The Evergreen State Fair in Monroe is a tradition for many families in Seattle and surrounding Puget Sound, but if you’ve got a couple of school-age kids, the costs to attend can add up — tickets cost $10.50 for children ages 6 to 12 and $16 for adults and those age 13 or older.
But if you have a pantry that needs a little culling, you family can enjoy a free weekday at the fair.
From June 20 to July 10 the annual Evergreen State Fair Food Drive is offering one free ticket for every five non-perishable, unexpired food donations. Donations can be dropped at any of 10 Lee Johnson Auto Family dealerships across the region or during a drive-thru donation event at the fairgrounds on Saturday, July 12 from 12-5 p.m. in the west (red) parking lot. Donations will also be collected at the Sultan Shindig July 12 from 11:30-2 p.m. at the Evergreen State Fair Booth. Each family is limited to 5 free tickets.
Tickets may be used on weekdays during the fair’s run Aug. 21-Sept. 1. Donations benefit the Snohomish County Food Bank Coalition.
“The Fair is all about tradition, community, and fun—but it’s also about heart,” Mike Ohlsen, Evergreen State Fair Manager, said in a release. “We love seeing people step up and help others. This food drive is a small way to make a big difference.”
In 2024, the food drive collected nearly 17,000 pounds of food for families in need. The Evergreen State Fair food drive not only provides a chance for free entry but also helps stock local food banks during a critical time of year.
Suggested Donation Items
Food drive organizers said the following items are particularly needed:
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Baby wipes
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Hygiene products/toiletries
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Canned vegetables
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Whole grain pasta
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Peanut butter
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Rice
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Shelf-stable milk
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Jams and jellies
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Canned meats
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Canned fruits
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Cooking staples (flour, sugar, spices, oil, salt)
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Pet food
Drop-Off Locations (June 20 – July 10, 2025)
- Seattle: Lee Johnson Mazda of Seattle at 8100 Lake City Way NE
- Bothell: Autoright Motors Bothell at 17318 Bothell Way NE, Bothell,
- Kirkland: Lee Johnson Chevrolet/Mazda/Kia at 11845 NE 85th St; Lee Johnson Nissan of Kirkland at 11930 124th Ave NE; Genesis of Kirkland at 13400 NE 124th St.
- Monroe: Speedway Chevrolet & RV at 16957 W Main St
- Everett: Lee Johnson Hyundai of Everett at 7800 Evergreen Way
- Lake Stevens: Autoright Motors Lake Stevens at 2022 87th Ave SE
The Details
One ticket per person per five donations per visit. Limit five tickets per vehicle/visit. First come, first served — while supplies last.
Cash donations do not qualify for tickets, but monetary gifts are welcome at the 18-foodbank-member Snohomish County Foodbank Coalition: snohomishcountyfoodbankcoaliti
