How a Community Came Together to Save Fair for Wasco County Youth

While this story tells how fair came together under extraordinary circumstances, it would not have been possible without the support of partners like the Roundhouse Foundation. Their generous $2,500 contribution gave us the flexibility to respond quickly and address unexpected needs as they arose. Rather than worrying about every expense associated with relocating and rebuilding an event on short notice, we were able to focus on what mattered most: creating a successful and meaningful fair experience for our youth. Thank you for helping us ensure that, despite the challenges, our exhibitors still had the opportunity to learn, show, and succeed. - Leah Lowe, Wasco County 4-H Program Coordinator

While much of the media coverage focused on the event's cancellation in the days that followed, many of us had been watching the flames for weeks. Families were relocating animals, evacuating their homes, and constantly checking online maps for hotspots and weather predictions. Unfortunately, this is not a reality unfamiliar to our community. Several neighboring counties faced similar, and in some cases even more devastating, circumstances this summer.

In the week leading up to fair, I found myself constantly checking in with stakeholders: Fair Board members, Auction Board representatives, parents, volunteers, and community partners. Although we felt relatively safe from the immediate threat of the flames, thick smoke settled over the fairgrounds for much of the week.

One of the first difficult decisions involved the horse fair. To provide a safer environment, horse events were moved to The Dalles and condensed into a one-day schedule. It was heartbreaking. Youth and their horses had spent countless hours practicing and preparing. While they still had an opportunity to showcase many of their skills, it was difficult knowing they would not be able to demonstrate everything they had worked so diligently to achieve.

As the week progressed, uncertainty continued to grow. Some livestock had already been moved to the fairgrounds because families were under evacuation orders. On Monday night, the fire made a significant run, destroying homes and outbuildings as it moved closer to Dufur.

Tuesday was Static Day. We relocated project judging and interviews to the Commercial Building to minimize smoke exposure, but staff and volunteers still felt its effects. Despite the circumstances, youth arrived with optimism, turning in projects and participating in interviews. Even so, the feeling of uncertainty hung as heavily as the smoke itself.

That same Tuesday evening, the Fair Board faced an incredibly difficult decision. The meeting drew one of the largest crowds I have ever seen. The parking lot was full, and the Dew Drop Inn was packed. I even had to grab a camp chair from my car just to find a place to sit. While everyone hoped we could remain in Tygh Valley and proceed as planned, the uncertainty surrounding the fire made that impossible. Ultimately, the Fair Board voted to cancel and postpone the event.

As soon as the meeting adjourned, members of the Wasco County Youth Livestock Auction Board, fair superintendents, and 4-H staff gathered to determine how we could continue supporting our youth. By 7:00 a.m. Wednesday morning, we were driving between three different fairgrounds, exploring options and assessing what could realistically be accomplished. By Wednesday evening, a decision had been made: the 4-H portion of the fair would move to Hood River County's facilities.

The response from our neighbors was immediate and inspiring. Hood River volunteers began rebuilding pens and preparing barns before we even arrived. The Wasco County Facilities team loaded vehicles with everything they could think of to help make the event successful, from side-by-sides and hoses to garbage cans and office supplies. During those 24 hours of uncertainty, the volume of phone calls, Facebook messages, and media coverage was overwhelming.

Later that week, I found myself reflecting on the occasional doubters who wondered whether these kids would be left without a fair. Those individuals clearly did not know our volunteers or 4-H staff very well. There was no option but to find a way. If necessary, we would have held a show and sale in a parking lot (and even our local Coastal Farm & Ranch offered theirs!).

Once we arrived in Hood River and settled in, the fun began. Youth had to adapt to unfamiliar grounds, a new show schedule, different wash racks, and a completely new environment. Yet they continued to support one another every step of the way.

When the shows were underway, everyone could finally take a breath. The second annual Splash Derby, also known as the water fight, drew a record number of participants. Volunteers from Wasco and Hood River counties bonded over their shared love of fair while exchanging ideas and comparing the many different ways each county accomplishes similar tasks.

In many ways, Hood River felt like home because of the incredible welcome we received.

"I am grateful for the support from Hood River staff and volunteers. They didn't just set up and leave; they stuck around all weekend to help us," said Emily Nordquist, a 4-H and WCYLA volunteer.

Of course, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, but fair never is. We showed up for one another, and the experience served as a powerful reminder that support and friendship can take many forms.

"It was a challenge, but I'm glad we were still able to make it work. I'm also glad everyone had fun," said Gabe Ford, an 11-year 4-H member.

"It went really well, due to the support of everyone," remarked Noah Pishion, 4-H & FFA Member

During move-in day, a parent brought her daughter over to speak with me. Through tears, the young exhibitor admitted, "I said I wished we were in Tygh Valley. I don't want to be in Hood River."

Trust me, I understood exactly how she felt. We talked, cried a little, and ultimately agreed that while Tygh Valley would always be home, there was still room to have fun, try something new, and set an example for younger members by embracing the challenge. It wasn't easy, but sometimes resilience means moving forward even when things aren't what we hoped they would be. After that, I never saw that exhibitor without a huge smile on her face, whether she was spending time with friends or taking care of her animals.

In the end, this year's fair looked very different from what any of us imagined. Yet it also showcased the very best of our community: resilience, determination, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to our youth. When faced with extraordinary challenges, volunteers, families, staff, and community partners came together to ensure our young people still had the opportunity to learn, compete, and succeed. That's something worth remembering long after the smoke has cleared.

Leah Lowe, 4-H Program Coordinator

Oregon State University

OSU Extension Service | Wasco County