These last summer weeks have been memorable for me, with several community events to attend.  Here are the highlights:

• Last week I spent some time at the Palouse Empire Fair.
• I was also pleased to be at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new WSU Paul G. Allen Center for Global Animal Health.  We got to hear from Paul Allen, who donated $26 million to the building of this 62,000 square foot research facility.
• While at WSU, how could I avoid the close game between the two 4-year universities in my district?  The Cougars narrowly beat the Eagles 24-20.  It’s hard to believe the two teams, separated by only 60 miles, hadn’t played each other since 1908.
• Yesterday I went to the Adams County Fair in Othello.

Lastly, I was also able to spend great quality time with my grandson, Kaegen, at the Wheat Land Communities’ fair in my hometown of Ritzville. We participated in the parade and I was proud to support the 4-H and Future Farmers of America livestock auction.  It was also fun to receive the Best in Class ribbon for a jar of wheat I exhibited.

To the right is a picture of Kaegen and me preparing for the parade. It’s great being a grandpa!

I hope you had a chance to get out and enjoy one of the many fairs in our district.