Note: A COVID outbreak (100+ cases and counting) has been traced to the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden. Both of the big, statewide fairs have COVID safety precautions in place; full details are available online (Puyallup, Monroe). Key point: At Puyallup, masks will be required at both outdoor and indoor fair facilities.
Puyallup and Evergreen State fair 2021:
A beloved end-of-summer tradition is back on this year, and in fact, there are two of them: The Washington State Fair and Evergreen State Fair.
Here are the details and some highlights:
The Washington State Fair is more commonly known as the Puyallup Fair. It is one of the biggest fairs in the country. It runs Sept. 3-26, 2021 (not open every day).
The Evergreen State Fair in Monroe is the largest county fair in the Pacific Northwest. Dates are Aug. 26-31 and Sept. 2-6, 2021.
Which to choose? The choice could be as simple as where you live or which direction you prefer to travel. Or, you could do both!
Washington State Fair (aka Puyallup Fair)
Fair basics: The Washington State Fair runs Sept. 3-26 (but not every single day — be sure to check!) at the Washington State Fair Events Center in Puyallup. Here’s the website for general information.
It is easily to drop a bundle of money going to the fair and doing all of the things, but officials also are emphasizing ways to save on admission (and where to find the free fun once you’re there). Here’s a big one for families: Go the first weekend, Sept. 3-6, when everyone 18 and under gets in free. (Kids 5 and under are free every day.) It also costs to park.
Once you’re there, check out the farm animals (look for baby pigs!), Hobby Hall exhibits, baked goods, art and more. Don’t miss the commercial building, where you may be tempted to buy something you didn’t know you needed.
The Budweiser Clydesdales will be on hand this year on certain days, and on Friday, Sept. 10, the Western Rodeo and Cattle Drive parades through Puyallup beginning at 10 a.m.
A new exhibit this year is the superhero-themed Hall of Heroes, immersive experiences in the world of superheroes, crime-fighters, gadgets and spies, including a Batmobile replica, other memorabilia and of course photo opportunities.
Food: Fisher Scones are perhaps the signature fair food, but there’s plenty more. If you like to plan, consult this list of food vendors.
The Evergreen State Fair
Fair basics: Aug. 26-31 and Sept. 2-6, 2021, at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe, about 35 miles north of Seattle. Here’s the website for general information. Bonus: Parking is free for 2021.
The theme, appropriately, is “Back in the Saddle Again.”
If you can drag your kids away from the rides — and you should! — there are tons of other fun and interesting activities.
If you don’t wear yourselves out, there will be fireworks at 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26 (free with paid fair gate admission)
Entertainment: The Courtyard Stage has a steady schedule of dancing, singing, comedy, music and more, and there also will be roving entertainers. In addition, there are bigger-name acts (tickets cost extra). For a true “fair” entertainment experience, watch a 4-Her show their cow, pig, goat or cat.
Special displays: Plenty of cool things to see, from antique tractors to chainsaw carvers, totem poles, flowers and more.
Morning of Dreams: On Tuesday, Aug. 31, from 9-11 a.m., the Fair will offer a calmer setting for those with special needs or disabilities. The fair will open one hour early, with some barns and exhibits available, and some carnival rides will operate without sounds and lights to create a more peaceful environment.
Here are food options (including scones!) at the fair.
More family fun in Seattle’s Child:
Remlinger Farms: Kid-size fun at this rural amusement park
50 ideas for outdoor fun all summer long
