Historical Society Exhibit

New Museum Exhibit Opens

SHAW ISLAND & THE SAN JUAN COUNTY FAIR

A history of leadership, participation and fun

As the 99th edition of the county fair approaches this August (it's the 17th through the 20th at the fairgrounds in Friday Harbor), we thought it would be a good time to take a look at our island's active involvement in the fair: from leading and managing the fair, writing about it, entering and winning blue ribbons and "best of show" recognitions, and, of course, learning and having fun.

At the heart of the fair are kids and 4-H (did you know that the four H's are "head," "heart," "hand," and "health"?). With no after-school sports programs, countless Shaw kids, with the support of at least as many adults, have thrown themselves into 4-H activities that culminate each year at the county fair. That's why the largest single part of this exhibit focuses on 4-H.

No single Shaw islander did more for the county fair than the late Don Clark, who was its manager for 36 years. A look at Don's role, and that of some of the other islanders who played leading roles in the fair, are part of this exhibit.

The exhibit was assembled by Marlyn Hoffman, Mary Lou Clark, Cherie Christensen and Alex MacLeod from documents in the historical society's archives and loans from too many islanders to list here. We hope you enjoy it.

And we'll see you at the fair!

HOURS: Saturdays 10-12 and 2-4; Tuesdays 2-4, Thursdays 11-2.