Submitted by the San Juan County Fair.

San Juan County Virtual Fair “Lettuce Entertain Ewe” Aug. 18-21 is uploaded and ready for you to view! What does this year provide? Exhibits, Demos, Vendors and lots of entertainment!

A quick reminder that the fair is what participants and volunteers make it with their time, effort and creativity. Without the participation and support of Islanders, none of it would be possible. Many hands make light work and amazing art, food, music and more!

What IS the fair about? It is a showcase of the multifaceted talents of those who live in our county, and the unique aspects of living here that only Islanders truly understand. We can’t deny that the celebratory and gathering portion is equally important; especially looking towards the future of the fair.

This summer proved that the fair can be more than just a week in August. The fairgrounds are a valuable community asset and this year provided an opportunity to develop some truly creative partnerships. The San Juan Community Theater hosted its Summer Series at the fairgrounds and in turn provided equipment and space for performers to record for the virtual fair. Island Rec was able to host, once again, day camp for preschoolers. The library utilized the front lawn for their story and craft time and, the San Juan Singers found outdoor rehearsal space. Over on Orcas, the Orcas Center provided previously recorded performances in exchange for their use of the Eastsound Village Green Summer Concert Series (while this was not at the fairgrounds, it was a new partnership for the fair). And to make sure everyone didn’t miss out on new baskets, plants, T-shirts, artwork and more, the fair staff was able to host fair markets and partnered with Going Left on a fair Summer Music Series.

This year, The virtual fair will host those that provided exhibits through the online entry program, virtual vendors and their activities, merchandise, 4-H online showcase and auctions, a few live talks, San Juan County Fair Minecraft, People Choice Awards and lots of entertainment. A special thank you to those that provided their continued support through sponsorship this year and to those who participated.

Our sincere hope is that you will help us celebrate those who participated in a year still filled with uncertainty. The last two years have not been easy, and next year will be focused on rebuilding and recreating. Each Islander has a different version and aspect of fair that they hold tight to with fond memories. Take the history of this community event and fuse it with the present to create a fair that will continue to be unique to the county and the islands’ communities.

How to follow the fair: www.sjcfair.org and Facebook/Twitter/Instagram @sjcfair #sjcfair2021