Submitted by San Juan County Parks and Fair

During fair week, Aug. 15 – 18, there will be demonstrations, activities and games each day, for all ages. The following is just a sample of the fun.

The San Juan Nature Institute and Friday Harbor Labs are bringing a touch tank, filled with sea critters and plants and loaded with information to help attendees keep the Salish Sea neighbors alive and thriving. Visit Fiona Norris, who is also the fair’s flower superintendent, at the agriculture tent, from 10:30-11:30 a.m., Thursday. It’s a short window because the critters need to get back to their natural habitat: the Salish Sea.

Staff are also introducing a new summer lunch series for those who can’t get enough of fair food and good music. Stop in, any day, for a reduced-price ticket of just $5, with no re-entries allowed. Listen to ChoroLoco on Wednesday, Carolyn Cruso on Thursday and Teddy Dean on Friday. ChoroLoco is acoustic, melodic and rhythmic Brazilian music. Orcas Islander, Carolyn Cruso plays dulcimer, flute, guitar and sings. San Juan Islander Teddy Dean plays sax and keyboard and is famous for his 15 years with the Holy Modal Rounders.

Since 1981, the Great Chicken Race has ruffled feathers at the fair and the “egg-citement” will continue this year at 3 p.m., Saturday. Note that participants in the Great Chicken Race are poultry tent exhibitors.

The Master Gardeners are also hosting a carrot pull, from 10:30-11 a.m., daily at the agriculture tent. There’s nothing like pulling a carrot out of the ground.

There will be daily activities in the fiber arts courtyard. Learn the beginning steps to weaving from 10 a.m.-noon, Wednesday, and don’t miss the Sheep to Shawl demonstration from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday.

Those at the junior arts and crafts tent will be busy, from 1-4 p.m., daily. Make a seashell wreath on Wednesday; bubble snake painting on Thursday; beaded wind chimes on Friday; and fish bowls and recycled danglers on Saturday. Create a stick horse from 10 a.m.-noon on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, then race them at 11:30 a.m., Friday as part of the high-noon games. Participants can also bring their own stick horses.

Don’t miss the fun of those high-noon games sponsored by the San Juan County Fair Board, starting noon, Wednesday, with a bubble gum blowing contest. There will also be Simon Says at 11:30 a.m., Thursday; stick horse races and games at 11:30 a.m., Friday; and a watermelon eating contest and egg toss at noon, Saturday.

Check out the fair’s information kiosks or the online schedule at www.sjcfair.org for more information. Don’t miss out on the fun.