To the editor:

If we saw EWE here, EWE must have been having a good time, because our fair review survey is filled with compliments.

Thank you to the many layers of volunteers who created the 87th Island County Fair: the superintendents; stewards; ticket sellers; Island County 4-H; Fire District 3; Good Cheer; the chambers of commerce; various service organizations; the South Whidbey Athletic Booster Club; and, especially, the extended Island County Fair Association and board families who coordinate the whole shebang.

Andy O’Keefe earned a special stars and stripes award, the Team Clean! crew did a stellar job, the Marines from MATSG-53 secured our boundaries with help from Vaughn Foor and Ruth and John Ohm, our Naval Air Station Whidbey Island night security crew ensured exhibits stayed in their appointed places.

Special thanks to our opening ceremony guests Rep. Norma Smith and Curt Gordon from the Port of South Whidbey.

Carol Gannaway, her route wranglers and Conductor of Fun Jim Freeman raised the bar for a flawless parade and set the stage for Grand Marshal Matt Chambers.

Stinger Anderson headed up the traffic patrol troops, resulting in a relatively stress-free animal barn exodus.

Acting Langley Police Chief Randy Heston, Sheriff Mark Brown and Undersheriff Kelly Mauck added a protective cloak and calming effect to an overall mellow fair.

Whidbey Island Bank, Culligan, Casey’s Crafts, Gene’s Frames & Art, Artists of South Whidbey, Brooks Maintenance, Chelsea Bonacello, the Goose, Troy Haines, Brian McKenna, Kasey Kinser, Kevin Caron and Frontier Lumber in Freeland, Craig Williams, Skagit Farmers Supply, South Whidbey Kiwanis, Bayview Farm & Garden and many others contributed goods, services and actual money to ensure the fair’s success.

We could not have asked for better weather, better cooperation in all areas or better media coverage.

And our fairgoers were the icing on the cake.

Thank EWE!

DIANE DIVELBESS

Island County Fair Association President