2016 Benton-Franklin Fair Wraps

The Benton-Franklin Fair and Rodeo ended the 2016 iteration on Saturday, and Lori Lancaster believes that attendance will be up from last year.

Lancaster says she’s proud of the partnership between the fair and agriculture noting that they won an award from the Washington State Department of Agriculture because they represent ag so well.

“That’s the core of the fair. All the rest of it is just bells and whistles so we can get more people out here to see the exhibits.”

Lancaster says there are many great lessons that young people can learn from agriculture and it can provide a lot of opportunities.

Even the exposure of the world of agriculture to people who may not have been to a farm, or don’t have interest in becoming a farmer is positive.

Lancaster noted, “If you ask people what their favorite parts are, almost all the time animals come in number one. They like to see the exhibits, they like to see the kids.”

Lancaster says that a lot more of the livestock auction buyers are keeping the animals as part of the movement where people want to know where their food comes from.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail krounce@cherrycreekradio.com.