Fun in the air, winners on the ground

A brightly colored ferris wheel stands ready to carry out the Palouse Empire Fair’s ‘There fun in the air’ theme prior to opening.

Sarah Kraut of Colfax was named Miss Palouse Empire Fair Friday night. She was among five girls competing. TaShanna Schneider of Tekoa was named first princess, and Carolena Sears of Pullman was named second princess.

A senior at Colfax High School, Sarah is the daughter of Amy Kraut of Colfax and the late Richard Kraut. A vocalist in the Palouse Project band, Sarah sang "Taylor, the Latte Boy" for the competition.

Morgan Myers, a University of Idaho student from Stanwood, won the Miss Palouse Empire Rodeo crown Sunday. Myers also won the horsemanship part of the rodeo royalty competition.

Jazmine Curtis, a Finley High School student who resides in Rosalia during the summer, earned the rodeo royalty sportsmanship award.

Katherine Merck of Spokane, Miss Rodeo America for 2016, participated in royalty events, rode in the rodeo entry and also helped the arena crew during Sunday's edition of the rodeo. She and Lucy Ward, winner of the event last year, presented the rodeo tiara to Myers.

A special observance for the 15th anniversary of 9/11 was part of the opening ceremony.

Emma Schultheis of Colton topped all fitting and showing entrants by winning the Ernie Dippel trophy in round robin competition Saturday. Isaac Cook of Colfax placed second in the event which featured 4H and FFA fitting and showing champions from each market stock class.

Cassidi Shindler of Colfax received the Jane Lyman Memorial award for her volunteer help, and Haley Clausen of Pullman won the Raymond Mackleit award for stewardship.

Commissioner Michael Largent, who staked an early lead in the kiss the pig competition, maintained his lead with a finish in the $300 range. Sheriff Brett Myers placed second, and Colfax Mayor Todd Vanek finished third with a late charge in funding votes. The event raised $650.98 for the Colfax and Community Fund drive.

Top market stock entries for 4H were shown by Gage Holling, Fairfield, hogs; Ashley Farr, Pullman, sheep; Delaney Imler, Colfax, beef, and Jacob Wollweber, Sprague, goats.

Top market stock winners for FFA were Gavin Merritt, Rosalia, hogs; Abilene Chapman, Pullman, sheep; TJ Brenan, Pullman, beef, and Katie Arrasmith, Palouse, goats.