By The Chronicle Editorial Board
As the vibrant colors of spring bloom across Lewis County, the 2025 Spring Youth Fair stands as a testament to the dedication, passion and community spirit that define our region. Held last Friday through Sunday at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds, this year’s fair was a resounding success, showcasing the talents and hard work of our youth.
It was a true celebration of our youth, as well as a testament to the hard work and dedication of one of the founders, Lee Coumbs, who died last year. His memory lives on with this fair and the memories he helped create for our community.
From the meticulous care of livestock to the intricate displays of still life, young participants demonstrated their commitment to excellence. The fair provided a platform for them to shine, whether through animal exhibitions or creative arts, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Behind the scenes, the seamless execution of the event was made possible by the tireless efforts of organizers and volunteers. Their commitment ensured that every detail, from setup to cleanup, was handled with care, allowing the youth to focus on what mattered most — their presentations and experiences.
The Spring Youth Fair is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of community. It brings together families, educators, mentors and local organizations, all united in support of our young people. The fair not only highlights individual achievements but also underscores the collective strength of Lewis County.
This year, the Spring Youth Fair had a record 240 cattle in the newly renovated Dairy and Beef Pavilion. According to Eric Richardson, the volunteer beef superintendent for the Spring Youth Fair and Southwest Washington Fair, “This barn has never seen that many animals for August fair or youth fair.”
Holly Abbarno, the volunteer superintendent for elementary art, said they had 1,871 entries from schools across Lewis County; 500 more entries than last year.
“This year we had by far the most entries and most school participation,” she said. “The artistic talent from our students was on full display.”
As we reflect on this year’s fair, let us extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed their time. To the youth for their dedication and enthusiasm, to the volunteers for their unwavering support, and to the volunteer organizers for their vision and leadership — thank you. Your efforts have made the 2025 Spring Youth Fair a memorable and meaningful experience for all.
And the Spring Youth Fair is just the kickoff of a summer season of events at the fairgrounds, culminating with the Southwest Washington Fair Aug. 12-17. The theme is “saddle up,” and that is exactly what our community should do. Saddle up and get ready because it feels like the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds has turned the corner and is improving year after year.
We should all be excited about the fair’s success and the amazing opportunities on the horizon. With the help of state Rep. Peter Abbarno, funds for a new 4H barn were in the 2025 capital budget, and last year he helped secure funding for the design of an equestrian facility at the fair.
The Lewis County commissioners are in the process of approving contracts for both, and you can once again feel the excitement for the fair.
Looking ahead, the fairgrounds continue to be a beacon of opportunity and inspiration, reminding us of the bright future our youth are building, one project at a time.
For more information and to get involved in future events, visit southwestwashingtonfair.org.