There's no doubt about it. Fair season is here, and up next is the Camas County Fair, which will take place in Fairfield from Wednesday, Aug. 1, through Sunday, Aug. 5.
The fair will kick of with the 4-H Horse Show, set for 5 p.m. at McLams, located a mile and a half west of Mormon Reservoir Road, which is three miles south of town.
Children won't be able to resist Thursday's Free Bouncin' Bin Night, with free rides sponsored by Bruce and Jolene McCaw. While many of the attractions are free of charge, for a fee you can play paint ball, Air Soft or Lasertag, as well as darts and bingo.
The community potluck picnic, which will take place at the 4-H Park at 6 p.m. on Friday, will give everyone an opportunity to show off their culinary skills, as well as to rekindle old acquaintances.
The 4-H Livestock Show will kick off an event-filled Saturday at 8 a.m., with the 4-H Livestock Buyers Barbecue at noon and the parade following at 1 p.m.
This year's grand marshals are Hugh and Afton Koonce, who were both born on the Camas Prairie in 1934. In 1955, they became the second couple ever to be married in the Community Church. The Koonces have been extremely active in the county and serve on the Gem Community Team.
This year's theme of Barnyard Boogie will have participants dancing in the streets, especially during the Ball Park Dance at 9 p.m. on Saturday night behind Iron Mountain, featuring the band U-Turn out of Twin Falls.
The dance will be preceded by the perennial fair-favorite bed races, which will return to the streets of Fairfield at 7 p.m. This competition will offer spectators the opportunity to witness the unique carnage created when teams of five race souped-up beds down a city block, attempt a quick reversal and head back for the finish line.
"It's pretty common to see some spectacular wrecks," said Connie Funkhouser, a member of the Camas County Fair Board.
Along with the bed race, Saturday evening will include a new addition to the fair lineup: the Cruiser Criterion. Sponsored by DollarHide Cyclery, this event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and feature kids and adult races on bikes with three speeds or less.
Sunday's main event will be Music in the Park. It will run from 1 to 5 p.m. and feature Johnny U and Fairfield's own Mark Hansen.
For more information, contact the fair board at 764-2230.
