Quilcene Fair still on the calendar

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After a near derailment, the Quilcene Fair and Parade is back on track.

“The fair is moving forward,” confirmed Bruce Munn, vice president of the fair’s board.

The first item on the agenda of the April 26 meeting was “Fair or no fair?” The second item was “One day or two days?”

The fair teetered on the brink of being scrapped in the wake of volunteer discontent, as reflected in resignations of key volunteers, brought on by meetings canceled at the last minute and an attempt to change venue.

The Booster Club opposed moving the fair to Worthington Park, and the Quilcene Historical Museum board (the park is owned by the museum) rejected Quilcene fair board president Greg Brotherton’s request for the venue.

“The timing just isn’t right, with all we’ve got going on right now,” said Mari Phillips, museum board chair.

In a special meeting on April 26, the Quilcene Fair board, with new volunteers, decided to go ahead with the traditional Quilcene Fair and Parade, and to expand the events to two days.

The parade is set for Saturday, Sept. 16, with vendors and events at Quilcene School. On Sunday, Sept. 17, listen for music at the carnival site and check out the races: The Quilcene Oyster Half Marathon, 10K and 5K race schedule moved ahead a week to coordinate with the fair.

“I’m galvanized at the new volunteers we have, and the expansion to two days,” said Brotherton.

“Any event is only as good as its volunteers,” noted Munn. “It’s hard to have new events without new volunteers. The Quilcene Fair has been there for 37 years, and we take it for granted, but it takes a lot of volunteers to get it going.”

Three new key volunteers have stepped forward.

“As the new secretary, I’m really excited about promoting the fair,” said Linda Lindquist.

“It’s an honor to be able to support the fair, and build on this community tradition,” said Denise Miller, newly in charge of vendors. “I’m happy to be coached by the people who were in this position before, and I appreciate all the previous volunteers. I have their legacy with me.”

“I’m happy to be on board,” said Stephen McBride, the new raffle organizer.

Miranda Schryver is handling the Quilscenery Photo Contest again. “Last year, there was an overwhelming response. I’m adding a kid category this year,” she said.

Treasurer Floris Radelescu reports sufficient money to move ahead, said Brotherton.

Fair events are being organized and dignitaries chosen. Updates and additional info are to be posted at the Quilcene Fair and Parade website

(quilcenefair.com) as they become available, said Brotherton.

“It’s an event that brings all the different groups together. It’s a nice community event,” said Munn. “I’m happy to have it.”

(Editor’s note: Contributor Viviann Kuehl, who lives in Quilcene and is a longtime contributor to The Leader, volunteers to take the community portrait at the end of the Quilcene Parade.)