POMEROY–It's "Country Fun in 21" at the Garfield County Fairgrounds this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 17–19 at 10 a.m.–5 p.m. The public is invited to come experience the return of the Garfield County Fair after a COVID-restricted event last year.

In the usual way, there will be livestock and kids, food, music, good times and laughter. To add variety, Izzy the Camel from Prescott, Wash., and Smiley the Clown, among other entertainments, will be there to enhance the festive atmosphere.

This year fair goers will need to be mindful about COVID interaction protocols. "We will definitely do things differently because of COVID-19, with possible masking," said Garfield County Fair Board President Sarah Lunsford.

The Fair gate opens to the public on Friday at 10 a.m. There will be plenty to see and do at the 2021 Fair this year, one of the first stops many will make is the Eastern Washington Agricultural Museum; doors open at 9 a.m.

The fair will also welcome some new attraction this year. Coming to Pomeroy is the celebrity camel Izzy and Smiles the Clown," Ludford announced.

The community will join the fun packed activities of the weekend which will include the newest additions; Izzy the Camel making an appearance on Friday and Saturday, Smiles the Clown for balloon tying and the Agility and the Rally Dog Show sponsored by K-9 Clover 4-H club of Nez Perce on Saturday at 10 a.m.

For the kids, there is a weekend-long scavenger hunt. Look for miniature animal figurines hidden around the fair grounds. "We have expanded the kids' scavenger hunts and search games to three different categories: the little figurines regular hunt, the hunt for twelve black sheep which is with special prizes for twelve luck kids who find the 12 black sheep, an educational scavenger hunt with prizes for four individual gift cards to the Bean Counter at Meyer's Hardware," Lunsford said. When the items have been found, take them to the fair office and receive a prize.

After the exhibits close at 5 p.m. on Friday, the attention shifts to downtown Pomeroy for the Fair Parade at 5:30 p.m. Line-up is 5 p.m. at the High School parking lot. Then back to the fairgrounds for the Movie under the Stars at dusk.

Bright and early Saturday morning, the Pomeroy Chamber of Commerce-sponsored Cowboy Breakfast will be held at the Maple Hall beginning from 6:30–9 a.m. where Sandy Barr will be recognized. Then back at the fairgrounds there is a full agenda of activities, livestock showing and judging, lip-smacking tastes, music by Daniel Mark Faller and more fun awaiting.

"Then there is the Straw search on Saturday and also joining the fair this year is 'Smiles the Clown,' who will be at the fairgrounds on Saturday for balloon tying," said Lunsford.

Also on Saturday, the UTV side-by-side obstacle course happens at 12 p.m., and that evening the ATV and Motorcycle arena games for adult and children will take place at 7 p.m. Participants must be 18 years or older to enter.

Sunday will present more activities for those who are eager to enjoy much, much more County Fair activities starting with a horse show at 8 a.m., Cowboy Church at 10 a.m., followed by the Chicken Scramble at 11 a.m., ending with the Rodeo at 1 p.m. "There is Cowboy Church, Rodeo and in the morning, the 4-H and open horse show all on Sunday," said Lunsford.

Livestock shown by 4-H and FFA contestants will go through their paces, wrapping up with the Round Robin competition for the 2021 top showman.

At 4 p.m. FFA and 4-H Award presentation will take place in the Swine Arena followed by the Market Livestock Sale.

Each day kicks off with biscuits and gravy in the Spinner's Potato Booth at 7 a.m.

On Sunday, take in the Horse Show at 8 a.m., Cowboy Church at 10 a.m., and Chicken Scramble at 11 a.m. Then stroll around and enjoy the many sights, sounds and tastes of the county fair until 1 p.m., when the Pomeroy Pony Punchers Rodeo rides into action at the arena.

At 3 p.m., contest winners are announced ay the Rodeo Arena.

The conclusion of the fair is that of the removal of all exhibits by 5 p.m.

Throughout the weekend, keep an eye on the schedule for a variety of entertainment and activities such as the EWAM demonstration on ice cream making at 11 a.m., horseshoe tournament at 1 p.m., then WSU/Garfield County Extension will serve cake and Ferdinand's ice cream at the Delbert Niebel arena at 3 p.m., and Teen dance at 7 p.m. all on Saturday.

While you mosey through the buildings filled with crafts, art including vegetable art, don't forget to get your raffle ticket for a chance at a handmade quilt. "I hope everyone has a fun and safe fair this year," said Lunsford.