Dreamy opening to fair

The Colusa County Fair opened Thursday to fantastic weather and a good-sized crowd.

The 72nd exposition in Colusa narrowly missed the sort of disaster witnessed last week in Contra Costa and other counties, when unusually cold and wet weather cast a definite cloud over their events.

"I can't believe how beautiful the weather turned," said Claudio Gonzalez of Williams. "I thought for sure we would be sloshing about in the mud."

Fair officials already anticipated a depressed economy to have some impact on fair revenue, and were relieved bad weather wouldn't add to the problem.

"We just want everyone to come and have a good time," said Joy Shifflett, past 44th District Agriculture Association, during an opening-day ceremony.

While much of the fair is the same, from midway carnival rides to traditional fair food like funnel cakes and corn dogs, this year's fair took on a more home-town feel by increasing local involvement in entertainment, contests and demonstrations.

Local entertainers Kaylee Starr and Stardust Dancers attracted strong crowds on Thursday.

Local chef's, like Tommy Indrieri of Colusa, Sylvia Davis of Meridian and chefs from Gino's Steakhouse and Louie Cairo's for the first time will take part in cooking demonstration today.

Premier Mushroom will also do a cooking demonstration, and a Dutch-oven cook-off will be held on Sunday.

"I'm enjoying the fair," said Melinda Gomez of Maxwell, who said Thursday was her day to see the exhibits and watch the entertainment. "I will be back with my grandchildren on Saturday. That is their day."

But the addition of local vendors and participants, such as Les Schwab dunk tank to raise money for local schools, didn't mean fairgoers weren't treated to typical county and state fair vendors and exhibits, including products ranging from the fanciful to the astounding.

"We've book our entire June in California," said Steven Bauer, of Chico Valley, Ariz., a vendor of "The Last Glue," an amazing adhesive that works on oxygen depravation not moisture or air. "It's great to be here. Last week we were in Contra Costa and it was pretty bad because of the rain."

Fairgoers enjoyed a variety of exhibits, including quilts, photographs, arts and crafts, preserved foods and locally grown produce.

Over at the 4-H exhibit at Atwood Hall, 16-year-old Samantha Murphy was enjoying her Best of Show win Thursday for her nature photography, and other awards she received for her exhibits.

"It just makes you feel good inside," said Murphy, who also entered a lamb this year.

The Colusa County Fair continues noon to midnight today and Sunday, and includes the livestock auction and Mud Bog races today and the destruction derby on Sunday.