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Patrick Hagerty
Puyallup Fair
Puyallup Fair 2012 - Sept. 7 - 23, 2012 (Photography by Patrick Hagerty)
By Karen LaFlamme
The biggest party in Washington takes place each September. The Washington State Fair boasts attendance exceeding one million guests during its run each year, the largest attended fair in the Northwest. The event draws visitors from over 38 provinces and states, who enjoy a blend of both traditional and contemporary activities.
The Washington State Fair has a long and storied history, with generation after generation making it an annual event. It first started in October 1900 as the Valley Fair, where local farmers earned bragging rights with the best produce, flowers and animals. The event was an instant success, and continued to grow.
Over the years the name changed to stay relevant. In 1913 the Valley Fair was renamed the Western Washington Fair, and in 1976 was changed to the Puyallup Fair, with the popular tag line, “Do the Puyallup.” The year 2013 marked the beginning of a new era, with the name changing to the Washington State Fair.
What started as a three-day fair has morphed into a 21-day event (which occurs over 23 days with a dark day (closed) each week).
The grandstand features top-name entertainment, including Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, and Dierks Bentley to name just a few. Concert ticket prices include Fair gate admission, too, and are available at www.thefair.com/concerts.
September 9-11 includes lots of rodeo action with the top rodeo athletes competing in a PRCA rodeo. The National Rodeo Finals are right around the corner, so these athletes are working hard to get the chance to compete at nationals.
The State Fair hosts both the 4-H and FFA state fairs, bringing the top students from every county in the state to compete each year. Canadian and U.S. farmers bring their blue ribbon animals to compete in a wide range of open class animal and poultry shows.
You’ll be mesmerized watching kids six years and younger riding a sheep, known as mutton busting. It’s a pint-size version of bull riding, except young riders hold onto the fleece with all their might. It’s an equal opportunity event with brave boys and girls up to the task, and loving it!
Agriculture is also part of the foundation of the Fair, featuring produce and flowers. 2014’s giant pumpkin winner was also recognized as breaking our record, with a 1,609.5-pound pumpkin.
The Washington State Fair is a shopper’s paradise, as the holidays are right around the corner. Over 850 vendor booths range from national products to local specialties. Where else can you shop, spin on rides, and sing along to great free entertainment on four stages?
Traditionalists love Hobby Hall, where collectors display their unique collections and hobbyists share their passions. The Home Arts Department features blue ribbon cooking contests, a kaleidoscope of quilts, and handmade projects. The Fine Arts Show features a wide range of art mediums, while the Photo Salon is offering its fourth decade of an international photo competition.
Over 70 rides make the Midway and SillyVille (kids ride area) a popular spot. Some riders love the thrill of the Extreme Scream, which catapults riders 56m (185 ft) in the air approaching 3Gs, while others love something a little tamer, like the C.P. Huntington Train in SillyVille. There’s a ride for almost any spinning preference.
Fair scones, which are warm biscuits right out of the oven filled with honey butter and raspberry jam, are the most iconic food at the Washington State Fair. They were introduced in 1915, and have been a mainstay ever since. Since that time over 102 million scones have been sold at the Fair. Of course, grilled onion burgers, caramel apples, cotton candy, barbecue and other fair favourites round out the menu each year.
Washington State Fair - www.thefair.com
Washington State Fair Events Center, 110 9th Avenue SW, Puyallup, Washington 98371 - (253) 845-1771
Overnight parking for RVs is available year ‘round at the Washington State Fair Events Center. Full power, sewer and water hookups are available in the Orange Lot; power, water and sewer dump are available in the Green Lot. For more information, visit http://www.thefair.com/plan-your-trip/rv-parking/, as spaces are in high demand during the both fairs.
No matter what time of year your RV pulls into Puyallup, the beauty of the area, and the wide range of activities to enjoy, will wow you!