Stuffed animals, real animals, and a parade make Clark County Fair ‘Worth The Wait’

Lola Sinclair celebrates being at the opening day of the Clark County Fair. Photo by Mike Schultz

A pancake breakfast, rides, and the opening day parade highlight opening day

RIDGEFIELD — The Berezhnoy family from Vancouver found some shade to wait for the parade during the opening day of the Clark County Fair on Friday.

The traditional free pancake breakfast opened festivities at the 2022 Clark County Fair. Here, volunteer Dan’el Nighting flips a pancake. Photo by Mike Schultz

It turned out, they had to find a little more room than anticipated. Their “family” had grown since they arrived. They had four new stuffed animals, including a large red llama.

“First try, too,” Oleg Berezhnoy said of his score at the carnival.

Those who love the Clark County Fair missed it the past two years. They made it back on Friday for opening day of the 2022 fair. Photo by Mike Schultz

Elsa, 10, was holding a dolphin and a dog. She earned one of her prizes by shooting turkeys with a cork gun. The key to her success?

“I was the one who got a BB gun for my birthday,” she said.

Milania, 5, was holding the big llama.

Alla Berezhnoy said she remembered watching the first opening day parade, back when the Clark County Fair celebrated its 150th year in 2018.

The Berezhnoy family of Vancouver — Oleg, Alla, Elsa, 10, and Milania, 5 — won stuffed animals then found a place to watch the parade Friday at the Clark County Fair. Photo by Paul Valencia

The family returned, with so many others, for the 2022 opening day, celebrating the first Clark County Fair since 2019, before the pandemic.

Was it “Worth the Wait” as the theme for this year’s fair suggests?

“It’s awesome. We like it. It brings everybody together,” Oleg said.

Justin and Stephani Marvin brought their 5-and-a-half-year-old, Murphy, to the parade, too.

“We were up at 7:30, ready to rock ‘n roll this morning,” Justin said.

The Marvin family of Vancouver — Justin, Stephani, and Murphy, 5 — woke up at 7:30 a.m. to ensure a full day at the Clark County Fair. Photo by Paul Valencia

The Marvin family missed the fair in recent years. It had become a tradition to attend.

“It’s been fun coming back. We have photos of our last time, when she was 2-and-a-half,” Justin said.

Stephani said the best part of the fair is the food, specifically the baked potatoes. Murphy said the merry-go-round in the carnival is her favorite.

Oh, and by 1 p.m., the Marvin family had seen a lot of the animals.

“Most of them, but not all of them,” Murphy said matter of factly.

Sounds like the family had a mission as soon as the parade ended.

“We are going to stay as long as we’ve got the energy to stay,” Justin said. “We’ve had a really nice time.”

The Midway at the Clark County Fairgrounds was the place to be for the opening day parade at the Clark County Fair on Friday. Photo by Paul Valencia

Leading the opening day parade were the Mountain View Clydesdales. Nancy Alexander and Sandra Post were riding behind Quaid and Hammer. Hammer stands 18-2 hands. Massive and beautiful.

“It’s awesome to be back here at the fair,” Alexander said. “We appreciate them inviting us back.”

They will have a daily show, proudly displaying their Clydesdales every day at noon.

Hammer (left) and Quaid helped get the Clark County Fair started by leading the opening day parade. Nancy Alexander said she has been in parades with horses for most of her life. Photo by Paul Valencia

Alexander said she has been in countless parades. She started riding in parades when she was 10 years old. She is now “retirement age” and does this as a hobby.

This short parade, though, was special. It marked the return of the Clark County Fair after a two-year void in the summer schedule.

“It’s great to see everybody coming back to the fair,” Alexander said. “They’re welcoming the horses back. They’re coming down to the barn. It’s a great experience. This is a fantastic opening day. It’s great to see everybody here.”