DOWNEY - Marilyn Mikkelson has been selling snow cones at the South Bannock County Fair for 23 years. Her 18-year-old daughter, Kate Ingersoll, has helped run the family's seasonal business since she was 8.

Mikkelson, a long-time Downey resident, said the fair provides an opportunity for the family to earn some extra cash.

"We make enough to bring us back every year," she said.

In addition to giving the rural city of Downey an economic shot in the arm, it's a forum for vendors to make some extra cash in a fun environment. Vendors pay a one-time $20 fee for space at the fair.

McKenzie Willie, 12, helped her grandfather, Ferris Larson, at his booth, which sells jewelry, custom knives and inflatable toys.

Larson, of Malad, said he doesn't usually have any problem finding help to man the booth. He pays his grandchildren $20 a day to help out.

Willie said the money is good, but that's not why she does it.

"It's nice to have the money, but it's nice to hang out with my grandpa too," she said.

Marie Heninger and Merideth Foster, with Bear River Head Start, were at the fair to get the word out about their program and recruit new families.

Bear River Head Start, which takes in most of south Bannock County, is an early learning program for 3 and 4 year olds. The program also offers a home learning program for preschoolers.

Angie Rice traveled to the South Bannock County Fair from West Point, Utah, and she brought an array of hand-crafted items to sell.

Her two sons, Brant, 4, and Bridger, 2, kept her busy Tuesday, along with a string of window shoppers.

"I've had a lot of lookers, but it's been pretty slow," she said.

Items at the booth were all made by Rice and included wax-dipped, stuffed toys that double as air fresheners.

The Downey fair is her first retail endeavor, and she said she's not sure if she'll take on other county fairs.

"We'll just see how it goes," she said.

Janice Barnes, of Downey, sold handmade baby quilts, candy and jewelry at her booth, with help from her stepdaughter, Brianne Brower.

"We make a little extra cash, but it's mostly to socialize," Barnes said.

Rebecca Falcon, also from Downey, said she was always at the fair with her kids, so she and her friend, Michelle Hancock, decided to rent space and sell all the things their children were buying.

"We decided to do fun kids stuff that you just don't see anymore," she said.

Falcon sells fancy paper fans, candy and jewelry to young fair-goers.

She said the county fair is a big event for local residents.

"We have kids from Malad and Logan and all over that come to this fair because it's a good competition," she said.

Downey Mayor Ralph Riser, said the town's population nearly doubles during the annual five-day event.

"This is the one time of the year that Downey comes alive," he said.

The South Bannock County Fair draws 4-H families from Northern Utah, Malad and Marsh Valley. The visitors buy gas, groceries and last-minute items at local stores.

"The fair does have some economic value to the city," Riser said.

As well as the economic benefit to Downey, he said it brings the community together.

"This is the one big thing that everybody works for each year," he said. "The entire community comes together."

BOX: The South Bannock County Fair continues through Saturday and comes to a close with the Downey Lions Club Rodeo. The fair is free to the public.

Wednesday's schedule of events

Wednesday, August 8

8 to 9:30 a.m. - Weigh in 4-H/FFA Market Hogs

9 a.m. to finish - 4-H Horse Show - Barrels, Poles &

9 a.m. - Come Walk the Line- sign up at park

9 a.m. - Buildings Open

10 to 11:30 a.m. - Weigh in 4-H/FFA Market Lambs

11:30 to 12:30 p.m. - Weigh-in 4-H/FFA Market Steers

12 p.m. - Judge FFA non-livestock projects

1 p.m. - Terry Fator & Friends - Free Stage

1 to 3 p.m. - Kid's games, face painting

1:30 to 2:30 p.m. - Enter 4-H, Open & FFA Dairy Cattle, Dairy Goats & Breeding Beef, Sheep, and Swine

2 p.m. - Treasure Hunt - details in fair book

2 to 3 p.m. - Enter 4-H & Open Rabbits & Poultry

4 p.m. - Hog Wash Round up

5 p.m. Terry Fator & Friends on the free stage

6:30 p.m. Parade

Following the parade:

Chamber of Commerce Barbecue Rib Eye Steak Dinner

Softball Tournament (cont.)

EISF Team Penning - sign up at 6

7:30 p.m. - Terry Fator The Human Jukebox - Free Stage

7 to 9 p.m. - Hide Race & Potato Race (see yellow pages)

9 p.m. - Pavilion Dance Sponsored by the City of Downey

9 p.m. - Buildings Close

By Debbie Bryce

dbryce@journalnet.com