Skamania Fair opens 5-day run

"The Skamania County Fair and Timber Carnival is a tradition of people sharing their knowledge and skills for the preservation and promotion of what's best in America," reads the introduction on the fair's Web site. "People of all ages demonstrate their talents and hard work to educate and inspire us about what we can achieve. Whether it's a nine-year-old showing his finely tended sheep or a 70-year-old sharing the secret of her preserves, we see the hope, industry and pride that reflect the best in all of us."

Here's a quick rundown of what fair-goers can take in during fair week in Skamania County. (More information can be viewed online at skamaniacountyfair.com.)

Talent Show

Thursday, 7 p.m., on the Main Stage.

Premium Entertainment

Friday: Jive Turkey, 1-3 p.m.; Hillstomp, 7-8 p.m.; Hillstomp, 9-10 p.m., all on the Main Stage.

Saturday: Old Time Fiddlers, 1-2:30 p.m.; Fabulous Farelanes, 3-5 p.m.; Fabulous Farelanes, 7-10 p.m., all on the Main Stage.

Fair Parade

Saturday, 11 a.m., from Stevenson High School, through downtown Stevenson to the fairgrounds. This year's grand marshals are Jude and Fay Weber.

Timber Carnival

Junior Show: Friday, Aug. 15, noon, in the Timber Carnival Arena.

Senior Show: Saturday, 1 p.m., in the Timber Carnival Arena (following parade); Sunday, 10 a.m., in the Timber Carnival Arena.

Teen Dance

Saturday, Aug. 16, 8-11 p.m., at Rock Creek Center. Hosted by Skamania County Community Events and Recreation.

Lawn Mower Races

First-time event on Sunday, with check-in time for drivers at noon.

Carnival Rides

Thursday-Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m., on the Carnival Midway.

The annual Klickitat County Fair and Rodeo--bearing the theme "Horns & Hides, Laughs & Rides"--is set for Aug. 21-24 at the fairgrounds in Goldendale.

This year's fair gets under way next Thursday with a full schedule that concludes with the popular County Products Kickoff Barbecue from 5-7 p.m. on the midway.

Admission prices for this year's fair and rodeo are: $6 daily or $12 season for adults; $5 or $10 for seniors 62 and up; and $4 or $8 for children ages 6-12. (Children under 6 get in free when accompanied by a paid adult.)

For more information, or to see a complete four-day schedule, pick up a copy of the 2008 Fair Premium Book or visit the fair online at klickitatcountyfair.com.