PORT TOWNSEND — The 2021 Jefferson County Fair is a hybrid animal. Starting today and running through Sunday, it’s mixing virtual elements, a garage sale and, as the finale, free live music from local bands.
The garage sale is open in the 4-H Cat Building from noon to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Dishes, home decor, clothing and furnishings are laid out, and purchases are by donation.
Proceeds will benefit the Jefferson County Fair Association.
The fair’s website, jeffcofairgrounds.com, and the Jefferson County Virtual Fair event page on Facebook are the locations of the online fair.
On the Facebook page from 10 a.m. today through 5 p.m. Sunday, viewers can see videos featuring fair activities and entertainers, including Ranger and the Re-Arrangers, Buck Ellard, Geoff the Bubble Man, the Unexpected Brass Band, FarmStrong, Sound Advice and the Port Townsend Summer Band.
Virtual visitor numbers are tallied and submitted to the Washington State Fair Association, which allocates funding based on factors including attendance, said co-organizer Laurie Hampton.
Sunday brings the in-person part: live music with no admission charge in the Oscar Erickson Building at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 4907 Landes St., on Sunday.
Pie and ice cream will be available for purchase, and the fair’s jam and jelly contest is planned, with judging at 1 p.m.
The Dukes of Dabob will start the music at 10:30 a.m., Rhythm Ride is next at noon and the Olympic Express Big Band arrives at 1:30 p.m.
Each band will play for an hour, though Olympic Express could be persuaded to stay longer, said Signe Crawford, who plays alto saxophone, flute and clarinet.
“We will of course start off with the Doc Severinsen version of ‘In the Mood,’ ” she promised. Then comes a variety of dance music including the Duke Ellington standard “I’m Beginning to See the Light.”
The 13-piece band led by Kris Grier is fully vaccinated, Crawford said, adding this is Olympic Express’ first gig since the pandemic began.
The band is looking for more players and gigs, she noted; its website is www.olympicexpressbigband.biz.
At the fairgrounds, another garage sale and flea market is planned for Aug. 28 and holiday gift fair Nov. 6-7.
For information about vending, phone the fair office at 360-385-1013 or email jeffcofairgrounds@olypen.com.
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Jefferson County senior reporter Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-417-3509 or durbanidelapaz@peninsuladaily news.com.
