County fair returning to Elma

By Mike Lang

Grays Harbor News Group

The Grays Harbor County Fair returns this week to Elma.

Randy Houser, Lorrie Morgan, Humptulips and Hotel California are the musical performers.

Fairgoers interested in riding all the rides again have the opportunity to save a few dollars by spending $23 for a carnival wristband at First Security Bank branches in Elma, Montesano and Aberdeen or at the fairgrounds through today, Tuesday, Aug. 6. After that, the cost for the wristbands, which allow for unlimited rides, goes up to $28.

Wednesday is House Brothers Day at the fair. The dedication ceremony begins at 6 p.m., with the traditional parade preceding it. Activities that day also include a berry baking contest and Houser’s concert.

Houser, who is from Lake, Mississippi, had three consecutive No. 1 country hits with “How Country Feels,” “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight” and “Goodnight Kiss.” His show is set to begin at 8 p.m. Wednesday on the Pepsi Stage.

Billboard said Houser’s “Like a Cowboy” was “stunning.” And The New York Times said, “His voice here is almost wholly different, thicker and more throbbing, a cauldron bubbling over. For a few minutes he’s the singer Nashville won’t let him be.”

Thursday, Aug. 8, is Timberland Bank Day and Kids’ Day. Children ages 6 to 15 will get $1 off admission and carnival rides will cost $3 each throughout the day (instead of the usual $4). Morgan will perform that night. The Creature Critters show begins at 1 p.m. on the Custom Security Stage. The Library Program is at 11 a.m. on the Jodesha Kids Zone Stage.

Morgan was selected as the TNN/Music City News female vocalist of the year four times by her fans. She has four platinum records and three gold records. She also sang “The Sad Cafe” on “Common Threads: Songs of the Eagles,” the Country Music Association’s 1994 album of the year.

Morgan’s hits include “What Part of No,” “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength” and “Something in Red.” Her show is set to begin at 8 p.m. Thursday on the Pepsi Stage.

Friday, Aug. 9, is Grays Harbor PUD Day. Humptulips will perform. The Grays Harbor County based country-rock band takes the Pepsi Stage at 8 p.m. Also performing Friday is Kynan Shane at 4 p.m. on the Jodesha Kids Zone Stage. The Talent Show begins at 6 p.m. on the Custom Security Stage.

Events Saturday, Aug. 10, which is PASHA Auto Group Day, include the Kaleidoscope Dancers (1 p.m. Custom Security Stage), Youth Livestock Auction (2 p.m. Monte Farm and Home Arena), races at Grays Harbor Raceway in Elma, Stefan Roland (6 p.m. Custom Security Stage) and Eagles tribute band Hotel California (8 p.m. Pepsi Stage). This visit is Hotel California’s fourth time at the Grays Harbor County Fair.

Admission from 10 to 11 a.m. is free Sunday, Aug. 11, which is Bi-Mart Day. Torrin Kingrey performs at 1 p.m. on the Jodesha Kids Zone Stage. A cheerleading exhibition will be at 3 p.m. on the Custom Security Stage.

Other displays to watch throughout week include Cap’n ARRR, Olympia Bee Keepers and a petting zoo.

Organizers for the fair hope new card readers will help people get in faster. The front and pavilion gates will allow fairgoers to pay for admission using credit or debit cards.

Golden Circle tickets are almost sold out for both Houser on Wednesday night and Morgan on Thursday.

Photo courtesy Hotel California The Eagles tribute band Hotel California will perform at the Grays Harbor County Fair for the fourth time on Saturday, Aug. 10.