Puyallup Fair - September 8, 2005

The nights are getting cooler, the days a little shorter and there’s a buzz in the air. Something exciting is coming to town. Better than just a circus or a rodeo, it’s an all inclusive festival we simply call The Fair. Short for the Puyallup Fair and officially titled, The Western Washington Fair, it is the largest single attraction held annually in Washington State.
It’s the last bastion of summer, a post labor day celebration that leads us through the seasons with wild rides, barnyard animals and ridiculously large produce. Some folks go for the food, some for the music, and some for the rides. There’s something for absolutely everyone at the Fair. For $10 you’ll gain access to entertainment, hobby halls, demonstrations, competitions and priceless people watching. $10 seem a little high? Head on over on opening day (September 9th) and admission is free from 10 to noon. Active, reserve or retired military? You and your dependants get in free on September 13th.
Of course the rides are gonna cost you a little extra and what’s a fair without shrieking, barf-dodging carnival rides? This year bring us the same creaking wooden behemoth of a rollercoaster that is the Puyallup Fair. I drive by this thing in the dead of winter as it sits under a blanket of snow, in the showers of April as the old wood soaks up the rain, and in the baking heat of summer. Needless to say, I don’t ride that bad boy, but best of luck to those who do. Not to mention my high school memories of the fair still haunt me. The "Kamikaze" and the "Dual Loop" after a bottle of Boones Farm was not a good move. I’m more of a spinning teacups kind of girl now.
As you walk through the fair, past the rides and the games, the aroma of barbeque fills the air. Laughing children run past you; faces covered with sticky sweet cotton candy. There’s waffle cones, candy apples and mounds of salty French fries. Getting hungry? The options are endless at the Fair. I know a certain health nut who breaks down annually for Krusty Pups and elephant ears. Another friend waits in line for scones then drives them to her mother in Shelton. And last year my neighbors went just to check out the deep fried Snickers bars. Crazy. As for me, I allow myself one hamburger a year. And that happens, of course, at the fair. It’s not the best burger, not the fluffiest bun, not even the crispiest pickles, but it’s a fair burger and it’s delicious. Everything just tastes better there.
If it’s music you’re after, this year the lineup includes American idol fave, Kelly Clarkston and teen mega star, Hillary Duff. Both shows are over $50 – even in the grandstand – and I remember when that was free. Yikes! Country acts Brad Paisley, Terri Clark and Leanne Womack will be there. ZZ Top and Hoobastank will be representing for the rock fans and R&B diva Patti LaBelle will be making an appearance as well.
I find it hard to get truly excited about any of the above, so if you’re anything like me, in lieu of a pricey concert, why not check out some of the free entertainment the fair has to offer? Local "Idol" contest winners will be competing for a $1,000.00 grand prize, a recording session at Live Sound Studio and a chance to sing the national anthem at a Rainier’s game. Now that’s entertainment. Think those "Idol" kids got nothing on you? There’s also a karaoke contest the 19th-25th with a grand prize of $2,000.00! If that’s not enough action, the US Marines and the US Army will also be there, with give-aways, physical challenge activities, and, of course, the opportunity to join up.
Me, I go to the fair for one thing – animals. I hate scones, I’m not riding on anything operated by toothless tweeker Joe and the music lineup really isn’t my style. So I go primarily for the cute, cuddly, fuzzy, furry, loveable critters. The petting farm isn’t just for the kids! When’s the last time you saw a baby goat up close and personal? Awwww. And like any true country fair, there’s the wholesome fun of 4-H competitions. Growing up in cities, I always envied those country kids, who were lucky enough to raise chickens, bunnies and horses. Now I feel for them; these kids work harder than I ever have. From September 21st -25th you can also visit exotic animals from all corners of the world including yaks, wallabies, alpacas and - I love saying this - Nigerian dwarf goats. Cool!
This is the Puyallup Fair, and whether you’re saying goodbye to summer, or hello to the new school year, it’s a south sound tradition, it’s a little bit country and little bit rock n’ roll. With rides, ponies, cotton candy and crafts, the Fair will turn you into a kid again, and who wants to miss that?