Toledo Author Finishes Comprehensive Book on Southwest Washington Fair History

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For more than 100 years, the Southwest Washington Fair has been a draw for residents and tourists alike, providing an opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate the rich agricultural roots in Lewis County.

Throughout its existence, the fair has evolved and changed in many ways. Now, those interested in learning more about the history of the only local fair mandated by the state Legislature to occur have an opportunity to do so.

After a long wait, Julie McDonald Zander recently received her published copies of a book chronicling the history of the fair.

The book, Chapters of Life at the Southwest Washington Fair, is a comprehensive piece exploring the many changes the fair has seen over its 100-plus years of existence. 

As part of the project, Zander interviewed all of the former fair managers, and used online archives, as well as information from the Lewis County Historical Museum, and the fair itself, to give an accurate depiction of the evolution of the fair. 

Although the first draft was completed in the spring of 2010, 100 copies of the book were recently printed and are now ready for purchase. 

“I’m very glad to have it done,” Zander said.

The inspiration for the book came from both Zander and County Commissioner Edna Fund. Both women have a long history with the fair, and their mothers had a love for fairs.



Through the good times and the bad, the fair has continued on, providing a place of entertainment. 

“The fair brings everyone together for a fun thing,” Zander said. 

Fund said the book is a good guide about the history of the fair. Without it, she said, many of the stories associated with the fair would be lost or forgotten.

“I think people will be very surprised at some of the facts and some of the transitions of our fair,” she said. 

“It’s a wonderful history for us and since we, Lewis County, have pretty much been an agricultural county for many years, it feels good to have this fair going after 100 years.”

Zander is also a columnist for The Chronicle.