July 27, 2010 — The Lassen County Fair is much more than just carnival rides and cotton candy — it’s a chance for Lassen County residents to celebrate our community and our way of life in Northeastern California.    

Once again, it’s time to congratulate all the good people who organize the fair every year and say thank you for a job well done.

Fair Manager Jim Wolcott has ably moved the fair forward since his appointment by the Lassen County Board of Supervisors in January 2005. But Wolcott would be the first to tell you he couldn’t succeed without advice and support from the board of supervisors, the Lassen County Fair Advisory Board and the hard work of his dedicated staff and volunteers.   

The fair also provides an opportunity to recognize the contribution of many long-time residents such as Barbara Howe, grand marshal of this year’s Fair Parade sponsored by the Lassen County Chamber of Commerce, as well as Old Timers Faye Laver and Jim Lytjen. A dozen young ladies vied for the title of Miss Lassen County — this year’s winner is Suzanne Kanavel. Her court includes Ambassadress Ashley Morgan, Princess Becca DuVarney and Miss Congeniality Haley Breitenstein. And who could forget Little Miss Lassen Desi Slater, Little Mr. Remington Duerksen, Princess Grace Heimbigner and Prince Landon Bennett.    

Dozens of local youngsters from 4-H, the FFA and the Honey Lake Valley Grange spent months working hard to raise animals for the Junior Livestock Auction Sale. Hundreds of local residents display their artwork, crafts and baked goods, etc. at a variety of competitions and exhibits. Why local residents even competed in our fair’s first Amazing Race competition, raising money for their favorite charity.   

While the fair brings a big-time country star such as Jack Ingram every year, it also provides plenty of opportunities for our homegrown entertainers — the nostalgic and patriotic USO Show by the Susanville Repertoire Company, the KJDX Colgate Country Showdown and appearances by several local bands at the Ri-Tone and Beacon Stages.   

For those who enjoy the thrill of speed and smell of high-test fuel, how could you miss the local stock car drivers who mash down on the accelerator and push hard through the turns at Lassen Speedway? The demolition derby proves to be a crowd pleaser as well.   

Of course, none of this would be possible without the generous support of the local business community.   

Thanks to everyone who’s made this year’s Lassen County Fair a huge success. Keep up the good work.