The Journal’s fair slideshow proves once again that a little rain can’t dampen islander’s enthusiasm for the county fair—or their community.

A few sprinkles on Wednesday and some actual rain Thursday didn’t do much more than settle the dust on the K9 Kings performance arena, as locals and visitors alike endured the drizzle and flocked to the fair Friday and Saturday to eat elephant ears, view the final 4-H horse events and calculate per-pound cost of the steak-on-the-hoof at the livestock auction.

Sunburns and yellow jacket were at a minimum and the joy of 4-H winners at a maximum. Even the Downriggers fire resulted in shared happiness when the Purple and Gold club members said proceeds from the long-planned steak dinner closing the fair would be dedicated to the workers who lost their jobs – and people responded with more than $2,000 in additional gifts.