ground (talk about “All Shook Up.”) Luckily for all involved, this ride comes equipped with an over-the shoulder restraint system.

Also new this year — The Ring of Fire, Crazy Train and Rio Grande Train.

Speaking of flying through the air, daredevil Kimberly Smith performs her human cannonball act throughout the week. During this show, she is shot into the air at 60 miles an hour. She then lands in a 25-by-50-foot net. She’s part of a long line of family cannonball performers that travel around the world.

A new area called “Familyville” will open on the south lawn area and will feature a children’s stage with acts such as Tiny The Clown, Quick-Draw Charlie and Washboard Willy. This area will also include rides for the kiddies.

Perusing this year’s schedule, I have to admit the 4H Small Animal Costume Class gave me some pause. But heck, I guess there’s something out there for everyone — even those people who like to put little outfits on small animals.

In fact, you can learn how to do any number of unique activities through a bevy of demonstrations during the fair.

Miming, taekwondo, wheat threshing, grain cleaning, candy making, cow milking and Brazilian embroidery are just a few of the skills on display.

The grandstand and north stage will both offer a variety of entertainment — musical and otherwise.

Local country supergroup — The Randy Shaw Band — performs at the grandstand Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Gary Lewis and the Playboys perform Monday at 7:30 p.m. This pop-rock group was most successful in the ‘60s with hits like “This Diamond Ring” and “Everybody Loves A Clown.”

Hypnotist Mark Yuzuik returns to the fair for several shows throughout the week on the north stage. Yuzuik uses comedy and music to create an entertaining, family-oriented show. The Beatles tribute group called Yesterday also brings Beatlemania to Spokane with shows on the north stage throughout the week.

Daily ticket prices are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and juniors and $3 for children. Family packages are available for admittance Monday through Sept. 17. They can only be purchased through this Sunday at G&B outlets, Safeway stores, HAV Western Wear, West Plains Feed Store and Village Supply store. Tickets are regularly available through G&B Select-a-Seat outlets, by phone at (800) 325-SEAT) or online at www.ticketswest.com.