SILVANA — If it’s the last Saturday in July, it’s time to head out to Silvana for its community fair, which marks its 69th year July 30.
As always, the one-day fair runs all day, in the grounds surrounding Viking Hall, at 1331 Pioneer Highway.
“Like Brigadoon, it’s a one-day event that appears almost magically, only to disappear again the next day,” said Lynn Pattison, vice president of the Silvana Community Fair Board. “Unlike Brigadoon, it’s come back every year since 1948, and it’s not magic that brings it, but the hard work of a small local group of dedicated volunteers who put the fair together.”
If you’re an early riser, after the livestock check-in and vet check from 6:30-8:30 a.m., you can catch the flag raising and opening ceremonies at 9 a.m., followed by the kids’ games for attendees 16 years and younger, but be sure to swing by sometime during the day before 5 p.m., or you’ll miss both the indoor and outdoor exhibits.
The livestock judging will kick off at 10 a.m. and resume at 1 p.m. following a noontime break. Attendees can expect to see beef and dairy cattle, rabbits and cavies, poultry and water fowl, sheep and swine, plus dairy, fiber and pygmy goats. At the same time, you can check out arts and crafts, textiles, farm and fair foods, horticulture, tractors and other agricultural machinery, plus treat your kids to a petting zoo and pony rides.
At 12:15 p.m., agile climbers who don’t mind getting dirty are welcome to enter the greased pole contest, for 14 years and younger. And at 12:30 p.m., you can kick back and grooze to live music from the Harvey Creek Band.
“Be sure to visit the many vendor booths, and check out the fabulous exhibits inside Viking Hall,” said Pattison, who noted that this year’s fair will conclude, as always, with the Parade of Champions and closing ceremonies at 4:30 p.m.
She added: “Everyone who goes to the fair is sure to learn something about farm life and rural activities. People love to see their favorite exhibits, and there’s always something new to see and talk about.”
