1 of 6
A day at the Fair
2 of 6
Patrick Hagerty
Blue sky Paradise
Images from the 2013 Washington State Fair in Puyallup, Wash. (Photos by Patrick Hagerty)
3 of 6
Coaster fun
4 of 6
Patrick Hagerty
Nothing like fresh corn
Images from the 2013 Washington State Fair in Puyallup, Wash. (Photos by Patrick Hagerty)
5 of 6
Patrick Hagerty
Ribbon winner
Images from the 2013 Washington State Fair in Puyallup, Wash. (Photos by Patrick Hagerty)
6 of 6
By Karen J. LaFlamme
Let’s face it, as RV travelers, you are adventuresome! While you like to visit some spots on a regular basis, you’re always looking for new and unique destinations. In some parts of North America, that bill is hard to fill, but it is a natural in western Washington. More specifically, Puyallup (pew-all-up), just south of Seattle.
If you haven’t seen the beauty of this region, you’ve got to put it on the top of your bucket list. Envision lush green evergreen trees, majestic Mt. Rainier, land that is ideal for farming (thanks to the rich, volcanic soil created by Mt. St. Helen), row after row of colourful daffodils and tulips, and the beauty of nearby Puget Sound. Whether you like to fish, camp, four-wheel drive or explore, there is so much to see and do in the area.
Two events during the year make this a perfect destination for snowbirds and RV travelers alike. One is the Washington State Spring Fair, held April 16-19, 2015, and the other is the Washington State Fair, Sept. 11-27, 2015.
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.
Many snowbirds agree with the feathered flocks, and start heading back north in April. The timing is ideal to include the four-day Washington State Spring Fair in Puyallup. It has a country fair feeling, but attracts varied interests.
This year marks the 26th anniversary, which includes animals, shopping, free entertainment, food, rides, and motorsports as its staples.
Both 4-H and FFA students show their hogs, steer and sheep at the Northwest Junior Livestock Show and Sale from Thursday through Saturday, with Sunday’s finale being an auction. You’ll enjoy talking with these young agriculture specialists, as this project is business based, where the students are required to not only groom and feed their animals, but keep diligent notes on all costs. They are learning the business side of farming, and this competition is a great learning tool for each of them.
While a horse racetrack may be familiar to many RV travelers, few have experienced the fun of pig racing. Swifty Swine Pig Racing features piglets racing around a pint-size track, vying for the prize of an Oreo cookie. Several shows are held a day, and crowds pile in, so make sure you get there early for a great spot on the bleachers.
If you are interested in doing some shopping, the Spring Fair is a great place to indulge! With over 400 vendor spaces, you’ll find a wide range of products, from spas to trinkets. Many local craft artisans sell their wares, offering a taste of Pacific Northwest art.
Both strolling entertainers and stages feature a wide range of free entertainment. You never know who you’ll see or hear around most every corner, as entertainment is a staple at the Spring Fair.
Motorsport Mayhem is part of the annual event, too. Friday night features the Monster Truck Show, and Saturday and Sunday includes Slamfest Demolition Derby. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, right after the shows.
What fair is complete without rides that whirl and twirl, followed by tempting fair food? The Classic Coaster is one of the few remaining wooden coasters in the country, and completed a five-year renovation project last year. For those who prefer a tamer experience, try the antique merry-go-round built in 1917, which includes the recently restored original Wurlitzer organ. The National Carousel Association contents it is the most complete one of its kind in the United States.
Washington State Spring Fair at the Washington State Fair Events Center, 110 - 9th Avenue SW, Puyallup, Washington, 98371, phone (253) 845-1771
- April 16 (Th) - 2 pm - 10 pm
- April 17 & 18 (Fri/Sat) - 10 am - 10 pm
- April 19 (Sun) - 10 am - 8 pm
- Adults $10; Students (6-18) $8; 5 & Under Free