Thanks to the tireless effort and dedication of board members, volunteers, and sponsors, the 106th annual Creston Valley Fall Fair went off without a hitch.
The new venue, Creston Flats Stables, brought the country flair back to the fair that seemed to have been missing in years past.
“It’s been just an absolute, wonderful experience," said Kevin Viers, board president. "It brings back the old country fair feel. A lot of people are like, this is what we had when we were young, so it’s been a real positive experience. Turnout was above expectations."
On Sept. 6 and 7, the community was buzzing with excitement to visit the rural gem, leaving the grass parking lots overflowing. Once there, attendees were thrilled to see the mountainous backdrop to the pristine area, which showcased draft horses, gymkhana, and the Farmer Olympics.
Inside the barn, display tables were stocked full of homegrown fruit and vegetables, beautiful floral arrangements, canning and preserves, woodworking, and student art.
Prized and pampered livestock - from calves to goats, roosters, and bunnies - looked much more comfortable and at home this year as they greeted the crowds.
“As you can tell, we’re standing on dirt, not pavement," said Viers. "We wanted to be more agricultural, and now we're able to have the horses that we couldn't at our previous site (Creston & District Community Complex)."
Children and their families had no shortage of fun with face painting, bouncy castles, and kids' hobby horse racing and tractor pulling.
Outdoor tents featured learning opportunities with demonstrations on sheep shearing, clay throwing, and paper-making from professionals in their trades.
And of course, the beer garden, Fall Fair feast, and line dancing made it a weekend that no one will soon forget.
"Not everyone gets to see a heavy horse in action, and not everyone realizes the effort it takes to grow a 300-pound pumpkin," said Viers. "The fair gives everyone a connection to farming and country life."
