SILVANA — The 67th annual Silvana Community Fair drew between 3,000 to 3,500 attendees to the fairgrounds outside Viking Hall July 26, which fair treasurer Darlene Strotz deemed one of the best levels of turnout yet.

“Of course, the animal showings were most popular,” Strotz said of the event that marks the start of fair season in the Northwest. “We had a terrific dairy selection, and lots of good beef entries. There were plenty of fine rabbits and goats and chickens.”

While Stanwood’s Ethan Johnson was showing his Angus/Simmental cow Manny, and Monroe’s Katelyn Peterson was taking the third place ribbon for novice showmanship of her Angus, K.C., Marysville’s Taylor Kendall was competing in her third year of rabbit showing, earning her the best-in-show ribbon for ages 9-11.

“The most important thing is to keep their cages clean because otherwise they can get diseases,” said Taylor, 11, whose rabbit, Cinnabun, was named the overall grand champion. “The first year I showed rabbits, I was really nervous, but as I started winning awards, I got to like it.”

Taylor cares for four baby rabbits and 10 adults, and has been raising rabbits for four years.

Marysville’s Sam Rush, 12, hadn’t even bothered to name the 6-month-old crossbred Yorkshire/Hampshire pig that he showed at this year’s fair, since he’ll be selling it this fall.

“You make good money from raising hogs,” Sam said. “You have to put a lot of money into it, though.”

Sam also cited the importance of commitment.

“You have to train them all year,” Sam said. “Hogs can be very stubborn, so you just have to walk them through and not give in. If you don’t control them, they’ll control you.”

“This fair is a great experience for these kids,” Strotz said. “They learn so much, and it prepares them for the rest of the fairs to come.”