COLUSA, CA (MPG) – The Colusa County Fair wrapped up this past Sunday after running a vibrant “Tropical Fairadise” theme.
Beneath palm-fringed banners and colorful lights, the community came together to celebrate spirited competition and good old-fashioned summer fun.
The Colusa County Fairgrounds buzzed with energy throughout the four-day event, June 12-14, but spectators said the traditional midway rides, carnival games, and nightly entertainment paled in comparison to community-involved events, including the pageants, senior luncheon, and Lions Club Fair Parade.
This year, the Colusa Lions Club honored Dan O’Connell, who was named Grand Marshal.
O’Connell served 16 years on the 44th District Agriculture Association (Fair Board). He is a Colusa cattle rancher and past president of the of the Rotary Club of Colusa and Redskins Athletic Foundation. He served on the Colusa Unified School Site Council and was vice president of the California Rangeland Trust. The Colusa County Fairgrounds’ Community Center is named after him.
Devin and Tim Kelley served as the Lions Club Fair Parade announcers.
Fairgoers, this year, said they enjoyed the tropical-themed event but costs were high, exhibits were down, and too many events required additional admission.
“The first year the fair had the weenie dog races, they were free with admission to the fair,” said Angela Bettencourt. “Now, they are a grandstand event with additional admission. It is too much for a family to pay. We would have liked to see our friend’s dog race but my kids wouldn’t stay through the main event.”
While some people said the Colusa County Fair seemed smaller than in past years, they said it remains a beloved tradition that truly marks the beginning of summer.
“I go to the Colusa fair every year, and I don’t even live here,” said Helen Girdner, of Meridian. “I would go if it was just a contest to see who bakes the best pie. There something is always a little something for everyone, and it has a hometown twist.”
Livestock exhibits showcased months of hard work from local youth, while food and floral exhibits and pageants highlighted a range of talents – from agriculture to artistry.
Saturday was not without tears as young livestock exhibitors sold their market animals to the highest bidders.
Avery Richter, 13, sold her 1,271-pound Black Angus-South Devon steer for $5.50 per pound, noting the difficulties of switching from a Heffer last year to selling an animal bred specifically for meat.
“Your first year is probably the hardest,” said Richter, wiping away tears after the reality set in.
Richter is a member of the Maxwell 4-H Beef Group. Her steer was born on the family ranch, and she has been working him for the ring since September, earning her sixth place in showmanship.
Now that she has opened the pen gates with market beef, Richter said she will invest some of her earnings from the steer, which placed last in market, into better stock for next year.
In addition to traditional entertainment, adrenaline at the Colusa County Fair came from the roar of engines during the combine derby on Saturday night and the destruction derby on Sunday.
Spectators also cheered as young drivers zipped around the arena in the Power Wheel Derby, which opened the second annual combine (harvester) derby, inspired by Fair Board member Terry Bressler and Kasey O’Brien.
James West, of Sutter, won the combine derby, while his father and mother-in-law, Rob and Tracie Withrow, of Wilton, had the fastest weenie dog in Lucy, who raced across the finish line after a disastrous performance last year.
“In her first race, she went half way and turned around and went back,” laughed Tracy Withrow, who accepted a plaque on Lucy’s behalf for the 2025 win. Gorgi, French Bulldogs, and other small canines participated in the races, which has become an audience favorite.
The Colusa County Fair closed on Sunday with La Familia Day and the Destruction Derby.