Silvana Fair provides fun, learning for local children

Families and children from around the region came down to Silvana to show their livestock as part of the annual Silvana Fair.

The event is one of the earliest fairs in the Puget Sound area and is meant for children. It was held July 27 this year.

"This is kind of the kickoff to the fair season. So what we project to the kids is that it's a learning fair," said Kyle Glover, chairman of this year's fair.

"Obviously we give out ribbons, we give out trophies, but really you come here to learn for the bigger fairs," he said.

For a lot of children in the region who grow up on farms, the local fair is something they return to each year.

"You get to knock the rust off from the year before. Most of these kids have been doing this entire lives," said Glover.

"Everybody here builds friendships that are lifelong friendships," he said.

Local parent Mike Rudy had multiple children showing livestock at this year's fair and said they have come to the event many times.

"We love this fair. It's nice and easy and easy for them to come in, load and unload," he said.

"It's a classic American fair. It's only one day but it's really easy and nice," he said.

Glover himself was a frequent participant in the fair when he was young as well.

"I grew up doing this all throughout elementary, middle and high school so it's kind of cool for us to give back to the community and really teach the kids about agriculture," he said.

Glover said he enjoyed helping the kids improve.

"To give back to the kids and watch them grow is the best part," he said. "Most of these kids do it all on their own. When they originally start they have some help from their parents but this really teaches them how to take care of their animals."

Many people from around the region come down to watch the fair and visit Silvana as well.

"I think they just love the small-town aspect of it," said Glover.

Local parent Melinda Perkins said it is a lot of fun.

"It's nice to be able to bring the kids here and they enjoy it every year," she said. "There's different activities for the kids and all the animals."

Local parent Liv Mongillo said she loves the fair.

"We like that it's a little bit smaller and there's lots of animals that you can get up close and personal with," she said.

Most of the work at the fair is done by volunteers and mainly only the judges get paid, said Glover, who wanted to thank the staff who works hard to put on the event each year.

"Without volunteers it wouldn't be going on," he said.

The event also raises funds annually primarily through their auction in March, said Glover.

Additional information about the fair is available at their website at silvanafair.com.