Change might not always be good

The creatures sitting motionless near the back of the Southeast Spokane County Fair exhibit building did not look fierce.

A cucumber sported a helmet made of avocado.

A splotchy gourd had eyes of tomato stuck on with toothpicks and a long, droopy carrot nose.

The vegetable creatures – created by 9- and 10-year-olds – had descriptions written in deliberate, childish letters that said things like “Mr. Cross-eyed.” Each sported an award ribbon.

The whimsical veggie creations were housed alongside entries of pink-tinged dahlias, wholesome-looking bread and perfectly preserved pears.

Fair organizers say they have tried to keep the annual Rockford event focused on produce, projects and animals. The fair is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, and will have its busiest day today.

“Part of our charm is staying with the same format,” fair trustee Gail Kopp said earlier this week. “I would describe it as small-town America’s traditional event.”

The exhibit building was quiet Friday afternoon.

Today, crowds will descend on the small farming community of Rockford. First will come the not-to-be-missed pancake feed followed by a parade. There will be a few fair rides, hamburgers, and vendors trying to entice people into buying beeswax candles and hand-made wooden furniture.

Just a short walk from the exhibit building a sign proclaims, simply: Beef.

That’s where you’ll find 14-year-old Heather Brandt hanging out with Jewel and Dual, both Pinzgauer cows. Brandt got blue ribbons for both on Friday and they were named reserve champions. Brandt, her father Bob Brandt and sister Holly Brandt hung out all day Friday.

Dual, a feeder steer, had never been away from his mother, and bawled a little before the judging, but made it, Heather Brandt said.

Jewel is a veteran, having shown at the fair last year. She’s a mellow heifer with an attractive white spot and not-quite-perfect legs, according to the judge. But everyone was impressed that Jewel kept her cool when an errant pig dashed under her legs during the judging.

It takes a lot of work and training to get the animals ready for the fair, but Brandt said it’s worth it.

“It’s just really fun to be up here with the animals,” she said.