Oregon Public Broadcasting

Late summer means it's fair time in small towns across the Northwest. But Washington faces a looming state budget shortfall. That has fair organizers lobbying to save the fund that makes some of those events possible.

Washington's $2 million fair fund has fueled many small community fairs like the one that these pigs are headed to in Benton County.

The fund pays for the prizes that children and adults win at fairs.

The state Department of Agriculture says fairs are also a boost to rural economies. But Washington's looming budget gap has fair organizers worried. That money could be cut.

Betty Backstrom manages the Pierce County Fair in western Washington.

She says without the fair fund some agricultural events might fade out.

Betty Backstrom: "Fairs are important because they help teach people how food becomes part of their dinner."

Backstrom says she and her colleges have seen an uptick in participation in fair contests, but the events are still struggling in this down economy.

Families are cutting back entertainment spending; and many counties are slashing their fair budgets.

Oniine:

Washington Fair Dates

Oregon Fair Dates