Fair just clean fun right out of the chute

Anyone concerned about legions of drunks roaming like toothless zombies and ruining the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo experience for others, if Day One was any indication, your fears are unfounded.

We took the family to the fair and started off by lovingly heckling Press Climatologist Cliff Harris. My wife, Sholeh, was giving him the business because he'd summoned a 94-degree 'Sholeh day' Wednesday. I'm pleased to report that not only was Cliff happily hobnobbing with the crowd at The Press booth, but he was doing so without a beer in his hand. (I admit that I didn't look under the counter, however.)

We checked with several vendors who attend the fair every year and most said they thought opening day attendance was down slightly. That's a concern because the weather, despite my wife's distaste for 90-plus readings, was spectacular. If attendance was down, to what should that be attributed? The economy? The wandering beer? Higher costs here and there?

We left a little after 9 p.m. and didn't see anybody acting inappropriately. OK, we saw a lot of teenagers acting stupid, but that's what teens do, right? We chatted with sheriff's deputies who said things were pretty quiet, but they pointed out that they're particularly concerned about potential problems from drunk patrons when the rodeo comes to town.

Meantime, we heartily encourage you to enjoy your fair. The grounds were clean and we saw many improvements, including more - and better - facilities for washing hands. And of course the elephant ears are to die for. In fact, eat enough of them and you will. - Mike Patrick