Alive and Kickin': 144th annual King County Fair adds new flavor to old-fashioned fun
Kicking off its 144th year, the King County Fair – the oldest
county fair west of the Mississippi – is full of time-honored
events and attractions, plus plenty of new-found traditions.
Signature standards, including cuddly critters, carnival rides
and corndogs are in no short supply at this year's fair. Grab a
$1 root beer float from the Root Beer Garden and watch Critter
Crowning Contest finalists such as Pete and RePete the
fainting goats, or Ron Weasly the rabbit, duke it out for the title
of "Royal Critter," the official mascot of the King County Fair.
The winner will be crowned by King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn
during the Opening Day Ceremonies, at noon on July
19.
Three stages will feature free entertainment throughout the fair's
five-day run. Headlining the evening line-up is up-and-coming country
star and Tacoma native Blaine Larsen, who takes
to the South Stage on Friday, July 21 at 8 p.m. Revisit old favorites
on "Walk the Line Wednesday" with The Illusion of Johnny
Cash: The Ultimate Tribute Show on July 19 at 8 p.m. on
the South Stage. Dress like Johnny Cash and get a half-price discount
on admission to the fair from 5-7 p.m.
"People say they love the family-friendly atmosphere of the
King County Fair – that this is an old-fashioned event where
everyone can come together and have a relaxing, fun time,"
said King County Fair Manager Sharon Roberts. "This year we're introducing
newer fair traditions to breathe some new life into our lineup."
Monster truck rides and a demolition derby/rollover competition
kicks the Rodeo Arena action into high gear. Take a ride in an American
Thunder Monster Truck Wednesday through Saturday, from
5 p.m. to close. The first-annual King County Fair Demolition
Derby and Rollover Competition will bring the fair to a
crashing conclusion on Sunday, July 23 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15
for adults and $10 for children and seniors. Sunday fair admission
is included with ticket purchase.
General admission prices for the fair are $8 for adults, $6 for
children ages 6-12, and $6 for seniors 62 and over. Access to all
entertainment shows except the demolition derby and rollover competition
is included with the price of admission.
Fair hours are: July 19-20 (Wednesday and Thursday) – 10
a.m. to 10 p.m.; July 21-22 (Friday and Saturday) – 10 a.m.
to 11 p.m.; July 23 (Sunday) – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information, including a complete schedule of events,
visit http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/fair/default.asp
or call the King County Fairgrounds at 206-296-8888.
144th annual King County Fair highlights include:
Wednesday, July 19
- Opening Day Ceremonies with King County Critter Crowning Contest
at noon.
- Grandparents Day – Tickets for children and seniors are
half price until 6 p.m.
- Safeway Pancake Breakfast – 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. A $1 donation
includes breakfast and free fair admission until noon. Tickets
are available at the Enumclaw Safeway.
- Walk the Line Wednesday with The Illusion of Johnny Cash: The
Ultimate Tribute Show - Dress like Johnny Cash and get in for
half price from 5-7 p.m.
Thursday, July 20
- Bracelet Day – Carnival ride bracelets good for unlimited
rides between 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
only $20.
- Concert: The Beatniks, 8 p.m. on South Stage.
Friday, July 21
- Concert: Blaine Larsen, 8 p.m. on South Stage
Saturday, July 22
- Family Day – sponsored by Qwest, pay only $20 for admission
of a family of four, maximum two adults. Matt Hasselbeck, quarterback
for the AFC Champion Seattle Seahawks, will greet fairgoers from
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Bull of the Woods Logging Competition, 1 p.m. in Loggers Arena
- Concert: Jonathan Harris, 7 p.m. on South Stage
Sunday, July 23
- Demolition Derby Day and Bracelet Day – Ticket to evening
Demolition Derby includes Fair admission.
- Carnival ride bracelets good for unlimited rides between 11
a.m. – 5 p.m. only $20.
