The Whidbey Island Fair is this weekend and I admit I’m pretty pumped.

Of all the events held on South Whidbey, it’s easily my favorite. Not only is it a chance to eat cotton candy in public and without shame, it’s my one chance a year to wield real power.

I’m a high and mighty newspaper editor, you see, so I have for the second year in a row been asked to be a judge at one of the fair’s many awesome contests. That’s right, Judge Justin. You may also address me as Your Honor. Either is acceptable.

This year will be really fun as I’ll don the robes of power to preside over a brand new event, the Duck Tape creation contest. Naturally, organizers saw my potential as a qualified decider in this fine art contest. I supposed I should mention that Island County Commissioner Helen Price Johnson, South Whidbey’s District 1 representative, and Pat McVay, an island chainsaw artist of renowned talent, will be sitting beside me as fellow judges. They will also have input in who is named the Duck Tape king or queen.

The fair runs Aug. 6-9. As usual, the lineup of events is impressive: things kick off Thursday with everything from 4-H events, a performance by Deano the Clown and a pie eating contest to puppet theater and musical performances by Elvis; Friday is just as packed with Lego contests, the ever popular Goat Olympics, a hula hoop competition and log rolling; Saturday offers the parade, cheese-making demonstrations, cupcake decorating, poultry races and of course the Duct Tape contest; and Sunday brings favorites such as Alpaca egg and spoon races, jump rope and arm wrestling competitions, most beautiful small animal contest and zucchini judging.

With so many cool and fun things to do, it’s hard to go wrong by choosing to spend a day at this island favorite. Truly, the fair, which is now in its 103rd year, is one of South Whidbey’s greatest treasures.

This year is especially important, however, as it’s the first fair put on under the leadership of co-fair administrators Carol Coble and Kiley Grant. It’s been a big year of transition and the duo have been working hard for months to organize a great event.

Thanks for the hard work, ladies, I’m sure it will pay off.

So here’s to the fair’s 103rd birthday, sticky fingers and real power. See you there.